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BISHOP DR. EYOANWAN OTU COMMENDS HELLO INTERNATIONAL'S MEDICAL INTERVENTION IN CROSS RIVER STATE.By: Rekpene Uket.

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Her Excellency, the wife of the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu has commended Hello International, a Non- Governmental organization for their medical intervention programme organized recently at the General Hospital, Calabar. A comprehensive survivor -centred medical intervention that provides free surgical repairs for obstetrics fistula -(VVF/RVF) and a holistic support that restores dignity of women through rehabilitation, economic empowerment and integration of survivors into the society.     Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Otu who was ably represented by her Special Adviser on Programmes, Apostle Queen Eton gave the commendation during a Symposium organized recently by Hello International through the She Matters Initiative in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Health Organization (WHO) as well as the Government of Cross River State at the State Library, Calabar.     The wife of th...

Forests, People, and Policy: Shifting Power and Strategies for Combating Deforestation Through Social and Behaviour Change CommunicationWritten by Lawrence (Peter Program Officer, Mining, FLAG & Energy Transition)

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Deforestation continues to pose a significant threat to environmental sustainability, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on forests for survival.  Across many developing countries, forests are disappearing at alarming rates due to agricultural expansion, logging, mining activities, infrastructure development, and increasing pressure on natural resources. While governments and development partners have implemented various policies and interventions aimed at reducing forest loss, the challenge persists because deforestation is not solely an environmental issue. It is deeply rooted in social, economic, behavioral, and governance dynamics that influence how communities interact with forest resources. Consequently, addressing deforestation requires a holistic approach that places people at the center of conservation efforts. This makes the theme of the 4th Multi-Stakeholder Meeting, “Forests, People, and Policy: Shifting P...

Cross River's Vanishing Rainforests: A Civic Imperative for Collective Action. Written by Kebe Ikpi

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Cross River State stands as Nigeria's last great bastion of tropical rainforest — a natural heritage of immeasurable value, not only to Nigerians but to humanity itself. Yet this treasure faces an existential threat. What was once an unbroken expanse of biodiversity-rich forest, contiguous with Cameroon's woodlands and home to critically endangered species like the Cross River gorilla, Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, forest elephants, and countless endemic flora and fauna, is now fragmenting at an alarming rate. The data is stark: over 60% of the original forest cover has disappeared. Satellite imagery confirms the loss of more than 134,000 hectares between 2001 and 2023 alone. Illegal logging, agricultural encroachment, mining, weak law enforcement, and infrastructure pressures continue to degrade these vital ecosystems — transforming dense rainforests into grasslands, eroding carbon sinks, disrupting climate regulation, and undermining the livelihoods of indi...

Power, Purpose, Persistence: A Clarion Call for the Next Generation Written By Kebe Ikpi

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There is a profound joy in witnessing a vision not only conceived but sustained with unwavering commitment. In a world where many initiatives flicker and fade, The Bridge Leadership Foundation (TBLF), under the visionary stewardship of its founder, Senator Liyel Imoke, stands as a beacon of consistency and excellence. As we approach the 16th Career Day Conference, scheduled for Saturday, 11th July 2026, my heart is filled with gratitude for a platform that has faithfully bridged the gap between potential and reality for over a decade and a half. The theme for this year's gathering—"Power, Purpose, Persistence: Youth Leading Change for The Next 15 Years" (and more) — is not merely a slogan; it is a prophetic declaration. It speaks directly to the future and calls out it's architects - the youth. We are not merely waiting for change; we are empowered to lead it. The call to "Power" reminds us of individual potential endowment for impact; "Purpose" al...

2026 IWD: C'RIVER WOMEN HIT THE STREETS IN A MEGA MATCH IN MARCH.By: Rekpene Uket

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.Activities in commemoration of International Women's Day (IWD) climaxed in Cross River State with a mega rally tagged " Women's Match in March" organized by the Cross River State Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with her partners to mark grand finale of series of activities embarked upon within the month of march in commemoration of this year's Int'l Women's Day.     Flagging off the rally at the millennium park, Calabar, Her Excellency, the wife of the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Bishop Dr. Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu who was ably represented by the Special Adviser to the wife of Governor on Programmes, Apostle Queen Eton commended the women for their resilience, dexterity and contributions to the growth and development of the society.   On that note, she flagged off the rally in the name of the triune God.    The women matched through some major streets in Calabar metropolis from 11-11 through Calabar road, Mary Slessor...

CPN Celebrates With Muslims

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On behalf of Child Protection Network Nigeria, I warmly extend heartfelt Eid al-Fitri greetings to all our Muslim members across the Network as you celebrate the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan 🌙✨ This season is a reminder of sacrifice, compassion, discipline, and devotion—values that you have clearly demonstrated not only in your spiritual commitment during fasting, but also in your unwavering dedication to the protection and wellbeing of children throughout this period. Your selflessness and passionate efforts in responding to cases of child abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence, even while observing the physical and emotional demands of fasting, are deeply commendable. Despite the stress and demands that come with both humanitarian service and Ramadan, you remained steadfast in ensuring that vulnerable children continue to receive care, protection, and hope. Your commitment reflects the true spirit of service and humanity that Ramadan teaches: ca...

Department of Gender Mainstreaming Convene High-Level Stakeholder Meeting on Care and Climate

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The Department of Gender Mainstreaming, with the support of UN Women, the National Council on Climate Change, and the NDC Partnership, convened a high-level stakeholders’ roundtable with climate investors on Care and Climate—a critical step toward building inclusive and climate-resilient systems in Cross River State. At the heart of the conversation was a powerful message: care systems are climate solutions. The Technical Working Group (TWG) on Care presented innovative, practical solutions that directly connect care services with climate action, including: Solar-powered crèches to support working mothers while reducing energy poverty Electric and CNG-powered motorbikes and tricycles, especially tricycles adapted for community healthcare delivery and emergency response Waste-to-biogas solutions for clean cooking and sustainable energy use in households and care facilities. These interventions show that investing in care is not just about social protection—it is a smart clim...