Niger Delta
C’ River Awards Contract For Dual Carriage Way
The Cross River State government has awarded contract for a six kilometre dual carriage way from the Federal Government Girls College to link Ndidem Iso Usang extension, along MCC Road in Calabar.
Mr. Venatius Ikem, Commissioner for Works, who disclosed this to newsmen in Calabar, explained that the bypass, which is valued at N3.7 billion, will stretch from the Federal Government Girls College end of the Airport, through a swampy area, MCC Road and terminate at the highway. It will be completed within 24 months.
According to Ikem, the bypass on completion, “will be of tremendous benefit to the people, not only in combating traffic congestion, but it will open up the virgin forest, where new layouts will be opened on both sides.
He said a new Calabar Master Plan with an industrial park will be inculcated into it for development”, adding that it will also encourage entrepreneurship. Ikem assured that efforts have been made to ensure that the contractor adheres to local content requirements of the contract to ensure employment for Cross Riverians.
He explained that though the by-pass is envisaged to create access and reduce pressure, it will not interfere with the on-going expansion of the Airport as there is a substantial expanse of land between the duo, while those within the catchment area are seen as stakeholders in the project.
On flooding within the metropolis, Ikem explained that work at the Ikot Uduak Site “has reached an irreversible stage”, while a new design has been approved to combat the threatened portion of the Beebosco ravine at Ikot Anwatim by the highway.
According to him, contract on the latter would be awarded soon “because Governor Liyel Imoke has shown so much interest in it because of its devastating effect to lives and property and its threat to the highway”.
Mr. Patrick Ugbe, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, who threw more light on the bypass, said it was first mentioned by Governor Liyel Imoke during a parley with newsmen during activities marking 2010 Democracy Day where the Governor promised to open up different areas in Calabar.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.