The Lumine News

Author: News

  • Minister Assures Investors Of Business-Friendly Environment

     

    The Honourable Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR has assured partners and investors of favourable policies and business – friendly environments for investment in the power sector.

    The Minister gave the assurances when a team of German partners lead by Ina Hommer, Country Director, German International Cooperation (GIZ) visit him in his office in Abuja, earlier today.

    The Head of Programme, Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), Duke Benjamin was also part of the team that met the Minister.

    While encouraging the partners and other investors to see Nigeria as Africa investment hub, the Minister added that the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has introduced many favourable policies to water the ground for foreign and local investors in the power sector.

    Agba, however urged the team to work more closely with him for the smooth implementation of their programmes in the country.

    According to him, “I welcome you to my office and thank you for coming. Our government is very open for partnership and investment in the power sector.

    The President has tasked us with the responsibility of ensuring that the power situation in the country improves and from what we have been doing, we have recorded remarkable achievements.

    “I want to assure you that Nigeria is running favourable policies and has business-friendly environment that partners and investors can take advantage of to do business in the power sector”.

    Earlier, the Country Director, Hommer said that the NEPS which is co-funded by the European Union and German Government has carried out several projects to increase electricity supply to rural areas in the country.

    She said that “between 2013-2018, NESP reached more than 15,000 people with solar-powered mini-grids that blend finance from public and private investors”.

    She added that “NESP supported the implementation of energy efficient pilot projects in public and industry buildings which led to energy savings of 15% in the country”.

    While pledging that the German Cooperation through NESP will continue to invest in the power sector in the country, she however appealed to the Minister to continue to woo investors to the sector.

    “From what you have done so far, we want to encourage you to continue to work to draw more investors to the sector, especially the renewable energy. Use your institutional powers to connect with other ministries to also emphasize investment in sustainable renewable energy “.

    Also speaking, the NESP Head of Programme, Benjamin promised to work closely with the Minister and his team to provide technical support to promote investments in the domestic market for renewable energy.

  • Obanliku LGC Chairman Presents 2021 Budget Of 7.5b To The Legislature

    By John Akpo

     

    The Chairman of Obanliku LGC, Evang Margaret Inde, today, February 16th 2021, presented the 2021 Appropriation Bill to the legislature

    Presenting the budget at the Obanliku legislative chambers, the Chairman reiterated that “our vision to be a leading Local Government Area in Cross River State in education and in the provision of a harmonious environment for tourism, commercial agriculture, and to develop into a vision-driven medium term plan as encapsulated in the Obanliku Local Government Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (LEEDS), clearly expresses our developmental needs.

    “Consequently, we have proposed a budget of Seven Billion, Five Hundred and Fifty four Million, One Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Twelve Naira (N7,544,172,612) only.

    “The objective of this budget which I christened ‘Budget of Hope and Light’ will rekindle the hope of our people for a better life, sustained by good governance and accountable leadership.

    “In our quest to bring development to Obanliku, the sum of Five Billion, Five Hundred and Eighty-eight Million, Ninety-eight Thousand, Four Hundred and Ninety-eight Naira (N5,588,098,498) only, which represents 74.07% of the total budgetary outlay is earmarked for capital development”

    The Chairman stressed that “it is the collective desire of our people to see the transformation of our Local Government Area through the provision of basic infrastructures, being the focus of this administration”

    She averred that “Based on this conviction, Projects that would satisfy the felt needs of our people and uplift the status of the Local Government Area in the various sectors would be accorded priority attention this fiscal year”

  • Non Governmental Organization In Makurdi Honors Governor Ben Ayade Chief Of Staff

    By Elijah Ugani

    A Nongovernmental Organization, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Foundation, Makurdi in Benue State has honored the Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Hon. Martin Orim, for his selfless humanitarian services to the less privileged.

    The award was presented on Saturday, 13th February 2021, at the Foundation office in Benue state.

    Presenting the award on behalf of the foundation, Rev. Bartholomew Maria Akighir noted that “we appreciate you for honouring our invitation for this award in recognition of the Chairman/CEO of GFO Orim Foundation.

    “Our awards are presented to individuals with notable foot prints and, Sir Martins Orim made it into the list because of the following reasons and many more which we have being following on social media handles and internet for quite sometimes:

    “His swift intervention in October 2020 to save Mrs Theresa who had premature birth of triplets. The emotional comments he expressed when he visited her in the hospital, showed his compassion and genuine love for the poor and the needy.

    “His passion and determination for the girl-child education also got our attention.

    “His Foundation has being making huge donations to the physically challenged persons and so many other poor and needy people in Cross River and beyond.

    “These good works and many more done by his Foundation have caught our attention; and will hope that the award given to him will encourage him to do more.

    “As a reputable Christian charitable organization, we hold merit in high esteemed and we always do our best to encourage those trading on the path of charity which is a gate way to eternity”.

    Responding on behalf of the Chairman and Founder of GFO Orim Foundation who doubles as the Chief of Staff to Governor Ben Ayade, the Programme Director of GFO Orim Foundation, Hon. Peter Okaba thanked Our Lady of Perpetual Help Foundation for painstakingly following the activities of GFO Orim Foundation to have considered Hon. Martin Orim worthy of the honor.

    He noted that “for us at GFO Orim Foundation, we are not interested in whether people are seeing what we are doing or not. Our mandate and interest is to ensure that we provide succor to the most vulnerable people in the society within our reach in line with our resources.

    “We were shocked when we got this invitation for this award, because we least expected it. For every good intent we have, God knows.

    “This award is a motivation to do more and it has just revealed to us that people are taking note of what we are doing, and they are very interested in all our programmes.

    “Our Chairman and Founder, the Chief of staff to the Governor of Cross River State is poised to give to those in need, and he will continue to support those he can within the context of his resources”

  • Margaret Inde Receives NSCDS Boss, Brainstorms On New Security Architecture For Obanliku

    By John Akpo

    The Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area, Evang. (Mrs.) Margaret Inde today 15th February, 2021 received the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amb. Majekodunmi Abidemi in Sankwala.

    Receiving the NSCDC Boss, Evang. Mrs. Inde who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Mr. Anthony Anyam, thanked the Commandant and his team for the work they have been doing in Obanliku. He further stressed that “the visit was timely and will go a long way in addressing some of the security challenges faced by our people”.

    The Council boss drew the attention of Ambassador Abidemi to the porous security network in Obanliku, noting that “our LGA is a border Community, coupled with the farmers/herders clashes that always threatens the peace in enjoyed by our community”.

    The Chairman used the occasion to call on the Commandant to urgently intervene in the following areas in a bid to strengthen the security in Obanliku; create an Outpost station in Utanga/Becheve axis of the LGA, equipp officers with arms and ammunition, provide strong patrol vehicles considering the Obanliku terrain, increase the number of personels in Obanliku division and other necessary logistics for quality service delivery.

    Responding, Ambassador Abidemi expressed joy for the warm reception accorded him and his team by the Council and assured that the aim of the visit is to strengthen and improve the existing security architecture.

    The NSCDC Boss further promised that “Now I understand the security peculiarities of Obanliku, I will ensure your observations are carefully taken into serious consideration”

    The Paramount Ruler of Obanliku LGA, HRM, Uchu Amos Item on behalf of the Council thanked the State Commandant and prayed for peace in our land.

     

  • USAID Funded Organization Partners C’River To Scale Up Advocacy On Orphans And Vulnerable Children

    By Admin

    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded project under the Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Research (CCCRN) has expressed it’s readiness to partner with the Cross River State Government through its Ministry of International Development Cooperation (MIDC) to scale up care and protection for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC). This also includes children living with HIV, infants and lactating/ pregnant mothers exposed to HIV.

    Speaking during the meeting, the State Program Manager, Mrs. Grace Essien asserted that the CCCRN is an indigenous, non-profit organization with a mandate to promote global best practices in health care delivery, medical training and research using locally adopted models of system strengthening.

    She further explained that the CCCRN is a recipient of the integrated Child Health and Social Service Award (ICHSSA) funded by USAID to ensure Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) are catered to and given adequate protections by their households and host communities.

    In her response, the MIDC Commissioner, Dr. Inyang Asibong, acknowledged the CCCRN leadership for the initiative, whilst stressing on the need to scale down to Etung, Bekwarra and Obanliku as the only 3 LGAs yet to be captured, as it is in tandem with His Excellency, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade’s vision to ensure an improved livelihood for the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) across the State.

    She added that the initiative will provide an increased access to high quality and comprehensive medical services with capacity building of families and communities living in target communities to cater to and protect the children in their care.

    The MIDC Permanent Secretary, Mr. Timothy Ogbang Akwaji assured CCCRN of a continuous partnership and intermittent technical interfaces especially around policy formulation.

    The initiative currently runs across 15 LGAs of the State including; Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, Odukpani, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Biase, Abi, Yakurr, Obubura, Ikom, ogoja, Boki, Yala, Obudu and Akamkpa.

  • Sandy Onor Sets Up ICT Centre, Donates 230 Digital Instructional Materials To Secondary Schools In Central Senatorial District

    By Caterpillar Media Team

    Having identified the advantages of advanced teaching and learning methods and considering the interruption of academic sessions by the novel Covid-19 pandemic and it’s devastating effect on the learning process in Nigeria, the Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor, who is Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND has set up a fully equipped Information and Communication Technology Centre in Holy Child Girls Secondary School Ikom. The Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Donatus E. Akpan has eulogised this important gesture in a written appreciation to the Distinguished Senator.

    In the same vein, Sen. Sandy Onor who is encouraging digital literacy has also donated 100 Desktop Computers, 30 Printers, 60 Mecury UPS, 10 Scanners, 24 fans, 10 Air Conditioners, 6 generators to the following six secondary schools in the Senatorial District:

    -Community Secondary School, Etomi and Government Secondary School, Nsofang, in Etung LGA,

    Regina Pacis Secondary School Ofumbonga Obubra LGA,

    -Community Secondary School Ugep and Community Commercial Secondary School, Ekukune Assiga Old Town, Yakurr LGA.

    -Bawop Secondary School, Boki LGA,

    In November 2020, the Senator had donated 200 furnitures to Bahumono Grammar School in Ebom, Abi LGA and one hundred desks to Community Secondary School, Idomi in Yakurr LGA.

    Similarly he has completed renovation work on Corpers’ Lodge in Igbo Imabana, Abi LGA as well as the construction of Three classroom block at Bafin Etimtim, Boki Local Government Area.

    No doubt, his representation, which has witnessed the rain of the dividends of democracy is for the good of all the people.

  • Breaking: CRUTECH Converted To UNICROSS

    By UNICROSS Media Team.

    Cross River University of Technology has been converted to University of Cross River State.

    This development followed the signing into Law of a bill to that effect by Senator Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River State and Visitor to the University.

    The Bill was sponsored by Rt. Honorable Peter Odey, member representing Ogoja Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly.

    With this conversion, the erstwhile Cross River University of Technology has now become a conventional university and can now run all courses, unrestrictedly.

    Picture below shows the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Professor Augustine Angba in his office today with Rt. Honorable Peter Odey, shortly after the bill was signed into law.

     

  • Ogoja LGC Partners KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation Of Nigeria For A Medical Outreach

    By Justine Ilefa

    The Executive Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, Hon. Emmanuel Ishabor has partner KNCV Foundation, to conduct free testing and treatment of tuberculosis as well as free testing of all medical ailments.

    According to the Executive Chairman, the idea is born out of his love for his people, given that tuberculosis is prevalent in Ogoja Local Government Area.

    The Chairman averred that “We can not have any meaningful development in our Local Government Area, when the people’s health is not top most in our priority; we will continue to do everything within our reach to help our people health wise and in other aspects”.

    The Council Boss hopes that the people of Ogoja will make good use of the opportunity, to get themselves tested and treatment given to avoid the spread of the disease.

    KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation is a national and international center of expertise for TB control and a medical development organization. The organization is committed to reducing tuberculosis, in and around forty countries, including Nigeria. It does so by means of policy development, technical assistance, advisory services, training programs, capacity building, as well as epidemiological and operational research.

    KNCV is active in the following areas: policy development, multi-drug resistant TB, human resource development, research and advocacy.

    The mission of KNCV in Ogoja and every part of Nigeria is to eliminate tuberculosis through the development and implementation of effective strategies to fight the disease.

    The itinerary for Ogoja Local Government Area, is slated as follows:

    1) Monday 15/02/2021- Ishibori playground and Ndok itek.

    2) Tuesday 16/02/2021- Ogboja and Igodor.

    3) Wednesday 17/02/2021- Ekpogrinya and Egbung.

    4) Thursday 18/02/2021- Aragban Mbube and Ogboria Ochoro.

    5) Friday 19/02/2021- Idum Mbube and Nigerian Correctional Service.

     

  • Philip Obin Facilitates 110 Slots For The One-off Survival Fund For Biase LGA

    The Technical Assistant to the Vice President of Nigeria on New Media, Hon. Philip Obin is facilitating 10 slots each for the 11 wards of Biase LGA for the N30,000 one-off Survival Fund Grant.

    Total of 110 Slots = N3,300,000

    Required details:

    Surname:
    Middle name:
    First name:
    Sex:
    Phone no:
    Bank name:
    Account no:
    BVN:

    Beneficiaries must be resident in Calabar or able to travel to Calabar as physical capturing is scheduled for today, Monday 15th February, 2021.

    Also, those who were captured in December and subsequently paid are exempted, as the system already has their data and cannot pay them twice.

    Leaders of each ward have been contacted to collate and submit details of beneficiaries from their respective wards before 4pm Sunday 14th February 2021.

    Recall that 500 persons had in December, 2020 and early January, 2021, benefitted from the N30,000 one-off Artisan Grant facilitated by Hon. Philip Obin.

    Between December, 2020 and January 2021, a total of 15 million naira has been disbursed to 500 Cross Riverians. This is in addition to several others, whom the Presidential Aide has helped secure approval for COVID-19 loan applications and the Payroll support for indigenous companies, valued at over 200 million naira.

    Also, 34 members of the newly inaugurated caretaker committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River were given slots; Akamkpa and other LGAs were also considered.

    Speaking on a telephone with The Lumine News, Barr. S. A. Akpanke, lecturer and Exams officer, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar noted that Mr. Philip Obin’s love and service to Cross river youth is unprecedented. He used the opportunity to call on all youth in the state who are in a position to assist others to take the steps initiated by Mr. Obin for the betterment of our dear state.

     

  • At 55, Prof. Sandy Onor Has Undauntedly Impacted Humanity Through Effective Service Delivery.

    By Elijah Ugani

    As I reminisced on the existence of Sen. Prof. Sandy Onor in this physio temporal terrain, I am yet to come to terms with the specialty associated with the uniqueness of his creation.

    I really don’t know where to start writing this piece from, because I will end up writing a book in his honor, considering the import of his magnanimity and service to humanity.

    Sen. Onor is currently a Professor at the Department of History & International Studies in the University of Calabar, Nigeria. Where he has taught a thousand generation of scholars who are currently braking grounds and setting records in all spheres of life. He has mentored so many young persons including his peers and colleagues both in the academia and politics. No wonder the President of the Nigerian senate, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, could not control his emotions when he declared Sen. Sandy Onor as the orator of the 9th senate.

    He has authored several books, including The Ejagham Nation in the Cross River Region of Nigeria (1994 & 2015), and Local Governance in Nigeria (2005). No wonder he is vested with the needed prowess to navigate and circumvent the huddles associated with leadership within the Nigerian context.

    Prof. Sandy has been highly recognized and decorated for his scholarship and other achievements, within and outside the country.

    At various times, he had served as the Executive Chairman of Etung Local Government Council (1999-2002), Chairman, Cross River State Local Government Service Commission, Commissioner for Agriculture (2010-2011) and Commissioner for Environment (2011-2013) among other public offices.

    As a first timer in the senate, I recall my rebuttal to the attack on his person by his traducers on June 20th, 2020. I requested them to give the senator and all first timers up to December, 2020 to ask for their score cards.

    Sometimes around September, 2020 Sen. Onor rolled out a litany of constituency projects across the six local governments that made up the central senatorial district. My joy know no bounds because he didn’t disappoint me. The most important aspect of it being that majority of his constituents are very proud of his enigmatic representation and have no regret in his holding their mandate.

    The tact with which he lobbied and got the highest number of constituency projects spread across the central senatorial district in the history of the state remains a mystery.
    Sen. Onor needs to be understudied.

    His is currently distributing computer systems and accessories to five secondary schools in five local governments in the central senatorial district.

    Of recent, he seemed to be the only senator who is in touch with his constituents at regular intervals, spinning through the south, central and northern senatorial districts of the state.

    Just recently, the Ndok Clan in Ogoja local government area of northern senatorial district, honored hi with a chieftaincy title having facilitated the grading of the Ndok – Kakwagom road.

    To have been born on the day when the entire globe celebrates the virtues of St. Valentine anchored on love, goes beyond mere coincidence. There seemed to be a divine ontology associated with his birth that is yet to be unraveled.

    His love for his mentees, students, constituents, cross river state and in deed humanity at large can only be best explained by divine providence.

    Prof. Onor’s stint at the senate visa viz his past records shows that he is an embodiment of selfless service to humanity.

    His recent bill for a special fund for our health sector lay credence to the fact that he understands our basic needs and his disposition to combat them headlong is not in doubt.

    I can best describe him as an epitome of knowledge, a quintessential trailblazer, a community mobilizer and builder, an astute politician, a seasoned administrator per excellent, a contemporary scholar of very high repute, a silent archiver.

    I admire his auditory prowess, his rendition of vocabularies effortlessly to the admiration of his listeners.

    On this auspicious day of his birth anniversary, like most cross riverians out there, we are very proud of him and will continue to support every of his initiative that is geared towards service to humanity.

    The best is yet to come as the future is even brighter. We expect more from him as he begins another cycle of life today.

    Senator Onor would continue to make cross river state proud as I pray for global platform to enable him showcase and market the state in particular and Nigeria at large to the world.

    Once again, congratulations to the distinguished senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.