The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • Jarigbe Fulfils Promise, Credits 500 JariBurs Beneficiaries

    Jarigbe Fulfils Promise, Credits 500 JariBurs Beneficiaries

    By Admin

    The senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom, has fulfilled his promise, disbursed Fifty Million Naira (50M) to Five Hundred beneficiaries drawn from the Five Local Government Areas in northern Cross River State.

    This was contained in the release made available to the public by the coordinator of the Programme, Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    The JariBurs Initiative is an educational intervention for constituents midwieved by Sen Jarigbe Agom, to ameliorate student’s hardship in the pursuit of their education.

    The JariBurs Initiative is said to be the first intervention carried out by a politician that has no political interference as the selection process was done through a seamless process using a tech approach.

    Agba Jalingo had insisted that the JariBurs was not meant to settle political supporters and that it was meant for deserving constituents and the selection process must be blind.

    In a chat with Agba Jalingo, he noted that “payment is in batches as all beneficiaries will be credited before the week runs out”.

    Some of the beneficiaries who have received the money, expressed satisfaction with the process, and noted that God knows why he used Agba Jalingo, to oversee the process as they have no politician to have pleaded their cause, but that without connections, they could benefit from the JariBurs Initiative.

    They however thanked Sen Jarigbe Agom, for the financial support and promised to use it judiciously.

  • Just In: National Association of Nigeria Nurses And Midwives Embarks On Warning Strike

    Just In: National Association of Nigeria Nurses And Midwives Embarks On Warning Strike

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The National Association of Nigeria Nurses And Midwives NANNM, has had announced the commencement of a seven days warning strike with effect from 18th August 2025.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the Secretary, Cross River State chapter, Ijeoma Njoku, the association is pressing for a five points demand.

    The release reads in full “Arising from the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held on 16th August 2025, the SEC – session agreed that all nurses (State and LGA) should proceed to 7 days warning strike, following the expiration of a 7 days – ultimatum given to the state government by the Joint Action Committee of Health Sector Unions in Cross River State, begining from 12:00am of Monday 18th August, 2025.

    “Reasons for the strike

    1. Payment of 100% CONHESS (2024 review) for nurses

    2. Proper implementation of the new national minimum wage for nurses

    3. Review of hazard allowances

    4. Employment of more nurses in the state

    5. Promotion and release of promotion letters”.

    The release further mandated unit heads to ensure that all members under their supervision comply with the directives “You are therefore mandated to ensure total compliance by all members in your various units”

  • #JariBurs Beneficiaries, Obanliku LGA See Your List

    #JariBurs Beneficiaries, Obanliku LGA See Your List

    #JariBurs beneficiaries….

    Obanlikwu LGA.

    The winners will be published by LGAs.

    No single name here lobbied or was recommended or planted by anyone. Everybody won because the system was blind.

    Same thing with all the other LGAs.

    TF

  • Understanding How The #JariBurs Selection Process Works… BY AGBA JALINGO 

    Understanding How The #JariBurs Selection Process Works… BY AGBA JALINGO 

     

    The data collected during the application had the selection process in mind.

    A spreadsheet has since been developed of all entries with the time stamps and corresponding information requested.

    Therefore, the serial numbers will follow accordingly.

    1. The entries will initially be filtered by the Local Government initially. Entries with more than one Local Government Area will be automatically disqualified at this stage.

    2. Data will be replicated in five different spreadsheets, one for each Local Government Area in Cross River North.

    3. The data for each Local Government will be revalidated to remove multiple entries.

    4. Thereafter, the RANDARRAY function on Excel 365 will be used to randomly generate numbers matching the total entries for each Local Government Area.

    5. For example, Yala Local Government has 743 entries, therefore, numbers randomly generated will vary from 1 to 743. Thereafter, the first 100 generated will be copied.

    6. The SHOWROWS function will automatically highlight the entries whose numbers are generated.

    7. Then comes the hard work! Each entry will be carefully checked for the following three key uploads;

    i. How do you verify identity? (Name of applicant and their Local Government of Origin).

    ii. How are you sure the person is a student? (Hence the Admission letter).

    iii. Is the person active as a student? (Evidence of payment of fees in the current session).

    8. Each selected entry must scale through this hurdle before the bank details will be checked to ascertain it is not a proxy.

    9. If the process does not return 100 beneficiaries among the first randomly generated numbers, the process from Number (4) will be repeated to generate the remaining beneficiaries.

    Now you know how it will work. And like I said previously, this process may not be perfect or full-proof, but it will definitely return results that are better than what was done previously.

    This initiative is powered by Sen Jarigbe Agom, representing Cross River North Senatorial District.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    #JariCare
    #JariBurs
    #JariEnterprise
    #JariLeads

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

  • Send Your Kids To School Outside Cross River BY INYALI PETER 

    Send Your Kids To School Outside Cross River BY INYALI PETER 

     

    As young Cross Riverians, we can help our children and the generation coming after us avoid the situation we find ourselves now where we are completely disconnected from national politics. Let’s adopt the strategic approach of sending our children to schools in other parts of Nigeria other than Cross River. This can help them build friendships and networks that will support their growth as they mature.

    I believe spending all the time schooling within have limited our opportunities. Look around your circle, most of the people you know are likely at a similar level or lack the influence to give you a push forward. Now, compare this to peers from other parts of Nigeria who attended school around the same time. Many of them have risen to positions where they can uplift others.

    To help our kids not lament like us, we must be deliberate about the quality of friends they keep and grow with. Most friendships that have stood the test of time were built in schools . Choose institutions at all levels where they can forge connections that will transform their lives. Let’s not repeat our mistakes and expect different outcomes.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D.

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

  • Jarigbe Flags Off Rural Water Project In 22 Communities Benefit From Water Supply 

    Jarigbe Flags Off Rural Water Project In 22 Communities Benefit From Water Supply 

     

    No fewer than twenty-two (22) communities in Cross River North Senatorial District are set to benefit from Senator Jarigbe Agom’s rural water supply project, as the lawmaker flags off the project in the Senatorial District.

    During the 2024 Christmas celebration, Senator Jarigbe had directed all affected communities to contact the constituency officer and report if they lacked access to clean and affordable water.

    The communities, which had previously decried perennial water scarcity and lack of access to drinking water, noted that Senator Jarigbe kept his word.

    Representing Senator Jarigbe Agom at the flag-off ceremony in Ogoja, Constituency Officer Mr. Egar Mgbantul stated that the rural water project, which has become an annual initiative, aims to fulfill the basic needs of the people. It ensures access to safe domestic water, good hygiene, and other basic amenities in the affected communities.

    According to Mr. Egar, access to potable water is a fundamental human right. He also assured constituents that communities not captured in this phase will benefit from the next phase.

    The benefiting communities, spread across the five Local Government Areas of the Senatorial District, include:

    OBANLIKU LGA
    1. Bebuenkayang-Bisu

    2. Bessenge-Utanga

    3. Busi 4 – Busi ward

    4. Ablesang-Bishiri South

    BEKWARRA LGA

    5. Customary Court-Okpeche Afrike

    6. Ugboro-Ugboro Ward

    OGOJA LGA
    7. Bansan-Mbube West

    8. Ishibori Urban 1

    9. Mbock 1-Ekajuk 2

    10. Ukpe-Nkum Iborr

    OBUDU LGA
    11. Alege/Ubang Ward – Biwhe

    12. Begiading Ward – Ohong

    13. Ipong Ward – Bebuatsuan

    14. Ukpe Ward – Karu

    15. Utugwang South Ward – Ukpada

    16. Urban I Ward – Indiabeb

    YALA LGA

    17. Echumoga – Echumofana Ward

    18. Yahe – Yahe Ward

    19. Mfuma/Ntrigom ward- Ntrigom

    20. Ijiraga ward- Ijiraga 1

    21. Ezekwe – Igede Ward

    22. Aliforkpa – Yache

    Igede and Aliforkpa will be drilled after the rainy season.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Lady Petitions Embattled Ursula Agbor For Alleged Cyberstalking, Criminal Defamation

    Lady Petitions Embattled Ursula Agbor For Alleged Cyberstalking, Criminal Defamation

    Culled from CrossRiverWatch 

    By Kelvin Ololo

    Loveth Bissong has petitioned Miss. Ursula Agbor over alleged cyberstalking, criminal defamation and harassment to the Nigeria Police Force, Cross River State Command.

    Miss. Loveth Bissong, petitioned the embattled Ursula, through Basic Rights Partners – a law firm fighting human rights in the state and the South-South region of the country.

    The petition signed by Kehole Enya, Esq. for the Basic Rights Law Partners and addressed to the Commissioner of Police, dated 4th August, 2025 and received 5th August, 2025, noted that their client has been subjected to a series of deliberate and harmful communications by Ursula through WhatsApp. These they stated, included unsolicited messages, voice notes, and calls that were defamatory, offensive, and psychologically disturbing and clearly intend to harass, embarrass and provoke Loveth.

    They held that the actions of Ms. Agbor amounts to cyberstalking and criminal defamation, and have caused their client emotional distress, public embarrassment and genuine concern for her safety.

    The petition reads: “We are Solicitors to Miss Loveth Bissong (hereinafter referred to as “our client”), and We write upon her firm instructions to petition your office against one Ursula Agbor for acts of cyberstalking, criminal defamation, and harassment via the WhatsApp messaging platform.

    “Our client is a law-abiding Nigerian citizen. However, she has recently been subjected to a series of deliberate and harmful communications by the said Ursula Agbor through WhatsApp. These included unsolicited messages, voice notes, and calls that were defamatory, offensive, and psychologically disturbing were clearly intended to harass, embarrass and provoke our client.

    “The actions of Ms. Agbor amounts to cyberstalking and criminal defamation, and have caused our client emotional distress, public embarrassment and genuine concern for her safety.

    “In light of the foregoing, we respectfully urge your office to conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into this matter and also take appropriate steps to address the malicious and criminal use of digital media to stalk and harass our client.

    “We trust in your swift and firm intervention to address this growing menace and to restore our client’s peace of mind. Thank you for your attention.”

    As of news time, source hinted CrossRiverWatch that Miss Ursula Agbor is in the police net at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Calabar

  • For Clarity On #JariBurs BY AGBA JALINGO

    For Clarity On #JariBurs BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    I want to confirm that I am coordinating the #JariBurs bursary program for Sen Jarigbe Agom. I am not a member of his party neither do I have anything or intend to do anything with his political party. But I have written about so many things about our Senatorial District and he agrees to implement some. He listens if you make sense and can articulate your ideas firmly and convincingly.

    The ideas have been simple and straight forward. Incrementally replace three days medical outreaches with health insurance policies for our people. Be blind to political party lines. We had #JariCare. You are putting down, N50million for bursary; #JariBurs. Oga, eliminate bursary committees, the committee members will chop at least a quarter of the money and load the list with cronies and acolytes and ask beneficiaries to return part of the money as kick back. Remove individual contact with cash for distribution. Use tech. Remain blind to party lines. Select the people through an unbiased process, across party and non-partisan lines. Be a leader with a large heart. Again, leave party out of it. I will help create a process that, though not perfect, but will ensure 500 people get their 100,000 neatly without stress. Not a dime will miss. I repeat, not one dime will miss. Verifiable data will then be provided and can be retrieved in seconds anytime it is needed.

    Senator Jarigbe is not involved in the selection process. He is not sending us any name or requesting that we include any name on the list. I am also not personally interested in adding or squeezing any name into the list. Tech will do that. I can give other people a hundred thousand Naira too for their fees. We need to set a precedence in our Senatorial District, so others will copy. This process will not be perfect, but it will be better than what has been going on in the past and we will take feedback from this and improve on the next one. It is work for our people.

    I requested that the Senator should give me and my team a manacle free environment to do our work. What you want is 500 students from Cross River North to get 100k. I will do that for you seamlessly and give you the verifiable data, after. Data that will remain useful for planning as time goes on. My biggest joy at the end of this will be, seeing the testimony of a poor student who is not in Senator Jarigbe’s party, who does not even know Senator Jarigbe, or not have or know anybody to call and lobby, but is very intelligent and could get this 100k assistance from a system that was blind and transparent.

    So there is no amount of lobbying or pressure or messages to my inbox that will bulge this process. Stop wasting your time. Health care, education, provision of water etc, aren’t things that we will continue to play politics with. Majority of our people have suffered for too long and we need to take imperative interest in creating long term solutions to these basic problems. We need to eliminate corruption and thievery from these processes to capture more people who have nobody to call or lobby, into an inclusive society. I will continue on this path whenever my input is sought.

    The electronic balloting system will be done in the presence of the Senator and his team. Beneficiaries will be published and I will ensure, as the Senator desires, that the 100k gets to all the 500 eligible students.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    #JariCare
    #JariBurs
    #JariEnterprise
    #JariMoreToCome

     

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

  • President’s Service Award! Did I Merit It? BY JUSTIN UDIE

    President’s Service Award! Did I Merit It? BY JUSTIN UDIE

    PRESIDENTS SERVICE AWARD! DID I MERIT IT?

    Last week, I received this award from the President on behalf of Cross Riverians in the Diaspora – CRID; for Service to the organisation. I don’t have plenty of awards because I usually do a myself evaluation and stay away from unmerited awards.
    So, in this, I’m going to sound all about me, just to warn you 😃

    So for CRID’s President’s Service Award, I have to collect and celebrate the recognition with full and open chest. Why because at times when push comes to shove, I stood up for the organisation. Whilst others finds photographic exposures and contours of weaknesses to blame and amplify, I’m at the strategic angle to ensure we deliver and do not collapse.

    So, I’m truly honored to have been considered for the “Merit Award”. My journey with CRID began at its inception, where I was a member of the initial Strategic Thinking Committee, helping to lay the foundational groundwork and framework for the organisation. I supported the process of developing the Constitution and saw it through to becoming the first framework of the organisation.

    My dedication continued as I had the privilege of serving as the pioneer Chairman of the Electoral Committee. When most people were not sure of how to go about it, I took the bull by it’s horn with two others. In this role, I painstakingly oversaw the process that led to the election of CRID’s very first executive, a crucial step in establishing the organisations leadership. I’m proud to say my team was given 2 weeks and we delivered in 2 weeks.

    Thereafter, I continue to contribute as a member of the Board of Directors of the Organisation till this moment. Even at that, I’ve continued to be called upon to help at most critical times of the organisation.

    One of my most fulfilling roles has been as the pioneer Chairman of the CRID Environmental Sustainability and Biodiversity Committee. Through this committee, I spearheaded the inauguration of the CRID Environmental Sustainability Club in Cross River State, mobilising over 200 dedicated volunteers who provide direct community environmental interventions. We have implemented numerous direct and indirect community interventions across the state, such as open defecation awareness campaign, plastic waste management programmes, Tree Planting and participated in clean up exercise in Obudu, Calabar South, Unical and School of Health, Calabar. This is about making a tangible difference in our environment and push for a Clean, Green and Sustainable Cross River.

    Furthermore, I spearheaded the formation and registration of CRID UK and played an indispensable significantly leading role in setting up of CRID’s Bank Account in the UK. This account became a significant infrastructure in facilitating the registration process for the just concluded CRID International Convention, held in Birmingham between 1st and 3rd of August 2025.

    Again, when push got to shoves, I was drafted in to help deliver the convention and after a while, I accepted, rolled my sleeves and served as again, the pioneer Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for CRID’s International Convention, Birmingham 2025. Setting the pace back to back and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved in bringing this significant event to fruition. When some people didn’t believe it was possible, I managed to pull through.

    The most challenging part of this assignment came up 6 weeks to the D day. I lost my Mother-in-Law and the news broke when I was in the convention planing meeting. Immediately, that brought another layer of challenges. Planning the funeral, planning the convention. 4 weeks to the deadline, my wife traveled leaving me with 3 kids that I had to drop and pick from different schools, I was still executing the convention plans, executing the funeral plans and working full time. But the truth of it is that all of these programmes were achieved. It was a huge sacrifice of every fibre of my histologia to deliver.

    I believe these achievements demonstrate my determination and commitment to CRID and its mission, and I am deeply grateful to be recognised for the President’s Service Award 🏆
    And it is for these accomplishments that I accepted it and hereby dedicate it to my beautiful wife- Eucharia Udie and my lovely girls – Awhobiwom, Liyiaunim and Ushang.
    To God Almighty be the Glory.
    #UnimuyiÚtsu 🙏

    Ruggedly anointed to make things work!

     

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

  • Nurse Lucy Clement Agbor: A Compassionate Nurse, Health Advocate and Youth Empowerment Champion in Obubra LGA BY JULIUS UCHI

    Nurse Lucy Clement Agbor: A Compassionate Nurse, Health Advocate and Youth Empowerment Champion in Obubra LGA BY JULIUS UCHI

     

    Nurse Lucy Clement Agbor is a seasoned and compassionate healthcare professional with over 25 years of nursing experience. As the founder and Medical Director of Bright Horizons CC Ltd, she has become a beacon of hope in Obubra Local Government Area, Cross River State. Her tireless commitment to serving the weak and vulnerable has earned her deep respect and admiration throughout the region.

    Despite limited resources, Nurse Lucy has made remarkable strides in community health. She provides free healthcare services to vulnerable groups and widows on the last Wednesday of every month, a well-known initiative at her facility located at No. 1 Okuriyang Street, Mile One, Ofudua, opposite the market in Obubra. Her work emphasizes not just curative care but preventive and educational health outreach, making a lasting impact on public health in the area.

    In addition to her medical service, Nurse Lucy is a strong advocate for youth empowerment through skills development and entrepreneurship. She owns and runs the Bright Horizons Hair Salon, strategically located opposite Ofudua Market, where she trains young persons—especially girls—for free in hairdressing and salon management. This initiative offers a vital lifeline to many youths in Obubra, equipping them with employable skills and fostering economic independence.

    Nurse Lucy’s initiative of free health services to youth skill acquisition—are a testament to her deep-rooted passion for uplifting others. Her holistic approach to care and development continues to transform lives and inspire a new generation of health-conscious, empowered young Nigerians.