09/06/2026
CRS Finance Commissioner Charges SPCU Team on Excellence, Professionalism
The Cross River State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Mike Odere, has charged members of the State Project Coordinating Unit (SPCU) of the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-up Project (NFWP-SU) to uphold excellence, professionalism and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
Dr. Odere gave the charge during a meeting with the SPCU team on Monday, June 8, 2026, at his office in Calabar.
Speaking during the meeting, the Commissioner stressed the need for all stakeholders to remain committed as the project advances across the state.
According to him, "As we uplift 300,000 women through the Nigeria for Women Project, we are empowering them to build sustainable wealth for future generations."
He urged SPCU team members to shun sentiments and personal interests and instead work collectively towards achieving the project's objectives. He also advised project actors to maintain proper documentation of relevant information and data to eliminate loopholes and enhance accountability.
Dr. Odere further encouraged staff to regard the project as an opportunity for personal and professional development, emphasizing the need to adhere to international best practices. He advised management staff to develop sustainable action plans that align with project demands and organizational goals.
The Commissioner also urged team members to continuously consult project training documents for clarity on project mandates, while strengthening teamwork to accelerate implementation and results.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Edema Iron, reaffirmed her commitment to the success of the project.
"My heart is in this project. Uplifting one woman translates to uplifting a nation," she stated.
She noted that empowering women contributes significantly to reducing gender-based violence, as it lessens economic dependence and promotes self-reliance.
Hon. Edema further pledged her support for the project, stressing that women’s empowerment remains a critical tool for poverty reduction and economic growth.
She explained that
the project is domiciled in the Ministry of Women Affairs because of its direct focus on improving the lives and livelihoods of women.
Responding on behalf of the SPCU, the State Project Coordinator, Dr.
Mrs. Affiong Ugbaja, expressed appreciation to the Commissioners for Finance and Women Affairs for their unwavering support and commitment to the project.
She acknowledged some technical challenges encountered during implementation and assured stakeholders that efforts were underway to address all identified concerns.
Providing updates on project activities, Mrs. Ugbaja disclosed that over 200 women were successfully interviewed to fill the positions of ward facilitators during the recently concluded community engagement activities in Odukpani Local Government Area. She added that step-down trainings would commence upon receipt of the necessary approvals, while preparations for community entry activities in other benefiting local government areas were already in progress.
On office accommodation, she thanked the Cross River State Government and the Ministry of Women Affairs for providing a conducive workspace for the project team.
Mrs. Ugbaja reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the project and pledged to promote best practices among SPCU personnel while ensuring that project deliverables are met within stipulated timelines.
Also speaking, the Head of Operations, Mr. Williams Arikpo, commended the SPCU management team for their guidance and mentorship. He pledged, on behalf of the project team, to remain committed to the project's mandate and work diligently towards achieving its objectives.
BCC Team, Cross River NFWP-SU
