Calabar news in brief for December 19: Friday’s top headlines

PenCom disburses N758bn to retirees

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has commenced the disbursement of N758 billion to retirees. This significant sum represents accrued rights for retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). The disbursement is a crucial step in ensuring that retirees receive their rightful benefits. This initiative is expected to bring financial relief to numerous individuals who have completed their service years. PenCom continues its commitment to the efficient administration and payment of pensions across the nation, affecting residents of Cross River State who are part of the CPS. Source

UNESCO Rallies Stakeholders for Science

UNESCO has convened a crucial meeting with stakeholders to advance science, technology, and advancement development in Nigeria. The organization is urging for increased collaboration and investment to harness the potential of these sectors for national progress. This initiative aims to encourage an environment where scientific research and technological advancements can thrive, contributing to financial growth and societal well-being. The focus is on creating practical solutions and policies that will translate into tangible benefits for the Nigerian populace, matching with global development goals. Stakeholders are being called upon to commit resources and expertise to drive this agenda forward, ensuring Nigeria remains competitive in the global scientific and technological landscape. Source

House Institutionalises Annual Honours

The State House is set to establish an annual honours ceremony for retiring staff, aiming to recognize their dedicated service. This initiative, announced recently, seeks to formally acknowledge the contributions of individuals who have served the institution over the years. The ceremony will be institutionalised to ensure that retiring staff receive due recognition for their commitment and hard work. This move is expected to encourage a culture of appreciation and motivate current staff by highlighting the value placed on long-term service. Further details regarding the criteria for selection and the format of the honours are anticipated as the institution prepares to implement this new tradition. Source

NDIC Begins Payouts for Failed Banks

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commenced the payment of depositors of failed banks, assuring full recovery of loans owed to these institutions. This initiative aims to protect depositors’ funds and ensure the stability of the financial system. The NDIC is actively working to recover all outstanding loans to make depositors whole. This action is part of the corporation’s mandate to safeguard the banking sector and maintain public confidence. Depositors of affected banks are encouraged to follow the outlined procedures for their claims. Source

VC Attracts Best to UniCross

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Professor Austin O. Oko, is actively working to bring top talent to the institution and has launched a significant collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). This partnership aims to enhance the university’s academic and research capabilities, particularly in areas relevant to national security and technological advancement. The initiative is expected to encourage a more strong learning environment, offering students and faculty opportunities for practical engagement and modern research. Professor Oko’s commitment underscores a broader strategy to raise UNICROSS to a premier institution, attracting both students and scholars of the highest caliber. This collaboration signifies a forward-thinking approach to higher education, matching academic pursuits with national development goals. Source

Bakassi Deep Seaport Compliance Certificate

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has received the Certificate of Compliance for the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, marking a significant step forward for this critical infrastructure development. This compliance certificate from the Federal Government signifies that all necessary regulatory requirements have been met, paving the way for the project’s advancement. Governor Otu expressed his commendation for the Federal Government’s commitment to the project, highlighting its potential to boost financial activity and create opportunities within Cross River State and beyond. The Bakassi Deep Seaport is anticipated to enhance maritime trade, allow cargo movement, and contribute to the overall financial growth of the region. Source

Akume Hails Civil Service Digital Shift

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has lauded the ongoing digital change of Nigeria’s civil service, emphasizing its move towards a paperless system. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability across government operations. The shift is expected to simplify processes, reduce operational costs, and improve service delivery to citizens nationwide. Akume highlighted that this modernization is crucial for matching the civil service with global best practices and preparing it for the digital age. The implementation of digital tools and platforms is a key part of this reform, ensuring that government functions are more available and responsive. This digital transition is anticipated to significantly effect how civil servants work and how government services are accessed by Nigerians. Source

Institute Revives Website, Urges Digitisation

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has officially relaunched its official website, www.nihotour.gov.ng, aiming to enhance its online presence and service delivery. This initiative is part of a broader effort to digitise the institute’s operations, particularly its procurement processes. The revitalised website is expected to provide a more available platform for information, training registration, and interaction with stakeholders. NIHOTOUR is urging all its partners and service providers to embrace the digital change, emphasizing the need for all procurement activities to be conducted through the new online portal. This move is intended to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability within the institute’s financial and operational frameworks, matching with modern governmental best practices. The institute encourages all relevant parties to familiarise themselves with the updated website and adhere to the new digital procurement guidelines moving forward. Source

CSOs Launch Barometer for Development

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have unveiled a new Community-Led Development Barometer aimed at enhancing development initiatives across Nigeria. This tool is designed to measure and track progress in community-led development projects, providing data to guide future interventions and ensure accountability. The initiative seeks to enable local communities by giving them a greater voice in identifying their needs and implementing solutions. This barometer is expected to encourage more effective and sustainable development outcomes by focusing on local participation and ownership. The launch signifies a commitment to strengthening grassroots development efforts nationwide. Source

Experts Advocate Gender Equity

Experts are calling for greater gender equality in healthcare leadership positions across Nigeria. This advocacy stems from a recent workshop where participants highlighted the underrepresentation of women in decision-making roles within the health sector. The workshop emphasized that achieving gender equity is not only a matter of fairness but also essential for improving healthcare outcomes for all citizens. When women are equally represented in leadership, policies and programs are more likely to address the varied needs of the population, leading to more effective and inclusive healthcare systems. This push for change aims to ensure that women have equal opportunities to contribute their expertise and perspectives at all levels of healthcare management and policy formulation, ultimately benefiting the entire nation. Source