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Sen. Williams Shines at Midterm: Projects, Bills, jobs and Empowerment Drive Cross River Central Forward

On June 13, 2023, the 10th Senate was inaugurated with the emergence of Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON as President of the Nigeria Senate. Today, the Senate clocks 2 years, this is therefore a mid-term review of performance of Distinguished Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Representing Cross River Central Senatorial District. In two years, Senator Eteng Williams showcases an enviable scorecard of effective representation as a legislator par excellence. His track record in the Senate is marked by the sponsorship of relevant bills, consistent constituency outreach, community interventions, human capacity development and empowerments.  Bills and Motions:  Senator Williams has demonstrated legislative prowess by sponsoring the following bills: 1. Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB 525), which seeks to establish the Federal Medical Centre in Ugep. This institution will eliminate the burden of long-distance travel for tertiary medical care, bringing state-of-the-art...
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Dr Ekpenyong Celebrates Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Calls for Harmony and National Sacrifice

Former Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Janet Ekpenyong has called on Nigerians to show compassion and make monumental sacrifice to promote the growth and development of the nation. Dr Ekpenyong made the call as part of her Democracy message to Nigerians noting that, the efforts of our heroes past who fought for the sovereignty, unity and sustainable democratic development of our nation remains fresh in our minds at all times. She praised the efforts of leaders who have fought and made significant sacrifices for a sustainable transition process all through. "As we celebrate this year's democracy day, I wish to extend my heartfelt wishes to all Nigerians. Since June 12 1993, our nation has risen and survived different phases of military coups, rules and gracefully survived as a nation who's voices chose democracy and uphold its ideology. As we continue to ride on the laurels of our heroes like His Excellency ,President Ahmed Tinubu and other compatriots who hav...

Democracy Day in Focus: How Orok Duke’s 2014 National Conference Advocacy Paved the Way for June 12 Recognition

In 2018, Nigeria made a historic shift when President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as the nation’s Democracy Day, replacing May 29, which had been observed since 1999 to mark the return to civilian rule. This change was more than symbolic; it was a recognition of the pivotal role the June 12, 1993, presidential election played in Nigeria’s democratic struggle. At the heart of this transition was the advocacy of Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, a delegate from Cross River State at the 2014 National Conference, whose impassioned call for honoring the victims of the June 12 crisis and recognizing Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola’s sacrifice helped reignite national discourse on the significance of that date. Duke’s contributions during the conference were instrumental in laying the groundwork for the eventual adoption of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day. The 2014 National Conference, convened by President Goodluck Jonathan, was a platform to address Nigeria’s socio-political and eco...

Senator Williams Joins in Celebrating Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong’s 10 Years of Legislative Service

  Prominent leaders, lawmakers, and scholars gathered in Calabar yesterday the 10th of June 2025 for the inaugural Hilary Bisong Colloquium, a distinguished event organized to honour Rt. Hon. Hilary Ekpang Bisong for a decade of dedicated service in the Cross River State House of Assembly. Among the dignitaries present was Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, who expressed his admiration for Rt. Hon. Bisong’s legislative accomplishments and active contribution to constitutional democracy in Nigeria. Themed “Lawmaking and Constitutional Democracy: The Nigerian Experience,” the event offered more than just a celebration—it served as a platform for deep, strategic discourse on strengthening democratic institutions and legislative governance. Senator Williams participated in a high-level panel discussion alongside a roster of respected figures, including Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey, Prof. Pauline Ekuri, Prof. Okom (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Universit...

Special Adviser on Public Utilities Condemns Reckless Driving Incident at Efioette

  The Office of the Special Adviser on Public Utilities, Cross River State, has issued a strong condemnation of a reckless driving incident that caused extensive damage to vital public infrastructure at the Efioette area of Calabar. According to an official statement, the incident—which occurred at approximately 4:30 PM today—involved a vehicle that crashed into public property, severely damaging the roundabout, road pavement, and electric poles. The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, admitted the act was a mistake. However, authorities insist that such negligence endangers lives and undermines the state government's efforts to maintain and beautify the capital city. Speaking on the matter, the Special Adviser on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, KSM, expressed deep concern over the incident and described the act as "senseless destruction" that cannot be excused. He warned that reckless driving, particularly when it leads to the destruction of public ut...

Edu Felicitates Muslim Faithfuls at Eid el Kabir, Seeks Support, Prayers For President Tinubu

  Dr Betta has felicitated Nigerian muslims on Eid el kabir festival. In a sallah message she personally signed, Dr. Edu also urged Muslims faithfuls to continue to pray and support President Bola Tinubu as he steers the nation away from its numerous challenges. She described Eid el kabir as an important and solemn religious festival that requires introspection, sacrifice and deep reflection.  "On this special  occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, I extend my warmest greetings and felicitations to you.  "This very important soul- enriching festival in the muslim calendar is a time for deep, solemn reflection, introspection, gratitude, and compassion; it is a period that reminds us of the significance of obedience, sacrifice, faith and unity as exemplified by Prophet Ibraheem. "As you commemorate the willingness of the Noble  Prophet  to sacrifice his only son Ismaeel, in obedience to Allah's command, I urge you not to loose sight of the lessons there-from and be remin...

Stridevest Launches Equity-Based Support Programme for MSMEs in Cross River and Beyond

  In a bold move to address unemployment and promote entrepreneurship, investment firm Stridevest Company Limited has launched a new initiative to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through equity partnerships, strategic development, and long-term business growth. Unveiling the programme during an interactive session with journalists in Calabar on Saturday, the Chief Executive Officer of Stridevest, Mr. Wilson Obidi, explained that the initiative will not provide loans or grants, but will instead invest directly into promising businesses by acquiring equity stakes. “We invest in businesses we believe in, provided the owners demonstrate a clear vision and understanding of their goals,” Obidi stated. He noted that the initiative is open to businesses across all sectors, and applications can be submitted via the company’s official website: www.stridevestltd.com. Beyond financial investment, the programme offers a comprehensive support system including professional me...