The Lumine News

Author: News

  • The Akpanke Foundation Condemns The Lynching Of One Suspected Thief In Sankwala, Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    BY IKWEN ATUAKA

    The Akpanke Foundation condemns in entirety the barbaric acts perpetrated by some youths who burnt a suspected thief.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews indicates that the lynched took place in the early hours of Thursday 20th August, 2020.

    The release reads in parts “The Foundation condemns strongly the mob action and tasks youth to strive not to take laws into their hands. They should always work with the security agencies to uphold peace and sanity in Obanliku”

    The incident took place on Thursday morning, at about 2:am. The vigilante members who were on watch on Thursday morning, spotted three suspect trying to do away with a water pump from one of the communities local water pump.

    Meanwhile, Mr Peter Akpanke condemns this act as he said it was a barbaric one, and it unacceptable. He added that the youth of Obanliku should be law abiding and strive not to take laws into their hands, but work with the security agencies to uphold peace and sanity in Obanliku.

     

  • PDP Constitutes Screening Committee For Cross River Bye-Election

    BY ELIJAH UGANI – CALABAR

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, has approved the constitution of a five man screening committee for the Cross River State Senatorial and State House of Assembly bye-elections.

    In a release sighted by TheLumineNews and signed by the National Organizing Secretary of the party, Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd), indicates that the exercise is scheduled for Tuesday, 25th August, 2020.

    The release reads in parts “The committee is mandated to screen All aspirants for the up coming Cross River North Senatorial District and Obudu State Constituency Bye-election in Cross River State”

    The committee is composed of:
    Hon. Taleb Tebite – Chairman
    Mr. Chuks Akwuti – Member
    Hon. Mrs. Shemite Bello – Member
    Mr. Festus Ifeanyi – Member
    Chief Dare Adeleke – Secretary

  • Odey Adamade Unity Cup Is To Encourage And Create Opportunity For Young People With Interest In Football To Discover Their Talents – Undeshi.

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of Odey Adamade Unity football tournament, Mr. David Undeshi Ugar, has stated that the essence of the tournament is to bring young people together as well as create opportunity for Young people who have interest in football to discover their talents.

    Udeshi disclosed this to TheLuminrNews in a telephone chat as the 7th edition of the tournament kicks off with a match between the Golden Stars Academy and Team Honour FC on the 15th of August, 2020.

    His words “The essence of the competition is to bring young people together as well as create opportunity for Young people with interest in football to discover their talents.

    “I want to thank the initiator and sponsor of this tournament, Barr. Odey Adamade for this initiative, he has in no small measure added beauty and fun to the Obudu local government annual new yam festival which comes up every first Saturday, and has painstakingly organized this tournament for the past seven years uninterruptedly.

    “Since inception, the tournament has been packed with packed with series of actions and this year won’t be exception”

    Undeshi who popularly known and called Mayor noted that the final competition will be played on the 4th of September, 2020 the eve of Obudu new yam festival at the Obudu Township stadium, where clubs and individuals will presented with awards.

    Categories of the awards to be presented according to the LOC chairman include but not limited to: Best team (winner of the tournament), second and third place, best coach, well behaved team, best goal keeper among others.

    The event will be wrapped up with a visit to the Joint National Association of Persons with disabilities JONAP, Obudu branch.

  • C’River Northern Bye-election: Prof. Zana Akpagu Receives Contribution of 1000 Bags of Rice As Campaign Contribution from concerned constituents.

    By Admin

    According to information made available to Z-Media, some group of lecturers employed by Prof. Zana Akpagu in the University of Calabar contributed monies to buy and brand the rice.

    Presenting the rice, the group through its leader said “we are donating this rice as our own campaign contribution, and to also appreciate your effort towards the impact you’ve had in our lives.”

    “We do believe that you’ve the capacity, the leadership grooming, and the desire to impact more if given the opportunity to represent the Cross River Northern Senatorial District.”

    “We also want to use this opportunity to show our gratitude for finding us worthy to be considered to serve in the University of Calabar. We do think that as a senator with a national reach, you’ll use your connections and lobbying skills to build human capacity and infrastructures.”

    Receiving the branded rice and other items, Prof. Zana Akpagu has this to say, “I didn’t know any of you before you were picked to serve as lecturers. I only received and reviewed your CVs and qualifications. I didn’t know that a day like this will come when the people i didn’t know will be the ones to come forward to contribute towards my campaign.”

    “Let me reiterate once again that I am not contesting this senate election because of myself. I am in this race because I want to give our people another sense of hope, and to contribute more to the development of our senatorial district.”

    “I believe I can do better. I believe if I am voted as the next senator, the narrative will change. I’ll be able to place our district in the national discourse.”

    “I am grateful for your kind gestures for bringing me this items even in these difficult times. I really appreciate. Thank you.”

    Prof. Zana Akpagu has since commenced the distribution of the branded rice to constituents as palliatives to help reduce the hardship occasioned by Covid-19.

    Ifere Paul is reporting for Z-Media.

  • August 22 Is The _Chapter Two_ Of My Soon-To-Be-Released Book, The Pen In Jail – Agba Jalingo.

    By Admin

    Today is August 22, 2020, exactly one year since I was abducted from my home to begin a treason trial I am still standing. I mark the anniversary by bringing you the chapter that recreates the drama that happened on that fateful day.

    **********************
    Bright days are often a rarity during the raining season in Lagos particularly now that we are contending with the unpredictabilities of climate change. So anytime you have one, you want to make the best of it. 22nd August 2019 was one of those bright days that arrived with a lot of energy. Having just returned from one of my frequent journeys, it was very reasonable for me to spend that whole August Day with *Okemena*. But it was not to be. A day that started out with bowls of energy and decibels of excitement, was abruptly punctuated by four plain clothes detectives barging into our house to forcefully take me away.

    A siege had been laid on Okemena’s business outlet since the morning of August 22. Her staff were held hostage by the same plain clothes men. For over 4 hours, they were under guard and panicking. They were not allowed to make calls. The detectives were anticipating the arrival of Okemena or I. When they waited and none of us were forthcoming, they took Seyi, one of the staff, under gun point and threats to bring them home where we were. On arriving at the gate of our house, a familiar face was with them so they gained access easily into the compound, through the staircase up to the last door to our living room. I rushed to the door claded only in underpants.

    Who is at the door, I inquired…

    As I peeped through the pigeonhole, I spotted Seyi sweating and panicking profusely. Still talking to her through the pigeon hole, I asked her what the matter was that she was under so much pressure and panic. She broke down in tears and was shouting, “Oga I don’t know oooo, oga I don’t know oooo.

    ***********************
    Immediately I opened the door to let her in, two men sprinted from under the staircase and pushed their way through, forcing themselves into our living room shouting, “we are policemen, you are under arrest.” I asked them what I was under arrest for and their first answer was that, I will know when I get to their station. They initially said they were from Abuja. They created quite a drama that lasted up to 15 minutes. Two other plain clothes men were outside mounting surveillance for the others who had entered the building.

    ***********************
    I called out loudly to Okemena who was in the bedroom telling her we have policemen in the house. She rushed out and joined me and was in obvious shock and panic. She asked them who they were, where they came from and if they brought a warrant of arrest and they told her they had no business with her. That they came for me. I was only claded in an underpants without a singlet and I requested to go get a pair of clothes to wear from the room but the stern detectives will not let me do any of that. I requested that Okemena brings a pair for me and they obliged. She then brought a pair of my blue native dress which I wore in their presence and they advised that I should “carry money” because I may need it. I asked why they thought so and one then informed me that they were taking me to Calabar. I think that actually slipped out of his mouth but it gave me a hint of what I was in for. Meanwhile, Okemena had gone back into the room to also change her dress because she insisted on following us to wherever they were taking me.

    ***********************
    She took a little while and before she came out, the detectives had already marched me downstairs into a waiting gold color highlander. Several AK47 rifles were under the vehicle seats and a driver was already seated. They were very impatient. They all entered and drove away with me leaving Okemena behind. She came out of the gate shouting and racing after the vehicle on the street. Eventually, they stopped and created a tight space were she squeezed herself in.

    ***********************
    They drove off into the hectic traffic along Lagos Ibadan Expressway veering into Ojota to Maryland into Bank Anthony way and turned into Isaac John and Joel Ogunaike street in Ikeja GRA. They turned again into a close off Joel Ogunaike and drove for less than 50 meters and a policeman opened a big black gate for the vehicle to drive in.

    *************************
    From outside, while driving into the compound, the presence of a handful of armed mobile policemen at the gate and the police colors which adorn the fence of the compound gives you an idea already that it’s a police facility. Inside the compound, as we drove in and came out of the vehicle, I am guarded through a bunch of abandoned vehicles to somewhere in the back and ushered into a make shift office. Okemena kept following and watching every move closely. While we were guarded to the back, I heard one of the policemen yelling at Okemena from behind us that she had taken a picture with her phone and must delete it. Okemena insisted she didn’t take any picture. The angry policeman kept emphasizing that visitors to the facility are usually not allowed to enter with their phones but Okemena’s own only got in because she was allowed to drive in with us in their vehicle and didn’t go through the regular gate checks. He forced Okemena to open her phone after a protracted altercation, and two of them checked through the pictures in her phone to see if she actually snapped and found none. Her phone was seized until late evening when she was leaving the station before it was returned to her.

    **********************
    While sitting in the make shift container office, one of the detectives who told me his name is Shaka, asked his colleague to get me a statement form so I could write a statement. I wondered what I was going to write in the statement when I have not been told why I am under arrest. I was then informed that the office we were was the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team IGP IRT. That there was a complaint about me from the governor of Cross River state. They asked me if I had any issues with my governor, I told them we have been having a very frosty relationship lately and the policeman handed me a paper and pen to write what exactly has been going on between me and the governor as my statement. I did capture the much I could in the statement while the detective was watching me closely. I remember refusing some of the things he wanted me to write but he wasn’t forceful. After writing my statement, he informed me that I will need to wait to see their “oga” in another office who will sign my detention order, after which I will be detained pending my transfer to Calabar very early the following morning.

    *********************
    Okemena had gone outside the premises to contact our staff, lawyers and journalists. She also quickly moved to get some snacks from a fast food outlet around for me to munch and a pair of slippers, toothbrush and paste. All formalities were completed. She escorted me to the gate of the dingy cell along with an armed man. As I approached the cell gate, stripped and bare footed, the crowd in the police facility who had also come because of their relations locked in there, kept staring at us and wondering if I was the same Agba Jalingo they see on TV and what was going on. I hesitated briefly and had a short conversation with Okemena about what initial steps she should take as I was been taken away. I told her I may be away for long and we encouraged ourselves that the anxious moments, like others, will surely pass, I gave her my wedding ring so other inmates in the cell wouldn’t dispossess me of it and collected the slippers and toothbrush, we hugged and she stood there with tears laden eyes, watching as I was marched into the cell that night.

    ********************
    The night of 22 August, was indeed very long. A night when the gods forfeited their iron teeth of chastisement. A night when racing thoughts threatened the carapace of my mind. The policeman that took me into the cell was in all honesty not hostile. As the first gate opened, there is a hall way and two cells by the left, about 40 by 20 feet in size. The first one is designated for females and was very scanty. The second which is for males is congested. There were 82 inmates in the cell and I was the 83rd and the last for the night. The policeman took me to the gate of the second cell and called the cell marshall out.

    Marshall!

    Sir!

    I don bring you alejo o!

    Ok sir!

    But this one na your brother. So make you treat am well. Make nobody touch am o. E no be kidnapper. Na only one night e get for here. Early mor-mor, we dey move am go una town. Na your brother from Calabar o! Ask am if e dey chop dog meat! I think the policeman wanted to be humorous to put a smile on my face as he was pushing me into the dungeon.

    *******************
    He hands me the N500 I also collected from Okemena to settle the cell officials and opens the gate for me to be pushed inside. He locks the gate and turn back leaving me to my fate.

    Good evening ceeell!

    Good evening alejooo!

    I greet all the cell leaders and members!

    You are welcome!

    The Marshall abruptly wakes inmates laying around him ordering them to shift and create a space for me on the mat next to him. I was actually lucky because that is luxury in the cell, I was told. I handed Marshall the N500 begging him that, if I am able to see anyone before our departure for Calabar in the morning, I will be able to give him more money. He was satisfied.

    ********************
    It was a very sober night of intense memory. As usual, I had to tell the cell what brought me. The “cell cup” was scrubbed on the floor to grab everyone’s attention and Marshall informed them that the cell had a new entrant who is passing by and as culture demands, I had to tell them my story of what brought me to the cell. The “cell-cup” secured the rapt attention of cell members. I stood up and was pointed to a corner where I should stand. I introduced myself and briefly told them why I was arrested. I told them I had issues with my governor and I am needed in Calabar. I added that I was still confused until I get to Calabar then the whole picture will be clear to me. It wasn’t a long one and we all returned to our positions. But not long after that, the Marshall who told me he is from Ugep in Yakurr Local Government of Cross River state, tapped me.

    ********************
    Journalist, please I wan tell you wetin carry me come here.

    Ok Marshall.

    I no know how help fit take come but since you be journalist, if you go outside, you fit help. I don dey here over four months.

    Four month?

    So wetin happen Marshall?

    Na kidnapping carry me come here. We do the work for here, I come run comot for town, police trace me go Imo state go catch me come back.

    So why dey never carry you go court?

    Dey say make I pay N800,000 but I don see N400,000 pay. My people still dey find money and I still dey beg them.

    So if you pay that N400,000 balance now, dem go let you go house?

    Yes na!

    Ok Marshall, who be your IPO?

    E dey outside. I go call am for you for morning.

    Better. So that I go fit ask am somethings, then I go know wetin I fit do.

    *********************
    I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t eat. Not even the snacks that Okemena bought for me. I could only drink water through out the night. Other inmates were readily available to eat the snacks. I kept rolling restlessly in the spot I was lucky to be alloted and in the darkness of the cell, I could still see the stacks of human beings cramped into a room that wouldn’t be habitable even for animals. In the midst of my anxiety, my greatest fear for the night befell me. I was pressed and needed to ease myself. That’s one fear I had nursed before being thrown in there. I had prior experience of how a toilet in a congested cell looks like and didn’t want to witness it. But I was so pressed till I couldn’t hold it any longer. I beckoned to Marshall to help me find my way and he was still in a good mood and was nice to me. Before then, I was not just worried about what I will meet in the tight far corner designated as toilet, I was even more worried about how I will cross the stack of human beings who were laying on the ground to get there without incurring some wrath.

    ********************
    Hey you!

    Marshall shouted at his assistant.

    The assistant jumps up.

    Help clear road make journalist go use lavatory.

    Tell am the law for there o.

    I accompanied the person assigned the task and he clears the road for me until I get to the toilet. There is no door. People are sleeping by the entrance almost rolling into the toilet. He instructs me to cross over the people that were sleeping by the entrance and enter. I obeyed the instruction. But on getting into the toilet, I couldn’t even wait for him to finish telling me the lavatory rules before I bolted back into the cell not minding anymore whether I will step on anyone. Whatever I went to do in the toilet also sympathized and cooperated with me and returned to my belly immediately and I had to go back to my position and endure the night. When Marshall asked me why I did not ease myself again, I told him I was no longer pressed. He smiled and told me he knows it’s because I find it difficult to use the toilet. He further informed me that tap water did not flow that day at all. So they were managing the water they had in the bucket for the night. So they allow 10 to 15 people to defecate per time before they flush. I think I was unlucky to arrive the toilet when the 14th person just left and I just couldn’t bear the stench and the sight.

    ***********************
    The morning came longer than expected. I was anxious for it. We had no time piece in the cell but someone had a device we used to check time. About 4:48am, the same policeman who brought me into the cell came for me.

    Agba Jalingoo!

    Yes sir!

    You don bath?

    No sir but I don ready…

    We dey go Calabar now o.

    I know sir.

    You no wan bath?

    I go bath after sir.

    For where you go bath?

    Anywhere…

    You don brush?

    Make I come brush for outside there na before we enter motor.

    Ok. Oya come make I open door for you. Carry your brush and toothpaste. Come take pure water for outside or use that tap for where Muslim dey pray there.

    I quickly picked the small polythene bag that contained my paste and brush and rushed to the cell door. He opened the door for me and we left together. I remembered to tell my cell mates, bye bye but we didn’t have time to conclude our unfinished discussions over the night.

    **********************
    Outside the cell, I took a plastic cup at the Muslim prayer point and collected water from the faucet on the wall and brushed my mouth. I wrapped the brush and paste back in the bag and told the policeman I was ready. He called his colleagues who were milling around and they all got into the vehicle. I was also handcuffed and thrown behind and we departed for Calabar shortly after 5am in the morning of 23rd August, 2019.

    *End!*
    *******************
    The story continues in Chapter 3 and other Chapters of my book, *THE PEN IN JAIL.*

    There is a lot of anticipation for the book, but we all have to wait a little more for the work to finish and come out fantastic and that will be very very soon!

    Watch out!!!

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

     

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed Here are strictly that of Agba Jalingo and does not represent TheLumineNews.

  • APC Primary Election: Akpagu CAN Replicate Massive Projects in Unical for Cross River North

    By Admin

    Every genuine leader or representative who holds any position of authority to further the policy thrust of an administration or yearnings of a people is identified by a unique vigour to execute visible projects for enhanced productivity.

    These projects aimed at reducing pressure on existing ones and opening opportunities for optimal performance within a particular sector are key indicators that heighten productivity.

    As a function of value, productivity stems from passion to mitigate negative impact of people’s sufferings through felt needs and working towards achieving them.

    Thus, even at the twilight of Prof Zana Akpagu’s projects driven reign as University of Calabar Vice-Chancellor. The second generation University in Nigeria under his watch has indeed bludgeoned into a much sought after citadel of learning cherished by all.

    Attracting projects into the University by lobbying government, private sector,donor agencies and the international community is very key in modern times. While the zeal to expeditiously execute such projects based on timelines, prudence and due diligence requires special skills.

    In the light of trending global best practices, the state of the art facilities as influenced by Ntufam Professor Akpagu into the University keeps daily converts within and outside the senatorial district in awe having thrilled the University publics as well as the Presidency with frugal spendings in projects execution.

    A trip to the University where massive infrastructure delivered by the towering giant in good stead for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket in the 3rd September primary election are legion .

    It is incontrovertibly clear that Prof Akpagu is not just called “Mr Projects ” but one with capacity to do more if the APC paves way for him in party primary to elect a standard bearer.

    No wonder critical stakeholder’s endorsements flooded his intent and nomination form has been received with cheers in Ogoja, Yala, Obudu, Bekwarra and Obanliku. A poacher like Akpagu is what the APC needs in the fierce competition to wrest the senatorial seat from the umbrella.

    It is imagined that placing the collective destinies of all in Cross River North in him as their representative in the Red Chamber would be a very easy pick if there is a sense of commitment to eschew sentiments.

    Fittingly so, Akpagu’s personality which transcends ethnic bias following his open arms to people with high level of intelligence and skills from all parts of the state and beyond.

    He can propel equitable distribution of sustainable development projects in all parts of Cross River North having had a taste of what it feels like to deliver amidst cheering ovation as stimulus for even higher responsibility on account of performance.

    This can only be achieved if the urbane Nigerian of Cross River North extraction is presented with a golden chance in the hallowed chambers.

    Without doubt,Akpagu can replicate the unical experience in Cross River North for the greatest good of all in the Senatorial District.

    Copyright @Z-Effect Media 2020

  • 2020 World Humanitarian Day: Founder Of GFO Foundation, Hon. Orim Makes Cash Donations To Orphanages And Rehabilitation Homes

    By Admin

    In commiseration of the 2020 world humanitarian day celebration, the Chief of staff to the Governor of Cross River and Founder of Gabriel Ferdinand Orim (GFO) Foundation, Hon. Martin Orim, wished all the sicks and afflicted in the state quick recovery.

    Hon. Martin Orim, who joined other humanitarian organizations in Nigeria and globally to celebrate the World Humanitarian day, praised Governor Ben Ayade for setting the pace with humanitarian Palliatives ongoing across the state.

    Hon. Orim doled out N250, 000.00 each to the Afokang Rehabilitation Home, Uwanse Orphanage Home and Monaya, Ogoja Orphanage Home, all in Cross River.

    The founder of GFO Foundation said that the amount to each of the above stated Homes is part of his own sacrifice to make his fellow brothers and sisters who are not as fortunate as himself, or are facing one Health challenge or the other to ameliorate their sufferings, and for them to know that he cares for them, just like many do.

    Hon. Orim has always encourage the less-privilleged and the physically challenged through providing for their education, visiting and giving them words of encouragement has great Passion to serve humanity as he personally visits rehabilitation centres in the state to advice inmates on how to live a post rehabilitation life.

    The Obudu born Chief of staff  is a philanteopist and has faithfully remitted the pledges he made to the Ogoja Prison, Calabar Prison and the Orphanage Homes on monthly basis from his monthly salary.

    Gabriel Ferdinand Orim (GFO) Foundation was founded few years back by Hon. Martin Orim in honour of his late father, who himself did great humanitarian work among his people, including encouraging parents to send their children including the girl child to school.

     

  • A communique From A symposium Held On Tuesday, The 4th Of August, 2020 By The New UNICAL Initiative

    By Admin

    The New UNICAL Initiative represents a group of women and men drawn from town and gown whose primary goal is to work towards rebranding the University of Calabar and put her on a pedestal of excellence and pace setting among Universities across the globe.

    The group’s interest also includes giving UNICAL administration a human face with staff and student’s happiness, hope and progress as priority.

    The group is made up of members covering all the ranks in the academia, from Professors to Graduate Assistants as well as the rank and files in the non-teaching staff of the University. The group also includes well-wishers of the University of Calabar in Nigeria and in diaspora.

    Rising from the group’s 5th symposium which held on Tuesday, the 4th of August, 2020, the group deliberated on subjects such as:

    A. Leadership and academic trajectory in UNICAL since 1975
    B. Gender and leadership in Unical since 1975
    C. University of Calabar advancement and development since 1975
    D. Welfare of staff and students of the University of Calabar and
    E. The appointment/selection of Vice-Chancellors of the University of Calabar since 1975.

    After several robust deliberations and debates on the above agenda, the group summarized its concerns as follows:

    The University of Calabar, since inception forty-five years ago, has been administered by male Vice-Chancellors. The Vice Chancellors of the University of Calabar from inception up to this moment are:

    1. Professor Emmanuel Ayandele

    2. Professor Isa Mohammed

    3. Professor Adamu Mohammed

    4. Professor Charles Effiong

    5. Professor Solomon Uno

    6. Professor Kelvin Etta

    7. Professor Ivara Esu

    8. Professor Bassey Asuquo

    9. Professor James Ekpoke and

    10. Professor Zana Akpagu

    This gender insensitivity has become a source of worry because there are very qualified and experienced female Professors in the University who can perform creditably and excellently as Vice Chancellors. The fact that Vice-chancellorship has been a patriarchal affair with masculine monotony puts the University of Calabar in a delicate imbalance and backwardness in the scheme of world University advancement.

    The group also observed that the pattern of growth and advancement of the University since 1975 has mainly taken a common dimension and trajectory. There is therefore the need for gender balance in her leadership in order to get various capacities and dexterity in innovation for the wellbeing of both staff and students; the woman flair and touch is required in this regard.

    It is also observed that Unical is lagging behind in many areas such as staff development programmes, staff accommodation, conducive offices for staff, students’ hostels, recreational and social facilities, academic competitiveness, library facilities, operational vehicles for Departments, Faculties, Institutes and Directorates, electricity, Centres of Excellence, ICT, landscaping which are hallmarks of a quality citadel of learning amongst many others.

    It would be recalled that one of the achievements being attributed to the University of Benin is the appointment of a female Vice Chancellor in the person of Dr Grace Alele-Williams. Her appointment as Vice Chancellor brought the University of Benin to limelight and gave her the prestige that attracted collaborations with USAID, FORD FOUNDATION AND UNCF (United Negro College Fund) which the University took advantage of for the growth and development of the Ivory Tower till this day.

    Other female past and present Vice Chancellors of Nigeria Universities (amongst others) who have put their schools on world map are:

    Profs. Sidi Osho

    Peace Babalola

    Eka Ikpi Braids

    Comfort Ekpo

    Rosemond Dienye Grace Osahogulu

    Cordelia Agbebaku

    Maureen Etebu

    Oluwayemisi Obilade

    Fatima Mukhtar

    Adenike Kuka

    Laraba Gambo

    Aize Obayan

    Jaesola Akande

    Lilian Salami

    Olujumoke Olayiwola

    Otete Cecelia

    Ibiyinka Fuwape

    Charity Angya (see Guardian News Paper of 21st November, 2019)

    In the light of the various concerns of the group, the following resolutions were made.

    a. The University of Calabar needs a female Vice Chancellor now! It is long overdue.

    b. Vice Chancellorship of Universities, world over is not exclusive to men.

    c. A female Vice Chancellor will put a human face to the administration of Unical; uphold fairness, justice, equity and prosperity

    d. A female Vice Chancellor will bring about the much needed national and international connections for Unical. A new Unical is possible with a female Vice Chancellor.

    e. A female Professor from the Southern part of Cross River should be the next Vice Chancellor.

    f. We therefore support the aspiration of Professor Stella Effa- Attoe for the position of Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar.

    g. We are impressed with the credentials and experience of Professor Stella Effa- Attoe as a seasoned academic and administrator which will serve as spring board for uncommon and marvelous positive transformation of our dear University of Calabar.

  • Profiling Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe, A Front line Contender For The 11th Unical Vice Chancellorship Position

    By Admin

    Stella Effah-Attoe is an indigene of Cross River State. She hails from Ikun in Biase Local Government Area of the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State.

    She is an Alumnus of the University of Calabar, where she graduated with a B.A. (Hons) Degree in History, 1980, and a Ph.D. African History in 1985.

    Prof. Effah-Attoe started her academic career in the University of Calabar in 1986, in the Department of History and International Studies, Faculty of Arts with an unbroken service of 34 years, till date.

    She was elevated to the rank of Professor in 2010 and served the University at different capacities.

    Prof. Effah-Attoe delivered the 79th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Calabar, on the topic : Gender Mainstreamism in Nigeria’s Political Development: From Hindsight to Foresight on the 18th April, 2018.

    At the University of Calabar she has served as a Teacher and a Researcher; Member of a number of Internal University Committees, Internal Examiner and External Examiner at various Universities, Assessor of Professors and Associate Professors.

    She is a member of the Historical Society of Nigeria and the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL).

    In addition to her academic career, Prof. Effah-Attoe has served the nation in various capacities. She has been;

    ✅ Member, National Governing Board of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). 2013 – 2015

    ✅ Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Voice of Nigeria (VON). 2009 – 2010

    ✅ Member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). 2005 – 2006

    ✅ Member of the Governing Council of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). 2000 – 2004:

    ✅ Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Culture and member of the Cross River State Executive Council. 1989 – 1990,

    ✅ Cross River State Commissioner for Education and member of the Cross River State Executive Council. 1987 – 1989:

    ✅ She was also a member of the National Population Census Monitoring Team in Nigeria, in 1991.

    ✅ Member of the National Planning Committee for the Implementation of the 9 Years Compulsory Education Programme for Nigeria, in 1989. This Committee’s Report forms a component part of the National Policy on Education in Nigeria.

    ✅ Executive Director of the Center for Gender Empowerment.

  • UNICAL VC-ship: Prof. Offoing Makes Strongest Push As Selection Process Commences.

    By Admin

    Indications are high that the Council Meeting heralding the selection of the next Vice Chancellor for the University of Calabar will take place in a few days and a front line contender for the position, Prof. Offiong Effanga Offing has released more facts to prove his argument as “the best, tested, experienced, exposed and a qualified candidate for the job”

    In his seventeen page Curriculum Vitae, supported by a synopsis of his mission statement and vision for the university, as well as testimonials of his work history over the years are among the deliberate packaged materials in the hands of the Selection Council members which has made the strongest impression of his candidacy.

    A source close to council maintained that “Council members are committed to ensuring the selection process and the final outcome would be the best for the university which indeed is what Prof. Offiong represents”.

    Interacting with newsmen recently in Calabar over his aspiration to be the next Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong had noted that if given the opportunity he was poised to make UNICAL one of the foremost Institutions of higher learning with global recognition because he is a true scholar.

    His words, “A Vice-Chancellor should provide academic and a purpose driven leadership that us anchored on research, teaching, and community service. This will be of utmost priority under my leadership”, Offiong said.

    Adding, “I will ensure the enabling environment for research and learning”

    When asked how he intends to curb or eradicate social vices such as cultism and systemic corruption/malpractices, Prof. Offiong said, “Counselling and welfare are very important in addition to adequate security infrastructure. We will ensure Counseling is given proper attention and also institutionalize the committee management system at the University”

    He explained that the committee system will be all encompassing within the University system as well give members of the university community a sense of belonging, involvement, and commitment to decisions taken.
    “Before a decision comes to the University Senate, it must have benefited from a robust and quality assessment from the departments concerned”

    Prof. Offiong who is contending for the same position with no fewer than ten other professors, is an astute Academic/ Researcher with over 70 Research articles, publications in peer-review journals cited in high impact databases.

    He had his B.Sc. (Hon) degree in Chemistry 1984 from the University of Calabar where he graduated with Second Class (Upper Division).

    In 1990 he obtained his Ph.D in Coordination/Inorganic Chemistry from the same department, University of Calabar supported by DAAD in Germany.

    He has so far successfully supervised 7 Masters and 13 Ph.D. theses in the University. He had been Postgraduate/Undergraduate External Examiner in many Universities across the country and has served the University of Calabar in several capacities including; Sub-Dean, Faculty of Science, Dean, Faculty of Science, Dean of Students’ Affairs, Member, Governing Council of the University of Calabar (2000-2004), Chairman and Zonal Coordinator ASUU, National Vice President ASUU among others.

    “Between 2007 and 2015, he served as Commissioner for Education in Cross River State.”