Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency

08/05/2026

With Calabar Blog Media – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

02/05/2026

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐒’ 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄
The 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, was a remarkable convergence of dedication, pride, and collective achievement, as the Government and people of Cross River State honored the invaluable contributions of workers across all sectors.

Observed annually on International Workers' Day, the event served as a powerful reminder of the role of the workforce in driving sustainable growth and development. This year’s celebration stood out for its organization, high-level representation, and vibrant participation from Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and professional bodies.

Representing His Excellency, Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, was the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey. In his address, he commended the resilience, commitment, and unwavering spirit of the state’s workforce. He further encouraged workers to sustain their dedication, emphasizing that their collective efforts remain the backbone of the state’s progress and prosperity.

A major highlight of the celebration was the colorful and well-coordinated march past by various groups and institutions. Particularly noteworthy was the impressive outing of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency under the umbrella of the Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria. Their performance reflected discipline, unity, and a shared commitment to service delivery.

Leading the contingent was the Capacity Director General of the Agency, Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, whose leadership continues to redefine primary healthcare delivery in the state. Demonstrating exemplary leadership, she actively participated in the march alongside frontline health workers, reinforcing her reputation as a leader who leads by example.

In her remarks, Dr. Otu expressed deep appreciation to the frontline healthcare workers for their relentless efforts in ensuring that quality healthcare services reach even the most remote and underserved communities. She acknowledged their sacrifices and urged them to intensify their commitment to delivering professional, accessible, and high-quality healthcare services to the people of Cross River State.

She also extended heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and Her Excellency, Bishop (Dr.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for their proactive leadership and sustained commitment to improving the health sector. She highlighted their administration’s people-centered approach, captured in the “People First” philosophy and the broader vision of “Think Cross River” within the “Season of Sweetness.”

Furthermore, the Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria expressed profound appreciation to the state government for recognizing the vital role of community health practitioners. They particularly applauded the strategic appointment of Dr. Otu, noting that her leadership has significantly transformed the agency’s performance and elevated its national recognition. Under her stewardship, the state has recorded notable achievements, including recognition for excellence in immunization coverage affirming her status as an immunization champion.

In conclusion, the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Cross River State was not only a tribute to the workforce but also a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to inclusive development, excellence in service delivery, and recognition of merit. It was a day that celebrated not just labor, but the spirit of resilience, unity, and progress that defines the people of Cross River State.

01/05/2026

Our Capacity Leader extends warm wishes to everyone as we step into a new month filled with fresh opportunities and renewed strength. May this month bring progress, success, and fulfillment in all we do.

As we also mark Workers’ Day, we celebrate the dedication, resilience, and invaluable contributions of every worker. Your efforts continue to drive growth and make a meaningful impact in our communities.

Wishing you all a Happy New Month and a Happy Workers’ Day!

30/04/2026

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 / 𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐕𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.

𝑽𝒆𝒏𝒖𝒆: 𝑰𝒌𝒐𝒕 𝑶𝒎𝒊𝒏 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉 𝑪𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒆 (𝑷𝑯𝑪), 𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒓.

𝑫𝒂𝒕𝒆: 𝑨𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒍 𝟐𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆: “𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒗𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌.”

In commemoration of World Immunization Week 2026, the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), in collaboration with the Cross River State Immunization Champions and other Implimenting partners, carried out a successful community outreach and advocacy program at Ikot Omin PHC, Calabar.

The activity was led by the Director General of CRSPHCDA and Team Lead of the State Immunization Champions, Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, alongside other champions, demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to improving immunization coverage across the state.

The outreach focused on educating nursing mothers and caregivers on the importance of timely routine immunization, promoting positive health-seeking behaviors, and addressing vaccine hesitancy. Through interactive sessions and one-on-one communication, participants were encouraged to consistently present their children for vaccination and rely on accurate information from healthcare professionals.

As part of the engagement, souvenirs were distributed to mothers and their babies as a token of appreciation and encouragement.
Community participation was also emphasized, with caregivers urged to help identify zero-dose and partially immunized children and refer them for vaccination. Participants were further advised to report misinformation and actively share correct information about vaccines within their communities.

In addition, an advocacy visit to the Clan Head of Ikot Omin Community, led by Dr. Otu, underscored the vital role of traditional leadership in advancing public health. The Clan Head pledged his full support in mobilizing the community and promoting immunization uptake.

This collaborative effort between the Immunization Champions and CRSPHCDA highlights the power of community engagement, strong leadership, and strategic advocacy in ensuring that every child is reached with life-saving vaccines.

"Together, we can protect every generation. Vaccines work!"

11/04/2026

𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐄𝐲𝐨𝐚𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐲 𝐎𝐭𝐮 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫

A major highlight of the engagement was the recognition of 𝑯𝒆𝒓 𝑬𝒙𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚, 𝑩𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒑 (𝑫𝒓.) 𝑴𝒓𝒔. 𝑬𝒚𝒐𝒂𝒏𝒘𝒂𝒏 𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒚 𝑶𝒕𝒖, who was conferred as an Ambassador for BlackFrog Worldwide, in acknowledgment of her unwavering support and commitment to advancing healthcare delivery and innovation in Cross River State.
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10/04/2026

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞.

‎‎𝑪𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: ‎
𝑬𝑴𝑽Ó𝑳𝑰𝑶 (𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒈) 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕-𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍-𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒓-𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒛𝒆𝒓𝒐 𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚. 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒗𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒚, 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉.
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‎Cross River State continues to strengthen its healthcare delivery system through the demonstration of the EMVÓLIO (BlackFrog) cold chain mobile refrigeration technology, marketed and presented by the company’s representative, Mr. Pavan, during a high-level engagement convened by the UHC team in collaboration with the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCDA) and the State Ministry of Health.

In her opening remarks, the Director General, SPHCDA, Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, welcomed stakeholders and partners, appreciating their presence and commitment to advancing healthcare in the state. She specifically urged frontline health workers to remain attentive, actively engage, and ask questions during the sessions to address practical challenges encountered during immunization campaigns. The meeting also examined persistent last-mile immunization gaps, noting that while current approaches such as pull systems and drone delivery show promise, they remain constrained by weather disruptions and the limitations of ice pack-dependent cold chain systems.
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At the center of the intervention is the Emvólio portable precision-cooled medical refrigerator, designed to maintain optimal vaccine temperatures between 2 – 8°C without the use of ice packs. With a storage capacity of 30 – 40 vials and flexible charging options including solar, direct current, and vehicle batteries the device offers a practical solution for vaccine transportation in diverse settings.

Its real-time monitoring system, temperature excursion alerts, geo-tracking capability, and 10years lifespan with replaceable components position it as a durable and efficient tool for strengthening vaccine logistics, improving accountability, and enhancing service delivery in hard-to-reach communities.

A major highlight of the engagement was the recognition of Her Excellency, Bishop (Dr.) Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, who was conferred as an Ambassador for BlackFrog Worldwide, in acknowledgment of her unwavering support and commitment to advancing healthcare delivery and innovation in Cross River State.
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‎The engagement brought together key dignitaries and stakeholders, including the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, JP; Vice Chairman, State Planning Commission, Mr. B**g Duke; Director General, SPHCDA, Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu; Director General, CRSHIA, Chief Godwin Iyala ably represented by the Director of Administration Ayuk, Aje Asam; Director General, SACA; Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey; Special Adviser on Nursing; and Permanent Secretaries from SPHCDA, Mr. Ite Sunday I., SMoH, and SPC.

Discussions addressed critical issues of sustainability, maintenance, and safety, reinforcing confidence in the device’s robustness and adaptability.

Overall, the initiative reflects a strong, coordinated commitment to innovation and positions Cross River State on a progressive path toward improved immunization coverage, enhanced epidemic preparedness, and the achievement of Universal Health Coverage.
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Rt.Hon Peter Odey - Cross River State Deputy Governor
Office of the wife of the Cross River State Governor
Crossriverians Inthediaspora
James Eku
Calabar Blog Media
Channels Television
AIT Online

H.E RT. Hon Peter Odey

10/04/2026

Happy Birthday Mother of Cross River State

06/04/2026

05/04/2026

🌿 EASTER MESSAGE 🌿
From the Office of the Director General

As we commemorate the sacred season of Easter, I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt wishes to the good people of Cross River State and beyond.

Easter is a powerful reminder of hope, sacrifice, and the triumph of life over death. It symbolizes renewal, restoration, and the boundless possibilities that arise when faith prevails over fear. In this season of reflection, may we draw strength from the resurrection of Christ and be inspired to embrace compassion, unity, and selfless service to humanity.

As we continue in our collective pursuit of improved healthcare delivery and community well-being, let this season rekindle in us a renewed commitment to safeguarding lives, promoting healthy living, and building a resilient healthcare system for all.

May the joy of the risen Christ fill your hearts with peace, your homes with love, and your lives with abundant grace.

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and victorious Easter celebration.

Happy Easter! Hallelujah!

Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu
Director General
Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency

04/04/2026

‎“𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐚𝐢𝐧: 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡, 𝐒𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.”
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‎In a moment that set the tone for both reflection and action, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, took center stage at the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Calabar, delivering a compelling health talk that resonated deeply with women across all walks of life.
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‎Addressing a vibrant gathering at the Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Otu emphasized the often overlooked importance of stress management, urging women to prioritize their physical and mental well-being. She advocated for practical lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate rest, and seeking timely support, noting that a healthy woman is the foundation of a thriving society. Her presentation not only informed but inspired, setting a powerful precedent for the day’s engagements.
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‎Building on this impactful foundation, the event transitioned into a broader message of purpose and empowerment as the Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, ably represented by her Special Adviser on Programmes, Apostle Queen Eton, delivered a thought-provoking address anchored on the theme “Give to Gain.”
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‎Her Excellency underscored the transformative power of selflessness, challenging women to rethink growth as a collective journey rather than an individual pursuit. She highlighted that true progress is achieved when women intentionally create opportunities that uplift others, reinforcing the state’s commitment to advancing women through strategic investments in education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and social protection.
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‎“Real change happens when we come together with a shared vision,” she noted, while encouraging women to recognize their worth and embrace their limitless potential.
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‎Earlier, in her welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Edema Irom, reiterated the essence of the theme, calling for sacrifice, unity, and intentional support among women. She further urged aspiring female leaders to step forward and leverage platforms such as the Women Lobby Group to drive inclusive governance.
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‎Goodwill messages from key dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Social Welfare, Archbishop Margaret Ene Ita, and the Commissioner for Commerce, Hon. Abigail Duke, echoed the need for collaboration, unity, and purposeful engagement in leadership.
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‎Also lending her voice, the wife of the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mrs. Nelly Ayambem, described women as resilient trailblazers and pivotal drivers of societal development, advocating for stronger support systems among women.
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‎From the development partners’ perspective, Richard Ballantyne of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees commended the invaluable contributions of women to national development and called for more inclusive leadership frameworks, particularly for women living with disabilities.
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‎Adding a financial dimension to empowerment, the National Pension Commission, represented by Edward Ekpenyong on behalf of the director General, Omolola Oloworaran, enlightened women especially those in the informal sector on the benefits of the Personal Pension Plan, promoting the principle of “save small today, gain big tomorrow.”
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‎The event also featured a tuberculosis awareness session by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, alongside other engaging side attractions.
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‎From a powerful health advocacy to a unifying call for selfless impact, the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Calabar was not just an event it was a movement. A movement reminding every woman that in giving, supporting, and lifting others, true gain is not just possible it is inevitable.
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‎“Empowered to Give, Destined to Gain — Today We Celebrate the Power of Womanhood.”










Calabar Blog Media
Crossriverians Inthediaspora
AIT Online
Channels Television
Office of the wife of the Cross River State Governor
Rt.Hon Peter Odey - Cross River State Deputy Governor

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