The Lumine News

Author: News

  • Koko Dan Writes The Ukpo’s Heart Touching Condolence

    Dear Ukpo’s
    Growing up was really imaginary when my father used to tell me about you.

    As a child, I used to think that Ukpo was a town not knowing that it was a name of a great family. Ukpo is one of the names that magnifies the great Ogoja nation.

    As early as five years I knew every name in the Ukpo family.

    The name was chanted in every tales by moon light in our local community. It was a lullaby to us.

    This family is a pace setter, This family is the light and this family was everyone’s point of positive references and guides to progress and hope.

    My father who was Dr. Emmanuel Ukpo’s Tailor in the 60’s would go all out inviting people in my community to come vote for Dr. Paul Ukpo in the 1993 Senate election. The Ukpo’s were my father’s role model and I think my father passed that on to me.

    It was a meritorious moment for me knowing the Late. John Akuma Ukpo family in Baltimore USA. It was one of my fulfilled dreams meeting the family that is a morning side dew and a star Trek to every visionary soul.

    Today I am a friend to the Ukpo’s and I can’t help but share in their lives in their sorrows, in their gains and in their loses.

    As the funerals commences, it will be an honor to have my tears on the ground of the Ukpo family compound and on the great Okpoma soil in honor of your name and for the losses.

    At the moment, words are not enough . May you be consoled and be rest assured that a good name is better than silver and gold. And in all it was yesterday. You are today and always.

    Accept my condolences.
    With love.
    Koko Dan.

  • Gbajabiamila Describes Sen Jarigbe’s Resignation As A Loss As He Joins The Senate

     

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has described as a loss, the decision by Jarigbe Agom for leaving the House for the Senate.

    According to Gbajabiamila, the 9th House is the most vibrant in the history of Nigeria.

    Jarigbe, until his resignation, represented Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency in Cross River State, and had moved to the Senate, after a bye-election followed by legal battles, to replace Rose Oko, who died while representing Cross River North Senatorial District.

    At the opening of plenary on Tuesday, 21st September, 2021 Gbajabiamila read a letter of resignation from Jarigbe.

    Jarigbe wrote, “I wish to formally notify you of my assumption of office as Senator for Cross River North Senatorial District following the administering of oath of office on the 15th of September, 2021, by the Clerk of the Senate at the plenary.

    “I hereby resign my office as member of the House of Representatives for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency. This is forwarded for Mr Speaker’s information and necessary action.

    “I am leaving the House of Representatives with mixed feelings but it is a clarion call to serve my people in the upper chamber, which cannot be suppressed. I enjoyed my stay in the House of Representatives under your detribalised and competent leadership, coupled with the conviviality I shared with my other colleagues. I look forward to working with my other colleagues as we strive to make Nigeria a better country.”

    In his remarks, Gbajabiamila said, “We wish distinguished Senator Jarigbe well. He has moved to the Senate. It is next door; he is not far away from us. I still believe that it is his own loss leaving the House of Representatives, the most vibrant House in Nigerian history.”

  • Peter Akpanke Bags UNICROSS Post Graduate Students Award

    By Elijah Ugani

    Mr Peter Akpanke, Founder and CEO of The Akpanke Foundation today Tuesday 21st September 2021 received an award of honor from UNICROSS Post graduate Student Association in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the welfare of Students and humanity at Large.

    Presenting the award, the Post graduate Student president Mr Liwhuliweh Joseph, on behalf of the entire Post Graduate students of CRUTECH, now known as UNICROSS, thanked the philanthropist for the many things he has done for students and the less privileged in the society. The president summarised some of Mr Akpanke’s contributions to the Educational development of the common child like through offering of Scholarships to students, paying fees for out of school students, provision of educational equipment to students among other things, maintained that “the award was given to the CEO as a form of appreciation in expectation for more”

    Mr. Apkanke in his response revealed that if not for public opinion or misinterpretation, he had considered not receiving awards again because he would prefer that reward which awaits in heaven.

    He thanked UNICROSS post graduate students  for finding him worthy of the award and admonished all to keep faith in humanity, as he reiterated commitment to his chosen mantra of making the world a better place.

     

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom Hits The Ground Running, Spreads Solar Light Across Cross River North

    By Elijah Ugani

    Barely four days after his inauguration,  the senator representing Northern senatorial district, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has facilitated the installation of solar powered street lights across the five(5) Local Government Areas that makes up the Senatorial District.

    The installation of the street lights has commenced and are located as in the following areas;
    Ogoja- Urban Ward 1 (Old Bank Road and Yala Street, Igoli-Ogoja)
    Yala- Okpoma ward
    Obudu- Ohong ward, Begiading ward and Otugwang North and Central.
    Obanliku- Sankwala.
    Bekwarra- Gakem Ward, and other locations within the Senatorial District in this phase.

    Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, was sworn into the Nigerian Senate on 15th September, 2021 after a protracted legal battle up to the Supreme Court. The matter was however led to rest when the Calabar Division of the  Court of Appeal declared Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe as the legitimate winner of December, 5th 2020 bye election.

  • UNICAL Inducts 63 New Doctors

     

    No fewer than 63 newly inducted doctors of the University of Calabar have been told to prioritize the health needs of patients if they must excel in the medical profession.

    Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, who stated this during the 52nd Physicians’ Oath Taking Ceremony (Sponsio Academica) charged the inductees to always place the well-being of their patients on the front burner.

    While congratulating the inductees for scaling the hurdles in the course of their training, she urged them to adhere strictly to the ethics of the medical profession and imbibe the spirit of excellence and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

    The VC, who described the college as the flagship of the institution, said: “I am proud of the products from the college because they have been making great exploits all over the world.

    ‘’I am happy to be part of your success stories and I urge you all to be good ambassadors of the institution’’.

    This came has she reiterated her administration’s commitment towards partnering with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) towards achieving a common goal, especially in the continuous training and retraining of doctors.

    She also thanked the inductees’ parents for the sacrifices and commitments in the course of training their children, and prayed God to grant them long life to enable them enjoy the fruits of their labour.

    “I congratulate you all for the great achievement; another journey has begun in your life.

    “You have chosen a profession that is employable and I want to urge you to be good ambassadors of your alma mater. Bring your experience to bear in your profession and imbibe the spirit of excellence and team work,” she said.

    In his remarks, Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Prof. Victor Ansa, said that the induction was the beginning of the Physician’s journey into the real world, thereby urging them to display the skills they have acquired from the institution for the good of humanity.

    Describing the medical profession as a ‘noble profession’ he charged the inductees to live above board in every area of their endeavors.

    He said their practice must be patient-centered, with palpable competence, efficiency, honesty, diligence and transparency.

    The Provost said that 10 automatic internship employment would be given to ‘deserving doctors’ who are willing to serve in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

    Also speaking, the Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Prof. Ngim Ngim, said that what the inductees were witnessing was a direct product of their devotion and commitment to the pursuit of excellence.

    He said the knowledge, skills and ethics they have imbibed over several years of training will see them through their career as doctors, even as he admonished them to reflect and ponder on the Physicians’ oath and abide by it.

    In the same vein, Cross River State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Innocent Abang, who welcomed the graduands into the association, urged them to unlock their God-given potentials in the course of practicing their profession.

    Speaking shortly after administering oath on the graduands, the Registrar, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr Tajudeen Sanusi, advised the inductees to remain hardworking, focused, assiduous and ever ready to acquire as much knowledge and skills as possible during the period of their internship and the initial years of practice.

    The Registrar cautioned the graduands against unethical practices even as he urged them to ensure annual renewal of their license to practice.

    “The induction is the beginning of your journey as a doctors and you must practice this profession with humility. Respect your teachers and elders so that you can grow in the profession,” he said.

    The induction lecturer, Prof. Michael Ogirima, who spoke on the topic, ‘’Doctor, Attend to your Health’’ called on the doctors to attend to their own health and well-being in order to provide care of the highest standard.

    On his part, the Best Graduating Student, Dr Emediong Saturday Etuk, who spoke on behalf of other inductees, thanked the University Management for providing a conducive learning environment for them, which he believed, contributed to their success.

    He also thanked staff and lecturers in the Medical College for their enormous support and encouragement.

    Highpoint of the occasion was the award of prizes to deserving graduands and presentation of memento to the induction lecturer by the Vice Chancellor.

  • Peter Akpanke bags UNICAL Post Graduate Meritorious Award

     

    Mr Peter Akpanke has been honoured with a meritorious award by the Post Graduate Students Government of the prestigious University of Calabar in  his Abuja Office.

    Mr Akpanke  was recognized for his selflessness, humanitarian and philanthropic support for the needy and orphans.

    He  has distinguished himself in the community from other members of his class through his selfless actions.

    Responding to the award, Mr Peter Akpanke said he never knew that the little things he has been doing to impact the less privileged was been noticed by even the post graduate students.

    He noted that the recognition is a call to further strengthen his humanitarian services, as he stated that life can only be meaningful if those who are blessed by God make a point of duty to reach out to those in need.

     

  • UNICAL Signs MoU With MTN For Provision Of Internet Services On Campus

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has signed a memorandum of understanding between the university and MTN to enhance internet services in the institution.

    The move by the Vice Chancellor marks the beginning of a paradigm shift in the area of telecommunications and internet services in the University of Calabar.

    According to Dr Adie Edward of the Faculty of Arts, “the Vice Chancellor was highly elated that this giant stride has been achieved under her administration because activities such as internet browsing, phone calls, SMS, ATM, POS etc will happen with relative ease and speed as soon as this very important project is concluded”.

    Accordingly, the VC expressed happiness with the Dean of Arts, Prof Stella Effa Atoe and the entire Faculty for initiating a laudable move of putting ICT and digitalization on a speed lane in the university, just as she promised to drive the project to a logical conclusion in no distant time.

  • George Odok Writes Heart Warming Birthday Message To VC Of UNICAL

     

    Today is a great day, a day to reflect on the birth of a distinguished Nigerian and a czar of quality university education.

    SEPTEMBER 19 is quite significant because it afford us another opportunity to celebrate a record breaker, a sterling woman, a dynamic personality, the amazon of academic excellence, one of Nigeria’s leading most influential woman and the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar.

    Your life has continued to reinforce my belief in the aphorism that “leadership is not just a position but a call for service and responsibility”. You have continued to exemplify your unquenchable zeal and passion for quality service delivery towards nation-building since your journey as Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar.

    Over the years, you have demonstrated the real leadership ideals, values, progressivism and ethics embedded in you. Today and everyday, we celebrate your continuous relevance as not just accidental but a visionary and transformational leader that is well nurtured in the progressive ideology.

    Your modesty, humility, simplicity, sagacity, dexterity and honorable etiquette typified you as an embodiment of Ekpang Onyinyi Obonghe mu Bansan Clan and a servant leader.

    Cheers to a Professor who teaches from the heart and mind, and not just from the syllabus and books.

    Happy birthday to the Vice-Chancellor who inspired her students to read beyond journals and look beyond classroom walls to reach the heights that were beyond their expectations.

    Most Professors are experts in subjects that they teach their students. But you are also an expert in two more subjects called Motivation and Inspiration–which you give out every day.

    You are a brilliant Vice-Chancellor, extraordinary lecturer, amazing teacher, remarkable mentor and an inspiring counselor.

    A university’s biggest assets are not infrastructure and equipment, but brilliant Professors like you.

    You give back so much to the society by helping students shape their lives and careers. Today is our chance to do something for you in return.

    On this auspicious birth anniversary of yours, I pray for God’s continuous wisdom, knowledge and sound health to keep navigating your path and thought as you continue to promote research, learning and academic excellence in UNICAL.

    Happy birthday Eti Eka Prof. Florence Banku Obi

    George Odok Jnr
    Senior Defence Correspondent
    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

  • Nigeria is a great country with abundance of untapped natural resources – Ajagbo Tells Corps members

     

    A Rtd Director , ministry of foreign affairs , Abuja Dr. Walter Ajogbor, mni has Charged the 2021 Batch ‘B’ Stream 2 Corps Members currently undergoing Orientation Course in Obubra Camp to avoid nursing any idea of risking their lives in an attempt to seek Greener pastures abroad and look inward to explore the unexploited opportunities in the country.

    The retired deplomat stated this,
    during a sensitization Lecture titled “Stemming the Tides of lrregular Migration” in fulfilment of the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Youth Service Corps and the Pan African Institute for Global Affairs and Strategy, PAIGAS.

    Dr Ajogbo hinted that there were many reasons to avoid being second class citizens outside when we have a country of our own. In his words “many Nigerians of your age are making it big in Nigeria . All you need to do is to believe in Nigeria and believe in yourself. What we have is a country with unlimited possibilities and opportunities ” He opined.

    He defined lrregular migration to involve the movement of persons from one country to another without respecting the laws of originating country and country of destination.
    The Rtd Director advised Corps Members to used Basic requirements to obtained international travel documents which includes: passport documents, Air tickets, and proof of Accomdation bookings, travel itinerary details among others.

    He further Enumerated the Dangers of lrregular migration to include: smuggling of migrants, kidnapping, Rejection of irregular migrants, trafficking and abuse of & exploitation of children and women among others.

    Ajogbor advised Corps Members to take their destiny in their hands and discover their potentials as their peers have succeeded here in Nigeria. ” Remember in the school of success there is no age of graduation ” Age is not a hindrance to your success.

    In his welcoming remarks, the state Coordinator of NYSC Cross River State Mr Zemoh Andrew who welcomed the guest Lecturer to Obubra orientation camp, noted that the Lecture is very apt as Nigeria youth are noted for leaving the country to Europe in search of unknown greener pastures.

    He further collaborated efforts made by the NYSC to reduce the menace of irregular migration, saying the NYSC management strategically came up with skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme ( SAED) to help Corps members become employers of Labour thereby engaging themselves in Legimate and productive Enterprise .

    Zemoh added that “over the years, thousands of Corps members have made good living by starting small and growing big ‘ He opined.
    Zemoh Charged the Corps members to consider the Lecture as a golden opportunity emanating from the memorandum of understanding (MOU). between NYSC and Pan Africa institute for Global affiara and strategy (PAIGAS).

    In a vote of thanks, Corps Camp Director Mr Ugoya Theophilus who represented the Corps members appreciated the Guest Lecturer for awakening their consciousness and for being objective and practical in his presentation and pledge to put information received to proper use.

    Highlights of the occasion include volunteering by Corps Members to help fight against irregular Migration through sensitisation campigns to schools, market place as well as the Mass Media.

  • Just In: Governor Ayade Assents To Legislative And Judiciary Autonomy Bills

     

    The Cross River State Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade has signed two bills passed by the state house of Assembly that grant autonomy to both the state legislature and the state judicial arms of government.

    The two bills, Legislative Fund Management and Other Matters and Judicial Fund Management and Other Matters, were signed into law in the government house council chambers.

    According to the bills, all moneys due to the House of Assembly and Judiciary for capital and recurrent expenditure shall be paid by the Accountant-General into the their accounts in monthly instalments, in accordance with provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    While signing the bill into law, Governor Ayade stated that the bills were very important in the life of his administration, explaining that it is a win for the APC led government.

    He thanked the lawmakers for their cooperation and collaboration, noting that his administration had achieved a lot because of the cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature.

    The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams, in his remark applauded his colleagues of the 9th Assembly, saying under his leadership they have recorded giant strides in the quality of bills passed and assented to by the Governor.

    “We have made history with this signing into law today, it is my strong conviction that we will continue to work as partners for the growth and progress of our dear state and the good people of Cross River,” he noted.