The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • Cross River APC Ward Congresses Marred With Irregularities – Odey Oyama In A Petition

    Cross River APC Ward Congresses Marred With Irregularities – Odey Oyama In A Petition

    By Sylvia Felix And Abuh Rachael, In CrossRiverWatch

    The recently concluded APC ward congresses in Cross River State has been said to be “seriously marred with widespread irregularities, malpractices, corruption and blatant disregard for the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    Mr. Odey Oyama in a complaint to the APC Ward Congress Appeals Committee said, the outcome of the exercise carried out in the 196 political wards in the State, July 10, 2021 and July 31, 2021 is fake.

    According to him, “To prevent a multiplicity of Court actions provoked by this unwholesome outcome, it has become pertinent to recommend the nullification of the fake results/lists of Ward Executive Committees that were presented to the Governor and the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), in respect of the said events. This conclusion constitute the principal focus of this complaint based on the following principal grounds.”

    See petition where Mr. Oyama said he petitioned because of the blatant abuse of the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the party below.

  • Insecurity: C’River Gov’t To Establish Naval Base At UNICAL

    Insecurity: C’River Gov’t To Establish Naval Base At UNICAL

    1. The Cross River Government has disclosed plans to establish a Naval base in partnership with the Nigerian Navy at the riverine area of the University of Calabar.

    The state governor, Prof Ben Ayade disclosed this on Monday in Calabar when the Chairman and Pro Chancellor of the University of Calabar Governing Council, Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai (rtd), led the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi and other members of the Council on a visit to his office.

    The Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Esu, who stood in for the Governor informed the Chairman and other Council members that the decision to establish the base was reached during the state security meeting.

    He said that it was important to establish the base so as to curb insecurity around the riverine area of the university and beyond.

    Esu, who is a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, said that the state government places premium on the management, welfare and running of the university.

    “I am glad to receive this great team today because we are all partners in the growth and development of UNICAL.

    “On the issue of insecurity, I want to inform you that we have agreed in our last security meeting that we establish a naval base at the riverine area of the university to stem cases of insecurity on campus.

    “Most of the bad boys were using the riverside to strike into the university community. We are passionate about UNICAL; we will do our best to ensure the security of students and staff.

    “For me as a person, I’m very concerned because I was a Vice Chancellor of the prestigious University of Calabar,” he said.

    He assured the team of the state government‘s support for all their activities that would move the university forward.

    Earlier, the Chairman appealed to the state government to also look into the issue of land encroachment by some individuals and host communities.

    He said that they needed the support of all stakeholders in the state with a view to positioning the university as one of the best in the country and around the globe.

    The Chairman of the University’s Governing Council called on other members to support them in their bid to reposition the university for the benefit of all.

  • FCE Obudu Holds 38th Matriculation Ceremony, Administered Oath To 1,110 Students

    FCE Obudu Holds 38th Matriculation Ceremony, Administered Oath To 1,110 Students

    The Federal College of Education, Obudu held her 38th NCE matriculation ceremony for 1,110 fresh students that took the matriculation oath for the 2020/2021 Academic session.

    While welcoming both the students and their parents, guardians that graced the occasion in their numbers, the Acting Provost, Alhaji Ladan Chado noted the delay in the conduct of the exercise for the academic session. He attributed the delay to the long period of lockdown caused by the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic which led to the shutdown of the College between March and October, 2020.

    Chado noted that this prolonged closure affected the academic programmes of the institution. However, he said the lecturers and Staff showed uncommon resilience and perseverance in the performance of their duties by embarking on what he referred to as “crash” arrangements to successfully navigate the past session and be able to hold this matriculation ceremony in their honour.

    Addressing the new Students, Alhaji Ladan Chado said the 2020/2021 set of students are unique in the sense that it is during their time that the College is gradually restoring back the distorted academic calendar. He therefore demanded that the students must play commensurate role to move the College forward by working hard for their individual successes. He advised them to take up the gauntlet and ensure that they try to overcome those distractions that may prevent them from achieving their goal in the College.

    To achieve their objectives in the College, the Provost further advised the students to focus more on their studies. He equally enumerated a number of unacceptable practises and conducts that the students should not be involved. These include examination malpractices, cultism, stealing, sexual immorality, inability to abide by established approved dress codes among others.

    The Chief executive of the College reiterated on behalf of the Governing Council, the commitment of the Management towards the creation of an enabling and conducive environment for effective teaching and learning. He therefore mentioned a number of projects that has been attracted, completed and handed over to the Management for the use of both staff and students. They are the Technical Education Department Building at the Bebi Campus, Technical Education Workshop also at the Bebi campus, School of Early Childhood Care Education Building, School of Adult, Non-formal and Special Education Building, Science Complex and the College Pavilion.
    He also explained that both the Theatre Arts Auditorium and the 250 capacity lecture Theatre that was abandoned over the years would soon be completed and handed over as well.

    In the same vein, the Acting provost informed the distinguished audience that the ground breaking ceremony for both the School of Languages Building and the New Library Complex at the Bebi Campus had taken place and the projects would soon be compiled. He paid glowing tribute to the Federal Government of Nigeria under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari for sponsoring these projects through Tetfund.

    Alhaji Ladan Chado explained that the present administration has evolved a workable arrangement that would ensure that certificates are issued to deserving students at the end of their studies. As a matter of fact, he announced that even the certificates for gradaunds up till 2020 are now ready and awaiting collection by the successful students.

    The Acting Provost conveyed the goodwill of the Chairman of the 7th Governing Council of the College, Professor Taoheed Adedoja who expressed great commitment and enthusiasm towards moving the College forward.

  • Twenty And Counting : Celebrating Jedy-Agba’s Two Years Of Excellence As Minister

    Twenty And Counting : Celebrating Jedy-Agba’s Two Years Of Excellence As Minister

    By Inyali Peter

    Addressing Nigeria’s epileptic power supply was one of the cardinal campaign promises of President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, (APC), during the 2015 and 2019 electioneering processes.

    Past administrations had expended so much resources in the power sector but with little results. Despite the county’s existing power plants having the potential to generate up to 12,522 megawatts of electricity, the highest the highest it has attained was the 5,552.8MW announced on the 6th of January, 2021 by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

    Besides, the country’s overdependent on thermal and hydro power sources that other countries are walking away from is a major part of the issues facing the power sector. The decision of the Buhari’s administration to invest massively in renewable energy development is not however, unconnected to this.

    During his first tenure, the President merged the Ministry of Power with that of Works and Housing. But in his second term, he decided to unbundle the Ministries, with the Ministry of Power assuming a pivotal role in the process of driving the nation’s economy in line with the administration’s diversification agenda.

    To underscore the importance his administration attached to solving Nigeria’s power problem, the President deployed two Ministers; Engr. Saleh Mamman as Honourable Minister of Power, and Dr. Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, as Honourable Minister of State, Power.

    For effective and efficient service delivery and harmonious working relationship, the President, through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha shared responsibilities in the power Ministry between the two Ministers, with each having equal and independent supervisory role over agencies under them.

    While Engr. Mamman was asked to suprivise the activities of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO), Dr. Agba on the other hand, was saddled with the responsibility of executing his mandatory work as Minister through the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN).

    Two years down the line, the two Ministers have left no stone unturned in ensuring improved electricity supply in Nigeria. For instance, the Minister of State alone has supervised the completion of twenty (20) major projects within this period, all geared towards solving the shortage of electricity supply in the country.

    These projects are spread across the six geopolitical zones of the country. There’s no single geopolitical zone in Nigeria today that Jedy-Agba has not completed, commissioned and handed over economically viable electricity projects to benefitting communities and institutions.

    In NAPTIN, for example, he has ensured drastic reformation in the agency which has enhanced its capacity to train more Nigerians in different electricity value chain including generation, transmission, installation and maintenance of electricity infrastructure. More than five thousand (5,000) young Nigerians have been trained, equipped and empowerred since he assumed office.

    Similarly, for NEMSA, the agency responsible for maintaining technical standards in the power sector , he has supervised the completion of its state-of-the-art Meter Testing Station. The ultramodern facility is the first ever building started and completed by the agency since its establishment eight years ago.

    Located in Enugu State to cover the entire Southern Nigeria, the station amongst other things, is handling all metering services in the region as well as testing and certification of energy meters. Plans are on ground to build similar facility in Northern Nigeria to reduce the amount of money expended in rent in some of its rented facilities.

    Nevertheless, where the Minister has shone the most is in the Rural Electrification Agency. To his credit, the agency has completed and commissioned not fewer than nineteen (19) major projects since he assumed office. Several other projects have been completed and awaiting commissioning while some are at different stages of completion.

    These projects include, 100KWP Isolated hybrid mini-grid at Eka-Awoke community in Ikwo local government, Ebonyi State, 8.25MW Solar hybrid mini-grid at Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, two 7.5KWP Mini-grid at Nnewi and a 1.12MW Solar mini-grid at Abubakar Tafewa Balewa University, Bauchi.

    Others are, 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Adebayo Community, Ovia South local government, Edo State, 1.35MW at Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, 60KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Obudu Ranch Resort in Obanliku Local government area of Cross River State, 60KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Okangha-Mpkansi community in Ikom local government area of Cross River State, Grid Extension project in Malumfashi local government, Katsina, and 30KWP solar mini-grid at Bambami also in Katsina.

    The REA under his supervision has also completed Grid Extension Electrification Project in Ifesowapo in Ajilola, Ede South local government, Osun state, 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Olooji community in Ijebu East, Ogun State, 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Budo-are community, Ifesiwaju local government, Oyo State, provision of 65KWP solar hybrid mini-grid system in 250 bed cottages hospital in Ukpogo community in Okene local government, Kogi State.

    Under his watch, the agency has also completed a 334KWP isolated PV solar hybrid mini-grid in Shimankar Community in Shendam local government area in Plateau State, provided and installed 5.4KPW solar hybrid mini-grid at Adavi-Eba, Adayi local government, Kogi State, 40KW solar mini-grid at Goto Sarki community in Paikoro local government, Niger State, 85KW isolated solar mini-grid at Dakitti community in Akko local government area of Gombe State as well as provision of 30KW solar mini-grid at Mbela Town, Yulde, Gubudo, Mayo Belwa in Adamawa State.

    There are also several other solar power streets lights projects across the country that have been completed under his watch in the past two years that are not included in this list.

    Indeed, when President Buhari assured the United Nations General Assembly during its 74th session held in New York on September 24, 2019 that Nigeria is working to have at least 30 per cent of its total electricity supply from renewable sources by 2030, he knew he had a capable hand in Jedy-Agba to steer the country’s renewable energy revolution.

    Nigeria may not have completely overcome the challenge of inadequate power supply, but with the guts, passion, commitment shown, as evidenced in the achievements of Jedy-Agba as Minister and the overall performance of the Buhari’s government in the power sector, the country is undoubtedly moving stoutly in the right path.

  • Goddy Jedy-Agba At 63: The Man, The Technocrat And The Performing Minister/Politician

    Goddy Jedy-Agba At 63: The Man, The Technocrat And The Performing Minister/Politician

    By Kinsley Agim

    For a lot of young people, Goddy Jeddy-Agba was the man with a nice set of dentition and son of, arguably, the longest-serving monarch in Africa, who abandoned his sterling career and glorious office in 2013 at the rank of Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division of the NNPC to pursue a gubernatorial ambition, whenever his name seemed to be mentioned in public. However, there is more to Goddy Jeddy-Agba as a person – a lot more than meets the eye. For his sixty-third birthday, we take a brief look at his life through a few lenses that apply to him.
    The Man
    Goddy, the first child was born into a royal family in Obudu on 20th August, 1958 by Uti J.D. Agba, the paramount ruler of Obudu, Cross River State. After scaling through primary and secondary education, he bagged his first degree in International Studies from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State in 1983. His burning desire for scholarship led him to University of Lagos, Akoka for his master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy in 1989.
    His massive contributions to nationhood and nation building prompted the then President Goodluck Jonathan on September 2012 to honour him as an Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). His autobiography, “Stepping Forward with Uti J.D. Agba,” in November 2017, reflected on the influence of his father on his life from childhood.
    The Technocrat
    Goddy Jedy-Agba’s humble beginnings started at the Federal civil service in September 1984 as an Assistant Secretary II. He was posted as a senior assistant secretary to the Federal Development Authority (FDA) in Lagos on October 1985. In the same office, he was promoted to the post of Deputy Liaison officer in 1987. He became the Personal Assistant to the Minister of Special Duties under the presidency, state house-Lagos. Through dint of hard work and commitment to duty, in 1989, Jedy-Agba was selected as personal assistant to the minister of Special Duties under the Presidency; he was moved to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Personal Assistant to the Minister of State on Foreign Affairs in December 1990. He was on this position till 1993 when he became the Personal Assistant to the Secretary of the State till 1995 when he joined Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). At NNPC, he rose to become the Head Market Research, Crude Oil Marketing Department and later became the Head Gas/Gas Liquids/Condensate Sales, Crude Oil Marketing Department in 2014, a position he held until he left NNPC to join politics in his state.
    The Performing Minister
    Undaunted by the his unsuccessful quest for the governorship seat in 2015, being a man who lives out my life as Providence decrees, he was nominated for ministerial position by President Muhammadu Buhari in July, and later assigned the portfolio of Minister of State, Power on 21 August 2019. And not forgetting the thundering ovation that greeted his performance during the nominees’ screening in the hallowed chambers of the Nigerian senate.
    Immediately after his inauguration, Jedy-Agba hit the strides with the exuberance of a youthful teenager. He got to work. And barely two years on the saddle as Minister of State for Power, through giant strides and eloquence testimonies, the Utugwuan-born politician has endeared himself to the politically-conscious Nigerians as a darling of the nation, having orchestrated the successful completion of impactful projects in all geo-political zones of Nigeria.
    To buttress my above point, may I outline some of Jedy-Agba’s achievements according to geo-political zones:

    NORTH CENTRAL ZONE
    Installation of 8.25MW Solar Hybrid Project at Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State; 80KWp Solar Mini grid at Upake Village, Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State; Supply and installation of 1,135 Units of 40W Solar Hybrid Station in Mbaka-ange Village, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State; Supply and Installation of 1000 Units of 15W Solar hybrid station in Alu-Mamagi and Nuku villages in Abaji Local Government Area in FCT Abuja; and Installation of 157KW Capacity Solar Hybrid Mini-grid Power Plant in Rokoto village in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

    NORTH WEST ZONE
    Installation of 90KWp Solar Mini grid at _Kare and Dadin Kowa Villages in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State; and Installation of 30KWp Solar Hybrid at Bambami Village in Batagorawa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    NORTH EAST ZONE
    Installation of 85KWp solar mini-grid at Dakito Community in Paikoro Local Government Area in Gombe State.

    SOUTH-EAST ZONE
    100KW Mini grid Solar Energy in Eka-Awoke Community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    SOUTH-SOUTH ZONE
    Installation of 60KVA solar hybrid Mini-grid Power Plant in Okangha-Mpkansi Village in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State; Installation of 2x60MVA 132/33KV Transformer Substation Located at Ekori-Ugep Village in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State; 100KWP Solar Hybrid Mini-grid at Akpabom Community in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State; Installation of Solar Street Lights from Ukpiringi-Nkerira, Ukwuta, Ngbenege Communities in Obudu LGA of Cross River State; Installation of 60KVA solar mini grid power plant in Obudu Ranch Resort Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State; Groundbreaking of 100KVA Solar Power Plant in Bottom Hill in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State; Installation of 1000KWp Solar Hybrid Mini grid in _Adebayo Community Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State; Installation of 132KV Bay extension in _Calabar, Calabar Municipal Local Government Area of Cross River State; and Supply and Installation of 2000 units of 20W solar hybrid station in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State. Not to mention the far-flung and hard-to-reach communities in the entire nation.
    A fortnight ago during his two years anniversary celebration as Minister of State for Power, the media was awashed with glowing plaudits to Jedy-Agba from across the nation, much to my admiration and pride as a fellow Cross Riverian. And without an iota of consternation, prejudice or disquietude, Goddy Jedy-Agba would go down history as one of the best performing political appointee from Cross River State, nay Nigeria.
    To a proud Cross River State son, bureaucrat, politician, farmer, author philanthropist, former Group general manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Company and now Minister of State for Power, I wish him more eventful years full of good health, longevity, sagacity and service to humanity. Happy birthday, our dear Goddy Jedy-Agba.

  • UNICAL Alumni Lagos Chapter Presents Award Of Outstanding Leadership To Prof Florence Obi

    UNICAL Alumni Lagos Chapter Presents Award Of Outstanding Leadership To Prof Florence Obi

    UNICAL Press Corps

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has been presented with an Outstanding Leadership award from UNICAL Alumni, Lagos Chapter.

    The colourful event was held at the Echoes of Calabar, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The award night and dinner was held after a 7.8km road walk and dance, which was earlier flagged off by the Vice Chancellor and supported by MTN-Nigeria.

    The walk started at St. Saviour’s School Ikoyi, to Falomo and back.

    A brand new 2.5KVA generator was also won by one of the Alumni at the end of the walk.

    During the award night and dinner, Alumni of UNICAL who spoke at various capacities, commended the VC for honouring them with her presence and giving the walk a colourful face alongside her friend and a distinguished Nigerian, Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa.

  • GFO Orim Foundation Partners ITF, Set To Empower 40 Youth In Obudu

    GFO Orim Foundation Partners ITF, Set To Empower 40 Youth In Obudu

    By Elijah Ugani

    The management of GFO Orim Foundation has unveiled its plan to train and empower 40 youths drawn from the 10 political wards of Obudu Local Government Council.

    Addressing the trainees at the skill acquisition centre Obudu, the Coordinator of GFO Orim Foundation, Hon Peter Okaba, hinted that “this program is part of our numerous interventions to improve the livelihood of our people. At GFO Orim Foundation, we are poised to ensure that we better the lives of our people. You were nominated from your various wards by your leaders, and we want to restate our commitment to providing the needed services to the society”

    Hon. Peter Okaba maintained that “We have decided to partner with the Industrial Trust Fund, to give credibility to the training. GFO Orim Foundation will ensure that at the end of this training, you will have a good start to do you business”

    On her part, the Area Manager of ITF, Mrs Evelyn Irabor, who was represented by the Training Development Officer, Mr Illo Chukuemeka Fredrick, stated that “this is no longer an era of giving fish, it is the era of teaching people how to fish. I urge you to open your hearts to welcome this program.

    “As ITF, we have committed to the delivery of our mandate. We are trying to rewrite our stories”

    In another development, the Chief Audio Visual Assistant, Mr Innocent Animpuye, averred that “GFO Orim is offering you a rare privilege, after this training, comes the empowerment. We will pay you a monthly stipends of #5,000.00 for your transport. I want to urge you to take this project very seriously. Misconduct will meet equal disciplinary sanction.

    “I want to thank GFO Orim Foundation for this initiative. We must ensure that you have 80 percent attendance before you will be qualified to be provided with start up pack. This is a certified program, a federal government project. When we come for supervision and found out that you miss the program consecutively, for two weeks, you will be replace. The best and only way we will go is to forgo the links and connections that nominated you this program, so that you will acquire the needed skill for self reliance”

    Animpuye cited the Obi Cubana philosophy of lifting others and likened it the magnanimity of the Chairman of GFO Orim Foundation, who is the Chief of Staff to the Cross River State. He urged the participants to take advantage of this opportunity and ensure that the program has a positive effect on you.

    The program that is designed for three months will take place in the Calabar office of the Industrial Trust Fund for participants who are resident in Calabar. The skills to be learned in Calabar include; poultry, fisheries and crop farming while residents in Obudu will undergo training on plumbing, catering and event management.

     

  • 56th Birthday Anniversary: Joe Obi Bisong Goes To Church, Holds Public Lecture

    56th Birthday Anniversary: Joe Obi Bisong Goes To Church, Holds Public Lecture

    By Elijah Ugani

    As part of the activities to mark his 56th birth anniversary, the Director General of the Caterpillar Movement birthed by Sen Prof Sandy Onor, Chief Joe Obi Bisong returned to God in thanksgiving and held a public lecture to ex ray successive leadership in Cross River State.

    The thanksgiving mass was held at the oldest parish in Ogoja Catholic diocese, St Patrick’s parish Kakwagom, on Thursday, August 19th 2021 and presided by Rev Fr Richard Otu Agbor.

    The homilist, Rev Fr (Sub-Lieutenant) Simon Bisong, stated that friends and well wishers are gathered here to thank God for granting the celebrant 56 years of good health.

    Referring to the celebrant, the priest stated that “there are so many times you have escaped assassination. During this 56 years of your eventful life, you have created so much impact within our community.
    There are so many people who have made so much efforts, but they have not made any impact.
    We are here to thank God and ask him to keep you to attain the biblical years and even beyond.

    “In this life, you have met a lots of people, some who will come into your life briefly and go away.
    They are some who have been with you from the beginning to the end. On a day like this, you need to appreciate those who have impacted on you positively or negatively.

    “A day where you need to rewrite the agenda of your life. In rewriting your agenda, I wish you to consider these three things.

    “First, Work on your relationship between you and your family members. When you speak, everyone including your family members listen to you.
    Who will take after you, who will take over from you. Build an empire where your family members will take after you.

    “Secondly, build your relationship with those who are working with you. A good leader is the one who want his followers to grow more than him. And that is what we know you for. All you need is to consolidate.

    “The last thing is that you need to consolidate your relationship with God. You have to work on your relationship with God. I know you believe in God, maybe along the way, something happened and you backsides, this is the time for you to put God first on your agenda”

    On his part, the Priest In-Charge of St Patrick parish, Kakwagom, Rev Fr Victormario Otu, described Chief Joe Obi Bisong as a trailblazing community builder and pathfinder whose echoes of goodwill permeates the entire Kakwagom nation and even beyond. He held that for Chief Joe Obi Bisong to have come to thank God for the gift of life further affirms his love for God.

    The parish priest used the opportunity to invite friends and well wishers of Chief Joe Obi Bisong to the centenary celebration of the parish next year.

    Eulogizing the DG, Caterpillar Movement during thanksgiving mass, Sen Prof Sandy Onor hinted that “Joe has limitations just as myself, but Joe is a profoundly good man. Very few are better than him, in terms of quality, honesty, commitment and knowledge of the politics.

    “When I am not around and I ask Joe to go and represent me, most of the times, people wonder whether it is me or not, you know we look almost the same. I am thankful to God for this community to have a son like Joe.

    “When people send you and you passionately commit all that you have to them, God will bless you abundantly, I have experienced this myself, it is too late for me to go back. All the monies available to me for constituency projects, I showed Joe everything, we give back to the people. We will continue to serve our people to the best of our ability.

    “In politics, once you have people who give you bad advice, that is the beginning of your fall. On the other hand, when you are lucky and bless to have people who give you good advice, then you will do very well. I am bless and lucky to have Chief Joe Obi Bisong as my DG.

    “Many people have had cause to say even to me whether Joe own DG is different and whether election has not finished and I say to them that election has not finished. Joe, as long as we have tasks, he will continue to direct us generally.

    “If you want me to be happy with you, speak good of Joe, and if you don’t want me to be happy with you, then speak ill of Joe”

    Reacting to the lecture, Sen. Onor berated leadership approach in the state and averred that “Yesterday we were very proud of Cross River State, today we’re ashamed of our state. People must speak the truth; this is no time for elegance. Our state is drifting. Our people are suffering. Our values and morals have been eroded. Young people are taught rubbish. Our local governments have to be resuscitated. Our councilors would have meaning. Our chiefs have to be respected. Cultism has to be given the back seat. There must be value for money. Cross River has to get back to where it used to be. We may not have money, but we have values as a people. People left their places with their wealth and all to come and rest in Cross River State because of our hygiene and propriety, we will get back there”.

    Presenting the lecture, Mr Ken Egbas, hinted that Cross River State has no development plan as compared to Lagos state that developed a 50 years development plan during the Amed Bola Tinubu reign as Governor. He lamented and argued that Cross River State does not deserve to belong at the bottom of the ladder of every index for measuring human and economic development in the comity of states in Nigeria. Statistics presented by Egbas, indicates that recently, Cross River State ranks the least out of the lowest 5 states on capital expenditure of a budget of about 1.4trillion naira. The five (5) states are: Taraba, Ogun, Imo, Benue and Cross River. In the same report ranking, physical discipline in state budgets, Cross River ranked 35th, only marginally above Borno State. Borno being the capital of insurgence in the North East would have contributed to Borno occupying that position, but what would be the excuse for Cross River? Egbas held that the answer is lack of leadership! He again stated that “given the precarious situation we find ourselves as a state, a ‘Messiah’ would be needed come 2023 to salvage the state from its current state of decay”

  • Why I Am Rooting For Engr Ben Akak To Become Governor BY DONALD ODU

    Why I Am Rooting For Engr Ben Akak To Become Governor BY DONALD ODU

     

    Honestly, I have tried to no avail to unravel the mystery behind the clamor by many Nigerian Christians for Christians to stand by the side lines while watching worldly people practice politics. Ironically, the same Christians soon turn around to complain about the country drifting brazenly into the abyss of corruption, lawlessness paganism and Islam. And then they stroke their false egotistic spirituality by getting into a prayer movement for the enthronement of good governance and righteous leadership, something I consider an impossibility under the political watch of heathens. To say the least, I think this rationale is myopic!

    Don’t get me wrong, God answers prayers! I believe this because He commands us in the scriptures to pray, and I have personally seen Him answer prayers in too many situations to doubt. But how does God respond to the prayers of an irresponsible nation that has failed to take its place despite many opportunities that He has provided? When I read passages like 2Timothy 2:1-4 and Romans 13:1-7 that focus on political leadership and tell believers to pray for leaders and respect those in authority, one of the applications that gnaw at my heart is the realization that God knows that government policies are not inconsequential to the furtherance of the gospel – ask a pastor in the underground church or a missionary trying to smuggle Christian resources into China! By praying, we can affect the outcome of leadership. How easily our prayers would be answered if those in authority are people inclined to spirituality, public good, justice and godly counsel!

    I have come to conclude that politics will indeed earn its famed title of ‘dirty game’ when we, Christians, the equalizers, the salt of the earth, the lamp upon the post, stand aside and watch instead of getting involved. For what we call ‘dirty’ in politics are the things described in Galatians 5:19-20 as the fruits of the carnal and ungodly life – selfish ambitions, dissensions, envy, murders, hatred, contentions, jealousies, drunkenness, revelries, adultery, uncleanness, idolatry, sorcery, outbursts of wrath, and the like. You will find an abundance of these in politics because the players are mostly worldly politicians who have no value for eternal things; they will wink at and excuse these vices!
    If, on the other hand, true believers were to be involved in politics, we would set a new paradigm in the game because these people would exude the qualities of the spiritual man as stated in verses 22-23 of the same passage in Galatians 5 – goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness.

    It seems to me that even in the days of Joseph and Daniel, there were not many godly people in government and political leadership. In Daniel’s day, for instance, the rest of the cabinet conspired against him because he stood for righteousness and depended on God’s guidance for decisions and leadership. They were envious of him and almost succeeded to have him killed in order to satisfy their selfish ambitions, hatred and jealousies. But then, it seems like some people somewhere were praying for the protection of those in authority because God’s providence and miracle-working power kicked in and delivered Daniel from being eaten up when he was ensnared by the wicked and served as dinner to the lions by the laws!

    We certainly have the likes of Joseph and Daniel in leadership in Nigeria today; they are those advisers and chief executives that have the same spiritual values and their selfless contributions are evident in the governments they serve. When they speak, their words can be trusted and when they make decisions or support policies in their offices, it is for the general good.

    But more righteous men are needed in the political terrain of Nigeria. We must never be afraid of getting involved in governance and politics for, when the chips are down, a distinguished Christian in politics will easily gain the trust of politicians and the electorates before others; they will know right away that a man that can be trusted is in the fray.

    The reason for the widespread corruption in government is because most of the people in politics are desperate to get rich and so, they swindle the people’s resources for self-aggrandizement. What a difference our country would experience when selfless people whose main interest is the development of society are introduced into the equation. There is no doubt that the allure of worldliness and wealth becomes more real when one gets into politics. I have experienced the temptation to also pursue the things that others are achieving, and crooked opportunities have often presented themselves for this end to be met but therein also lies the opportunity to turn my back and be victorious as a spiritual man.

    I am rooting for Engr. Ben Akak, a man I have known for well over 10 years, one professing Christian who has taken a sure step into the political arena. For years, Ben Akak toiled for the downtrodden by constantly self-sponsoring various activities of the Margaret Ekpo Foundation from his humble means until his businesses prospered and his outstanding generosity began to expose the stinginess of those who have also been blessed with wealth. No wonder they continually throw unprovoked jabs at his philanthropy which they presuppose is merely entry an strategy into the governorship race.
    Within the last one year alone, the Ben Akak Foundation has impacted thousands of Cross Riverians through various empowerment/support schemes and is set to expand its reach to cover education and health projects across the three zones of the state by 2022. Understandably, more people who do not like the man and who might not even know him are furiously helping their bosses to churn out demeaning diatribes about Engr. Ben Akak. They hate his guts because one man who has only just arrived the political turf is quickly gaining traction and exposing their monumental refusal to improve the lives of their constituents over the years.

    It certainly does not say much for the integrity of a minister, if he will support politicians he neither knows nor believes in. So, I challenge all church leaders who are interested in the good of the communities in which they minister to step up and support one of their own to win elections, rather than embrace moneybag politicians who only remember the church during elections as we have often seen. I am also calling on those people of faith who see the gaps in our secular leadership to vie for positions of authority – and watch God surprise them!

    If all a citizen is good for is beggarly ineffectual prayer for good governance and peace on earth, then he is good for nothing. We have the numbers; let us make our voices loud and clear in 2023!

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are strictly that of Donald Odu and does not represent theluminenews or the organization the author works for.

  • UNICAL VC Decorated As The Girl Child Ambassador

    UNICAL VC Decorated As The Girl Child Ambassador

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Florence Banku Obi has been decorated as an Ambassador for the Girl Child in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the growth of the Girl Child and impressive Gender programmes in the university of Calabar within the short period of assumption of office.

    The event took place at the Vice Chancellor’s office where the Association of Beauty Queens and Kings paid her a courtesy call.

    Prof. Obi, while accepting the honour, appreciated the association for their kind gesture in decorating her into the foundation as a queen and an ambassador, adding that “women are at the fore front of African Girl Child Development globally”.

    Prof. Obi further posited that ‘beauty and brain’ will take the girl child far, adding that women should see themselves as assets and not a liability, even as she charged the girl child to be focused academically.

    She urged the members of the association to spread the message of ‘focus and self-confidence’ to the girl child, adding that Cross River State is a place where the girl child is recognized.

    The Vice Chancellor further assured them of the administration’s support towards the ongoing “Save the Girl Child Campaign in Cross River State”.

    Speaking earlier, the Queen of Elegant Face Africa 2019, Queen Joy Joseph, stated that the association of beauty queens and kings in Nigeria is a forum for all crowned Queens and kings in Nigeria with a clear vision of re-branding the lost image of beauty pageants and collectively share oneness in the vision of societal growth.

    Queen Joy Joseph said the purpose of the visit was to intimate the Vice Chancellor of the association’s one week state working visit to Cross River State and to flag off “Save the Girl Child Campaign”.

    She disclosed that the campaign was engendered by the need to tackle the vices affecting an average girl child in Nigeria and appreciated the Vice Chancellor for her outstanding philanthropic gesture and human empowerment.

    Queen Joseph used the medium to invite the Vice Chancellor for the association’s forthcoming 10 years Anniversary Celebration coming up in Uyo under the chairmanship of the wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel.

    Highlight of the visit was the presentation of Ambassador of Girl Child Award to the Vice Chancellor by Queen Joy Joseph.