The Lumine News

Author: News

  • CRSG Mandate Proprietors Of Private Schools To Pay N20,000 For Re-Accreditation Or Lose Their License

    By Patrick Obia, CrossRiverWatch

    The Government of Cross River has mandated operators/owners of private schools in the State to pay a fee of N20,000 for re-accreditation – N5,000 for form while N15,000 as a fee.

    The directive which was contained in a circular with reference number MOE/QAD/1779/VOL.1, signed by Elder Emmanuel Agbor, Director/HOD Quality Assurance, on behalf of the Commissioner for Quality Education and made available to our newsroom warns that those who fail to comply will lose their license to operate.

    “You are to ensure that every school picks up the registration form of payment of N5,000 only, and return the completed form through your office with a registration fee of N15,000.00) only as agreed by stakeholders,” the circular reads in part.

    A source that wouldn’t want to be mentioned in print told CrossRiverWatch that the account receiving the money is an individual account and receipts are not issued after payment is made.

    Our newsroom was reliably informed that a re-accreditation exercise was carried out two years ago and N15,000 was charged per school.

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom Takes Campaign To Bishiri South, Bendi 1 And Bendi 2 Wards, Receives Blessings From Royal Fathers

     

    The PDP, Cross River North Senatorial District campaign trail, today hit Bishiri South, Bendi 1 and Bendi 2 Wards of Obanliku LGA and were greeted by mammoth crowds at each venue.

    In Bishiri South, the candidates received Royal blessings from HRH Gabriel Odey, Clan Head Amuna Clan Otuhu and all the chiefs present.

    Persons with disabilities were also included in the political process. A sign language interpreter was available to communicate the messages to the hearing-impaired.

    Attesting that most of the youth in the community are engaged through Sen. Jarigbe’s empowerment projects. The people of Bishiri South declared, “We will vote all PDP candidates because of Sen. Jarigbe who we consider the Governor of Cross River North and our votes will be a vote of ‘Thank you’ and appreciation for all he has done because the power of appreciation translates to more miracles and good works for our people.”

    HRH Chief Augustine Azikele, Clan Head of Bendi Ward, was happy to receive the son of the soil, Ambassador Akpanke Peter and his Team into the political ward of Ambassador Peter Akpanke.

    Sen. Jarigbe Agom reminded the people of his relationship with the ward when he said, “I am a friend of Bendi. I was part of Sen. Musa Adede’s journey through thick and thin. We worked tirelessly for his victory during his active days in politics.”

    The people of Bendi 1 claimed deep ownership and identification with the PDP, acknowledging that their prayers have been answered. They pledged to support Sen. Jarigbe, their sons Ambassador Akpanke and Chief Pius Ashiaka, and all other candidates in the team.

    In Bendi Ward 2, the team was warmly greeted by HRH Afu A. Afu, Clan head of Bendi South, who led the other chiefs in blessing the candidates and praying for their success.

    In attendance were: the PDP Senatorial Candidate of the Northern District, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, the state party chairman, Barr. Vena Ikem; the state assembly candidates, Chief Pius Ashiaka (Obanliku) and Mr John Ukwu (Obudu); DG Jarigbe Campaign Organization, Dr DC Enamhe; Barr Godwin Offiono Ogoja/Yala federal constituency; Ambassador Peter Akpanke, Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwara federal constituency; Barr Omang Charles Omang, Bekwara state constituency; Hon Rita Agbo Ayim, Ogoja state constituency; Dr Paul Ebiala Esq, Yala 1 state constituency and Dr Achadu Martins, Yala 2 state constituency.

  • UNICAL Disowns Fake Recruitment Advertisement Trending On Social Media

    ” UNICAL NOT RECRUITING”

    The University of Calabar has reacted to a ‘fake’ recruitment advertisement trending in the social media.

    The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Effiong.B. Eyo, in a statement on Monday warned members of the public to shun the advertisement as it did not emanate from the University.

    According to the statement, members of the public should be wary of the antics of fraudsters who are bent on deceiving them with the promise of offering them jobs in Unical.

    The Statement reads thus: ” the institution wishes to categorically state that it is currently not conducting any recruitment exercise.

    ” Should the institution decide to engage more hands, the Public will be notified through appropriate, recognized and official channels of communication”

    Signed:
    EFFIONG. B. EYO
    PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER UNICAL

  • NUT Cross River State Chapter Endorses Sen Jarigbe Agom, Regrets Past Support For Governor Ayade

    The Cross River State Chapter of the Nigerian Union Of Teachers (NUT), has endorsed Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    The announcement was made while the Senator hosted the leadership of the Union led by the State Chairman, Comrade Gregory Olayi and the Union’s leadership in Cross River North, who paid him a courtesy visit at his Ogoja residence earlier today.

    Comrade Gregory Olayi, appreciated the lawmaker for welcoming them. He thanked him for his numerous interventions and contributions in the Education sector as a legislator and further pleaded that, Teachers should be considered by the Senator in his programs.

    He lamented the poor treatment meted on them by the Governor Ben Ayade led APC Government.

    According to him, “in the past seven (7) years, no promotion, gratuity and other incentives have been paid to any teacher in Cross River State, rather, the State Government deducts dues from teachers without remittance to the Union’s treasury”.

    Receiving the leadership of the Union, Senator Jarigbe said he is a son of two teachers, as his parents were both teachers. He reiterated his immeasurable love for the profession, having come from a teaching background.

    He assured them of his willingness to work closely with them going forward and promised a Brand New Vehicle for the Union, which he said will be delivered before the New Year and further empowered the 25 Zonal and the State Excos from the North, with One Motorcycle each.

    Also in attendance was the PDP candidate for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency, Chief Peter Akpanke, Mr Joe Ulom, amongst others.

     

    TEAM JARI MEDIA.

  • UNICAL Begins Academic Activities After ASUU Strike

     

    The University of Calabar has commenced academic activities for fresh and old students of the institution.

    A check by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) within the campus indicates that fresh students were already visiting some offices for their registration.

    Also, some final year students of the institution were busy doing their final clearance at different points on campus.

    A further check by NAN also indicated that most of the lecturers had visited their offices and getting set for academic activities.

    Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Florence Obi, told NAN in an interview that she was happy to welcome Lecturers and students back on campus.

    Prof. Obi said that the senate of the university had resolved that no student will be victimized as a result of the strike by any lecturer.

    She said that with the resumption of academic activities today, the university was set for serious activities with the students with a view to catch up with the lost period of eight months.

    “During the period of the strike, we were busy on campus with our drive for infrastructural development and building of new classrooms blocks and hostels in preparation for resumption.

    “We had classrooms that were dilapidated, so we used the period of the strike to fix the desks and also completed the pavilion 1, 2 and 3, courtesy of Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

    “Today, we also have beautiful road network on campus and we got that through the intervention of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

    “During the strike, we also ran a workshop where we hosted lecturers from the Association of African Universities. In all, we were able to use the period the strike to achieve many things.

    “We just had our first mass this morning were we dedicated the resumption of activities to God,” she said.

    The VC, who used the occasion to welcome lecturers, staff and students of the institution back on campus, urged the students to be focus and dedicated to their studies.

    A final year student of the university, Ms. Jennifer Obono, told NAN on campus that she was happy to be back to school after the eight months strike.

    Obono, a final year students of Faculty of Agriculture, said she was pursuing her final clearance in preparation for graduation.

    Another student, James Okon, told NAN that the period of the strike was so devastating, adding that he was happy to be back to school were he can be engaged meaningfully.

    Okon commended the management of the institution for the building of new classroom blocks, road network and hostels, adding that the university has become more conducive for teaching and learning.

  • Prioritising Second Chance Education (SCE) Teachers: A Panacea For Ending Gender Based Violence (GBV) BY KEBE IKPI

     

    5th of October every year is marked as World Teachers’ Day (WTD). WTD marks the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO recommendation concerning the status of teachers. UNESCO adopted October 5th as WTD in 1994. Prior to this time, 5th September was celebrated in India as National Teachers’ Day. The students of the second Indian President, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, had approached him to inform him of their plans to celebrate his birthday (5th September), instead, he requested that the date be celebrated as National Teachers Day in India. WTD is an opportunity to celebrate teachers for their contribution and commitment to nation-building in general and the impact they have on their learners in particular.

    This year, the theme of the celebration is “Transformation of education begins with the teachers”. This theme calls attention to the important role that teachers play in educational transformation which in turn transforms individual and society at large. The future of any nation can be mirrored through its education (and their teachers). Communities that have poor educational facilities, low and discriminatory (enrolling more boys than girls) enrolment into school have turned out to be low on the human development index. This is why we must take the welfare of teachers seriously. Education and human development are Siemens twins; one cannot be achieved without the other. As important as education is, more important is the teacher, through whom lessons are delivered. According to this year’s theme, the “transformation” of the teacher is at the centre of educational transformation. This is the case of building the capacity of teachers so they can deliver quality lessons. This is were Second Chance Education (SCE) Teachers also called Facilitators come in.

    There is currently a global drive to end Gender Based Violence (GBV) against Women and Girls under the Spotlight Initiative. This initiate is a partnership between The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN). In Cross River State, UNESCO, one of the UN agencies implementing Spotlight, is supporting Second Chance Education through Education Today for Sustainable Development Initiative (ETSDI). ETSDI, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has a mandate to reach 2,000 marginalised women and girls in Obubra and Obanliku Local Government Areas of Cross River State. This intervention is aimed at empowering women and girls from hard-to-reach communities, who did not have an opportunity to go to school or dropped out as a result of all types of GBV. As commendable as this initiative is, it is time bound and has limited resources for implementation. Hence, the need for government to factor in SCE facilitators when planning for the 2023 budget.

    What ETSDI is doing with the support of UNESCO is not enough. Government can replicate and expand on this by studying the NGO’s model of intervention. The NGO in partnership with the Agency for Adult and Non-final Education (AANE), and Ministry of Women Affairs (MOWA) recently trained 40 Facilitators to support SCE and 10 Vocational Skills Facilitators to train women and girls in different skills. The SCE Facilitators should be co-opted into the administration, given more training and paid Montoya stipen to continue offering this service to our remote communities after the six months period that ETSDI’s intervention will last.

    Partners on the Spotlight Initiative programme have a consensus that if Goal 5 (Gender Equality) is met, all other goals would have been met. One of the ways to get this done is through exposing women and girls to their rights, what constitutes GBV, helping them build life skills, giving them livelihood support and empowering them to manage their finances. All of these and more happens through the SCE. Facilitators (teachers) will be driving this process. My appeal is for Government to commit to sustaining this very important non-formal education when ETSDI’s intervention ends in six (6) months. If we must meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we must take teachers serious especially, Second Chance Education Teachers.

    Kebe Ikpi Writes from Calabar
    Please follow Kebe on Twitter: @KebeIkpi

  • Becheve, Utanga And Bebi Wards Stands Still As PDP Commences Campaign Tour In C’River North

     

    The People of Becheve, Utanga and Bebi wards of Obanliku LGA, today trooped out in their thousands to receive Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), in Cross River North as the Party commenced its Campaigns ahead of the 2023 General Elections.

    The campaign trail which was led by Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District and Senatorial Candidate of the party, commenced with a visit to the Royal Fathers. HRH Iyang of Ugbakoko Community, HRH Francis Owashi of Belegete Community, amongst others received the guests and gave their Royal blessings to their political ambition after which they outlined the challenges of the community. They also thanked Sen. Jarigbe for remembering various communities in the ward during his short stay in the Senate.

    While addressing the teeming supporters at the various wards, Amb. Peter Akpanke, the Party’s candidate for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency, thanked the people for turning out in support of the party within such short notice. He also promised to bring back the lost glory of Obanliku and attract more dividends of Democracy to the Ward in a bid to compliment the efforts of Sen. Jarigbe.

    Sen. Jarigbe in his remarks, reiterated his commitment to service to humanity. The lawmaker, stated that the party was only interested in developing the Senatorial District unlike the APC that has underdeveloped the district, using Food as a tool to enslave the people.

    Barr. Vena Ikem, State Chairman of PDP, the State Assembly Candidate, Chief Pius Ashakia, DG Jarigbe Campaign Organization, Dr. Doncklaimz Enamhe, Hon. Dr Benjamin Ambe, Former Chairman of Obanliku LGA, amongst others took turns to address the party faithfuls who also pledged their loyalty and support to the party and its candidates.

    The royal fathers of Utanga, led by Clan head of Baga community, HRH. Alfred Anyam Ande, HRH Suhumba Joseph of Utanga clan and those of Bebi ward led by HRH Chief Francis Atung, Clan Head of Bebi East and members of the Council of Chiefs, Catechist Peter Adagwu, Chairman Bebi Traditional Council, amongst others.

    Some dignitaries who were in attendance include, Barr. Godwin Offiono, candidate for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Chief Hon. Rita Agbo Ayim, Candidate for Ogoja State Constituency, Dr Paul Ebiala Esq, Candidate for Yala 1 State Constituency, Dr Martins Achadu, Candidate for Yala 2 state Constituency, Barr. Omang Charles Omang, Candidate for Bekwarra State Constituency, Mr. John Ukwu, Candidate for Obudu State Constituency

    Others include, Hon. Mike Usibe, Mr. Egar Mgbantul, Mr. Joe Ulom, Dr Raphael Ogar Oko, members of PDP State Executive Council from the North, PDP ward and Chapter Excos, amongst others.

  • PHCN’s Broken Poles Endangers Lives In Ugep Yakurrr Local Government Area Of CRS

    By Ojeka Odey Xevia

    I will like to alert the Power Holding Company of Nigeria PLC, PHCN Yakurr District that the fallen or almost fallen electricity poles in the pictures below are endangering the lives of the people of Biko Biko Council ward Ugep of Yakurr Local Government Area.

    If not quickly and safety removed ,the lives of people in the area is at great risk because the poles are close to the ground.

    Speaking with one of the members of the Biko Biko community,he said that” it is up to one month and some weeks the electricity poles fell on our houses along Ediba junction Biko Biko Council ward of Ugep Yakurr Local Government Area . 6 poles fell on people’s houses and they are running away from their houses because they know what electricity is”.

    “And the Authority have not done anything to help the affected houses ,” he added.

    The entire community of Biko Biko has been in a power blackout since then because of these fallen electricity poles.

    Electricity is an important factor of production that human existence greatly depends on. The absence of this, brings about total shut down of not just business activities but also social-economic growth and development.

  • I Am Contesting Election With A Non Performing Governor, Our Scorecards Are There For The People To Decide – Senator Jarigbe

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has taken a swipe at the Governor Ben Ayade Administration in the state saying he has failed his people.

    Agom posited that he is running election with a non performing governor, and assured that he is very confident of winning the election as their scorecards are very glaring and visible for the electorates to chose who will represent them.

    Senator Jarigbe disclosed this in Ogoja, the headquarters of Cross River Northern Senatorial District, during a one million solidarity walk in support of his reelection organized by a bipartisan support organization.

    The incumbent PDP senator representing Cross River North who will square up against the state governor Professor Ben Ayade in next year’s senatorial elections, advised his supporters to vote all PDP candidates because it will be better for them.

    “The Ben Ayade Administration in the state is a failed government. He has failed his people and he is too greedy.

    “I am going to face a non performing governor and I will defeat him”, he said.

    He added that he has demonstrated empathy for his people by putting myself in their shoes and their support for him is un-paralled, as it is evident in the crowd that came out to restate their unflinching support to his reelection.

    He advised his supporters to stand firm with the PDP and all its candidates.

    Sen Jarigbe averred that he he owe his people a lot due to their unprecedented support “I treat my people with empathy, I put myself in their shoes and their support for me is actually unparalled, I owe them a lot.
    I’ve provided most of what the people need and have filled the gaps.

    “Return all the PDP candidates and it will be better for all of us”.

    Also speaking, Godwin Offiono, the PDP candidate for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency said the one million man solidarity walk is a success and demonstrates Senator Jarigbe’s acceptance.

    He described Senator Jarigbe as the “Governor -General of Cross River North who has done exceedingly well.

    “This is a clear demonstration of Senator Jarigbe’s acceptance. The Governor general of the north has performed exceedingly well.

    “This is an expression of solidarity, love and acceptance the people of Cross River North have for senator Jarigbe” he said.

    On his part, the candidate for the People’s Democratic Party PDP, for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku, Chief Peter Akpanke discribed Sen Jarigbe Agom is a man sent to liberate the plight of Northern Cross River. “Sen Jarigbe Agom has come to liberate Northern Cross River State, it is only natural that we come out to support his reelection. As candidate of my party, the PDP, I will replicate his footprint in my constitituency when elected.

    The State Chairman of the PDP, Mr Vena Ikem Esq, maintained that “last year we lost our senator and we were looking for who to replace her. We saw a man who had done so well for the people of Ogoja/Yala federal constitituency, and we decided to support to represent us as senator, in just one year, he has done exceedingly great things that our previous senators could not do in eight or four years. The reward for good work is more work. That is why we have come here to join the non political groups who have organized this walk in solidarity with our senator.

    The Director General of the Caterpillar Movement, the major political group fronting the ambition of Sen Sandy Onor to rescue Cross River State, Chief Joe Obi Bisong, commended the resilience of the people of norther Cross River State and assured that the era of failed promises and projects will soon be over as Sandy Onor takes over the leadership of the state comes next year.

    Other stakeholders who lent their support for the reelection of Senator Jarigbe includes, Major Mike Otiwa, Ujie Udah, Idi Yakubu, Martin Achadu, Omang Omang, Rita Agbor Anyim and many others.

  • Nyesom Wike, CRS PDP And The Trepidation Of The APC BY DOMINIC KIDZU

     

    Two of the greatest assets in politics today in Nigeria are incumbency and money, and not even the traditional hypocrites can downright deny this. Maybe that is why the APC in Cross River state are still convinced that they can still win elections in spite of their thoroughly blemished record and tainted standard bearers. After all, they must have conspired amongst themselves, where will the PDP find their mojo, being out of power and switched off from the public cash pipe.

    Do you wonder then why the members of the APC yesterday turned the social media into a burial compound where weeping and knashing of teeth knew no bounds just because a bossom friend of the PDP in Cross River pledged to assist the party in the coming days? Even jaded people who have recently lost their reputation, respect and recognition in the eyes of the public found their voices to weep and lament about the so-called impending colonisation of the state.

    Throughout the history of Cross River state no elected Governor has completely funded their elections on their own steam and all the details are well known by the wailing wailers. I am therefore not going to repeat them all here. The making of a Governor has always been a stakeholders affair. Stakeholders fundamentally are either compatriots, friends, party members or business associates. The elections of 2023 will not be different either, be it in Cross River or other states around the country.

    Unfortunately, of all the shameless posturings in the social media, Okoi Obono Obla’s blasphemy was the one that took the cake, icing and all. If the Bankers Committee did not seize CRS from Clement Isong, Lagos funders from Clement Ebri, Dangote from Donald Duke, Obasanjo from Liyel Imoke, and Liyel Imoke and a well known Niger Delta Warlord from Ben Ayade, is it Nyesom Wike that will colonise CRS? In fact at some point during the governorship of Senator Liyel Imoke, Akwa Ibom state was giving CRS N300,000,000 monthly on the sly to help cushion the effects of the loss of 76 oil wells, and Godswill Akpabio still did not colonise the state.

    The real fear this time for APC apologists is that the PDP might very well find money to finance its elections despite their expectations to the contrary. Their own Governorship candidate is chained to the floor by lack of cash, in spite of their grandstanding, and has only been able to go round the state once since he became the candidate. Let his sponsors open the storehouse and give him money, so that he can increase his endeavour and put himself abou,t like the candidate of the PDP. Governorship elections no be beans! Good soup na money make am.

    The same shameless APC vuvuzela – boys that trumpet their presidential candidate for being a regional political czar by planting state governors all around the Western region are the same people criticizing Governor Nyesom Wike, the Lion of the South – South, for giving a helping hand to members of his party in our completely destroyed state. No be juju be dat? Wike has vowed not to forsake his friend, Senator Sandy Onor, the Irunando of CRS, in his time of need and that promise shall surely be fulfilled. To commit suicide in advance is perhaps the only option left for thoroughly scared naysayers.

    Cross River State as a political and economic entity is already under the complete colonisation of you – know – who, and Okoi Obono Obla cannot talk about that because he is observing table manners. He prefers going to Afghanistan to hide away from the incinerating reality of failure and miasma into which his party has dragged our once beautiful and alluring state. Trying to run away from his long shadow which continues to follow him around all day long. Soon, Senator Sandy will win the Governorship and the crow will swoop down from it’s perch in search of meat, just like it happened not so long ago.