The Lumine News

Author: News

  • 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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

     

    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.

  • 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

    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.