The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

Selling The Lion To Buy A Dog: A Mistake Cross River Must Avoid BY OGAR EMMANUEL OKO

en Jarigbe Agom means different things to different people in the state. To the populace, he’s the definition of legislative performance par excellence. To the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state—especially in the northern senatorial district—he’s their archrival. To trolls, he’s the slayer of Giant Alakuku. To his supporters, he’s the captain of an unarmed battalion in the army of the unconquered generation. He’s the smartest and most slippery politician in the state. He goes by the name ‘Jari Wonder’, a moniker he earned on account of his outstanding execution of constituency projects.

The lawmaker was on the verge of completing his second term in the Green Chamber when necessity beckoned him to rise higher. As the member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, he executed numerous projects and earned the admiration of the people. As a senator, he is known for executing giant projects that are typically within the capacity of a state governor.

Ahead of 2027, the APC is regrouping, fortifying, and re-strategizing to snatch power from him. But truth be told, if an election were held today, their efforts would amount to nothing more than an exercise in futility.

At this critical moment, the state does not need greenhorns in the legislature—we need men of influence. Like Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr., Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe commands growing national relevance and remains one of the South-South’s most influential voices in the National Assembly. Reinforcing success is always the smart choice; changing a winning team is a recipe for disaster. For the good of the state, both the ruling party and the opposition should conjoin forces to return Jarigbe Agom. Any contrary move would be nothing short of selling the lion to buy a dog.

Cross River cannot afford to trade a lion for a dog. In times like these, our state needs lions— leaders with courage, conviction, and vision.

Comr. Ogar Emmanuel Oko
Writes from Abeokuta

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

May 13, 2025
UNICAL Secures Full Accreditation For 24 Programmes From NUC

The University of Calabar has secured full accreditation status for 24 programmes in the institution from the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC).

In a letter signed by Engr. Abraham Chundusu, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the NUC, the Commission conveyed the outcome of the comprehensive accreditation exercise carried out in the institution in October/November 2024 to the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Banku Obi.

The full accreditation status indicates that those programmes will run for five (5) years before another accreditation exercise would be carried out by NUC.

Similarly, six (6) programmes also got accredited status, while two programmes got interim accreditation. Interim accreditation status is valid for two years, after which the programme will be re-visited.

The gains of the accreditation exercise underscores the VC’s commitment towards a sustained academic standard, a well structured curriculum, aggressive infrastructural development, promotion of academic research amongst others.

May 13, 2025
UNICAL Dean Of Student’s Affairs Invites NYSC Mobilization Officers, HODs For A Crucial Meeting

As part of efforts to curb the negative trend of fraudulent mobilization of non qualified students for the mandatory one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the Dean Student’s Affairs of the University of Calabar, Prof Patrick Egaga, has invited all NYSC Mobilization Officers and Heads of Departments to a crucial meeting slated for today Tuesday May 13th 2025 at the Center for Educational Services CES auditorium by 11:00am.

In a release made available to TheLumineNews, Prof Egaga noted that “Attendance is mandatory as non-attendance will result in non-submission of your Department’s Batch ‘B’ 2025 Senate-approved results”.

The release further indicates that the agenda for the meeting is NYSC Mobilization.

The release, signed by Pastor Patrick Ibiang, Deputy Registrar and Students Affairs Officer, on behalf of the Dean quoted Egaga stating that “The meeting is bound to be explosive and exploratory with intent to blocking avenues leading to all forms of malpractices by Mobilization Portal Handlers within the University which squarely aligns with the vision of the current University administration “

May 13, 2025
UNICAL SLT Students Records Excellent Performance In MPE Papers 3 & 4 Exams

Students in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT), University of Calabar have recorded a 99.9% pass in the Module 2 Mandatory Professional Examination (MPE) held in the month of March, 2023.

The results schedule shows that twenty-six tertiary institutions took part in the examinations.

In paper 3, of the 494 Unical students that registered for the exams, 492 passed while 2 students were absent.

Similarly, of the 494 that enrolled from Unical for paper 4, 489 passed while 5 were absent.

The results schedule however indicated that there were 10 irregularities for both papers for which the Head, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Dr. Ivon Etta noted that “The few cases of irregularities as remarked were as a result of wrong Examination Reference Numbers which are being traced for rectification.

“Recall module 1 was written last year October 2024, and we recorded 98% Pass, while module 2 was written in March this year 2025, and we just recorded 99.9% pass rate.

“This outstanding performance can be attributed to hard work, dedication from students and Lecturers and the Vice Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi, who created the enabling environment for robust learning and teaching.

“I returned with about 158 Licenses for our inducted Graduates. 151 license are expected next week as the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology NISLT is releasing them in batches according to students’ compliance with the registration template”.

Public Relations Unit
University of Calabar

May 12, 2025
Jarigbe Hand Over 9 Solar-Powered Boreholes To Communities in Bekwarra LGA

The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has handed over nine completed solar-powered boreholes to communities in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State.

At the handing-over ceremonies held at various locations, the Constituency Officer, Mr. Egar Mgbantul, who represented the lawmaker, noted that the projects are part of the fulfillment of Senator Jarigbe’s campaign promises. He admonished the communities to take proper care of the infrastructure to eradicate the challenges of water scarcity in the Local Government Area.

The benefiting communities include:

1. Gakem (Ushara)

2. Beten

3. Otukpuru (Bewo)

4. Nyanya (Abuagbor-Iye)

5. Abouchiche (Itekpa)

6. Ibiaragidi

7. Ugboro (Ububa Ukum)

8. Afrike Ochagbe

9. Ukpah (Uwagba)

Traditional leaders, elders, and youths of the beneficiary communities have lauded Senator Jarigbe for addressing the challenge of water scarcity in Bekwarra. They expressed their appreciation and prayed that God would grant him the enablement to continue delivering on his promises not just to Bekwarra but to all the Local Government Areas in the Senatorial District.

TEAM JARI MEDIA

May 12, 2025
#JariCares Health Insurance Scheme Yields Result As Beneficiary Delivers And Named Baby, Jarigbe Aliyu

The impacts of JARI CARES Insurance Scheme has started yielding results as one of the beneficiaries of the scheme who resides in Ogoja, Mrs Munira Mohammed Aliyu, delivers a baby boy yesterday 5th May, 2025 at the General Hospital, Ogoja.

Mrs Aliyu is one of the 500 constituents who benefited from the JariCare Health Insurance Policy, financed by Sen Jarigbe Agom.

According obtained from the JariCare Health Insurance Scheme, Mrs Aliyu is one of the 90 female beneficiaries of #Jaricare who are pregnant.

The excited Mrs Aliyu commended the goodwill of Sen Jarigbe Agom to have initiated the health insurance scheme considering the high cost of medical bills, wondered how she will have raised the money to pay the hospital bills.

She used the opportunity and prayed God to grant the heart desires of Sen Jarigbe Agom, even as he extend his magnanimity to others who are in need, and named her child, Jarigbe Aliyu.

Reacting to the development, the Director General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, Chief Godwin Iyala, expressed satisfaction with the development and hinted that Mrs Aliyu should be discharged from the hospital without paying any money as her billed has been paid for and covered in the JariCare Health Insurance Scheme.

A right activist and promoter of #JariCare Health Insurance Scheme, Agba Jalingo, has insisted that Health Insurance Scheme is the best way to go as medical outreaches remedial remedial measures.

Commenting on the development, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, represented by his Constituency Officer, Mr Egar Mgbantu, thanked God for the safe delivery of new baby and noted that JariCare Health Insurance Scheme, is not a means to repay or settle political allies, but targeted at the most vulnerable population.

He welcomed the new baby named after him and stressed that he is more interested in providing the needed representation to his people.

May 5, 2025
Jarigbe Felicitates Nigerian Workers On 2025 International Worker’s Day

Nigerian workers, as we celebrate International Workers’ Day with the rest of the world, I would like to use this opportunity to remind you of how you represent the excellence of our country.

Today, Nigerians have to contend with an inflation rate of 24.23%. This spike has led to a significant increase in transportation, feeding, housing and the general cost of living in the country.

In spite of this, you, our dear Nigerian workers, have continued to contribute your quota to the development of our country, Nigeria.

From the keke napep riders, cab and bus drivers that take hardworking Nigerians to their workplaces. To the civil servants that ensure our ministries and parastatals run smoothly. To the restaurant owners that feed our workforce.

I assure you, your resilience, dedication and sacrifice will be inevitably rewarded.

Until that day comes, I, Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, would like to say ‘thank you’ for all you do for this nation.

Happy Workers’ Day.

Yours Truly,
Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe,
Representing Cross River North Senatorial District.

May 1, 2025
The Power Of Scholarships: Senator Stephen Odey’s Approach To Education BY OGAR SOLOMON

In this age where more people believe more in receiving than giving, Cross River Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey Ph D has undertaken the daunting responsibility of transforming the lives of indigent students through giving by awarding educational scholarships to them.

This laudable empowerment took place recently when he reached out to the society by awarding scholarships to 34 tertiary education students at the Yache Town Hall Meeting which was held on March 29, 2025. The scholarship scheme offered by the Hon Commissioner has a direct impact on the recipients principally because this will enable them to acquire better education.

While the scholarship scheme will ease some of the pressure and challenges the students are facing, it will equally instill some sense of love in the students so that some time in future some of them would extend the same to others in need in the society. When I remember the pains some people went through while staying at home due to lack of funds it is only proper that I commend this gesture by Steve Odey.

I strongly believe that when you want to develop human beings you do everything that would ensure they are totally developed by supporting their education, that is what the Commissioner has just displayed by his gesture. Education is required by everyone and with the vastness of political office holders, it is necessary that those who are well off should emulate Odey and start something like this within their immediate sphere of contact before the government comes in.

In Yala where he has business interest, he is doing much in the area of education by touching the lives of the students there through scholarships and the building of educational infrastructure. A total of fifty Six (56) staff on his monthly payroll which practically translates to putting food on the table of several families is truly exceptional and worthy of commendation.

Though he is making his contributions as a political office holder, he is equally functioning where God wants him to function, giving a helping hand to indigent persons. I like to commend him for his style of leadership with tangible evidence of development as seen in the facilitation of the construction of rural roads, schools, hospitals and general infrastructure in his domain.

In the bustling corridors of politics and governance and the hallowed halls of academia, Associate Prof Odey is forming a silent landmark of emulation. A seasoned politician like Odey with a second address is looking beyond the confines of acquiring wealth for himself and quarterly returns, casts a discerning eye on the landscape of education and has put smiles on thirty four students. It’s not just about benevolence; it’s strategic and visionary.

I want to welcome all to the world where philanthropy meets educational investment in Cross River State as exemplified by Associate Prof Odey, a confluence where corporate responsibility becomes more than just a buzzword. In this interplay, politics don’t just thrive – they enrich societies by boosting education with an intrinsic link between the political world and education, a connection that shapes futures and fosters growth. After all, investing in education is the ultimate affirmation of the profound role of good men in society and recognizing education as a long-term investment for the good of all.

I congratulate Associate Prof. Stephen Odey for setting this pace!

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

April 8, 2025
Boniface Okoli denies fraud allegations, Calls On Publishers To Always Verify Information

A businessman, Mr Boniface Okana Okoli who has recently faced accusations of involvement in a scam and illegal business deals has strongly refuted these claims labeling them as baseless and malicious.

Refuting the allegations, Mr Okoli insists that all his business practices are transparent, legal, and aligned with industry standards. He added that the accusations have no merit, emphasizing his commitment to ethical business operations and customer satisfaction.

In response to the allegations as published by an online News Blog ARISE NEWS on March 23, 2025, and Bekwarra Vanguard, a facebook name, the businessman has vowed to pursue legal action against anyone attempting to tarnish his reputation with false claims. Okoli said all the names mentioned in the said publications are strange and unknown to him.

Mr Okoli who was the Director of Finance and Mobilization in the 2024 APC Bekwarra LGA Chairmanship Campaign Council Election, has said that the allegations of fraud against him are merely orchestrated to tarnish his image as his company did not defraud anyone as purported in the malicious publications circulating in the social media.

“As a businessman i do not know anyone called Dominic Okweche, neither have I had any business dealings with him. Similarly, I have neither come in contact with the said Ogar Ogodo or anyone mentioned before. I don’t have any dealings with any of them. The person called MC is my cousin who decided to lie against me that he gave me the sum of Eleven Million Naira (N11m). I only had something with MC which was basically to fence our family land that we reclaimed for the family. I gave MC the task to supervise the fencing which I later ask him if I am owing him for anything then he responded that he spent 11m but that I should give him 10m which I transferred 10m to him without wasting time but I was shocked hearing that he’s also blackmailing me.

“It appears my business rivals are trying to weave unfound fraud allegations around me through cronies. All the fraud allegations against me are untrue. As a businessman I am bound to respect the decency of business engagement. Any other story is pettiness, which I will engage with a full measure of law.”

He further said, “I do not have any business dispute with anyone and i will get to the bottom of this matter eventually.

“It is very clear that there is an orchestration to tarnish my image of and to malign my character. That this is happening now raises a lot of questions and raises many suspicions. It is interesting that only a few months ago i had warned of a plot by my detractors to attack my person.

“I believe in the rule of law and that is why I have not said anything on the matter. People that are discerning, when they hear fake news, they will know it.”

The statement called on the media to always verify its stories before publishing, it stated that “while I am committed to seeing the court process continue against those peddling the falsehood, i call on the Nigerian media, journalists, editors and publishers of both mainstream and online media to always verify stories before going public.

“It is important to seek the views and comments of all affected parties in any matter before publishing, so that there will be balance. It is against all known journalism ethics in any free world to resort to name calling and undue sensational reports without a proper investigation”, the statement reads.

The businessman further said that the allegations are purely the imagination of the purveyors and should be taken with a pinch of salt. He urges investors, clients, and the public to rely on factual information and continue to support his business ventures.

Further investigation by TheLumineNews indicates that Bekwarra Vanguard is a pseudo Facebook page as there is/was no one who had credible information about the publisher as no comments were gotten from Bekwarra Vanguard, the platform that first published the story.

When contacted, one of the supposed victims, Mr Dominic Okweche , refuted the claim of having any business dealing with Mr Boniface Okoli, as he noted that “Thank you very much my brother for reaching out to me. A lots of persons have made similarly call in respect of that story. That story is not true. I did not give Boniface Okoli any money or have done any business with him. Whatever the person behind that wants to achieve, is best known to him/her, and they shouldn’t use my name”.

Efforts by TheLumineNews to reach other two persons alleged to have been defrauded by Boniface Okoli, failed as there was no body to assist with their contact information and phone numbers.

April 8, 2025
Public Office Is A Trust And The Trustees Are The People BY MARTIN ORIM

Public office constitutes a sacred TRUST, where the ultimate trustees are the PEOPLE – the electorates. Those elected by the people are the holders of the Trust and are charged with the responsibility of managing this Trust to deliver essential services and support for our people’s well-being. In return, the electorate possesses an inherent right to hold our representatives accountable for their actions and decisions, through any means they deem appropriate to ensure their voices are heard.

Rather than rebuking constituents for their demands for transparency and accountability, it is far more constructive to engage in open dialogue and provide clear, comprehensive explanations to alleviate their concerns, which will in turn, foster a healthier democratic environment.

A critical deficiency within our democracy is that many of our people currently occupying public office, particularly some of our elected representatives, often lack a fundamental understanding of the concepts of representation and leadership. This gap in knowledge leads them to overlook the essential truth that the offices they hold are, indeed, a public trust and that the electorate should be treated as the ultimate beneficiaries of that trust.

To address this deficiency, it is imperative to emphasise the importance of LEADERSHIP training for those seeking elective office, recognising that they will be carrying the people’s trust when elected into office. Such training should encompass a thorough understanding of democratic principles, fiduciary responsibilities, and effective community engagement strategies. By prioritising this education, we can cultivate leaders who not only comprehend their roles as trustees but are also equipped to uphold the integrity of the democratic process, ultimately serving the interests of their constituents who are the trustees with dedication and transparency.

Hon Chief (Dr) Martin Orim

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

April 5, 2025