The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • #JariBurs: Beneficiaries Express Gratitude, Describes The Initiative As Commitment To The Education And Empowerment Of Youth

    #JariBurs: Beneficiaries Express Gratitude, Describes The Initiative As Commitment To The Education And Empowerment Of Youth

    Constituents of Cross River Northern Senatorial District who benefited from the Sen Jarigbe Agom, Bursary Scheme codenamed #JariBurs has continued to express gratitude and described the gesture as a demonstration of commitment to education, youth empowerment, and the future of our senatorial district.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mr Uko Francis Ayim, of the department of Electrical and Electronics, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra state wrote:

    “Electrical Electronics Department
    Federal Polytechnic
    Oko
    Anambra State
    22nd August, 2025

     

    “A Letter of Appreciation to Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom

    Distinguished Senator,

    “I write with a heart full of gratitude to sincerely appreciate your kind gesture in blessing me with a bursary of one hundred thousand naira (₦100,000). As an indigent student struggling to survive in school while pursuing a course in Electrical Electronics, this support means so much to me. Truly, I do not have any politician to speak for me, but God used you to speak into my life at a most critical moment.

    “Your benevolence has lifted a heavy burden off my shoulders and given me fresh strength to continue in my academic journey with hope. Beyond this, I deeply appreciate your outstanding service to our community, especially the Ukpagada bridge, which stands as a visible testimony of your love for the people.

    “Distinguished Senator, my prayer is that the Almighty God will continue to bless you with good health, divine protection, uncommon wisdom, and overwhelming victory as you continue to serve. May your vision for our people never be hindered, and may God crown your efforts with resounding success, even as you look forward to 2027.

    “Thank you, Distinguished Senator. You have touched my life, and I will never forget it.

    “Yours sincerely,
    Uko, Francis Ayim”.

     

    Another of the beneficiaries, Ikpa Thomas Onah Jr, wrote:

    “Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe
    Distinguished Senator,
    Cross River North Senatorial District,
    National Assembly, Abuja.

    Sir,

    “APPRECIATION FOR THE JARIBURS STUDENTS GRANT INITIATIVE

    “I write with deep gratitude on behalf of myself and other students to sincerely appreciate your kind gesture in remembering the students of Northern Cross River and providing this timely support through the “Jariburs students initiative Grant”.

    “This initiative is a testament to your commitment to education, youth empowerment, and the future of our senatorial district. It has lightened many burdens and restored confidence in the fact that true leadership seeks the welfare of all, irrespective of political affiliations.

    “I also wish to specially acknowledge Mr. Agba Jalingo and his team for their efforts in coordinating this programme and contributing immensely to its success. His dedication ensured a smooth and transparent process that allowed students from all backgrounds to benefit.

    “It is worthy of note that this initiative was not politicised. Unlike in the past, when such opportunities were hijacked and reserved for only party loyalists, this grant cut across all lines, reaching even youths and supporters of other political parties. This act of fairness reflects the kind of society we all aspire to build: one where inclusiveness, justice, and progress prevail.

    “As you have chosen to set the standard, May the Almighty God continue to grant you wisdom, strength, and foresight to sustain such impactful initiatives and to explore even more avenues of giving back to the society.

    “With great respect,

    “Yours sincerely,
    Ikpa Thomas Onah Jnr. 

  • The Laws of Human Stupidity and Nigeria’s Tragic Decline BY MIKE UDAM

    The Laws of Human Stupidity and Nigeria’s Tragic Decline BY MIKE UDAM

     

    Carlo M. Cipolla, the Italian economic historian, once wrote a humorous yet painfully accurate essay titled The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity. Though penned decades ago, his insight perfectly explains Nigeria’s present misery. It is not merely corruption, bad leadership, or foreign manipulation that has wrecked our economy; it is the power of stupidity, unrestrained and underestimated, that has brought us here.

    Cipolla’s first law warns us: “Always and inevitably, everyone underestimates the number of stupid people in circulation.” Nigerians underestimated how many among us were willing to sell their conscience for crumbs, swap their votes for rice, or cheerfully defend policies that harm them. We mocked them as “ignorant villagers” or dismissed them as “politically illiterate masses,” forgetting that stupidity is no respecter of class or degree.

    The second law pierces deeper: “The probability that a certain person is stupid is independent of any other characteristic of that person.” This means stupidity cuts across tribes, religions, education levels, and wealth. Some of the loudest voices that justified Nigeria’s political U-turn—trading a stabilising, reform-oriented government for chaos—came from elites, professors, social media influencers, and even so-called intellectuals. We assumed the educated class would make wise choices; Cipolla reminds us that stupidity is democratically distributed.

    But Cipolla’s third and fourth laws are devastating. He defined stupidity as behavior that causes harm to others while bringing no real benefit to oneself. This is precisely what Nigeria has witnessed. Citizens were manipulated into embracing policies and leaders that have destroyed the naira, collapsed businesses, and triggered unprecedented hunger—while those same citizens suffer under the weight of their decisions. Worse, rational Nigerians underestimated how destructive stupidity could be. We thought “they’ll learn,” or “things will balance out.” Instead, we are now watching an economy spiral, with food inflation beyond reason, power grids failing, and insecurity spreading like wildfire.

    Cipolla’s fifth law seals the argument: “A stupid person is the most dangerous type of person… more dangerous than a bandit.” A bandit is predictable; he steals for gain. But stupidity is chaos: it votes for poverty, celebrates oppression, and attacks those who seek solutions. In Nigeria today, stupidity is not a minor inconvenience—it has become a political force. It has enthroned leaders who cannot govern, dismantled economic reforms, and placed the nation at the mercy of clueless decision-makers.

    We are living proof of Cipolla’s warning: a society dominated by stupidity is doomed to decline. Nations rise when intelligent, principled citizens outnumber and outmaneuver the stupid. Nations collapse when stupidity becomes a majority voice, amplified by propaganda, tribalism, and religious manipulation.

    So, where do we go from here? Nigerians must face this uncomfortable truth: no amount of oil wealth or foreign investment can rescue a country where stupidity is celebrated and rewarded. The fight for Nigeria’s future is not only against corruption or insecurity; it is a battle to awaken reason, restore moral courage, and break the cultural cycle of foolish choices.

    As long as stupid people dictate elections, defend failed leadership, and normalize mediocrity, Nigeria will continue this descent. Our tragedy is not that we are poor in resources but that we are rich in folly.

    May God give us wisdom to repent of our collective foolishness before this nation becomes a full-blown failed state.

    Mike Udam, PhD
    Teacher and Preacher
    Ogoja Nigeria

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Mike Udam, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • Beneficiary Of #JariBurs Writes Sen Jarigbe Agom, Commends The Initiative

    Beneficiary Of #JariBurs Writes Sen Jarigbe Agom, Commends The Initiative

    One of the beneficiaries of Sen Jarigbe Agom Bursary Scheme codenamed #JariBurs, Mr Franklin Ikpong, has taken to his Facebook page, to expresse joy and happiness for the financial support for his master’s program.

    Mr Ikpong noted that the support to have not only assists his studies but symbolizes hope and motivation as he pursue his Master’s degree in Anatomy.

    Full text of his message of gratitude:

    “I want to express my deepest appreciation to our remarkable distinguish Sen Jarigbe Agom who have significantly impacted my life during a challenging period through JariBurs. Your generosity and belief in Northern Cross River student potential have uplifted our spirits as students and provided essential support for our academic goals.

    “The able distinguish senator, I’m profoundly grateful to you. Your unwavering belief in students potential means the world to me. As a young student navigating the challenges of higher education, I have often felt overwhelmed with a lot of Hurdles.
    Your encouragement through Jari Burs #education initiative has been a guiding light, reminding me that perseverance can help me overcome obstacles. Your commitment to education and community development is truly inspiring, showcasing your dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Your financial support in Jari Burs initiative not only assists my studies but symbolizes hope and motivation as I pursue my Master’s degree in Anatomy.
    In a special way I also want to extend my gratitude to Agba Jalingo and the selection team for their role in coordinating the assistance process impartially. Your efforts ensured that support reached deserving students like me, alleviating the financial burdens as I work toward the completion of my academic aspirations. Your kindness has rejuvenated my faith in community support, allowing me to focus on critical areas of my studies, particularly my dissertation research.

    “Pursuing a Master’s degree in Anatomy is not just an academic goal; it represents a significant step towards fulfilling my aspirations to contribute meaningfully to our Basic medical system. My passion for anatomy stems from a deep desire to understand the human body better and positively impact the field of Basic medical science. The knowledge I gain will equip me with skills to make a difference in healthcare, benefiting our society as a whole.
    Thanks you distinguish Senator.”

    Three days later, Franklin Ikpong returned, see what he wrote:

    “Once again, In a way of appreciation as a beneficiary of JariBurs, I dedicate this Sunday in celebration of distinguish Sen Jarigbe Agom for his efforts to humanity.

    I also appreciate Agba Jalingo an impartial Man with credibility for everything he do for humanity.

    “My academic pursuit in the master degree level has been an endless voyage and a continual venture into the unknown. I say this because funding a master degree program without a reliable Job and a sponsor is very challenging. I have experience a lot of Hurdles that left me with a decision to to quit the program but at Everytime of this decision opportunities will always come to give me the reason to continue, JariBurs is another significant opportunity that has presented itself and ask me to continue without quiting. Though the challenges continues because the program is not over yet, and what I keep believing in is that God willing I must complete the program because the will of God will never take me to where the grace of God will not protect me.

    “Now I normally believe my late mum words to me in her dying Bed and I quote “Frank I am dying because I don’t know if I will be healed from this sickness, my pains is that I won’t be alive to train you in school but since you have a willing heart don’t worry the way will be open. If you want to have a PhD in your chosen field don’t worry you will have it and you will not know how, but just believe, because when the heart is willing the way will be open”.

    ” Thanks you once again distinguish Senator for the JariBurs education initiative.”

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Franklin Ikpong, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • CAN CRS SECURE 30% Market Share of Nigeria’s 2025 Detty December? BY JUSTIN UDIE

    CAN CRS SECURE 30% Market Share of Nigeria’s 2025 Detty December? BY JUSTIN UDIE

     

    By the way, “Detty December” is a highly anticipated festive period from mid-December through the New Year in Nigeria. It is characterised by vibrant celebrations, social gatherings, and a general atmosphere of high energy and optimism among the people. A major driver of this phenomenon is the return of the Nigerian Japa Lords – diasporas, who are colloquially known as “IJGBs” (I just got back; mehhnn, you know what am saying) 😃 The festivities are a form of homecoming, a time for these returnees to reconnect with family and friends and, spend the hail of their money and experience the cultural vibrancy of their homeland.

    Beyond its social and cultural significance, this period functions as a powerful economic machine. The influx of the diaspora, often flush with forex, injects significant liquidity into the local economy, fueling a surge in commerce and spending. This financial infusion is welcomed by the government for its notable impact on the economy even as festive period has become synonymous with urban-centric celebrations, particularly in hubs like Lagos, which is widely considered the face of “Detty December” due to its rich history of entertainment and its thriving music industry. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) estimates that diaspora members contributed over N60 billion to the local economy in December 2024 alone.

    A closer look at the data reveals that Lagos’s success is not based on a single large-scale event, but rather a diversified ecosystem of high-value activities:

    For example; Hotels contributed N54 billion from 15,000 stays. Short-let apartments and private rentals generated an additional N21 billion from nearly 6,000 reservations. The top 15 lounges and nightclubs in the city collectively earned a staggering N4.32 billion. Beaches and resorts contributed 70% of the N4.5 billion in leisure-related earnings. High-end car rentals, with daily rates reaching up to N2 million, generated N1.5 billion and an estimated N20 billion was generated from other categories, including artiste bookings, fine dining, and event rentals.

    The concentration of events- ranging from concerts by Afrobeats superstars to lavish after-parties and beach hangouts; authenticates that the core economic activities of “Detty December” are firmly rooted in the urban city. Understanding this market dynamics is crucial, as like CROSS RIVER STATE; seeking to compete must either replicate or strategically complement this urban-focused model.

    No doubt, “Detty December” has evolved into a formidable economic engine. In 2024, the total value of this seasonal economy, anchored by events in Lagos, was estimated at N111.5 billion, attracting N1.2 million visitors to Lagos alone. While Cross River State’s Calabar Carnival though demonstrated significant growth, generating around N14.06 billion in revenue and attracting over 300,000 tourists in 2024, its current tourism model is not diversified enough to compete for a substantial share of this burgeoning national market.

    From action study by financial analysts, I can projects that the total Nigerian “Detty December” economy could reach an estimated N128.2 billion in 2025. I think CRS can fight for at least a 30% share of that economy and to capture this ambitious target, Cross River would need to generate approximately N38.46 billion, representing a financial gap of over N20.18 billion beyond our expected organic growth trajectory. The strategic approach to bridge this gap, could be anchored on three core pillars:
    1. the monetisation of the Calabar Carnival
    2. the creation of a new, high-impact diaspora homecoming event
    3. the comprehensive monetisation of the state’s tourism ecosystem.

    For example; the planned Heritage Market for arts and crafts offers a crucial opportunity to distribute wealth more broadly. By providing a platform for local artisans and vendors, the state can ensure that the economic benefits of “Detty December” trickle down to small and medium enterprises, mitigating some of the negative effects of inflation and wealth concentration. These initiatives, when executed in synergy, will transform Cross River’s “Detty December” economy from a single, event-driven model to a multi-faceted, high-yield tourism ecosystem!

    I’m more confident that by adopting these strategies, with all honesty, transparency and integrity in budget management and excution, Cross River can transition from being a singular event destination to a usual diversified, multi-billion-naira tourism hub, positioning ourselves as a primary competitor to Lagos and a dominant force in Nigeria’s seasonal tourism landscape – detty December!

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Justin Udie, and does not represent TheLumineNews, it’s agent or the organization the author works for.

  • UNICAL-JUPEB Programme Sale of Admission Forms Ongoing – Registrar

    UNICAL-JUPEB Programme Sale of Admission Forms Ongoing – Registrar

     

    ….Describe Programme as the Best Path way into 200 Level.

    The Registrar of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Dr. Mrs Chukwuka Icha has stated that the University of Calabar Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board, UNICAL-JUPEB Programme sale of admission forms for the 2025/2026 academic session is currently ongoing even as she described the programme as the Best path way into 200 level in the University of Calabar and beyond.

    A release by the registrar, indicates that applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for admissions into the University of Calabar Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (UNICAL-JUPEB) for the 2025/2026 academic session.

    The release further emphasized that UNICAL-JUPEB is a 10months intensive foundational programme that does not require JAMB OR POST-UTME and admits successful candidates into 200 Level upon completion of the programme in the College of Medical Sciences, Faculties of Law, Computing, Biological Sciences, Engineering, Management Sciences, Social Sciences, Sciences, Arts/Humanities, Education etc.

    According to the release, application forms are available on the University’s programme website (https://jupeb.unical.edu.ng/applicant/apply) for a fee of N15,500 payable online via an ATM card, bank transfer or through any commercial banks nationwide.

    To this end, candidates are required to possess a minimum of 5 O’Level Credit passes in SSCE WAEC/NECO/GCE/NABTEB or its equivalent including Mathematics and English Language.

    For enquiries, applicants are encouraged to call, (+234)802-228-2998, (+234)803-933-9026, (+234)803-590-7984 or visit the Unical JUPEB Office at CES Building or website www.jupeb.unical.edu.ng

  • OWAN-ENOH MSME Support, A N500m Chance To Leap… BY AGBA JALINGO 

    OWAN-ENOH MSME Support, A N500m Chance To Leap… BY AGBA JALINGO 

     

    Barring any last minute changes, on Thursday August 28, 2025, (next tomorrow), the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh-JOE, will be unveiling the OWAN-MSME Support Initiative for Cross Riverians and non Cross Riverians living in Cross River, who are actively running their small businesses or intending to start a viable new small business idea in or outside the State.

    This is actually a private intervention by the Minister, aimed at seeing how people who have no real active interest in day-to-day politics can be assisted to create an alternative economy in Cross River state in particular. The program scope is targeting both people in the formal and informal sectors of the economy who are truly doing business or want to run small businesses and a total of 500 million Naira will be up for grabs by 1000 enterpreneurs in four different phases.

    Details of how to apply and how beneficiaries will be selected will be made public after the Minister has done the unveiling on Thursday in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. But I will give you some heads up to prepare you:

    Yours sincerely, will be fully involved in this project from beginning to end for two reasons; namely, everything that sounds progressive has a special appeal and a magnetic effect over me. I have always and all the time, felt that until Cross River State moves towards creating an alternative economy outside politics, where young people can have another chance to earn a meaningful living and get a sense of worth and importance, then everyone will graduate from school and continue to seek to be SSA or SA or PA to a politician, because at the moment, that is the only economy our State has and that is the only arena where people think they can find their self worth.

    Secondly, over time, we have been able to develop tech processes that bring transparency, fairness and accountability to these kind of ideas and projects. This speaks to the inefficiencies that have characterized these laudable interventions and ripped them of their benefits and impacts in the medium and long term. These processes that we bring to the table aren’t perfect, but they stand shoulders above what obtains and are poised to improve as we continue to be availed of the opportunity to test them.

    The confidence of State and non State actors in us to give us the privilege to try these ideas is also posing a massive challenge to our long standing advocacy for sanity, good governance and fight against corruption, and we hope that results will continue to inspire others.

    The bane of these interventions has primarily been the corruption and sleeze associated with the processes and the misapplication of the proceeds of the interventions by the beneficiaries, who mostly emerge by cronyism and not by merit. And this has to be cleaned up or bypassed.

    This time, amongst other roles, yours sincerely will be leading a panel of six seasoned technocrats and enterprise development specialists that will assess and select beneficiaries via a transparent, accountable and verifiable process.

    Members of the team and everyone on board this project has committed to ensuring this effort will be handled differently to maximize the success rate remarkably and the Minister has also promised the team a free hand and breathing space to undertake this task without any form of political encumbrance and beyond political divides.

    So watch this space for more and avoid going into my inbox to lobby or start any conversation on this topic.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Celebrating An Icon, Prof Peter Akpa Oti On His Birth Anniversary BY ELIJAH UGANI 

    Celebrating An Icon, Prof Peter Akpa Oti On His Birth Anniversary BY ELIJAH UGANI 

     

    Prof Peter Akpa Oti hails from Nkirira – Utugwang, in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    Peter Akpa Oti is a Professor of Accounting and a Chartered Accountant. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and a member of Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria. He teaches Management Accounting, Taxation and Fiscal Policy in the University of Calabar.

    Prof Oti is committed to the growth of his community and state. Oti has written his name in the sand of time as an envoy of emancipation, social development and justice in Utugwang community in particular, and Cross River State at large.
    As a detribalized and patriotic Nigerian, Prof Oti, has spearheaded community driven initiatives aimed at emancipating the underrepresented population. He has supported the education of the less privileged for undergraduates and post graduate students.

    A chartered Accountant and Budget expert, Oti galvanized support from sons and daughters of Utugwang community and utilized the Central Bank of Nigeria licensing of community banks, and midwieved the defunct Utugwang Community Bank. The bank gave non collateral micro loans to local community members, which secured and strengthened thier livelihood.

    He initiated the annual football tournament that brought together the youths of Utukalu communities that identified talents. He identified widows and the physically challenged and provided cash and material assistance to them periodically.

    Prof Oti is an epitome of fairness, committed to hard work and dedication, accessible and setting standards and challenging our disposition to hard work.

    Prof Oti identifies community interest, assets and leadership as a pathway for the local people to make contributions to the development of the community.

    Prof Oti’s leadership prowess epitomizes service delivery, integrity, empathy, and good decision-making skills.

    Prof Oti has held numerous positions in the university of Calabar, where he served as Head, Department of Accounting, Director, UNICALCON, among others. In the Cross River State Government, he served as member, Cross River State Executive Council, in the following positions:

    Special Adviser on Budget Monitoring and Evaluation: As Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr. Peter Oti rejected some reports of budget officers from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in 2012 due to non-compliance with budget implementation standards.
    Prof Oti developed a budgetary model that embraced participatory budgeting where stakeholders’ input became very necessary in budget preparation, through stakeholders’ engagement in the three senatorial districts of Cross River State. A model that became a reference point where other states consulted Cross River State.

    Chairman of State Internal Revenue Service: In this role, he announced that six revenue officers were standing trial for diverting government funds into their personal accounts, showcasing his commitment to transparency and accountability.

    Economic Adviser To The Governor: Prof Oti’s involvement as Economic Adviser has shaped the Economic Development Strategies of Gov Bassey Edet Otu’s administration, shaping the financial landscape of Cross River State could influence economic development strategies, potentially driving growth and investment.
    Prof Oti has potentially contributed to economic development, budget management, and revenue generation in Cross River State.

    Prof. Peter Akpa Oti’s work in the Budget Department and Internal Revenue Services highlights his involvement in shaping the financial landscape of Cross River State.

    To an Icon of hope and development:

    Dear Prof Peter Akpa Oti,
    As you celebrate another year of life, wisdom, and service, I acknowledge your remarkable contributions to Cross River State’s financial landscape. Your expertise in budget management and revenue generation has been a beacon of hope for a brighter future.

    May your birthday be as vibrant as the budgets you’ve crafted, as fruitful as the revenue you’ve generated, and as fulfilling as the lives you’ve touched. May your day be filled with joy, love, and celebration, surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers.

    As you mark another milestone, I pray that your wealth of knowledge and experience continues to inspire and guide future generations. May your legacy be a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and passion for public service.

    Here is to another year of wisdom, growth, and impact! May your birthday be the beginning of a year filled with happiness, good health, and success.

    You are a mentor, a teacher, community builder, builder of men, a counsellor, a role model, a guide, a pathfinder, a home maker, an inspiration to many who have come in contact with you. You are humility personified.

    Be rest assured of my continuous prayers and goodwill.

    On this auspicious occasion of your birth anniversary, accept my best wishes.

    Elijah Ugani
    Public Affairs Analyst and Commentator
    Community Mobilizer
    Social Change Agent
    He writes from the Hills of Ukwortung

  • Celebrating An Icon, Prof Peter Akpa Oti On His Birth Anniversary BY ELIJAH UGANI

    Celebrating An Icon, Prof Peter Akpa Oti On His Birth Anniversary BY ELIJAH UGANI

     

    Prof Peter Akpa Oti hails from Nkirira – Utugwang, in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    Peter Akpa Oti is a Professor of Accounting and a Chartered Accountant. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and a member of Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria. He teaches Management Accounting, Taxation and Fiscal Policy in the University of Calabar.

    Prof Oti is committed to the growth of his community and state. Oti has written his name in the sand of time as an envoy of emancipation, social development and justice in Utugwang community in particular, and Cross River State at large.
    As a detribalized and patriotic Nigerian, Prof Oti, has spearheaded community driven initiatives aimed at emancipating the underrepresented population. He has supported the education of the less privileged for undergraduates and post graduate students.

    A chartered Accountant and Budget expert, Oti galvanized support from sons and daughters of Utugwang community and utilized the Central Bank of Nigeria licensing of community banks, and midwieved the defunct Utugwang Community Bank. The bank gave non collateral micro loans to local community members, which secured and strengthened thier livelihood.

    He initiated the annual football tournament that brought together the youths of Utukalu communities that identified talents. He identified widows and the physically challenged and provided cash and material assistance to them periodically.

    Prof Oti is an epitome of fairness, committed to hard work and dedication, accessible and setting standards and challenging our disposition to hard work.

    Prof Oti identifies community interest, assets and leadership as a pathway for the local people to make contributions to the development of the community.

    Prof Oti’s leadership prowess epitomizes service delivery, integrity, empathy, and good decision-making skills.

    Prof Oti has held numerous positions in the university of Calabar, where he served as Head, Department of Accounting, Director, UNICALCON, among others. In the Cross River State Government, he served as member, Cross River State Executive Council, in the following positions:

    Special Adviser on Budget Monitoring and Evaluation: As Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr. Peter Oti rejected some reports of budget officers from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in 2012 due to non-compliance with budget implementation standards.
    Prof Oti developed a budgetary model that embraced participatory budgeting where stakeholders’ input became very necessary in budget preparation, through stakeholders’ engagement in the three senatorial districts of Cross River State. A model that became a reference point where other states consulted Cross River State.

    Chairman of State Internal Revenue Service: In this role, he announced that six revenue officers were standing trial for diverting government funds into their personal accounts, showcasing his commitment to transparency and accountability.

    Economic Adviser To The Governor: Prof Oti’s involvement as Economic Adviser has shaped the Economic Development Strategies of Gov Bassey Edet Otu’s administration, shaping the financial landscape of Cross River State could influence economic development strategies, potentially driving growth and investment.
    Prof Oti has potentially contributed to economic development, budget management, and revenue generation in Cross River State.

    Prof. Peter Akpa Oti’s work in the Budget Department and Internal Revenue Services highlights his involvement in shaping the financial landscape of Cross River State.

    To an Icon of hope and development:

    Dear Prof Peter Akpa Oti,
    As you celebrate another year of life, wisdom, and service, I acknowledge your remarkable contributions to Cross River State’s financial landscape. Your expertise in budget management and revenue generation has been a beacon of hope for a brighter future.

    May your birthday be as vibrant as the budgets you’ve crafted, as fruitful as the revenue you’ve generated, and as fulfilling as the lives you’ve touched. May your day be filled with joy, love, and celebration, surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers.

    As you mark another milestone, I pray that your wealth of knowledge and experience continues to inspire and guide future generations. May your legacy be a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and passion for public service.

    Here is to another year of wisdom, growth, and impact! May your birthday be the beginning of a year filled with happiness, good health, and success.

    You are a mentor, a teacher, community builder, builder of men, a counsellor, a role model, a guide, a pathfinder, a home maker, an inspiration to many who have come in contact with you. You are humility personified.

    Be rest assured of my continuous prayers and goodwill.

    On this auspicious occasion of your birth anniversary, accept my best wishes.

    Elijah Ugani
    Public Affairs Analyst and Commentator
    Community Mobilizer
    Social Change Agent
    He writes from the Hills of Ukwortung

  • Asphalting Begins on Busangfong Road Facilitated BySen Jarigbe Agom

    Asphalting Begins on Busangfong Road Facilitated BySen Jarigbe Agom

     

    Excitement filled Busangfong community yesterday as contractors commenced asphalting on a key road project facilitated by Senator Jarigbe Agom.

    The road, which connects Busangfong in Obanliku Local Government Area to Ikom Local Government Area, is expected to unlock significant economic opportunities for the community. Sectors such as markets, schools, and other businesses are expected to benefit from the enhanced connectivity the road will provide.

    The community has expressed appreciation for Senator Jarigbe’s efforts, describing him as a politician whose commitments are reliably fulfilled. According to them, Senator Jarigbe is notable for turning his promises into tangible outcomes.

    Commenting on the development, Senator Jarigbe has emphasized the importance of durability in the construction work, instructing the contractor to ensure the road withstands the test of time. The senator has also pledged to continue working on infrastructural projects across the five Local Government Areas of his Senatorial District.

    The commencement of asphalting on this project marks a significant step forward in improving infrastructure in Obanliku, aligning with Senator Jarigbe’s broader goals of enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth in every part of Cross River North Senatorial District.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Eyoanwan Clears Backlog Of Allowances For OUDA Workers, Donates OPS Devices

    Eyoanwan Clears Backlog Of Allowances For OUDA Workers, Donates OPS Devices

    BY Sonnie Okem

    In a show of compassion and commitment to grassroots empowerment, the Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Her Excellency Bishop (Dr.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has cleared the backlog of allowances owed to workers of the Ogoja Urban Development Authority (OUDA) by the previous administration.

    Addressing the gathering during her visit to Ogoja Local Government Area, the First Lady stated that the current administration had put mechanisms in place to ensure regular and timely payment of staff benefits. She emphasized that the gesture was aimed at boosting worker morale and productivity, urging the workforce to reciprocate government’s goodwill by remaining dedicated and efficient in service delivery.

    In addition to the cleared allowances, Bishop Otu distributed Point of Sale (POS) devices to OUDA workers, persons living with disabilities, and local women entrepreneurs. She also donated food items, wrappers, and cash palliatives worth Millions of Naira, aimed at cushioning the prevailing economic hardship and stimulating small-scale economic activities in the area.

    Her Excellency encouraged the beneficiaries to use the POS machines and seed capital responsibly as a means of livelihood, thereby supporting local economic growth. She reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Sen. (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu to uplifting the less privileged and empowering communities through sustainable initiatives.

    Welcoming the First Lady and her entourage, the Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, Chief Hon. Christopher Agbeh, expressed heartfelt appreciation for her continued support to the people of Ogoja. Describing her as a “dedicated mother of the state,” the Chairman lauded her relentless efforts in bringing hope and meaningful interventions to rural dwellers.

    In a gesture of appreciation, Chief Agbeh pledged parcels of land to Her Excellency for the establishment of a private residence and cassava farm in the area. He also requested that she convey the community’s deep gratitude to the Governor for his selfless and people-oriented leadership.

    The highpoint of the event was the distribution of POS devices with starter capital, food items, wrappers, and cash donations, alongside the physical disbursement of monthly stipends to OUDA workers.