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  • Developmental Projects Should Emanate from the People, Not from Those in Power — Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan

    Developmental Projects Should Emanate from the People, Not from Those in Power — Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan

     

    Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Ambassador Kennedy Njar-Nsan, an academic and human rights advocate, has declared his intention to contest for the Cross River State House of Assembly seat for Ikom I State Constituency on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). In this interview, he speaks on his ambition, the challenges facing Ikom, governance, youth participation in politics and his vision for the constituency.

    Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

    Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan: My name is Ambassador Kennedy Njar-Nsan from Akparabong in Ikom Local Government Area. I am a university lecturer and an academic with degrees in History, International Relations and Political Science. I have taught at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and the University of Calabar. My passion has always been leadership, public service and developing people, and that passion has inspired my decision to seek elective office.

    Why are you contesting for the Cross River State House of Assembly?

    I want to represent the interests of the people of Ikom, not the interests of those in power. Despite being the commercial nerve centre of Cross River State, Ikom has suffered years of neglect. Our roads are bad, electricity is non-existent, public schools are underfunded and many communities lack basic infrastructure. I believe effective representation should focus on improving people’s lives through advocacy, legislation and proper oversight.

    What are the major challenges facing Ikom I Constituency?

    Poor infrastructure, unemployment, lack of electricity, poor road networks, lack of pipe-borne water and weak public education are among the biggest challenges. While many of these are executive responsibilities, a committed legislator can influence development through effective representation, oversight and engagement with the government.

    Have you held any public office before?

    I have not held an elective political office, but I have served in several leadership positions throughout my academic and professional career. Leadership has always been part of my life, and I believe those experiences have prepared me for public service.

    How do you assess the current representation of your constituency?

    The people will judge that. However, when you look at the level of development in Ikom today, it is obvious that much more could have been achieved. Our constituency deserves stronger representation and more effective engagement with the government.

    What would you do differently if elected?

    I will put the people first. I intend to hold regular town hall meetings so that development priorities come directly from the people. The government should respond to the needs of communities, not impose projects that do not address their challenges. Representation should be driven by the voices of the people.

    Do you think your party will be a limitation?

    Not at all. The NDC stands for policies that address poverty through investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure and support for small businesses. We believe governance should focus on solving collective goods problems rather than distributing temporary handouts during elections.

    As a young politician, what challenges have you faced?

    Funding remains the biggest challenge because politics is expensive. Another challenge is changing the culture of vote-buying, where some voters expect money or gifts before offering support. Politics should be about development, not transactions.

    How do you assess the representation of Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency?

    That decision belongs to the people of Ikom and Boki. They should evaluate whether their representative has delivered meaningful development and use their votes accordingly.

    How would you rate Governor Bassey Otu’s administration?

    The people of Cross River State will ultimately decide. I acknowledge that the administration has made progress in security, but there are other areas where citizens expect more. Democracy gives the people the opportunity to evaluate every government based on performance.

    What message do you have for young Nigerians?

    Politics affects every aspect of our lives, from education and healthcare to roads and employment. Young people must participate actively in politics and reject vote-selling. We must elect leaders based on competence, integrity and performance.

    What are your chances in the 2027 election?

    I am optimistic because I believe the people are looking for credible alternatives. If elected, I will remain accountable to the people of Ikom. I will not become a puppet or defend the government at the expense of my constituents. My commitment is to serve the people with integrity and courage.

    Finally, what is your message to the people of Ikom I ahead of 2027?

    I urge our people to vote for competence, character and vision. Hold leaders accountable and never reward poor performance. If entrusted with your mandate, I will work tirelessly to justify your confidence and ensure that the interests of Ikom I State Constituency remain my highest priority.

  • Nigeria Is Not a Poor Country. We Must Change Our Mindset BY MIKE UDAM 

    Nigeria Is Not a Poor Country. We Must Change Our Mindset BY MIKE UDAM 

     

    Nigeria is a blessed nation. God is not owing Nigeria anything. He has already blessed this country beyond measure.

    Few nations in the world possess the combination of natural and human resources that Nigeria has. We are richly endowed with crude oil, natural gas, gold, lithium, uranium, tin, columbite, iron ore, bauxite, limestone, and vast deposits of clay suitable for ceramics and manufacturing.

    Our agricultural potential is equally remarkable. We have millions of hectares of fertile land capable of producing enough maize to feed much of Africa. We have extensive rice-growing areas, abundant cassava, yam, cocoa, palm produce, and one of the largest sugarcane plantations on the African continent. The land is not our problem.

    Neither are our people.

    In virtually every profession, Nigerians continue to distinguish themselves. Our accountants, doctors, engineers, scientists, lawyers, academics, and technology experts compete with the very best in the world. Nigerians occupy important positions in leading universities, multinational companies, research institutions, and hospitals across the globe. Wherever excellence is demanded, Nigerians are often found delivering it.

    Nigeria is not a poor country.

    Our greatest challenge is not a lack of resources or talent. Our challenge is leadership and the systems that have allowed a small group of people to concentrate enormous wealth and influence in their hands. They continue to succeed because many of us have failed to understand the game being played.

    Every election season, familiar strategies are employed. Ethnicity is brought to the forefront. Religion is weaponized. Historical grievances are revived. Suspicion is stirred among ordinary citizens. While we argue among ourselves, those who benefit from our division quietly consolidate their power.

    The real tragedy is that those who suffer the most are often divided against one another. Instead of speaking with one voice for justice, accountability, and good governance, we allow ourselves to be separated by tribe, religion, and political sentiment.

    The late Chinua Achebe wisely observed that when two brothers fight over a piece of land, a stranger harvests the crop. That lesson remains painfully relevant today. While Nigerians quarrel among themselves, others continue to enjoy the benefits of our disunity.

    Let me say this clearly, and let it be on record:

    The day those beneath the table decide to stand up, those feasting at the table will realize that their comfort depended on the people underneath.

    Those who manipulate the system understand exactly how to divide us. The question is whether we will continue to allow ourselves to be divided.

    Permit me to end with a simple illustration.

    Imagine you are travelling through a lonely forest, and your car suddenly breaks down. You desperately need a mechanic. At that moment, you do not ask the mechanic which tribe he belongs to. You do not ask his religion. You ask one question:

    Can this person fix my car?

    What matters is competence. What matters is integrity. What matters is the ability to solve the problem before you.

    Nigeria is that broken car.

    At this critical moment in our history, our primary concern should not be where the person comes from. Our concern should be whether that person has the character, competence, vision, and courage to repair this nation.

    If we continue to choose leaders merely because they come from our village, our ethnic group, or our religious background, we may remain stranded on the same road for many more years.

    Nigeria has everything it needs to become one of the greatest nations on earth.

    The question is no longer whether God has blessed Nigeria.

    The question is whether Nigerians are prepared to rise above division, choose competence over sentiment, and build the nation we all deserve.

    Dr. Michael Udam serves the church of Christ meeting at Ukpagada Ogoja Nigeria.

     

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Mike Udam and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • One Killed in Alleged Attack on Cocoa Farm in Cross River

    One Killed in Alleged Attack on Cocoa Farm in Cross River

     

    A man has been killed following an alleged armed attack on a cocoa farm in Isibendeghe Community, Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    The incident, which reportedly occurred at about 1:25 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, was reported to the Boki Police Division by the owner of the farm, Madam Etta Maria Ado of Onisha Farm, Isibendeghe Community.

    According to the police report, the complainant alleged that three men, identified as Patrick Otu Debang, James Osa G., and another individual popularly known as “Pepsi,” all said to be from Boje Community in Boki LGA, stormed her cocoa farm while three workers were on duty.

    She alleged that the suspects opened fire on the workers, fatally shooting one of them, identified as Joseph Francis Friday. The complainant further claimed that the suspects had repeatedly harassed and threatened her over activities at the farm before the incident.

    Two other workers, Clinton Abang and Amobi Igwe, reportedly escaped the attack and later returned to inform the farm owner of what had happened.

    Police detectives from the Boki Division visited the scene following the report. The body of the deceased was recovered with multiple pellet wounds to the chest and abdomen, injuries said to be consistent with those inflicted by a locally made firearm.

    The remains have been deposited at a mortuary for an autopsy, while police say investigations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
    Authorities said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.

  • Woman Arrested Over Alleged Murder of Boyfriend in Akwa Ibom

    Woman Arrested Over Alleged Murder of Boyfriend in Akwa Ibom

    By Leo Umana

    The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a woman, identified as Lorretta Anoh, in connection with the alleged murder of her 36-year-old boyfriend, Chikoka Emeka Henry, at his residence in Osongama Estate, Uyo.

    According to the police, Anoh was reportedly the last person seen entering the deceased’s apartment on Tuesday before his lifeless body was discovered.

    During the investigation, detectives traced the suspect and recovered a total of N2,943,250 in cash, which police said she allegedly stole from the deceased. Authorities stated that Anoh confessed to taking the money.

    Police also revealed that before her arrest, the suspect had allegedly begun making arrangements to transfer ownership of the deceased’s black Mercedes-Benz 4Matic, bearing registration number EKY 694 GP, to herself. The vehicle was reportedly removed from the victim’s residence before it was recovered by investigators.

    A preliminary police report indicated that the deceased sustained a deep cut to the head, suggesting he may have been attacked before his death.

    The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Amengheme Andrew, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Ikot Akpan Abia, for a comprehensive investigation.

    The police commissioner also urged members of the public to exercise caution in their personal relationships and remain vigilant about the company they keep.

    Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing, and the suspect remains in police custody.

  • Police, C’River Government Appeal for Calm as Obutong Landslide Worsens

    Police, C’River Government Appeal for Calm as Obutong Landslide Worsens

    Thelumine Admin 

    The Cross River State Police Command and officials of the state government have appealed to residents of Obutong Community in Calabar Municipal Local Government Area to remain calm following the worsening landslide at Anansa Junction.

    The affected section, located between WAPI Junction and the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, has raised serious concerns among residents after the erosion, first noticed on Monday, Aug. 3, deteriorated on Tuesday, prompting calls for urgent government intervention.

    Addressing members of the affected community, the Acting Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, DCP Godwin Etim Effiong, appealed to residents to remain peaceful and cooperate with authorities as efforts to address the situation continue.

    The police chief visited the community alongside the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Pius Arikpo Edet; the Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Mensah Bassey Offiong; the Special Assistant on General Duties; and the Special Assistant on Security Surveillance.

    The delegation assured residents that the Cross River State Government is taking the necessary steps to address the landslide and prevent further damage.
    Residents were also advised to avoid the affected area for their safety while intervention measures are being put in place.

    The Cross River State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order and working with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to safeguard lives and property throughout the intervention process.

    The appeal was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday.

  • UNICAL Orders Students Admitted Irregularly into Law to Return to Original Departments

    UNICAL Orders Students Admitted Irregularly into Law to Return to Original Departments

     

    The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has begun implementing measures to correct admission irregularities in its Faculty of Law, directing affected students to return to the academic programmes through which they were originally admitted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, made the appeal during a meeting with affected Law students from the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic sessions. He was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Anthony Afam Okiwelu.

    According to the Vice-Chancellor, the exercise is part of the university’s efforts to sanitise its admission process, restore public confidence, and ensure compliance with the regulations of JAMB and the Council of Legal Education.

    Prof. Offiong said the institution had recently faced public scrutiny over admission irregularities and that the current administration was committed to addressing the anomalies to prevent future sanctions.

    He explained that students who were not originally offered admission into the Faculty of Law through JAMB could not be allowed to remain in the programme, warning that such a situation could invalidate their Law degrees and make them ineligible for admission into the Nigerian Law School if discovered by the Council of Legal Education.

    “We advise every student who transferred from the programme to which JAMB originally admitted them into Law to return to their original departments in line with the admission records,” he said.

    The Vice-Chancellor added that failure to correct the irregularities could also lead to sanctions against the university, including the suspension of admissions into the Faculty of Law, thereby affecting future applicants and damaging the institution’s reputation.

    Providing details of the situation, Prof. Offiong disclosed that of the 435 students currently in the second year of the Faculty of Law, only 221 were originally admitted into the programme through JAMB, a development he described as a clear violation of existing admission regulations.

    To ease the impact of the decision, the university has approved the transfer of school fees already paid for the 2025/2026 academic session to the 2026/2027 academic session for students returning to their original departments.

    He also stated that students who choose to discontinue their studies at the university would be eligible for refunds of their school fees upon submitting the required applications, assuring them that due process would be followed in handling all refund requests.

    Prof. Offiong urged the affected students to cooperate with the university, stressing that the corrective measures are intended to protect their academic future while preserving the integrity and accreditation of the Faculty of Law.

    He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to statutory admission guidelines as part of ongoing efforts to restore the credibility and reputation of the University of Calabar.

  • Cross River Approves ₦70bn, US$1.075bn PPP Projects to Drive Industrialisation

    Cross River Approves ₦70bn, US$1.075bn PPP Projects to Drive Industrialisation

    The Cross River State Executive Council (ExCo) has approved sixteen major Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects valued at over ₦70 billion and US$1.075 billion, marking one of the largest investment packages in the state’s history.

    The projects, which span agriculture, renewable energy, transportation, manufacturing, healthcare, infrastructure and environmental sustainability, are expected to attract significant private-sector investment, create thousands of jobs and accelerate the state’s industrialisation agenda.

    Speaking after the Executive Council meeting, Governor Bassey Otu described the approvals as a defining milestone in his administration’s efforts to reposition Cross River as a leading investment destination in Nigeria.

    According to the governor, the projects represent carefully structured partnerships designed to stimulate industrial growth, expand the state’s revenue base and improve the quality of life of residents.

    “We are deliberately building an economy that is driven by production rather than consumption,” Otu said. “Our vision is to transform Cross River into a competitive hub for agriculture, clean energy, manufacturing, logistics and the blue economy. These partnerships demonstrate growing investor confidence in the future we are building together.”

    Among the approved projects are the Kereksuk Limited Rice Value Chain Development Project in Calabar, Odukpani and Ogoja; the Valuefronteira Limited Oil Palm Development Project in Yala; a 100-megawatt Solar Power Project by Tee Pama Limited across Calabar, Ikom and Ogoja; the Calabar Fishing Port and Fisheries Development Project; and the Odukpani Dairy, Livestock and Trawler Fishing Project.

    The investment package also includes an electric vehicle manufacturing project, statewide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure, the State Transport Company PPP, the Creek Town Industrial Park, healthcare diagnostic centres, municipal waste management facilities, rehabilitation of the Adiabo Gas-Fired Power Plant, and a lithium battery assembly plant.

    Also approved was a ₦60 billion investment by Living Curation Real Estate Limited for the redevelopment of the Obudu Cattle Ranch, Utanga Lodge and Bebi Airstrip.

    Governor Otu said the projects were carefully selected for their potential to diversify the state’s economy, strengthen food security, encourage technology transfer and generate sustainable employment opportunities.

    “Our young people deserve opportunities, not promises,” he said. “Every investment approved today is designed to generate employment, stimulate enterprise and create sustainable prosperity across our communities.”

    To ensure effective implementation, the Executive Council approved a governance framework requiring Project Monitoring Committees to be established by all implementing Ministries, Departments and Agencies through the Bureau of Public-Private Partnerships. The committees will submit quarterly performance reports to the State PPP Council.

    The governor stressed that transparency and accountability would remain central to the implementation process, noting that every concession and partnership must deliver measurable public value.

    The Executive Council also authorised the Ministry of Justice to prepare, negotiate and conclude all project agreements, joint venture agreements, concession agreements and other legal instruments required for the execution of the projects.

    Governor Otu reaffirmed that all transactions would be guided by the Cross River State Public-Private Partnership Law and aligned with international best practices to ensure investor confidence and protect the public interest.

    The administration said the approvals form part of its broader economic strategy to leverage private-sector partnerships to drive sustainable development, positioning Cross River as a competitive destination for domestic and foreign investment while promoting innovation, industrialisation and inclusive economic growth.

  • UNICAL Reaffirms Compliance as NUC Begins Post-Matriculation Monitoring Exercise

    UNICAL Reaffirms Compliance as NUC Begins Post-Matriculation Monitoring Exercise

    By Admin 

    The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the standards and regulations of the National Universities Commission (NUC) as the Commission commenced its Post-Matriculation Monitoring Exercise at the institution.

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, gave the assurance while receiving members of the NUC Post-Matriculation Monitoring Team during their assessment visit to the university.

    Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Ekaette Enang, the Vice-Chancellor described the monitoring exercise as a vital mechanism for ensuring that the University of Calabar remains compliant with the NUC’s guidelines and quality assurance standards.

    He said the university places a high premium on quality assurance and remains committed to upholding best practices in academic administration, admissions, and institutional governance.

    Prof. Offiong assured the monitoring team of the university’s full cooperation throughout the exercise, stating that all relevant documents and records would be made readily available to ensure a smooth, transparent, and successful assessment.

    He also commended the National Universities Commission for its sustained efforts to strengthen quality education in Nigerian universities, noting that the post-matriculation monitoring exercise would further enhance the credibility and integrity of the country’s higher education system.

    Speaking on behalf of the monitoring team, the Chief Legal Officer of the National Universities Commission, Mr. Oriabure Iyayi, expressed appreciation to the university’s management for the warm reception and hospitality extended to the team.

    Mr. Iyayi explained that the purpose of the visit was to conduct the Commission’s Post-Matriculation Monitoring Exercise, a recently introduced initiative aimed at ensuring that universities comply with approved admission regulations and operate within their authorised carrying capacities.

    According to him, the exercise will involve an assessment of the university’s admission records, matriculation register, staff list, physical facilities, and correspondence with relevant professional bodies on admission quotas for academic programmes. He added that the team would also inspect institutional records and interact with staff and students as part of the evaluation process.

    Mr. Iyayi expressed confidence that the exercise would achieve its objectives and commended the University of Calabar’s management for its cooperation and support, describing the institution’s readiness as a positive step towards sustaining quality assurance in higher education.

  • Cross River Police Advocate Stronger Interagency Collaboration at Naval Warfare Course

    Cross River Police Advocate Stronger Interagency Collaboration at Naval Warfare Course

    By Admin 

    The Cross River State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening interagency collaboration in maritime security and disaster response with the delivery of a lecture at the ongoing Naval Warfare Course 10 at the Naval War College, Nigeria.

    The lecture, titled “Effective Interagency Collaboration for Enhanced Disaster Response in Cross River State’s Maritime Environment: The Role of the Nigeria Police Force,” was delivered on Tuesday by the Acting Commissioner of Police, DCP Etim Godwin Effanga, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, AIG Rashid B. Afegbua.

    Speaking during the session, DCP Effanga highlighted the critical role of the Nigeria Police Force in disaster preparedness and response, maritime security, intelligence sharing, community engagement, and coordinated interagency operations. He noted that effective collaboration among security agencies and emergency management organisations is essential to safeguarding lives, property, and critical national assets.

    According to the Police Command, the lecture was part of the Naval War College’s Inter-Agency Cooperation in Maritime Security Operations module, designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills for collaborative maritime security operations.

    Naval Warfare Course 10 has 34 participants drawn from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, as well as officers from Cameroon, Liberia, and Ghana, reflecting the regional importance of cooperation in addressing maritime security challenges.

    The Cross River State Police Command said it remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships that will enhance maritime security, disaster response, and public safety across the state.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, who issued the statement on Wednesday, said the Command would continue to support initiatives that promote effective collaboration among security and emergency response agencies.

  • Amb. Kennedy Nsan, Apexbase Strategy Ltd to Hold Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills and Monetization Training Programme

    Amb. Kennedy Nsan, Apexbase Strategy Ltd to Hold Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills and Monetization Training Programme

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Amb. Kennedy Nsan Support Group, in collaboration with Apexbase Strategy Ltd, has announced a two-day training programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills and monetization, aimed at equipping participants with practical knowledge of emerging AI technologies and income-generating opportunities.

    The training is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 8 August, and Sunday, 9 August, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day.

    According to the organisers, the programme is designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, practical AI tools, and strategies for leveraging AI to enhance productivity and create sustainable income opportunities in today’s digital economy.

    Interested participants are required to register by sending their full name and ward via WhatsApp to 0703 536 3179 or 0703 449 3474.

    The organisers encouraged members of the public, particularly young people, students, entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone interested in digital innovation, to take advantage of the training to acquire valuable AI skills and explore the growing opportunities within the rapidly evolving technology sector.