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Repositioning Cross River State Educational System
By Matthew Okiri Okeyim (PhD)
Education is no doubt a fundamental human right across the globe. The right to education and to be educated cannot be over emphasized as it is one of the Millennium development goals of the United Nations. Education is therefore seen as the most powerful weapon that can bring about positive change in the World.
According to a former president of South Africa, late Nelson Mandela, Education is a better weapon of liberty than a standing Army.undoutedly, the purpose of Education is to improve the living standards of the people.
Unfortunately, since independence, Nigeria educational standard has been on a steady decline. Some People even go to the extent of buying educational certificates without working for them.
In the 1970s and 80s, Primary School leavers could become teachers in Primary Schools. unfortunately, today graduates are half baked and academically impotent.most University graduates can not write a mere application letter for employment.
Federal and State Governments years have adopted some form reforms to raise the standard of Education in the country but not much have been achieved in terms of improving the quality of Education.
It is against this background that His Excellency. Senator Prince Bassey Otu, upon assumption of office promised to change the narrative, to ensure that the bar is raised in terms of the standard of Education in cross River State.
And drive the process, Sen. Bassey. Otu appointed Dist. Sen. Dr Stephen Adi Odey a trained Educationist, Lawyer, Administrator, and Seasoned technocrat as the Commissioner of Education in Cross River State. An appointment described by many as around peg in around hole. Dist. Senator Dr Stephen Adi an administrator with vast experience in various fields. His stay in the 9th Assembly of the Red Chambers as Senator representing Cross River State as a law maker and the immediate past Executive Chairman of “SUBEB” is an indication of an administrator that will transform Cross River State Educational system.
Dist. Sen. Stephen Odey on assumption of office immediately swung into action by renovating and reconstructing
the Headquarters of the Educational Ministry in Calabar that was in a very bad shape. This to create a conducive working environment.
Very aware of the ministry’s mandate and the enormous task a head of Him, Dist. Sen. Stephen Odey quickly embarked on a tour of the 3 Senatorial Districts across the state where he had meetings with all the stakeholders of all the Schools within his domain to aquaint himself with the true state of the schools.
And in pursuiance of the task of making Cross River State Educational system better, he brought all private School Proprietors under one umbrella.And also ensuring that both Private and Public Schools had uniformity on resumption dates and other vital issues .
Distinquished Senator Stephen Odey under his watch as Commissioner of Education within a short stay in office made sure that all Primary Six,First school leaving Certificates results held for many years were released.
The Hon Commissioner also made sure that (BECE) Results basic Certificate examination JSS 3 under his watch were released in due time.
Also the frequency of routine inspection visits to schools have increased.This is to check irregularities and ensure efficiency in the school system.
These and many other far reaching measures are being put in place in order to standardize the Educational sector.
At this juncture, it behoves all stake holders in the Educational sector, parents and Teachers alike to up their game to ensure that the children are properly thought and supervised to reduce distractions in order to enhance their acedemic performances.
The time is now.
Matthew Okiri Okeyin PhD is a commentator on public issues.
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NDDC At 25: Cross River’s Cynthia Oloko, 19, Emerges Second Place Winner At Miss Niger Delta 2025
...Deputy Governor, APC Chairman, and Senators Celebrate Her with Generous Cash Gifts
Miss Cynthia Iyowogoga Oloko, a 19-year-old from Cross River State, has emerged as the first runner-up (second place) at the Miss Niger Delta 2025 beauty pageant. The event, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Cynthia, a final-year student of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where she studies Human Anatomy, competed alongside nine other contestants representing the nine states of the Niger Delta—Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
Crowned with the title “Pride of the Niger Delta”, Cynthia received a cash prize of ₦7.5 million for placing second in the pageant.
In recognition of her achievement and the pride she has brought to Cross River State, several political leaders and dignitaries extended their support. The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, gifted her ₦3 million, the APC State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Esq., JP, contributed ₦1 million, while the state’s two Senators jointly supported her with another ₦3 million—bringing her total cash reward to ₦14.5 million.
According to the organisers, all nine contestants underwent intensive training and were empowered with skills and starter kits to help them become self-reliant and impactful in their communities.
The Miss Niger Delta pageant is designed not just as a beauty contest, but as a platform to empower young women across the region. It aims to nurture leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development among participants. The initiative is rooted in the belief that empowering women is key to building stronger families, communities, and society at large.
Many past participants have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. The programme, sponsored by the NDDC, is part of its commitment to identifying and nurturing young talents in the region.
This year’s overall winner received a brand-new car and ₦10 million, while the second runner-up (third place) received ₦5 million. The remaining six contestants each received ₦1 million as a consolation prize.
Miss Cynthia Oloko was born in 2005 to Engr. and Mrs Cosmas Oloko Ekawu. She attended Trailblazers Academy in Gwarinpa, Abuja. Her hobbies include swimming, running, networking, and travelling. She aspires to build a career in entrepreneurship and politics, with a strong passion for leadership and community development.
Congratulations Miss Cynthia
The Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, Hon Dr Fred Okem has dissolved all revenue agencies operating in the Council with effect from 31st December 2024.
Hon Dr Fred Okem, Chairman Yala Local Government Area
This was contained in a release on Monday 6th January 2025 by the Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unah.
The Chairman also cautioned that anyone who flouts the directive would be handed over to the security agencies for proper action in line with relevant laws.
The local government helmsman is expected to reposition the revenue agencies with the aim of boosting internally generated revenue in the council for adequate measures towards the development of Yala in line with the People First Agenda of the State government.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Ms. Grace Ike, has been named Nigeria’s Media Personality of the Year 2024. This prestigious recognition was conferred by the Editorial Board of Good Governance Today Nigeria at a grand ceremony held at the National Merit House, Abuja.
NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike
In addition to the honour, Ms. Ike was inducted into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame—a testament to her exemplary contributions to leadership and professional journalism in Nigeria.
The award acknowledges Ms. Ike’s uncommon leadership qualities and her unwavering commitment to advancing journalism as a tool for national development. Her selfless service to humanity, her state and the nation has made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
Speaking at the event, the organiser and the managing editor of Governance Today , mr Sylvester Abudu Omose commended Ms. Ike’s visionary leadership and her remarkable strides in reshaping the landscape of journalism in Nigeria. Her relentless dedication to using journalism to advocate for transparency, justice, and public enlightenment was described as both inspiring and transformative.
“Ms. Grace Ike’s achievements transcend the ordinary. She has redefined what it means to serve humanity through journalism. Her work exemplifies the power of the media in fostering societal progress and governance,” the board stated.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Ike represented by one of her media aides, mr Ademola Adepoju expressed her gratitude for the recognition and attributed her success to the collective efforts of her team at NUJ FCT Council and the support of stakeholders in the journalism community. She reiterated her commitment to promoting ethical journalism and upholding the values of truth, accountability, and service to humanity.
“This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but a call to do even more. Journalism is the lifeline of democracy, and we must continue to use it to uphold justice and transparency for the betterment of our society,” Ms. Ike remarked.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the media, government and civil society, who lauded Ms. Ike’s achievements and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote good governance and ethical journalism in Nigeria.
As Ms. Grace Ike steps into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame, her legacy as a leader, journalist, and advocate for humanity continues to inspire a new generation of professionals committed to making a difference in their communities and the nation at large.
