The Lumine News

Author: News

  • Over 1,000 Corps Members Takes Oath Of Allegiance In Cross River

    By Admin

    A total of 1, 100 Corps Members deployed to Cross River state for the 2021 Batch ‘A’, Stream 1 Service year have been sworn in.

    Declaring the ceremony open, NYSC State Coordinator for Cross River, Alhaji Mohammed Nakamba who presided over the event charged them to be good ambassadors of the scheme and the nation at large. He stressed the need for the corps members to uphold the tenets of the scheme which is geared towards promoting national unity and integration.

    The Coordinator further explained that the NYSC is a tool for promoting national unity and integration. He therefore admonished the Corps Members to interact freely across all cultural backgrounds, adding that they should see themselves as one and do away with every prejudice held against any tribe.

    He also urged them to maintain all COVID-19 protocols as stipulated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC.

    His words “Most Nigerians believe that the coronavirus is a scam but you must understand that we are talking about your safety. COVID-19 is real and you must adhere strictly to the protocols that’s why you were all tested before you were allowed into the camp. You must wear your nose mask at all times, maintain social distancing and wash your hands regularly.

    “Let me also inform you that the NYSC scheme does not condone any form of misconduct. You must be responsible at all times and ensure that you contribute towards the the developmental strides of the nation”.

    He commended the federal and state governments for the ongoing erosion control works and renovation of some facilities at the orientation camp.

    The oath of allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice Akon Ikpeme who was represented by the Judge of Obubra High Court, Justice Emmanuel Ubua.

    Speaking with newsmen after the event, the Corps Members promised to be good ambassadors of the scheme. They were excited to have been inducted into the NYSC after the long break caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Four Signs Your Female Friend Want To Have S3x With You

    women are complicated , not only are they hard to read, but they often don’t disclose everything they’re feeling. This can make it especially difficult to understand if they’re interested in a friendship or a romantic relationship.

    I mean, it’s easy to tell when a guy wants to have s3x with his female friends.

    But what about the other way around? Admittedly, the world is full of women who are desperately trying to take their friendship to the next level. Nobody wants to be stuck in the “friendzone of shame.”

    But don’t worry, gentleman. If you’re wondering if your female friend wants to sleep with you, then there are a few key signs to look out for.

    1. She Puts Effort Into Her Appearance
    Sure, she rocks yoga pants and a messy bun when she’s out with the girls. But when you’re around, it’s full-on makeup and an outfit that makes her body look absolutely bangin’.

    You didn’t just catch her on the way to dinner. She knows exactly what she’s doing. And that’s making sure she’s the hottest thing in your line of sight.

    Eyeliner? Perfect. Lipstick? On Fleek. Hairdo? Not a single strand out of place.

    Oh, and what’s that lovely scent? That’s right — she also made sure to douse herself in her favorite perfume. Whether it’s White Almond Huckleberry Blossom or Indian Summer Fresh Citrus, she’ll want you to smell her long after she’s gone.

    2. She Doesn’t Talk About Her Dating Life
    While she loves to interject herself into your current relationships, she wants to keep hers off-limits.

    I mean, you wouldn’t brag about your love life to your crush, would you?

    Exactly.

    She’s keeping her doors open to a possible relationship with you. And that means avoiding any unwanted awkwardness or jealousy that could come from talking about her dating life.

    On the other hand, she might complain about how bad her new boy toy is in bed. If that’s the case, then she’s probably hoping that you’ll save her from her misery.

    3. She Texts You Randomly Throughout the Day
    She saw a cute dog. She heard a funny joke. She read about some heated debate in the New York Times. Everything she sees throughout her day reminds her of you.

    And she’s not afraid to tell you.

    Little reminders show you that you’re always on her mind. It also keeps her in the picture. You know, just in case you were out checking out other girls or something.

    4. She Uses Any Excuse to Touch You
    Fellas, this may be the most obvious sign yet.

    If she grazes her knee against yours or touches your biceps when telling a joke, she’s totally DTF. Trust me — no woman wants to touch or even go near a guy she didn’t find attractive.

    Also, take note of how she touches herself when you two are together (not like that — get your mind outta the gutter.)

    Is she playing with her hair? Is she licking her lips? Is she pulling down her shirt to expose a little bit more of her cleavage? These are just a few s3xy signals she’s trying to give off.

  • Ogoja Diocese Releases Programme Of Events For The Centenary Celebration

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Catholic Diocese of Ogoja has released a programme of events as streamlined for the centenary celebration.

    In a release signed by the Director of Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Emma Eroh indicates that the Liturgical Commission Chairman, Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Omang will manned the diocesan retreat scheduled for March, 2021, while the Bishop, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Donatus Edet Akpan will visit deaneries for Cathedraticum and possible encounter with institutions, both church and circular.

    The release reads in parts “March 2021:
    Diocesan retreat with the same programme for the entire diocese to be manned by the chairman of the Liturgical Commission, Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Omang and
    Bishop’s visit to deaneries for Cathedraticum and possible encounter with some institutions both Church and secular.

    “APRIL PROGRAMME:
    Religious profession of the Sister of Notre Dam (24th of April).

    “MAY PROGRAMME: 8th – 16th.

    “May 8th: Priestly ordination

    “Monday 10th May, 2021:
    Centenary Baptism of at least one hundred candidates drawn from all the parishes in the diocese.
    Laying of the foundation stone in the New Cathedral site. There is a possibility of cultural display in the course of this event.

    “Tuesday 11th May, 2021:
    Confirmation of at least hundred candidates drawn from all parishes in the diocese.

    “Wednesday 12th May, 2021:
    Bishop’s centenary visit to selected places such as the Nigerian Correctional Centres, orphanages, refugees settlements, the oldest diocesan school, old Catholics who can no longer go to Church, etc.

    “Thursday 13th May, 2021:
    Mass wedding of no less than hundred proposed couples drawn from all parishes in the diocese.
    Arrival of invited bishops

    “Friday 14th May, 2021:
    10am: Centenary lecture entitled: Recreating the Early Missionary Spirit in the Nigerian Modern Evangelization/presentation of awards
    The proposed paper presenter: His Excellency, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Ugorji
    Proposed Paper Moderator: Sir Col. Paul Edor Obi
    Main discussants:
    Rev. Fr. Dr. Uche Obodo Echina
    Very Rev. Fr. Everastus Bassey
    Sir Dr.Bob Eriom
    Prof. Francis Ganyi
    Launching of history book. Conferment of Monsignors to Ogoja diocesan priests from 65 years of age and above
    Conferment of awards on:
    Selected Ogoja sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in supporting the Church in the diocese
    Best and exemplary couples.
    Outstanding catechists
    6pm: Vesper/investiture of awardees during the Gala Night

    “Saturday 15th May, 2021
    10am: Investiture of Catechists.

    “Sunday 16th May, 2021
    Thanksgiving Mass/public presentation of awardees”

  • No Amount Of Blackmail Will Change Akpagu’s Legacies – Unical Staff

     

    Some staff of the University of Calabar, Unical have raised alarm that some disgruntled elements who felt they didn’t benefit enough from the administration of the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Zana Akpagu are sponsoring smear campaign against him.

    Speaking on the condition of anonymity, they warned those behind the blackmail to desist from it and repent adding that their campaign won’t change the fact that Akpagu was and still remain the best Vice Chancellor of the University since its inception.

    One of them, a former Director in the university said that, “what is happening in Unical is very shameful. It is shameful in the sense that some cabal in the University, most of whom Prof. Akpagu gave name in the university, in a bit to show the current leadership loyalty have resorted to sponsoring smear campaign against him on social media.

    “Yesterday, I stumbled on one where they even claimed the University was given COVID-19 funds but was stolen under his administration. The FG announced resumption of school when Akpagu had almost left. And besides, when did they give the money when we were on strike throughout the peak of the pandemic? Even when we called off the strike, school didn’t resume immediately”.

    He added that “to succeed in pulling Akpagu down, they should go and undo all the faculties and departments he created, break all the gigantic buildings he built, destroy the roads he rehabilitated, make the University insecure. They should just do away with everything he did in Unical because it’s only then they can succeed”.

    Another, a Professor in the school of medical sciences who also didn’t want his name mentioned for fear of victimization said that fighting Akpagu is like fighting the wind because his performances will remain very tall in the history book of the University.

    According to him, “let me tell you, what is happening in Unical today cannot happen in the West or North. The other day I saw that they setup committee to investigate the employment done by Akpagu. What a shame. I was in Nasarawa State for an assignment when I saw one big man with 74 employment letters for his people. Most of those people didn’t even apply for jobs. We’ve not heard noise like we’re hearing in Unical.

    “I’m not a Cross Riverian but I know that Akpagu did everything within his power to employ qualified Cross River indigenes in Unical. It wasn’t like that before. Now, you setup a commitee with a predetermined agenda to sack all the people he has employed because you feel he didn’t support you to become Vice Chancellor. Are you doing him or the innocent people you want to render jobless?

    “Even if Akpagu was a devil, being the first alumnus to become VC, he deserves better. He deserves some respect. I’m not saying Akpagu is a saint but who is that saint that wants to cast the first stone? The current VC has made history as the first woman just like Akpagu did as the first alumnus, what we expect is that she should complement the efforts of her predecessor, where she see loopholes, correct and not try to wipe out the memories of him because she doesn’t know who will come after her “.

    Another who simply introduced himself as Dr. Effiom said that “when I came here, many people tried to poison my mind that the VC was fighting Akwa Ibom people but I later saw that that wasn’t the case. He employed me even when we have never met before. And if you check what Zana has done, you’ll struggle to justify why some people think they should bring him down by all means. He made some mistakes which is normal as human but what do they stand to benefit from all these? Cross River people should learn from the North. They like fighting themselves too much.

    “I know he was a tough guy but to achieve what he did, he needed to be tough. I saw one funny writeup about him increasing acceptance fee or running a no fee, no exams policy. These things are makebelief stories to misinform the public. No Vice Chancellor, no matter how powerful can take these decisions single handedly. These are Senate decisions and the University Senate compromised of intellectuals, Professors who don’t look at any body’s face to talk.

    “Another funny issue I hear them talk about is that he didn’t implement promotion arrears. I don’t know where they get these kinds of stories from but the truth is that, there’s no Senate in Unical history that has promoted more people to professorial rank like the one under Zana.

    “Also, remember that the federal government had more influence on salary payment under Zana than any other administration before him. When the government was paying incomplete salaries, people said it was Zana. If there were issues with promotion arrears, then it was with government not him. Now there’s IPPIS, would you blame the current VC over some people that are being short payed?

    “My appeal is for those looking for favour from the new administration to look for other means of doing that. Distracting the new VC or poisoning her mind against her former boss whom she served under as Deputy is not doing anybody any good. It’s just too early. If these things are not properly managed, don’t forget that Zana still enjoys strong support in the university. If his supporters start talking, the University not Zana will be the biggest victim “.

  • Jarigbe Agom Vs Stephen Odey: The Favour Factor By First Baba Isa

     

    Now, that I have read the full majority decision of the Supreme Court and the full minority decision of the Supreme Court, I make these comments.

    Jarigbe Agom has claimed several times that his battle is of the Lord, I’m beginning to see that. There is no way to explain what happened at the Supreme Court without ascribing it to the divine. The opposition handed him that victory on a platter of gold.

    Let me explain.

    1. That I love Jarigbe Agom is an open secret. Most people even think I’m one of his lawyers, on his pay roll, but I’m not. I was not that fortunate. 😀 I openly supported him in this fight simply because I felt and still feel that he was pushed into the battlefield. I feel the leaders of the PDP in Cross River State brought this unnecessary intra party fight upon themselves. My adumbrations on this is well known and well documented.

    2. Somehow I thought Jarigbe will win the legal battles about the authentic list, who is the party candidate and who was elected. I prayed for him to win. I wished I was even part of his legal team, even if it is pro bono. This is because I saw him as the underdog; I always support underdogs, I always want underdogs to win.

    3. So, as each of Jarigbe’s legal victories was announced, I celebrated, I congratulated him.

    4. However, when the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the FCT High Court ordering INEC to issue Jarigbe certificate of return as the duly elected senator representing Cross River State Northern Senatorial District, I went into a panicked celebration. I even wrote a piece where I expressed my fear that Jarigbe was at the cusp of winning big or losing it all.

    5. Why was I worried? It was clear as crystal to any lawyer who is not totally blinded by partisan politics that that decision cannot stand because necessary parties (PDP and Stephen Odey) were not joined. I didn’t say this much but I was 200% sure that the Supreme Court will throw it out. In fact, I was simply waiting for this to happen. That’s why I advised strongly against Jarigbe being sworn in before the determination of the case at the Supreme Court. I was worried he will lose his seat as House member and then still get thrown out as senator. There were still other ways (including the Election Tribunal) that he could still had bounced back; but I didn’t want him losing it all before bouncing back.

    6. When Stephen Odey appealed, I was like “oh my God, it’s gonna happen. Jarigbe can’t win this one.” First, appealing wasn’t the first best option I saw for Stephen, but appeal was the second best and his lawyers choose appeal. I wonder why they didn’t choose the first but well, it doesn’t matter, Jarigbe won’t survive the Supreme Court anyways.

    7. Of course, I didn’t shout about my fear and conviction that Jarigbe won’t survive Supreme Court; I didn’t want to dampen morale and I still hoped that he will come out victorious. In fact, I told my friend, Joseph Ishaje, that Jarigbe will only win at the Supreme Court if Stephen Odey and his lawyers make a grave mistake. And this is exactly what happened!

    8. Stephen Odey made that grave mistake. They failed to serve the notice of appeal properly. And when they were caught in the act, they attempted to correct it “fraudulently”; the majority of the Supreme Court Justices saw through it all and struck out the appeal.

    9. The minority of Supreme Court Justices who looked at the substantive appeal upheld it and overturned the decision of the Court of Appeal on the grounds I feared they would: the FCT High Court lacked jurisdiction because proper parties were not joined.

    10. The Supreme Court minority decision on the substantive appeal is sound and the majority decision striking out the Notice of Appeal is also very sound. In the end Jarigbe won. He won by the costly mistake of Dr Stephen Odey or what I see as favour from God. The appeal was struck out and the statutory period to relist has elapsed. So, the judgement of the Court of Appeal stands and the certificate of return issued to Rt Hon Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe remains valid.

    11. This looks more like God’s favour when you consider the fact that Stephen Odey was represented by the legal god of election petition. The revered SAN doesn’t make those kind of mistakes. Even the Justice who read the lead judgement insinuated this much.

    12. So, why has Jarigbe not been sworn in? Why is Stephen Odey turning round to say the judgement he appealed doesn’t apply to him? All those ones na politics. If politicians can play politics with people’s lives, is it judgement of the Supreme Court they can’t play politics with?

    13. Is it over for Stephen Odey? From where I stand, there is still a lot of legal tiki taka to be played on this issue, but trying to stop Jarigbe Agom from being sworn in through letter writing by lawyers is not one of them.

    – Written By First Baba Isa (FBI), a Legal Practitioner, based in Abuja.

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are strictly that of the author, First Baba Isa and does not represent The Lumine News or the organization the author works for.

  • Man Arrested, Arraigned For Refusing To Return N2m Wrongly Paid Into His Bank Account

     

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, arraigned Odejobi Temitope Michael, before Justice E. N. Alukwu of the State High Court in Enugu.

    Michael was charged for failing to return N2,000,000 wrongly sent to his account. The money was inadvertently paid in February 2019, by Chikezie Chukuma, who thought the account belonged to an auto dealer. It was when Chukuma went to take delivery of the car he realized the error in payment.

    But the defendant failed to refund the money, forcing the owner to report the matter. Michael pleaded “not guilty” when the charge was read to him. His lawyer, B. J. Adigwe filed a motion for bail pending the determination of the case. The prosecution counsel, S. C. Anyanwu, opposed.

    Anyanwu argued that Michael might not return to face trial if he goes back to Benin Republic where he resides. Justice Alukwu ordered the remand of the defendant in EFCC custody and adjourned the case until April 25, 2021.

     

  • Sandy Onor’s Heroism And Patriotic Leadership By Ori Owan

     

    It was the famous English playwright, William Shakespeare who postulated that “to be honest as this world goes is to be one man picked out of ten thousand.” And one man picked out of ten thousand as Escriva Balaguer succinctly averred, “must sanctify his work, and sanctify others through his good works”.

    Distinguished Senator Professor Sandy Onor is one man picked by God to lead and to redeem humanity. Amongst millions, he has the crown of stewardship placed on his shoulders. Amongst his contemporaries, he distinguished himself in brilliance, oratory, character of politics. Amongst his counterparts, he has become a shining model. Amongst his kinsmen, he remains the light, pathfinder and touch-bearer. In fact, he has restored dignity and pride to the good people of Cross River Central. He has totally redefined and sanctified the business of politics, with seemingly hopeless and shattered dreams, revived. In addition to this, his functional competence has become a reference point in many climes around the world.

    It is worthy of note that several undeveloped communities which hitherto were in darkness, have been taken out of the wilderness by virtue of Sandy Onor’s unparalleled performance in all spheres of life. These tangible achievements have made several Nigerians to describe him, and correctly so, as the functional ship with the largest “rudder on the wide-open sea”. This is in view of the developmental strides that characterize his quality of leadership and representation in the past years. As a symbol of peace, he plays his politics without mudslinging, which has made it possible for him to reconcile several political factions in his immediate constituency and in other senatorial districts of the state. Indeed, he has inspired and sustained confidence in his followers and this is the reason why he has become more like a beautiful bride with many potential suitors. Unlike many politicians who are deserted, Sandy Onor moves with a mammoth crowd wherever he goes, especially on his regular visits to his constituency.

    Like him or hate him, Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor is a seasoned legislator, a quintessential Patriot, and a crown jewel of inestimable value. His character and leadership style clearly smack of true statesmanship. And by words, deeds, and actions, he speaks truth to power and performs accordingly.

    Thus, from the ancient hills of Obanliku to the seas of Bakassi, Professor Senator Sandy Onor is without a stint of doubt, one of the most peaceful, responsible, and outstanding politicians in Nigeria’s fourth republic. This is because he is the first politician who has given the common men and women, who constitute the hoi poloi of the society, the pride of place in representation. He does this by visiting his constituents regularly to feel their pulse. He is so simple but disciplined to the extent that he runs an open-door policy around his home and office. What manner of a man is Senator Sandy Onor!

    However, Senator Onor’s socio-economic policies and programmes have reduced poverty to the barest minimum. His financial support to both small and medium scale enterprises have gone a long way to revive several businesses within and around the state. On infrastructural development, Sandy Onor has left profound legacies in the rural communities of the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State. Projects are executed and commissioned routinely across the local government areas of the district. As an efficient and uniquely gifted Senator, he awards his contracts in line with international best practices, and supervises same from start to finish. In fact, Senator Sandy Onor made a vow that he will never leave any project abandoned, hence, with nearly two years in power, he has convinced his constituents that he is indeed the Original Caterpillar and the “Irrunandu of Ejagham Nation”.

    In his legislative responsibility, he has performed excellently, with several important bills and motions to his credit. His unparalleled intellect, foresight, and vision leave many erstwhile leaders and followers in utter amazement as to whether Distinguished Senator Professor Onor was born in a different world. All these, in the considered opinion of this writer, remains the reason why he is rising higher and higher through the ladder of leadership with the determination to pull Cross Riverians out of the tinderbox. This is possible in line with Senator Onor’s commitment to justice, equity, poverty reduction, and infrastructural development for the present and future generations.

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are strictly that of Ori Owan and does not represent The Lumine News or the organization the author works for.

  • Governorship Zoning Process In Cross River State Politics: The True Position From Our Institution Library And Archives – Joe Bisong

     

    From the fits and starts of intervening Civilian and Military rule of decades past, democracy finally settled and stabilised in Nigeria in I999. Since then, to present day it has been unbroken civilian rule. It is therefore a given and common sense that when Cross Riverians talk of ZONING OF THE GOVERNORSHIP OF THE STATE, such dates back to 1999.

    1.ZONING in Cross River State has neither been a FORMALISED NOR INSTITUTIONALISED ARRANGEMENT. Although the three Senatorial Districts of the State have each produced a Governor dating back to Mr Donald Duke (South), Sen Liyel Imoke(Central),
    Sen Prof Ben Ayade(North), at no time has the political class of Cross River State, either intra Party or inter Party, institutionalised or enacted on the modus operandi or modus vivendi of the Rotational Governorship basis for the three Senatorial Districts! This is why in virtually all Gubernatorial elections, both intra Party and inter Party, ALL SENATORIAL DISTRICTS HAD CONTESTED!

    2.Rather, ROTATION HAS BEEN THE TREND BASED ON THE SIMPLE AND CONVENTIONAL PROCESS OF SELF ELIMINATION! Once a given Senatorial District got the Governorship for eight years, it eliminated itself from eligibility from the succeeding contest that followed. Such has the wily nilly process of ROTATION BY SELF ELIMINATION evolved that has seen all three Senatorial Districts get the Governorship and accordingly,all have been duly placated!

    3.This first circle of Rotation by self elimination ends in May 2023; and a new circle of same Rotation by self elimination commences . Accordingly, we shall provide proof to our assertion that conventionally, IT HAS BEEN AN ALL COMERS AFFAIR FOR ALL THREE SENATORIAL DISTRICTS IN ANY GIVEN GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION and that Rotation has been based on self elimination of the immediate Senatorial District that just left office after eight years; but not on any formal or institutionalised process!

    4. In 1999 intra Party Primaries in PDP, Mr Donald Duke from the South ran the Governorship Primaries with Barr Kanu Agabi from the North, while Prof Eyo Etim Nyong from the South ran with Mr Mark Ukpo from the North in APP.

    The Governorship election of 1999 was ultimately between Donald Duke from the South and Mark Ukpo from the North.

    5.In 2003,the Governorship election was between Mr Donald Duke of the PDP from the South and Chief John Okpa of the APP from Central.

    6.In 2007, the PDP Governorship Primaries was between Sen Liyel Imoke from Central and Mr Walter Eneji and Dr Julius Okputu from the North. The Governorship election proper of 2007 was between Sen Liyel Imoke of PDP from Central versus Prof Eyo Etim Nyong from South and Paul Ukpo from the North

    7. In fact, it is worth mentioning in retrospect, that even after Sen Liyel Imoke of Central had won the Governorship election in 2007, the North in Ukpo, engaged the Central in prolonged and convoluted litigation at the Election Tribunal that saw
    Imoke’s victory annulled twice.
    8. In 2011,Imoke from Central ran again for his second term against Eyo Etim Nyong, Ima Isa Adegoke(Labour Party),both from the South and Dr Onyuike(Accord Party), Mary Ekpre(CPC), Goddy Akpama (PPA) and Usani Usani(ACN)from the Central.

    9.Then, finally came the present tenure which dated back to 2019. The Governorship election was between Sen Prof Ben Ayade from the North, Sen John Owan Enoh from Central and BARR EYO EKPO FROM SOUTH! In fact, it is instructive to note that Barr Eyo Ekpo, then a renowned stalwart of PDP, decamped from PDP to Social Democratic Party (SDP) only for the purpose of running the 2019 Governorship election.

    10.Conclusively therefore, as it was in the beginning, and now is, so shall it be in 2023 Cross River State Governorship Election! To whom God wills, let the power fall, then the conventional or normative process of ZONING BY SELF ELIMINATION FOR THE THREE SENATORIAL DISTRICTS starts from there and then again in this new circle.

    Chief Joe Obi Bisong is the former State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Cross River State Chapter

     

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are strictly that of the author, Joe Obi Bisong and did not represent The Lumine News or the organization the author works for.

  • IWD 2021: Linda Ayade Identifies Poverty As The Main Challenge That Women In Africa Face Today

    By Fred Abua

    The Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Linda Ayade has identified poverty as the main challenge that women in Africa face today. She said most of the other challenges like access to education, gender-based violence, right to inheritance and choice of who and when to marry would easily be surmounted or brought down to a minimum if women were not limited by lack of financial muscle.

    The Governor’s wife who was a guest on Galaxy TV on the eve of the 2021 International Women’s Day said reasonable progress has been made since the struggle for women emancipation started, and vowed that women will not allow their voices to be drowned by the masculine majority that already occupy the leadership and political space.

    Dr. Linda Ayade recalled her growing up years and praised her secondary school principal, Rev. Sister Eunice Atsu and other women whose integrity and focus left an early impression on her mind that she could achieve her goals. While congratulating the new Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the newly elected Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, Dr. Ayade posited that even if equality is not achieved soon, women will continually break the glass ceiling and find their way to the front row of every human endeavour.

    To mark the 2021 IWD theme of Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 World Dr. Linda Ayade’s NGO, the Cross River Women Emancipation Initiative, CROWEI, presented cash gifts to selected less privileged women across the state and launched a new mentorship programme tagged “Urban-Rural Support Initiative”. While calling on women to love one another and shun the unhealthy trend of pulling others down, Dr. Ayade identified the mentorship of achievers as one effective way of changing the lot of rural women. The Urban-Rural Support Initiative will pair outstanding urban members of CROWEI with members in the rural areas for a mentor-mentee relationship with the aim of improving the socio-economic worldview of the rural women.

  • Hon. Maria Akwaji Makes List of 50 Most Influential Church Girls In Africa

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Member representing Obudu State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Mrs. Maria Godwin Akwaji, has made the list of 50 most influential Church Girls in Africa.

    Church Girl Africa is a leading Christian Magazine and has announced the publication of the 50 Most Influential Church Girls in Africa 2021 as part of activities to mark this year’s International Women’s Day 2021 with the theme #ChooseToChallenge.

    The list is curated to celebrate 50 influential Women, who are constantly challenging Church Girls to become a better version of themselves.

    In addition to Hon. Mrs. Godwin Akwaji, the list also features notable Cross River faces such as Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu, Dr. Nchewi Ani, Grace Ihejiamazu-Etuk, Mina Hope Obeten, Sandra Itu & Pauline Idemudia.

    Alongside celebrities such as Stella Damascus, TY Bello, Adesua Etome-Wellington, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Stephanie Linus, Khafi Ekpata & Tomike Adeoye.

    The criteria for selection included successful women, Ages 15-50, in any profession, any African Country, who are not ashamed to identify with Christianity.

    Reacting to the development, the lawmaker averred that “this is the best and most precious recognition I have received recently because I yearn and desire to be an ambassador of Christ.

    “This nomination and award came to me as a surprised pleasure, and I am humbled.

    “I want to specially dedicate this award to my late husband, Hon. Dr. Godwin Akwaji, I wish he was here to be part of this great honor”

    This is the Second award Hon. Mrs. Godwin Akwaji is receiving in two months. She was awarded the Peace Ambassador in February, 2021.