The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • Re-Obanliku LGC Chairman, Hon Margaret Inde Empowers Farmers With Yam, Hoes And Cutlasses

    Re-Obanliku LGC Chairman, Hon Margaret Inde Empowers Farmers With Yam, Hoes And Cutlasses

    By Ben Amawu Esq

    IN RESPONSE TO THE MISCONCEIVED NOTION/FALSEHOOD.

    Please note that Friday 27th August, 2021 was the 30th Anniversary of Obanliku LGA and the occasion was celebrated alongside the Obanliku New Yam Festival, which is one of the foremost annual cultural ceremony in the LGA.

    During the just concluded festival/celebration, several cultural & traditional rites/rituals were performed as outlined by the Traditional Ruling Council under the leadership of the Paramount Ruler in his esteem capacity as the custodian of our great culture.

    Thus, vide the fiat of the Traditional Rulers, under the leadership of the Paramount Ruler, Ten (10) persons (not just the Youths, as erroneously speculated), were nominated as representatives from the various ten wards in the LGA and authorised under the seal of His Royal Highness forthwith, to go clear & open up the farm lands with CUTLASS, till the ground with the HOE & plant YAM(s) and crops for the purpose of ensuring that during the next festival in 2022, the LGA shall accordingly enjoy bountiful harvest.

    The CUTLASS, HOE & YAM were overtly symbolic & nothing more. Before I proceed, please note that the word “Empowered” as used by the Chairman’s aid in the circumstance, connotes “giving someone authority or power to do something”. The Oxford Dictionary amply supports the said meaning. Same could not have been misconstrued outside the context.

    Clearly, the symbolic royal authority bestowed on farmers to go and make exploit in our farm lands, cannot under any guise be given any other interpretation and/or colouration as if the event was a “political empowerment” by the Local Government Council. The contrary as posted by mischief makers, cannot be correct in view of the facts and circumstances of the New Yam Ceremony/Festival of Obanliku @30. In all, few persons parading the falsehood, are merely seeking to cajole the image of the entire LGA into disrepute.

    For the records, the pictures showing the Local Government Chairman (Hon. Mrs. Margaret Inde) & Barr. Dan Iyo, were merely captured pursuant to the fact the these two, were jointlty saddled with the responsibility of distributing the items and not the other way round as misrepresented. From the background, the Paramount Ruler and other Chiefs were directly behind the aforementioned persons, having directed accordingly.

    Further note that this lone exercise, which has since been blown out of proportion, was part of other activities. In other words, it was not an event aimed at an empowering any person or any youth as ill-informed. Infact, prior to the distribution of the aforementioned items, the Royal father(s) had unveiled the new yam(s), equally, they had taken time to go round & bless the indigenes & invited guest at event.

    Suffice to bring fore the fact that one of the high point activity at the said festival was the Launching of an Education Trust Fund for the OBANLIKU CHILD EDUCATION, the Launching was done following an unveiling of the communique forwarded by the stakeholders, through Obanliku Development Association (ODA), thereby, calling the Local Government Council attention on need to promote education in area. During the Launching, Barr. Dan Iyo (aka Dan Urubulam) donated the sum of N1 Million Naira, whereas Capt. Ogogo & the Local Government Chairman (Hon. Margret Inde) in her personal capacity, equally donated the sum 500k (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) respectively, other donors include; Rt. Hon. Maurice Evey & Com. Akah Pius of the Youth Council, donated the sum 50k (Fifty Thousand Naira) each. Worthy of note, is the fact that Mr. Akpanke of the Akpanke’s Foundation also donated books the ceremony and further undertake to sponsor scholarship of 10 persons across the 10 wards for a period of 10 years. Notwithstanding this very exceptional part of the event, same was never mentioned by those seeking to blackmail the goodwill exhibited by few individuals at the event. Assuming without conceeding that, the occasion was indeed a political empowerment perse, will it not have been possible to channel the sum/resources in that regard as a means of making the purported “empowerment” loud? Your guess is good as mind. Thus, any false information to the contrary as in this case, should be condemned in its entirety.

    I say this with every sense of responsibility, that the event could not have been a political outing, thus, to creat any negative impression that the cutlass, hoe and yam was an “empowerment” with political undertone, is aptly false. Whoever is behind this sort of information is undoubtedly being economical with the truth as per the cultural ceremony held at the instance of Obanliku indigenes, irrespective political affiliation.

    Unfortunately, the crux of what is necessitating this falsehood, is the fact that, as at today, almost everything is politicised.

    Today, “certificated” illiterates or those who do not want to work/strive through the ranks, will stop at nothing just to ridicule others as source of livelihood. These persons, are professional political propagandist, often ready and willing to defame other right thinking men/women in the society, just to gather cheap popularity or in the alternative, secure a regular meal ticket. I rather will enjoin all our leaders vis-a-vis political office seekers to flee from such rascals in your own interest & goodwill, hence, they actually don’t wish you well.

    In view of the above, please jettison any misconceived notion/falsehood, seeking to deride the entire Obanliku LGA and/or the personality of the Local Government Chairman, alongside, the iconic gentleman (Barr. Dan) who is also seen in the picture(s)/story that has been escalated.

    It will interest us all to note that beyond Party Politics, Obanliku is undoubtedly, blessed with a very rich cultural/traditional heritage.

    Finally, my reaction herein, has become necessary in view of the the ultimate false information being paraded vide various social media platforms.

    #Ben Amawu, Esq.
    #FirmHouseAttorneys, Abuja
    07031846089.

  • UNICAL Awards Ayade’s Chief Of Staff, Martins Orim For His Contribution To Education

    UNICAL Awards Ayade’s Chief Of Staff, Martins Orim For His Contribution To Education

     

    The Faculty of Education of the University of Calabar on Tuesday recognized the contributions of the Chief of Staff to Governor Ben Ayade, Hon Martins Orim towards educational development.

    Alongside Orim, were the current Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Florence Obi and the immediate past provost of the Federal College of Education, Obudu, Professor James Ejue.

    The trio all passed through the faculty at different times, the Faculty’s management said.

    The faculty management maintained that these trio will be the last set of awardees from the Faculty of Education as it has been split into three new Faculties – the Faculties of Vocational and Science Education, Art and Social Science Education as well as Educational Foundation Studies.

    Reacting to the award, Mr. Orim said he did not expect the award and pledged to continue to work hard in ensuring quality education.

    Orim described the award as “the best award” he has ever received, explained that; “the University community is a very busy community and I thought that they will not have the time to know the little things we do out there in the society. But, I am surprised that the little things I do are being noticed by the University community.”

    The event also witnessed the induction of 137 graduates from the old Faculty of Education as professional teachers by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria.

    Hon. Martins Orim told the inductees to discard the believe that teachers were only associated with the classroom, and noted that, “teaching is the most noble profession in the whole world”. He reminded them that two former Presidents – Shehu Shagari and Goodluck Jonathan were teachers as well as his principal, Governor Ayade.

    On the administration’s commitment to education, he said, “as the world moves away from oil to solid minerals and agro industrialization for export, Cross River State is introducing a theme to knowledge exportation through the construction of the Teachers Continuous Training Institution in Biase Local Government Area. That institution is the brainchild of an erudite professor, a proud lecturer of a university in Nigeria who thinks we should bring our teachers to a level of international standard by constructing that institution for the continuous training of our teachers.”

  • UNICAL Medical College, Flagship Of The University, Says VC

    UNICAL Medical College, Flagship Of The University, Says VC

    By UNICAL Press Corps

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has described the Medical College as the flagship of the institution, saying that her administration will always give priority attention to the College.

    Prof. Obi stated this when a verification team of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, led by the Registrar, paid a courtesy call on her in the Vice Chancellor’s Conference room.

    The Vice Chancellor assured the verification team of her continues support for the Medical College to enable them churn-out qualified medical professionals.

    “For us, the Medical College stands out, having several alumni who have made the university and the country proud. We will always give priority to the Medical College,” she assured.

    Prof. Obi also called on the Medical Council to increase the admission quota for candidates seeking to study various courses in the Medical College.

    The Vice Chancellor who was elated over the visit of the verification team, stated that the Medical College was set for the verification exercise.

    Earlier, the Registrar of the council, Dr Tajudeen Sanusi, who spoke on behalf of the verification team, said the Council is poised to provide a conducive environment for medical practitioners to enable them perform at optimum capacity.

    “We have come with the hope of making things right without fear or favor because human health is our top most priority,” he said.

    Dr Sanusi applauded the University Management and the Provost of Medical College for the newly created Faculty of Basic Sciences, even as he solicited management’s continuous support for the Medical College.

  • Parents Of C’River State Students In UNIJOS, NACRISS World Wide Commends Gov Ben Ayade

    Parents Of C’River State Students In UNIJOS, NACRISS World Wide Commends Gov Ben Ayade

    By Admin

    The leadership of the National Association of Cross River State Students NACRISS WW, has expressed appreciation to the state governor, Sen Ben Ayade for the timely provision of buses to rescue students that were trapped in the University of Jos hostel on hostilities that recently rocked Jos the Platue capital which led to a 24 hrs curfew.

    In release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to NACRISS WW President, Comr Tobe Stephen, and made available to TheLumineNews, indicates that parents have continued to call to express their appreciation to the Governor.

    The release Reade’s in full;

    OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CROSS RIVER STATE STUDENTS, WORLDWIDE .

    Press Release

    NACRISS WW Thank the Governor of Cross River State Sen. Prof. Sir Ben Ayade KSJI Over Swift Intervention

    The president of National Association Of Cross River State Students Worldwide (NACRISS WW) Snr. Comr. Ovat Peter, the entire Students in the state and in Diaspora expressed unalloyed appreciations to the State Governor Of Cross River State, His Excellency Sen.(Prof.) Ben Ayade over his intervention in evacuating Students from University of Jos, Pleatau State owing to insecurity and hooliganism which resulted to the closure of the University Of Jos, the development that was unhealthy to Students.

    The president has also received several calls from the parents and guardians of the students, thanking the governor for his quick intervention and swift response to the dastardly situation.

    The parents of the students also acknowledged that the governor has always put the interest and welfare of Cross Riverians as top priority.

    As soon as the Governor was briefed about the situation, provisions to Bring-Back-Home students of Cross River Origin became the Governor’s utmost focus, as palatable environment was created to ensure Cross Riverians where brought home without unprepared circumstances as seen in provision of
    Vehicles,

    Heavy security,

    Disbursement for refreshments/Feeding,

    Hotel Accommodation,

    Provision of financial support for students who had traveled before the evacuation and for Cross River State Students based in Jos plateau state
    as well as other necessary provisions.

    It’s worthy to note that the Exercise was carried out by the NACRISS WW president Snr. Comr. Ovat Peter alongside the Special Assistant to the governor on student’s affairs, Comr. Abang Ogon. Also in the team was the chief of staff to the NACRISS WW Comr. Michael Effiong and the Deputy Chief press secretary to the NACRISS WW Comr. Charles Ajap jr.

    Not forgetting the leadership of NACRISS UNIJOS chapter, especially the vice president Sen. Odey,

    The NACRISS WW president who used the opportunity to thank and appreciate the Permanent Secretary to the governor on special Duties Dr. Alfred Mboto for facilitating and supervising the whole process.

    Indeed, the Governor, as always been doing, fulfilled his unchanged commitment to the oath of office during his swearing in.

    Lastly, The NACRISS WW president Snr. Comr. Ovat Peter appeals to our Digital Governor to grant the leadership of NACRISS WW Audience which is very necessary, maintaining that the leadership and students of the state are totally loyal and are in support of the Governor who is the Grand Patron(GP) of the Association.

    The entire Students in the state and indeed, NACRISS WW thank the Governor and pray God to bless him abundantly.

    Signed:
    Comr. Tobe Stephen
    Chief Press Secretary
    NACRISS WW.

  • UPDATED: C’River Civil Service Bow To NLC Picketing, Begins Refund Of N25,000 Extorted From Directors

    UPDATED: C’River Civil Service Bow To NLC Picketing, Begins Refund Of N25,000 Extorted From Directors

    By Patrick Obia In CrossRiverWatch

    Our newsroom can confirmed that, following the picketing and shutdown of the Cross River State Secretariat by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the office of Head of Service has began refunding the ₦25,000 extorted from Directors.

    Sources from the NLC disclosed this to CrossRiverWatch saying, the “HOS led by Mrs. Geraldine Akpet-Ekanem succumbed to the pressure and began refunds, calling on those who are not around to come get their money in cash.”

    NLC had swore to employ all its arsenal to ensure the ₦25,000 extorted from 275 Directors were refunded.

    Earlier today (Monday), the Nigeria Labour in Cross River State barricaded the State Secretariat, demanding refund of illegal promotion examination charges for Directors.

    The NLC with their members locked the gate restricting both human and vehicular movement in, out and within the premises.

    Placards with different inscriptions such as; “labour say no to #25,000 before exams for Directors,” “Head of Service, Geraldine Akpet-Ekanem must go,” “Ayade payroll workers employed since 2018,” “Ayade don’t kill the Civil service,” “HOS implement Civil servants promotion you inherited,” among others.

    As at press time, Police were still at the scene but the NLC remains resolute to ensure all extorted money is refunded. Even though the Government has successfully accepted it’s fault and is refunding the extorted money, the NLC has not opened the gate to the premises.

    The State NLC had issued a warning to the Government asking that no fee should be collected for the promotion examination threatening to act if not refunded.

  • ONGOING: C’River NLC Shut State Secretariat, Demands Refund Of N25,000 Extorted From Directors

    ONGOING: C’River NLC Shut State Secretariat, Demands Refund Of N25,000 Extorted From Directors

    By Patrick Obia In CrossRiverWatch

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Cross River State Council in an ongoing protest has shut down the State Secretariat, demanding refund of illegal promotion examination charges for Directors.

    The NLC with their members locked the gate restricting both human and vehicular movement in, out and within the premises.

    Placards with different inscriptions such as; “labour say no to #25,000 before exams for Directors,” “Head of Service, Geraldine Akpet-Ekanem must go,” “Ayade payroll workers employed since 2018,” “Ayade don’t kill the Civil service,” “HOS implement Civil servants promotion you inherited,” among others

    As at press time, Police has arrived the scene but the NLC remains resolute.

    Earlier, the State NLC had issued a warning to the Government asking that no fee should be collected for the promotion examination threatening to act if not refunded.

    See pictures below.

  • Pro-Chancellor Solicit For More Security Presence In UNICAL

    Pro-Chancellor Solicit For More Security Presence In UNICAL

    By UNICAL Press Corps

    The Pro-chancellor/Chairman of the 13th Governing Council of the University of Calabar, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), has solicited for more security presence in the University of Calabar.

    The Pro-chancellor made the request known when he led members of the Governing Council on a courtesy visit to the Commander of the 13th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Peter malla in his office.

    General Martin Agwai said he was aware of the support that the Brigade has offered already in terms of security but owing to their success story with the University, more support would be requested from them.

    He eulogized the role of the army in the security architecture of the nation and charged them not to relent in their effort to keep Nigeria safe and peaceful.

    In an earlier address, the Commander of the 13th Brigade, Brigadier General Peter Malla, thanked the Council and the university management team for the visit, adding that he will work closely with the leadership of the university to maintain peace and orderliness.

    Responding, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, appreciated the Commander for his prompt support so far, especially during the conduct of the just concluded final year examination.

    Highpoint of the visit was the exchange of memento between the Pro-Chancellor and the Commander of the Brigade.

  • Traditional Rulers Council Assures UNICAL Governing Council Of Cooperation And Support

    Traditional Rulers Council Assures UNICAL Governing Council Of Cooperation And Support

    UNICAL Press Corps

    His Royal Majesty, Etinyin Dr Etim Okon-Edet, Chairman of Cross River Traditional Rulers Council has assured the 13th University of Calabar Governing Council of utmost co-operation and support.

    Dr Okon-Edet, who is also the Paramount Ruler of Bakassi Local Government Area, gave the assurance when the University Governing Council led by its Chairman, Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai (rtd) paid a courtesy call on him in his residence on Wednesday in Calabar.

    The paramount ruler said he would foster a strong and symbiotic relationship with the new council that would translate to success in all ramifications.

    “The University of Calabar belongs to us, so we need to assist it grow from strength to strength and mediate where necessary to resolve lingering crisis.

    “I will work with the new governing council to ensure they deliver on their mandate,” he said.

    Okon-Edet commended the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Florence Banku Obi for her uncommon developmental strides within the eight months she assumed office as VC of the institution.

    He also acknowledged the Quality Assurance policy introduced by Obi to improve the teaching and learning standard of the university.

    He charged the council and the university management to always give priority attention to staff welfare.

    The Royal Father urged them to provide a good and enabling environment for the development of the university.

    Earlier, the council chairman said that the visit to the royal father was to seek for his fatherly advice, blessings and utmost cooperation.

    Luther-Agwai said the visit was also to get acquainted with the norms, ethnic values and customs of the land, which according to him would help the council to succeed.

    He appealed to the paramount ruler to use his good office to resolve lingering issues between the university and its host communities in the area of land encroachment.

    “The effect of insecurity and land encroachment is detrimental to the institution and the society at large; we need your help in this regard,” he said.

  • Police To Train UNICAL Security On Mental And Combat Alertness

    Police To Train UNICAL Security On Mental And Combat Alertness

    By UNICAL Press Corps

    The Cross River Police Command has assured the management of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) of organising security training on combat and mental alertness for the Institution’s security personnel on campus.

    Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Aminu Alhassan, gave the assurance in Calabar when the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of UNICAL Governing Council, Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai (Rtd) led other Council Members of the University on a courtesy call to the office of the Commissioner.

    Alhassan said that the University and the Police Command enjoys a cordial working relationship that should be sustained through peaceful co-existence.

    He told the team from UNICAL that the command will enhance operational efficiency of the police post on campus with a view to always respond to cases of emergency on time.

    “I want to assure you of the state command’s support and collaboration in maintaining a peaceful environment for both students and staff.

    “We are also going to train some of our personnel with a view to impact the needed security tips and knowledge on campus policing.

    “The University is a place for research and teaching, we will do our best to maintain our presence there always,” he assured.

    Earlier, Luther-Agwai told the CP that he was in his office on a familiarisation visit and to thank the command for their support to the university.

    He charged the Police Commissioner to organise training courses for its personnel on campus for optimal combat and mental alertness.

    “We have come here as a council to seek your continues support and collaboration in maintaining peace and orderliness in UNICAL.

    “We thank the Nigerian Police for all they have done in securing the University of Calabar community. But, we want to ask for more of their presence on campus,” he said.

    Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Florence Obi, thanked the Command for always responding to the management calls whenever there were cases of insecurity on campus.

    She assured the CP that the university would continue to partner with the police on all its activities.

  • C’River Receives Spotlight Initiative Monitoring Team Report From UN, Fed Govt, Records Huge Success

    C’River Receives Spotlight Initiative Monitoring Team Report From UN, Fed Govt, Records Huge Success

     

    Following the launch of the Spotlight Initiative on July 12th, 2019 by Cross River State Governor, Senator Prof Ben Ayade to tackle Gender Based Violence (GBV) mitigated against women and girls
    in the state, the joint mission team of the United Nations (UN) and the federal government embarked on a 3-day monitoring visit to the state from August 16th – 19th, 2021 to meet with the implementing partners and Civil Society Organizations (CSO).

    The delegation assessed level of progress and presented her joint mission report to the state government with many positive impacts. The joint monitoring team’s visit sought to enhance ownership, transparency and to achieve better results backed by evidence-based data for progress monitoring and to provide recommendations to be used in effective delivery.

    According to the Commissioner for International Development Coporation, Dr Inyang Asibong, the Spotlight Initiative is currently being implemented in three pilot LGAs in the state with high prevalence rate of GBV, which are Calabar Municipality, Calabar South and Obanliku. The key implementing partners are the government and Civil Society Reference groups with intervention focus on six mutually-reinforcing pillars which include laws and policies, institutions, prevention, services, data, and CSOs/Women’s Movement.

    Spotlight Initiative, the world’s largest human rights movement is a multi-year partnership between the European Union and United Nations targeted at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls with a particular focus on domestic and family violence, sexual violence and harmful practices, femicide, woman trafficking and economic exploitation by 2030.

    Spotlight Initiative is administered by the Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office with support from five core UN mission Agencies which include UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN-WOMEN and UNESCO along with the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning, the state Ministry of International Development Corporation, Ministry of Women Affairs and the UN Regional Coordinator’s Office.

    Some of the sites toured during the 3-day working visit are the Gender Department of the Force Police Headquarters Calabar,
    Ministry of International Development Coporation, Ministry of Women Affairs,
    Ancestral Clan in Uwanse Calabar, Ikpai Community in Big Qua Calabar, Vesicovaginal Fistula Unit of the General Hospital Calabar, FIDA Office Calabar, Ministry of Justice Calabar, Ministry of Humanities and Social Welfare Calabar, Safe Space, WAPI Secondary School Calabar, Girls Power Initiative, Agency for Adults and Non Formal Education among others.