The Lumine News

Author: News

  • State-of-the-art Enugu NEMSA Building Excites Minister

     

    The Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, has expressed satisfaction with the quality and progress of work in the soon-to-be commissioned building of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) in Enugu State.

    The Minister while addressing journalists after touring the facility said that he was pleased that one of the agencies under him is set to deliver on yet another huge project.

    Agba said that the state-of-the-art building which will be furnished with ultramodern modern facilities is a national asset that will directly improve the quality of work of the agency’s staff covering area.

    According to him, “as an agency responsible for maintaining statutory technical standard, it was necessary for its staff to be provided with conducive environment to work because when the environment is not conducive, the result will be poor.

    This is why this project is so important. It’s a national asset. I’m satisfied with the quality of work so far so I want to congratulate the MD and his team for their sacrifices and commitment to achieving this”.

    The Managing Director of NEMSA, Engr. Peter Enesor said that the building which is 99 percent complete and billed for commissioning in the coming days will house meter testing station, laboratory and the inspectorate unit.

    Enesor who thanked the Honourable Minister for his vision and support in seeing to the completion of the project, assured that when commissioned, the facility will be properly maintained.

    The Minister after inspecting the building, toured some power installations in the state.

  • FG Pledges Support For UNN Refuse-Derived Power Plant

     

    The federal government has pledged to support the University of Nigeria, Nsuka (UNN) to develop its 100KVA
    Refuse-Derived-Fuel Gastification Plant for electricity generation to address electricity challenges in the institution and Nigeria at large.

    Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, stated this on Thursday while on inspection of the facility.

    He said that the government is very impressed with the development and would do everything to support the institution to develop the innovation even more.

    The Minister added that, with the government ‘s investment in renewable and alternative energy, it is great that Indigenous Engineers and Scientists were coming up with inventions and ideas to boost the efforts of government.

    “I was not trying to impress the Vice Chancellor when I said that I’m impressed with what I’ve seen here. UNN has always set the pace and I’m very happy with this innovation.

    When I was told of this, the team lead, Prof. Emineke Ejiogu said they wanted to come to my office in Abuja to present it on video but I said no, I want to come down here and see things for myself so that when I want to present it to the President during Federal Executive Council meeting, I will do it convincingly. I have come and I’ve seen for myself”, the Minister said.

    The Minister added that “We have concluded the first phase of the Energizing Education Programme. We’re about to start the second phase. I’ll do all my best to see that UNN is one of the very first universities that we’ll start the next phase of installation of solar power plant in Federal Universities”.

    Speaking, Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Charles Igwe commended the Minister for his commitment and willingness to support the University to develop the innovation.

    The Vice Chancellor however appealed to the federal government to design a special electricity billing regime for universities and other tertiary institutions in the country.

    “We want to appeal to the federal government to design a special billing system for us. In UNN, when we get funds from Abuja, what we get for overhead is N7 million but what we pay for electricity alone every month is N70 – N80 million”, he said.

    The Head of the research team, Prof. Emineke Ejiogu said that the plant was designed and facilitated by the University ‘s Laboratory of Industrial Electronics, Power Devices, and New Energy Systems (LIEPNES).

    While saying that the plant is capable of reducing diesel consumption by 60 percent, he disclosed that the team with the support of the University, was already working on expanding the plant from 100KVA to 500KVA.

  • YOBOO, Projecting Northern Cross River To The World – Jude Agaji

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Founder/Coordinator of YOBOO, Mr. Jude Agaji has stated that the main objective of initiating YOBOO was/is to harness the collective interest vested on the people to promote peace and unity geared towards emancipation and self reliance while promoting the rich sociocultural heritage of the people.

     

    YOBOO, is an acronym for Yala, Ogoja, Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku Local Government Areas of northern Cross River State.

    Speaking with The Lumine News, Mr. Agaji noted that YOBOO has the potentials to become the leading Commerce and Tourism destination in the Southeast and South south geopolitical zones.

    His words “YOBOO has the potentials to become the leading Commerce and Tourism destination in the Southeast and South south geopolitical zones.

    “It is our desire to undertake massive agric – commerce value chain and tourism drive, using our rich agricultural products.

    “It is also our desire to initiate the one man, one hectare project to reinvigorate diversification through the speedy return to agriculture.

    “This approach is projected to guarantee steady supply of raw materials to sustain the agric value chain, the off takers, the processing, packaging and branding to the distribution of finished products, the YOBOO way”

    Speaking further, the Initiator of the YOBOO project used the opportunity to call on all sons and daughters of Northern cross river extraction to consider supporting this great initiative irrespective of who initiated the YOBOO idea, but the impacts it will create, through intellectual research on the origin, substance, livelihood and the rich sociocultural potentials of the five Local Governments that made up northern cross river.

    He also disclosed that YOBOO maiden edition was held on the 20th September, 2016 with a road walk/show from FCE Obudu to Utugwang market in Obudu Local Government Area.

  • Cross Riverians, The Future and The Historical Move.

     

    As the Population Council and Civilian Panel of Citizens’ Solution Network make the pro-citizens’ move to sign an historical Pact on the Political and Citizens’ Future of Cross River state with both the New and Purpose-Driven Leadership of Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) in the State –a body overseeing the political discourse and processes within the State across the 18 Local Government Areas/196 Wards, and the dedicated and visionary Executive of Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN) –an institution committed to shaping national debate and media conversation across the country;

    several media houses, political leaders, traditional, women, religious, academic, NGOs and youth leaders, etc, from across the divides, and a greater section of the 4.2 million Cross Riverians across the length and breadth of the State have been adorned with this pan-Cross Riverian objective that seeks to engage citizens across the State, end voters’ apathy, oversee the political process and ensure that the right leaders emerge with a level playing field for all aspirants, while shaping and leading media discourse to enforce its mandate and build a Cross River state where only true and sound leaders emerge for the socio-economic transformation of the State.

    Hence, the general public has been enjoined to be hopeful with the prospective and potential of the much anticipated historical Pact Signing on *The Political and Citizens’ Future of Cross River State* by the aforementioned leaderships of the three giant and uncompromising multi-demographic institutions.

    Signed

    Joint Executive Boards
    To: *Cross River Joint Alliance On Political and Citizens’ Future. (CROJAP-CF)*

    For:

    Citizens’ Solution Network.

    Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC)_ CRS.

    Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN)

     

  • AYADECARE: Brigade Commander pledges Army readiness to partner CRSHIA on stakeholders security

    By Kingsley Agim

    The resolve of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency to midwife Health Insurance in the State has gained further impetus, as the Commander, 13 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General M. A. Abdullahi, today, March 17 2021, assured of the Army’s readiness to partner with the Agency to ensure the safety of all stakeholders and the smooth conduct of enrollment and other activities of the Scheme.

    Brigadier General Abdulahi gave the assurance when he paid a courtesy visit,  on the Management of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency in Calabar.

    Congratulating the State on the flag-off of AYADECARE, the Army Commander commended the CRSHIA for the well-organised event, adding that the essence of his visit was, partly, to tap into the Midas touch of the Agency.

    The 13 Brigade Chief cautioned against large crowd at enrollment centres, and called on the Agency to adequately furnish security agencies whenever it becomes necessary and unavoidable for a large crowd to gather, to enable Security Agencies provide adequate cover for the enrolees.

    In his response, the Director-General of the Agency, Chief Godwin Iyala, expressed delight at the visit and thanked the Brigadier General for the commendation which he sees as an indication that CRSHIA is on the right track.

    Chief Iyala attributed the smooth takeoff  of the Health Insurance Scheme to Governor Ben Ayade’s penchance for perfection and special zeal for the enthronement of quality, affordable and accessible health care for Cross Riverians and residents of the State in general.

    “As a Governor who gives priority to the health and well-being of the citizens, he ensures that no stone is left unturned in the match towards successfully enthroning Universal Health Coverage in the State,” Iyala remarked.

    The DG, called for the Army’s partnership, and maintained that the success of the CRSHIA and the Scheme also lies in the hands of Security Agencies. He beckoned on the Brigadier General to avail his officers and men the opportunity to enrol into the AYADECARE Scheme, which boasts of a robust Benefit Package that can take care of most of the health challenges of the officers and Men of the Armed Forces.

    The CRSHIA boss assured the Commander that his Agency would adhere strictly to security tips offered, as the State will not allow any Miscreant or group of hoodlums to take undue advantage, cause mayhem or pogrom to such a plausible scheme meant for the good and well-being of humanity.

    The DG further wished the Brigade Commander a successful tour of duty as he strives to maintain peace and order, which the State is well known for.

  • Jarigbe Agom Donates 1.5M For The Renovation Of Ogoja Magistrate Court 2.

    By Elijah Ugani

    The member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency
    and Senator-elect for Cross River Northern senatorial district, Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom has donated the sum of 1.5M for the renovation of the abandoned Ogoja Magistrate Court 2.

    His donation follows that of Mr. Arthur Javis, Proprietor of the first privately owned university in cross river state, Arthur Javis University, who also donated the sum of 300k for same purpose.

    Recall that Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, member representing Ogoja state constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly opened the floor when he donated the sum of 250k this morning.

    Agba Jalingo who initiated the donation, had announced this morning that the sum of 1.5M was needed for the renovation.

    Jalingo wrote “From preliminary findings, N1,500,000 (One Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira), can return the courtroom to where the Magistrate can resume sitting and hear cases.

    “We can join forces and contribute to achieve this goal in no time. It will be a real test of our commitment to collectively grow democracy and our communities. I am sure it will be something we will be proud we did, when we finally see pictures and videos of the Magistrate sitting in the courtroom renovated by “we the people.”

    “If you are interested in contributing to raising N1.5million for the repairs and light furnishing of Ogoja Magistrate Court 2, kindly indicate your interest and a means of payment will be communicated. Be rest assured that all contributions, including the last penny shall be dedicated to this project only, through direct labour and account shall also be rendered publicly”.

  • Hon. Peter Odey Donates 250k For Operation Rescue And Repair Ogoja Magistrate Court 2

    By Elijah Ugani

    The member representing Ogoja State constituency and Leader of the 9th Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey has donated #250,000.00 for the repair of the abandoned Ogoja Magistrate Court 2.

    The Court according to a report by the publisher of CrossRiverWatch, Agba Jalingo, the court has been abandoned for 25 years.

    The abandoned court was allotted to Hon. Peter Odey to build a private house by the Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade through the Commissioner for Land, when he applied for land.

    Hon. Peter Odey however, washed his hands off the piece of land when he realized that the premises belong to the court.

    Agba Jalingo had commenced Operation Rescue And Repair Ogoja Magistrate Court 2.

    Hon. Peter Odey swiftly responded by donating #250.000.00 for the repair of the abandoned Court.

  • AyadeCare: CRSHIA Activates More Enrollment Centres

     

    By Kingsley Agim

    As enrollment into the State Health Insurance Scheme begins, the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency (CRSHIA) has activated more Enrollment Centres for ease of access to the exercise.

    A release by the Agency’s Director-General, Chief Godwin Iyala revealed that the State Ministry of Health Headquarters, General Hospital, Calabar, New Secretariat Complex – Calabar, Primary Health Centre – Mayne Avenue, Primary Health Centre – Ediba, Primary Health Centre – Akim, Primary Health Centre – Big Qua, Primary Health Centre – Diamond, Primary Health Centre – Edim Otop, Primary Health Centre – Ikot Ansa, Primary Health Centre – Kasuk, Primary Health Centre – Ikot Effanga, Primary Health Centre – Ikot Omin, Primary Health Centre – Ikot Ishie, and Bogobiri as the new Enrollment Centres.

    Chief Iyala further enjoined residents of the State to go out en masse to enrol in readiness to access health care services.

    The DG pledged the commitment of his Agency, in collaboration with the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency and other critical stakeholders will leave no stone unturned in actualizing Governor Ben Ayade’s avowed commitment to providing quality, affordable and accessible healthcare for all residents of the State, adding that with the emergence of AYADECARE, the much anticipated Universal Health Coverage has finally birthed in the State.

  • Agba Jalingo Commences Operation Rescue And Repair Ogoja Magistrate Court 2.

    Following the turn of events that beclouds Ogoja Magistrate Court 2, Agba Jalingo has commenced mobilization for donation to repair the abandoned court, codenamed ‘Operation Rescue And Repair Ogoja Magistrate Court 2’.

    Agba asked a rhetoric question, ‘How Much Can You Donate?’

    “I wish to start by saying, I congratulate Hon. Peter Odey, for promptly cooperating with public outcry and stopping work at the premises of the Ogoja Magistrate Court 2. He did that even before the court injunction was issued by the High Court, Ogoja division. I think also that another piece of land should be allocated to Hon. Peter Odey to build his house.

    “Having said that, it is now public knowledge that the court room has been abandoned for over 25 years and anytime any court is closed, it is the common man that suffers the most. There is a reason courts are referred to as ‘the last hope of the common man.’ Courts provide a forum to resolve disputes and help to guarantee our rights to equal protection and due process under the law. Courts exist so that the equality of individuals and the state is reality rather than empty rhetoric. So closing a court room down for 25 years is a lot of disservice to the common man.

    “It is therefore, now time, to recover the Ogoja Magistrate 2 premises, in words and indeed, and return it to a habitable state so that the Magistrate in charge can resume sitting in his court and stop sharing the same court room with the Magistrate in court 1. It is the people’s court. Not government court. Like Police Stations, courts belong to the people. They are the temples of Justice.

    “From preliminary findings, N1,500,000 (One Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira), can return the courtroom to where the Magistrate can resume sitting and hear cases.

    “We can join forces and contribute to achieve this goal in no time. It will be a real test of our commitment to collectively grow democracy and our communities. I am sure it will be something we will be proud we did, when we finally see pictures and videos of the Magistrate sitting in the courtroom renovated by “we the people.”

    “If you are interested in contributing to raising N1.5million for the repairs and light furnishing of Ogoja Magistrate Court 2, kindly indicate your interest and a means of payment will be communicated. Be rest assured that all contributions, including the last penny shall be dedicated to this project only, through direct labour and account shall also be rendered publicly”.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

     

    To donate, kindly click here https://dashboard.flutterwave.com/donate/eihzcj7vun0c

  • Six Months Ago, Agba Jalingo Wrote: Why Justice Simon Amobeda Should Leave Cross River And Exit The Bench

    (This opinion was written 6 months ago.)

    A court order from the vacation judge of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, has stopped INEC from recognizing any candidate of the PDP for the Cross River Northern Senatorial by-election scheduled for October 31, 2020.

    Vacation for federal high courts ends tomorrow Friday September 25 and federal high courts are meant to resume in Monday September 28.

    But while the matter is still pending in Port Harcourt, Governor Ayade went forum shopping for an injunction for his preferred candidate to be announced. He went to his friend, Justice Simon Akpa Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Calabar.

    Fiam, Justice Amobeda arrived Calabar on Sunday and on Monday 21st September, granted an injunction in favor of Ayade’s preferred candidate and ordered INEC to include the candidate’s name as the rightful candidate pending the determination of the motion on notice before him. This is happening during vacation. In broad daylight.

    When were the processes filed?

    Hon. Justices I.M. Sani and I.O. Oshomah are the two vacation judges in the South South. How on earth was it possible for Justice Simon Amobeda to sit during vacation when he is not a vacation judge?

    Was Justice Amobeda granted fiat to sit during vacation?

    What special interest does Justice Amobeda have in Cross River politics?

    He has played so many controversial roles in partisan political scenarios in our State that leaves much to be desired.

    He is the same judge who, on the eve of the contest, said APC did not have a candidate for the 2019 governorship election.

    He is the same judge that threw out Barrister First Baba Isa’s suit challenging the illegal creation of ministries on the exclusive list by Governor Ayade.

    He is the judge that gives all the pro Ayade judgments in Cross River State.

    Justice Simon Amobeda appears to have become a tool in the hands of Governor Ayade to thwart the wishes of the good people of Cross River State.

    I’m glad a petition has gone out to NJC again against Amobeda. Let more follow. He needs to tell the public how that injunction was granted when courts are not sitting.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

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