BANNER NEWS

Month: May 2026

  • OPINION: Don’t Throw Away Vast Experience For Mere Political Excitement – Setting the Records Straight on Sen. Eteng Williams

    OPINION: Don’t Throw Away Vast Experience For Mere Political Excitement – Setting the Records Straight on Sen. Eteng Williams

    By Dr. John Bassey Eku
    I read one article written by Mr. Eteng Ikpi Ubi and I need to put the records straight in order not to turn this exercise into a political jamboree.
    Politics should never descend into bitterness, exaggeration or deliberate distortion of facts. Criticism is legitimate in democracy but fairness and truth are equally important.
    The attempt to paint Senator Eteng Jonah Williams as a failure is not only misleading but also ignores the realities of governance and the visible strides he has made for the people of Cross River Central Senatorial District.
    First, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams inherited enormous political and developmental expectations at a difficult economic period in Nigeria. Despite these constraints, he has remained one of the most accessible and influential political figures from Cross River Central.
    His interventions in empowerment programs, youth support initiatives, educational assistance, employment facilitation, infrastructure advocacy and constituency engagements are well known across the district.
    Unlike emotional propaganda, governance must be measured with facts and results. Senator Eteng has consistently used his office and influence to attract opportunities to the Central Senatorial District while also maintaining strategic relationships at the national level that benefit our people politically and economically.
     Politics is not conducted on social media noise alone; it is built on influence, relationships, ranking, negotiation, and institutional experience.
    It is therefore unfair to compare Senator Eteng Jonah Williams with Hon. Oden Ewa in terms of political reach, legislative exposure and national influence.
    Hon. Oden Ewa may have served as Commissioner, but managing a ministry under a governor is entirely different from navigating the complexities of the Nigerian Senate, where experience, alliances, ranking, and legislative understanding matter immensely.
    The people of Cross River Central should understand the enormous advantage of retaining a high-ranking Senator who already understands the corridors of power in Abuja.
     Seniority in the National Assembly is not a ceremonial asset; it translates into stronger committee influence better lobbying power, increased federal presence and greater opportunities for constituency projects and appointments.
    Throwing away experience for mere political excitement may ultimately weaken the district’s voice at the national level. It is also important to note that Senator Eteng Jonah Williams has stood firmly with the administration of Governor Bassey Otu and has remained loyal and supportive of the “People First” agenda. Loyalty, stability and continuity are virtues that should be rewarded in politics not punished.
    No leader is perfect and constructive criticism will always exist but attempting to create a false narrative of total rejection is far from reality.
    The Central Senatorial District is politically sophisticated enough to distinguish between temporary political noise and genuine leadership capacity.
    Rather than tearing down one of our own, we should consolidate political strength, preserve legislative experience and continue building strategic relevance for Cross River Central at the national level.
    Finally, I respectfully appeal to His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, to graciously support Senator Eteng Jonah Williams with a return ticket.
    The Senator stood firmly with the Governor through difficult political times and such loyalty, experience and institutional value deserve continuity for the overall benefit of Cross River Central Senatorial District.
     History has shown repeatedly that when a people retain experienced and highly connected legislators, the entire district benefits immensely.
    Cross River Central deserves continuity, influence, stability and experienced representation.
  • Patients Influx from Neighbouring Countries Triples at UCTH — CMD

    Patients Influx from Neighbouring Countries Triples at UCTH — CMD

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) is witnessing a growing influx of patients from neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and the Central African Republic, seeking specialised medical treatment.

    Chief Medical Director of UCTH, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, disclosed this on Friday while conducting journalists round the 850-bed tertiary hospital, where 10 wards and several theatres have recently been remodelled.

    He said the Federal Government had in recent times focused attention on the hospital with the release of substantial funds for the purchase of modern medical equipment and other facilities aimed at improving healthcare delivery.

    According to him, UCTH remains the only tertiary health institution serving the whole of Cross River State, in addition to attending to patients from neighbouring states and countries.

    “We are the only hospital that serves the whole of Cross River State at tertiary level. In addition, we get patients from neighbouring states. We even get patients from neighbouring countries such as Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Central African Republic,” he said.

    Prof. Ikpeme explained that many foreign patients visit the hospital for hip and knee replacements, brain tumour surgeries, keyhole surgeries and other specialist procedures unavailable in their countries.

    He noted that the increasing number of patients has created space constraints within the hospital, adding that management had commenced expansion projects to address the challenge.

    “This is why we are trying to increase our capacity with the construction of another 406-bed Department of Emergency Medicine. It will contain a trauma bay, medical and surgical bays, male, female and children wards, a six-bed Intensive Care Unit, a neonatal intensive care unit and three large trauma theatres,” he stated.

    The CMD said UCTH had maintained a comparative advantage in specialised medicine due to its modern equipment, skilled personnel and advanced training.

    “Take orthopaedics for instance, we do knee replacements, arthroscopy and sports medicine. We can replace the anterior cruciate ligament because we have the equipment, personnel and training.

    “We also carry out keyhole surgeries. If your uterus is giving you problems, we can remove it through a one-centimetre incision using cameras and telescopes. Even appendix surgeries can be done and the patient discharged the following day,” he said.

    The journalists were shown round some of the remodeled wards, theatres and refurbished halls, offices and general reception halls, which the CMD profusely commended the federal government.

    He said the plan is to refurbish the entire facility but appeals to stakeholders and even private citizens to equally identify projects which, of course, would be named after them on completion.

    He said many of the remodeled wards are named after former or senior colleagues who had invested their entire professional lives in the facility to heal patients and mentor younger generations.

    That way, he believed, their legacies would truly be indelible.

     

     

  • Court throws out suit against PCN, NSCDC over sealed illegal pharmacies

    Court throws out suit against PCN, NSCDC over sealed illegal pharmacies

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Federal High Court sitting in Calabar has dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps by Ezea Isidora Kamchukwube and her business associates over the sealing of alleged illegal pharmaceutical premises.

    The suit, marked FHC/CA/FHR/39/2025, accused officials of the PCN and NSCDC of violating the applicants’ fundamental rights during the closure of the premises and sought damages for the alleged infringement.

    Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu ruled in favour of the defendants, holding that the applicants failed to establish claims of rights violations against the respondents.

    “The applicants failed to substantiate their claims against the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and other respondents.

    “Therefore, the case is dismissed,” the judge ruled.

    Counsel to the defendants and Legal Officer of the PCN, Barrister Mfena Gar, confirmed the judgment, explaining that the matter stemmed from an earlier criminal case involving the applicants.

    Gar stated that the applicants, who are not licensed pharmacists, were allegedly operating two illegal pharmacies in Calabar stocked with prescription drugs without registration or approval from the PCN.

    According to her, the council sealed the facilities, effected arrests and initiated prosecution in line with its regulatory powers.

    She noted that the court found no evidence that the respondents breached the applicants’ fundamental rights.

    “The court held that they were unable to prove that their rights were infringed upon by the respondents and accordingly dismissed the suit,” she said.

    The respondents in the matter include the PCN, NSCDC Abuja and the NSCDC Cross River State Command.

    Meanwhile, in the related criminal case marked FHC/CA/76C/2025 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Ezea Isidora Kamchukwube, Justice Ojukwu adjourned proceedings to June 1, 2026, for judgment on an application filed by counsel to the accused.

  • 2027: Obono-Obla Warns APC Against Imposed Candidates in Abi/Yakurr

    2027: Obono-Obla Warns APC Against Imposed Candidates in Abi/Yakurr

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    Former presidential aide, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress against imposing candidates in the Abi/Yakurr political bloc ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that wide consultations and internal democracy remain critical to the party’s success.

    Obono-Obla, who served as Special Assistant on Prosecution to former President Muhammadu Buhari, said the party risks political backlash if it abandons competitive primaries and grassroots engagement in favour of unpopular consensus arrangements.

    He argued that the APC must carefully manage the selection of candidates for both the Yakurr I State Constituency and the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency by consulting critical stakeholders across the affected communities.

    According to him, if the party opts for consensus candidates in Yakurr I State Constituency, consultations must involve stakeholders from Ntan, Epenti, Idomi, Ajere, Bikobiko, Ijiman and Ijom to avoid alienating grassroots supporters.

    The former presidential aide further stressed that the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency, comprising Abi and Yakurr Local Government Areas, requires a balanced political arrangement that reflects the interests of the Bahumono, Agbo, Igbo Imbana and Yakurr ethnic blocs.

    He warned that any perceived imbalance or marginalisation in the candidate selection process could trigger political consequences capable of weakening the APC’s electoral fortunes in the area.

    Obono-Obla also pointed to the growing strength of opposition parties within the constituency, noting the presence of influential figures in the ADC and NDC, as well as what he described as a formidable opposition structure being assembled by the PDP ahead of the polls.

    He maintained that shutting out credible aspirants through unilateral decisions by party officials would amount to a serious political miscalculation, especially in a constituency he described as politically sophisticated and highly competitive.

    The former aide concluded by urging the APC leadership in Cross River State to prioritise consultation, justice, inclusiveness and fairness in its nomination process, warning that failure to do so could erode public confidence in the party and strengthen opposition forces in the constituency.

  • NUJ Trains 80 Nasarawa Journalists on AI-Driven Reporting

    NUJ Trains 80 Nasarawa Journalists on AI-Driven Reporting

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lafia

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists has trained 80 practicing journalists in Nasarawa State on the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in modern journalism and media practice.

    The one-day workshop, held in Lafia on Wednesday, brought together reporters, editors and broadcasters from across the state to explore how AI is transforming news gathering, production and dissemination.

    The training focused on equipping media professionals with practical skills for using AI tools to improve accuracy, efficiency and ethical reporting, while also addressing concerns surrounding misinformation, ethics and job displacement in the media industry.

    Speaking at the event, Abdullahi Sule urged journalists to embrace Artificial Intelligence responsibly, noting that the technology could strengthen journalism when deployed ethically and purposefully.

    Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, the governor described the workshop as timely in view of the rapid changes reshaping the global media landscape.

    “The use of AI and the training to master its responsible application cannot be overemphasized,” Sule said. “AI is like a two-edged sword. There are positives and negatives. It depends on how it is used. If deployed positively, it will produce positive results.”

    The governor commended the NUJ leadership in the state for organising the workshop, describing it as a valuable legacy for journalists under the current administration of the union.

    Sule disclosed that his administration had already invested in AI and digital skills development through a partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, which recently trained 100 youths in Artificial Intelligence and data analytics.

    According to him, the initiative places Nasarawa among states preparing their citizens for emerging technological realities and future opportunities.

    He assured journalists of continued collaboration with government on professional training and capacity building, while also pledging sustained support for a safe environment for media practice.

    “Your security must continue to receive the attention it deserves because you need a secure environment to practise without hitches,” he stated.

    The governor further urged journalists to help reduce political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections through responsible and balanced reporting.

    “This is the time we need responsible journalism most because you have a role to play in dousing tension,” he added.

    In his welcome address, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mohammed Salihu Alkali, said the workshop was designed to prepare journalists for the realities of a rapidly evolving digital media ecosystem.

    “Today is not just another day on the calendar; it is a deliberate step by our union to equip ourselves with the knowledge, tools and mindset required to remain relevant, credible and competitive,” Alkali said.

    He noted that AI tools are already transforming major global and Nigerian newsrooms, including BBC, Al Jazeera, Premium Times and TheCable, through functions such as headline generation, interview transcription, data analysis and content personalisation.

    “The question is no longer whether AI will affect journalism in Nasarawa State and Nigeria. The question is how well we understand and use it ethically and productively rather than allowing it to control us,” he said.

    Alkali added that AI could assist journalists in verifying information faster, analysing government budgets and election data, translating content for wider audiences and automating routine newsroom tasks, while stressing that ethics, fairness, accuracy and accountability must remain the foundation of journalism.

  • MDCAN, ARD Condemn EFCC Raid on UUTH, Demand Arrest of Operatives

    MDCAN, ARD Condemn EFCC Raid on UUTH, Demand Arrest of Operatives

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Uyo

    The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) have strongly condemned the invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the operation as unlawful, violent and traumatic.

    The two professional bodies accused EFCC operatives of storming the hospital premises, assaulting staff and abducting key management personnel in a manner they said violated established security procedures expected in a civil institution.

    In a joint communiqué issued to journalists in Uyo on Wednesday after an emergency meeting, the associations demanded the immediate arrest and disciplinary action against all EFCC officials involved in the operation, alongside a public apology to the hospital community.

    The communiqué was jointly signed by MDCAN UUTH Chairman, Dr Mfon Inoh; MDCAN Secretary, Dr Kalu Nnenna; ARD President, Dr Ekomobong Udoh; and ARD Secretary, Dr Kenneth Ikott.

    The groups described the operation as an “unprovoked invasion” marked by the “brutal and unrestrained use of live ammunition,” alleging that healthcare workers, patients and support staff were assaulted and subjected to fear and psychological trauma during the incident.

    According to the associations, the operatives forcefully broke into offices and dragged out management staff without first engaging the hospital’s administrative leadership or notifying senior officials of the purpose of their visit.

    The doctors maintained that the conduct of the EFCC operatives fell far below acceptable standards for security agencies carrying out investigations or verification exercises within a public institution.

    “The assault on staff and personnel, as well as the unlawful abduction of members of the hospital community, is completely unacceptable as these actions fall outside the authorised procedures expected of security personnel,” the communiqué stated.

    The associations also called the attention of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, to the incident, urging the state government and relevant authorities to intervene urgently.

    Among their demands are the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted hospital staff, comprehensive medical and psychological care for assaulted victims, adequate compensation for those affected, and the repair of all damaged property caused during the raid.

    MDCAN and ARD further demanded that the EFCC publish an unreserved apology to the UUTH community in at least two national newspapers, warning that the indefinite strike embarked upon by their members would continue until all their demands are fully met.

  • Ooni of Ife, Katsina Governor Hold Talks With Otu in Abuja

    Ooni of Ife, Katsina Governor Hold Talks With Otu in Abuja

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Abuja

    Governor Bassey Otu on has hosted the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Governor of Katsina State, Dr Dikko Umaru Radda, at his official residence in Abuja.

    The prominent leaders held separate private meetings with Governor Otu, which time they reportedly discussed issues of national importance and strengthening intergovernmental relationships.

    The engagements provided an avenue for the leaders to exchange views on governance, national development and collaboration across regional and cultural divides.

    The visit by the Katsina governor and the revered Yoruba monarch at different times underscored the growing importance of dialogue and cooperation among political and traditional leaders in Nigeria.

    Although details of the closed-door discussions were not officially disclosed, sources familiar with the meetings indicated that conversations may have focused on interstate cooperation, national unity, development initiatives and the role of traditional institutions in contemporary governance.

    Observers say such high-level interactions continue to serve as important platforms for fostering mutual understanding, addressing shared challenges and promoting coordinated leadership across the country.

    Governor Otu’s reception of the two dignitaries also reflects Cross River State’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with other states and recognising the cultural significance of traditional leadership within Nigeria’s democratic structure.

  • Sustained Care Can Help Vulnerable Children Realise Their Potentials — Ex-Ayade Aide

    Sustained Care Can Help Vulnerable Children Realise Their Potentials — Ex-Ayade Aide

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    A former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Ben Ayade, Mr. Oscar Ofuka, has urged governments at all levels to place greater emphasis on the welfare of vulnerable children in orphanages and other care homes.

    Ofuka said sustained care and support for vulnerable children would help them develop their innate abilities and compete favourably with their peers in society.

    He spoke in Calabar during a visit to the Uwanse Orphanage Home, where he marked his 64th birthday with the children and caregivers.

    According to him, many children in welfare homes possess enormous leadership potential that can only be realised through proper nurturing and support.

    “I want to use this opportunity to appeal to governments at all levels to always give priority attention to those who are not sure where their next meal will come from,” he said.

    Explaining why he chose to celebrate at the orphanage, Ofuka said the visit was inspired by compassion for children who lack parental care.

    “The choice of this home is because I know there are children here without parents who need love and support. God has raised people to take care of them, but there is still need for more attention,” he stated.

    Describing the occasion as emotional and special, Ofuka said thoughts of the children dominated his mind from the moment he woke up on his birthday.

    “Today’s event is unique to me because I woke up thinking about the children. I have them at heart,” he added.

    He commended the caregivers for maintaining a clean and serene environment, noting that the children appeared properly cared for.

    “I want to thank all those taking care of this place because the environment is beautiful and the children are well cared for,” he said, adding that he was willing to commit his resources towards supporting their needs.

    Ofuka also praised Governor Bassey Otu and former Governor Ben Ayade for their support for vulnerable persons in society.

    Reflecting on his time in government under Ayade, Ofuka highlighted his role in the state’s cocoa development initiative, including reforms in the sector, land recovery efforts, and the establishment of plantations such as the CRBC model farm and the 1,800-hectare plantation in Akim Osowa.

    He also stressed the importance of respect for the rule of law, warning that disobedience to court judgments could lead to political instability and decay.

    Concluding, Ofuka said the children deserve continued support and encouragement to become future leaders.

    “Most of these children are future great men and women with enormous potential. If properly nurtured, they will become leaders of tomorrow. We must do everything possible to give them hope and cherish them like our own children,” he said.

    The event was attended by officials of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Social Development, represented by the State Director, Mrs. Obeten Kokomo David.

  • Adamawa Partners Firm to Drive Clean Transport With EV Plant, Tricycles

    Adamawa Partners Firm to Drive Clean Transport With EV Plant, Tricycles

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Yola

    The Adamawa State Government has launched an electric vehicle assembly plant and unveiled a fleet of electric tricycles as part of efforts to expand clean energy transportation and boost investment in the state.

    Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who performed the inauguration in Yola, described the initiative as a major step toward transforming energy access, transportation and economic opportunities across the state.

    Fintiri said the electric mobility programme was the outcome of strategic investment engagements initiated by the state government in 2025 during an Investor Roundtable organised by the Rural Electrification Agency.

    According to the governor, the forum provided Adamawa the opportunity to showcase its economic potential and attract investors willing to partner in sustainable energy development.

    He recalled that discussions at the roundtable led to a partnership with Sparrow Mobility Limited and the A4&T Group, culminating in a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding focused on mini-grids, commercial solar solutions and clean mobility infrastructure.

    Fintiri noted that the agreement was designed to tackle the challenge of inadequate and unreliable energy supply affecting households and businesses across the state.

    He said the partnership had already begun yielding results, revealing that more than 6,000 households in Song, Lamurde, Jada, Fufore, Demsa, Numan, Shelleng and Hong local government areas had been connected to solar home systems.

    The governor maintained that the establishment of the EV assembly plant and deployment of electric tricycles would stimulate job creation, reduce transportation costs and promote environmentally friendly mobility in Adamawa.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to policies and partnerships capable of positioning the state as a leading destination for renewable energy and sustainable industrial investment in Nigeria.

  • 11,250 Agribusiness Champions Produced In Niger Delta states – IFAD Official

    11,250 Agribusiness Champions Produced In Niger Delta states – IFAD Official

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The International Fund for Agricultural Development, Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta (IFAD LIFE-ND) has produced 1,250 agribusiness champions in the nine Niger Delta states of Nigeria.

    National Financial Inclusion Specialist of the project, Ms Empress Ekwelie, disclosed this on in Cross River during a Financial Action Learning System (FALS) and Gender Action Learning System (GALS) in Nutrition workshop in Ikot-Edem-Ndarake, community.

    Ekwelie said the workshop focused on helping rural farmers, traders and agribusiness owners improve savings culture, record keeping and access to credit facilities.

    She explained that the programme also trained beneficiaries on digital financial services, intentional savings and responsible investments for sustainable business growth.

    According to her, “EFAD LIFE-ND has trained over 32,000 incubatees across the nine Niger Delta states under its agribusiness incubation programme.

    “Each state has no fewer than 1,250 outstanding participants recognised as champions for excelling in agribusiness development and some of them have attended international conferences to improve their enterprise knowledge and expand professional networks,” she said

    She explained that the project monitored beneficiaries through state officers, local government coordinators and regular field supervision visits.

    The specialist added that the programme linked farmers to banks, insurance providers and off-takers to improve access to finance and market opportunities.

    Also speaking, Mrs Chioma Obasi, National Nutrition Mainstreaming Specialist, said the project integrated nutrition into agribusiness development to improve household wellbeing.

    Obasi noted that the initiative promoted healthy living through nutrition clubs, home gardens, integrated homestead food production and biofortified crops.

    She explained that EFAD LIFE-ND used food-based approaches to combat malnutrition and improve household nutrition among rural families.

    According to her, “biofortified crops, including orange-fleshed sweet potatoes and vitamin-rich cassava, were introduced to improve immunity and child development.

    “Through our GALS initiative we aim to promote family collaboration and improved nutrition practices in rural households,” she said.

    She stated that participants were expected to transfer the knowledge gained to their households and communities for wider social impact.

    On his part, Mr Efiom Okon one of the beneficiary of the IFAD-LIFE ND project in fish production, described the programme as transformative for youths and rural entrepreneurs.

    Okon said they had been equipped with practical agribusiness skills while encouraging self-reliance among unemployed youths in rural communities.

    Miss Emmanuela Etim a beneficiary in the poultry value chain said the training improved her understanding of financial management and nutrition practices.

    She commended EFAD LIFE-ND for empowering youths and women, urging the organisation to sustain its intervention programmes across communities in the NIger Delta.