The Lumine News

Author: News

  • I Will Encourage Collaborative Research And Linkages To Enhance Visibility And Ranking Of Unical In Line With Global Best Practices – Ita

    By Elijah Ugani

    A front line contender of the position of the Vice Chancellorship of the University of Calabar, Prof. Benedict Iserom Ita has stated that if appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the institution, he will encourage collaborative researches and form linkages that will enhance visibility and ranking of the institution in line with global best practices.

    Ita disclosed this to TheLumineNews on a telephone chat today, Monday 15th, June 2020.

    His words “It is my desire to offer public service to my alma mater. I will encourage collaborative researches and create linkages that will enhance visibility and ranking of the University of Calabar in line with global best practices.

    “As part of my plans streamlined in the agenda of my administration if appointed by the President and Commander In Chief of the federal republic of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari through the governing council, I will strengthen staff and students relationship, ensure timely promotion and implementation of staff, create alternative means of income generation by leveraging on the Unical Bright Paint Industry to boost the Internally Generated Revenue IGR.

    “The university does not exist in isolation, it is therefore my utmost intention to strengthen unions – management relationship with the view to create an effective and conducive learning environment that will be devoid of ranchor and acrimony. I will sustain the already ongoing resource, facilities and structural development. I will attract funds for research and sponsorship as well as training and retraining of staff towards positioning the university to respond to the 21st century demands.

    Prof. Benedict Iserom Ita was born on 10th April, 1967 in Aningeje, Akamkpa, Cross River State. He began his education at the Presbyterian Primary School, Akim Qua Town, Calabar, and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1979.

    He was admitted into the Immaculate Conception Seminary, Mfamosing, Akamkpa and successfully obtained his GCE in 1984.

    Prof. Ita proceeded to the prestigious University of Calabar, Calabar where he obtained B. Sc. (1989), M. Sc. (1994) and Ph.D (2000) respectively in Physical Chemistry.

    Professor Benedict I. Ita’s ability to distinguish himself among his contemporaries stems from an uncanny dedication to his calling and profession. By dint of hardwork, he grew step by step and matured into leadership. Professor Benedict Ita began his working career with the Federal University of Technology, Yola as a Junior Research Fellow during his NYSC from 1989 to 1990. He joined the University of Calabar as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, from where he rose through the ranks to the prestigious rank of a professor in 2010.

    As an academic/educationist of excellence and a man of integrity, his professional and public life have helped nurture his students at both undergraduate and post-graduate programmes to a logical refinement of their careers and studies.

    Indeed, Professor Benedict Ita’s researches and teaching experiences as a scientist have carved a niche for him in Physical and Theoretical Chemistry. Nevertheless, Professor Benedict Ita’s works stands out comparatively with a mixed grill of attributes including but not limited to:

    1) Synthesis, characterization and application of nanomaterials in biodiesel production, trapping of pollutants, decolorization of water by adsorption, cement matrix, catalysis, biomedical research, etc

    2) Corrosion and Corrosion inhibitions of metals.

    3) Solutions of Relativistic (Klein-Gordon and Dirac) equations and non-Relativistic (Schrodinger) equation using various methods.

    4) Solutions of linear and nonlinear differential equations using various methods like Homotopy Analysis, Adomian Decomposition, Variational Iteration, Differential Transform, Elzaki Transform methods, etc.

    Professor Benedict Ita has served the University in many diverse capacities which includes but not limited to the following:
    1). Secretary, Strategic Planning Committee, Faculty of Science, Unical.

    2). Head of Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Unical.

    3). Chairman, Central Time Table Committee, Unical.

    4). Chairman, Committee of Deans, Unical.

    5). Chairman, Senate Vetting Committee, Unical.

    6). Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Unical.

    7). Acting Vice Chancellor, Unical, etc.

     

  • Covid 19: Igbo Community In Cross River Sends A High Profile Volunteer Medical Team To Government

     

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Igbo Community in Cross River State has offered to volunteer in the ongoing faith against the dreaded pandemic covid 19 in line with the state governors call for spirited individuals and organizations to join in the fight against the pandemic.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ayade on Non Indigenes Affairs who doubles as the President of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Cross River State, Barr. Ugoji NWabueze indicates calls on the public to remember the team in prayers as they offer selfless service to the state.

    The release reads in parts “In response to His Excellency request for more volunteers from spirited individuals and groups to assist in the implementation and enforcement of state Government’s Action Plan on COVID-19, IGBO in Cross River State through the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Non Indegenes Affairs and President of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Cross River State, Barr Ugoji Nwabueze has forwarded a list containing some of it’s best hands in Medical Practice, research and health management, as a volunteer team to his Excellency Senator Prof Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River State.

    “The team has the mandate to assist the State Government to sustain it’s current enviable National position of Covid-19 free status”

    The volunteers are:

    (1) Prof. C. Iroegbu (Virology & Genetic Ecology)

    (2) Prof. E. Uttah (Parasitology & Environmental Biology)

    (3) Prof A.O.Emeribe ( Harmatology & United Nations Rep)

    (4) Prof. N. Osuchukwu (Community Health)

    (5) Prof A.A.Alaribe ( Parasitology)

    (6) Dr Felix Akubuenyi( Environmental Microbiology)

    (7) Dr Mrs E Osuchukwu (PhD Nursing Science)

    (8) HRM Igwe, Dr E. Ilounu. CMD: Madonna Specialist Hospital, 59 Murray St, Calabar.

    (9) Nze Dr E. Odurukwe, CMD: Melrose Hospital, Ikom.

    (10) Dr S.Ezigbo, CMD: Santa Maria Hospital, Ogoja.

    (11) C.Chinedu (Med Lab Sc).

    (12) Chigoziri Samuel (Nurse).

    (13) Abigail Christian, (Environmental Microbiology)

    (14) Ugoji Nwabueze (Development Media)

    Kindly reflect them in your prayers as they volunteer to offer selfless services to the State.

  • Distinctive Attributes That Places Prof Joseph Asor Above His Contenders For Unical VCship Race

    By Ogar Emmanuel – Calabar

    Prof. Joseph Asor is an erudite Professor of Zoology and Environmental Biology in the University of Calabar, Calabar. He is a man with unparallel experience.

    Bellow are some of his attributes that stands him out among other contenders.

    1. He’s an experienced overseer of human and material resources;

    2. He’s an eminent scholar that’s well wired in the finest academic tradition;

    3. He has been on the rank of a professor for more than a decade;

    4. He has had a robust academic and administrative experience at the university and he’s capable of giving dynamic academic and administrative leadership;

    5. He has the aptitude to create the much needed harmony between students and staff; and on the other hand the tranquility between members of the host community and the entire community because he has been Dean of Students’ Affairs and Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences and an advocate of peace — being a strong believer;

    6. He’s capable of crafting national and international respect, specifically in the academia;

    7. He’s resolute and equipped to steadfastly pursue the continue development of the University even under resource constraint;

    8. He has the Midas touch of increasing the University’s low IGR to a golden height;

    9. He’s not greedy of filthy lucre;

    10. He gives high premium to merit and competency in his previous port of call;

    11. He has unassailable integrity —incontrovertible!;

    12. He has the intellectual shrewdness and mental acuity of pursuing the University’s vision, mission and core values;

    13. He’s psychologically, morally and physically sound;

    14. He has rendered efficient and invaluable services to the University;

    15. He’s committed to the entrenchment of the cardinal philosophy and core values that stands Unical out in the comity of academic institutions;

    16. He’s a man that students and staff, nay the academia will gaze upon with pride and satisfaction upon his enthronement as Vice Chancellor.

    We all need a VC that’s financially prudent, administratively scrupulous, fair and impartial.
    Beloved, this is a noble aspiration that merits our generous support and goodwill. Let’s join our hands to enthrone Prof. Joe Asor as Unical VC.
    Comr.(Hon) Ogar Emmanuel Oko
    JOE ASOR COALITION OF COMRADES (JACC) ogaremma922@gmail.com 09078405798

  • Cross River Dismisses Bauchi Governor’s Claim, Insists The State Is Covid 19 Free

    The Cross River State Government has dismissed the claim by the Bauchi State Governor Bala Muhammed that 15 coronavirus (COVID-19) cases recently came from Calabar, the state capital, to his state.

    Briefing newsmen  in Calabar, the Commissioner for Health and Chairman of the State COVID-19 Respond Team, Dr. Beta Edu, denied such claims, insisting that there is no coronavirus in Cross River State.

    Her words “We want to make it very clear that the 15 said persons have nothing whatsoever to do with Cross River State. We don’t know how Bauchi came to that conclusion, because our borders have been closed for months now.”

    Edu maintained thatthe distance between Cross River and Bauchi states is far and one would have to pass through many states, which are already heavily infected, before reaching Bauch and wonder the possibility of contracting the virus through those states.

    Edu averred that “the state government had taken proactive steps on time to checkmate COVID-19 spread since January and the state shut its borders and made wearing of face masks mandatory and those measures explained why the state was yet to record any COVID-19 case so far”

    She expressed the determination of the state government to support the government and people of Bauchi State with facemasks, shields and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to check the upsurge of COVID-19 cases, adding, however: “We understand the pressure, pains and stress our brother, the Governor of Bauchi State, is passing through.

    “Cross River State stands with Bauchi State at this trying moment. It is not easy to have the highest number of confirmed cases in the whole of northeast of Nigeria, especially as it is leading the population of people that are probably not following the preventive measure reeled out by government.

    “At this point, we stand with the governor and people of Bauchi State. The governor of Cross River State is offering a hand of fellowship to Bauchi and all other states battling hard to contain the coronavirus.

    “To those who wish to accept this gesture, we would support you with face masks; we will support you with face shield and PPE, which are being produced in Cross River State.”

    She disclosed that Cross River State had tested 36 cases and conducted 530 screening so far since the pandemic started and they have all returned negative and the state government was still expecting support from the federal government, as it continues the fight to keep the state COVID-19 free.

    Officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had visited the state last month on a fact-finding mission and promised to create test centres at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) and the Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital (former Intensive Disease Hospital) in Calabar to enable more and massive testing, but so far, that has not been done.

  • Covid 19: Nigerian Medical Association Kicks Against Trial Resumption Of Schools In Cross River

    By Admin

    Arising from the Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) of the Nigerian Medical Association Cross River State held on June 10, 2020, Congress deliberated extensively on COVID-19 response in the State and the Cross River State Health Sector and came up with the following observations and recommendations.

    1) The declaration by the Cross River State Government on a trial resumption of three public schools in each of the three Senatorial Districts in the State to commence on June 16, 2020, is alarming.

    To the medical community, there is a lack of evidence to ascertain the actual COVID-19 status and disease burden in the State due to the unacceptably low number of tests carried out. The quick resumption of Schools, despite genuine reasons, has the potential of significant disease outbreak among students. The Association advocates for the adoption of educational technologies to provide remote learning opportunities and educational programmes for students in public schools in the interim which is currently being implemented by private schools until a national policy is introduced on the unified resumption of schools by the Federal Government.

    2) The gross under-testing for COVID-19 in Cross River State is a significant public health concern. The COVID-19 tests breakdown by States as at June 10, 2020, released by NCDC revealed Cross River State has carried out only nine (9) tests using the NCDC Molecular Laboratory. The Association continues to advocate for upscaling of COVID-19 testing in the State.

    3) The Association uses this medium to appeal to both the Federal and State Government to expedite plans for accreditation of Dr Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital, Calabar a Bio-Safety Level Three (BSL-3) laboratory and University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar as testing centres for COVID-19. Accreditation of these centres will not only upscale testing in the State but will also reduce the turn around time for COVID-19 tests.

    4) The increasing report of flu-like symptoms, respiratory symptoms and loss of smell/taste in various hospitals and the State metropolis is an indication of potential community transmission of an undetected disease fitting the epidemiologic pattern of COVID-19. Recent research published in Nature Medicine in the United Kingdom revealed: “loss of smell (anosmia) was a stronger predictor than a fever for COVID-19” prompting recommendations on self-isolation if detected. We call on the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 through the Federal Ministry of Health and Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), State Government and all Stakeholders to critically appraise the COVID-19 status of the State.

    5) The COVID-19 infection curve is still on the rise and yet to peak in the country. The lack of adherence to infection prevention strategies like social distancing, use of face mask, hand and respiratory hygiene at this crucial time is worrisome. We, therefore, call on all residents in Cross River State to sustain infection prevention measures.

    6) The production of Personal Protective Equipment (mask, face shield and gowns) by the garment factory of Cross River State is highly commendable. We advocate for quality control measures to validate their safety for use in hospital settings. We join the State Government to call on the Federal Government and the Private Sector to support this laudable project that has the potential of guaranteeing the availability of personal protective equipment in the country.

    7) The expeditious recruitment of Doctors and other health workers by the Cross River State Government through the Civil Service Commission with advert dated April 27, 2020, to meet the potential health challenges is desirable. The concomitant increase in health needs of the public in line with the lifting of bans on interstate movement and domestic flight shortly makes the recruitment imperative. We wish to reiterate the urgent implementation of 100% CONMESS and CONHESS as the only means of retaining this critical workforce in the State Civil Service.

    8) The Association and her members remain committed to working with the State Government and the Federal Government to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Dr Agam Ayuk, Chairman

    Dr Ezoke Epoke, Secretary.

  • Nigerian Navy Awards Personnel With Gold Medal For Gunning Down 5 Armed Ribbers In Calabar

     

    By Goerge Odok Jr – Calabar

    The Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy in Calabar has awarded one of its personnel, a sea man, Mohammed Mubarak, with Gold Medal for displaying gallantry and marksmanship during an encounter with armed bandits that robbed Uddyking filling station in Calabar last year.

    Mubarak was said to have returned fire in the defence of himself and passerby and his courage and marksmanship even in the adverse conditions led to the killing of the 5-man gang and seizure of their weapons.

    The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, who presented him with the Gold Medal Award, said the Gold Medal Award is for any personnel that distinguish themselves for bravery and gallantry.

    Welldone Nigerian Navy!

  • APC Will Suffer For Disqualifying Obaseki – Oyegun

    By Admin

    The immediate past national Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief John Oyegun, has reacted to the disqualification of governor Obaseki by the APC screening panel, describing it as “an hatchet job.”

    In a statement signed by Oyegun’s Public Affairs Adviser, Ray Morphy, the former Edo state governor said: “The disqualification of Obaseki by the APC Screening Panel is a hatchet job aimed at installing a stooge that will allow some people unfettered access to Edo Treasury.

    “While not a surprise, that disqualification is clear indication that internal democracy has been murdered in APC, a party which we founded on the principles of fairplay and good conscience!

    “I daresay that APC will suffer dire consequences in Edo state if this disqualification is not speedily reversed.

    “As a matter of fact, Oshiomhole is indeed the one who is guilty of anti-party, not Obaseki. Oshiomhole is the one who is acting unconstitutionally not Obaseki. I hope that Oshiomhole will not go down in history as the undertaker of APC

  • Why Gov Obaseki Was Disqualified – Ayuba

    By Admin

    Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has been disqualified from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, the chairman of the party’s screening committee declared on Friday.

    He was disqualified alongside Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi and Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen.

    The disqualification was announced by the chairman of the APC screening committee, Prof. Jonathan Ayuba at a press conference in Abuja.
    He gave as reason the governor’s failure to produce his Higher School Certificate, HSC, the instrument which he supposedly entered the University of Ibadan to read Classics in 1973.

    He also said the committee could not verify the governor’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.
    Mr. Iduoriyekemwen, an ally of the governor was disqualified for supposedly dragging the party to court.

    Engr. Ogiemwonyi who is an associate of the Oshiomhole camp was also disqualified for discrepancies in the names in his credentials.
    The outcome meant that the race has been thrown open for three aspirants, namely: Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Dr. Pius Odubu and Mr. Osaze Obaze. Earlier on Wednesday, Obaseki expressed fears about his possible disqualification in a terse press statement where he accused Oshiomhole of masterminding the process. Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Crusoe Osagie, he said:

    “The extreme display of lawlessness and dictatorship by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole would reach its peak by 2pm today when he would announce in a press conference the disqualification of Governor Godwin Obaseki, from contesting the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC). “In record time, Oshiomhole has subverted all due process and broken all the laws in the books in his ultimate quest to crown himself as the godfather of politics in Edo State.

    “Like he stated recently that he is the Supreme Court and the ultimate determiner of the fate of aspirants for governorship seat under the APC, he has executed his pre-conceived agenda of stopping Governor Obaseki from flying the flag of the party, at all cost.”
    After pushing the failed narrative about Governor Obaseki’s educational qualification and meeting a brick wall with the University of Ibadan’s response, he resorted to using his characteristic brute force to disqualify the governor.

  • Citizens’ Solution Network’s Press release On June 12 Democracy Day

    By Admin

    Today ought to be a day that we all are supposed to celebrate with great joy and jubilation. It is however sad that to note that, the current set of leaders we have in Nigeria are yet to truly live up to the spirit of June 12th.

    While we find the effort of the Buhari-led government to have made June 12 Nigeria’s Democracy Day commendable.

    We at Citizens Solutions Network believe more still need to be done to thoroughly and completely honour the spirit of June 12.

    As it stands, we are of the view that until the current crop of leaders we have in this country include M.K.O Abiola name among the official national list of Presidents we had ever had, their claim of believing in the ideology behind June 12 should be treated with strong and utmost suspicion.

    We at Citizens Solution Network strongly believe that, anything short of including M.K.O Abiola name among the gazetted list of Nigeria’s Presidents is a dangerous mockery of the entire struggle of June 12 that led to the death of several Nigerians, and a display of lack of genuine democratic acknowledgment and historical honesty.

    Let it be on public registry and national archive, that today, Citizens Solution Network demand the inclusion of M.K.O Abiola name to the officially recognised list of Presidents, Nigeria had ever had, and his name should come immediately after the name of IBB and before that of Abacha.

    This is the way to go to truly demonstrate sincerity to the idea and struggle. And for those saying, he never took the oath of office, we demand that the current Chief Justice of Nigeria should administer the oath to M.K.O Abiola posthumously. Let’s lead the world in this way by doing the right thing.

    Thanks

    Signed

    Richard F. Inoyo
    Country Director, Citizens Solution Network.

    For: Civilian Population and Council.

  • Obudu Local Government Chairman, Boniface Ewhe Felicitates Gov Ben Ayade And Cross Riverians

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Executive Chairman of Obudu local government council, Mr. Boniface Eraye Ewhe has congratulated the governor of cross river state, Sir Ben Ayade on the 2020 democracy day celebration.

    Ewhe in a massage sighted by The Lumine News called on all stakeholders to reflect on the annulment of the June 12 election and become resolute and decisive to ensure credible elections that will guarantee our democratic process.

    The releases reads in parts “I write on behalf of my family, all stakeholders, the Obudu legislative Council, Traditional Council and the hospitable people of Obudu local government council to felicitate with the Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade, members of the State Executive Council, the Speaker Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jonas Eteng and all Honorable members of the 9th assembly, the state Acting Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Eneji and his team, on this unique day to remember and honor a great patriot, MKO Abiola,  now democracy day, June 12, 2020.

    “We are not there yet, but we have made tremendous efforts in achieving democratic principles in line with global practices.

    “The annulment of June 12 1993 election adjudged to be the most freest in our democratic history as a country had had negative impact and insinuations about us in time past.

    “As we mark this day, it is my firm conviction that we reflect on the ills associated with the annulment of the said election and ensure that we become resolute and decisive in the conduct of our subsequent elections that will reflect the yearnings and aspirations of the people, while acknowledging the commitment and sacrifices of our heroes for effective democratic structures.

    “I wish all Nigerians, Cross Riverians and the humorous and accommodating people of Obudu local government area a happy and rewarding 2020 democracy day commemoration”

    Long live federal Republic of Nigeria
    Long live Cross River State
    Long live Obudu local government area.

    Mr. Boniface Eraye Ewhe
    Executive Chairman,
    Obudu Local Government Area.