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UNICAL, Opay Signs MoU to Establish Cybersecurity Lab

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) and Opay Digital Serveices Limited have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a state-of-the-art Cybersecurity Lab on campus marking a major milestone in the institution’s drive to strengthen digital security and expand industry-driven learning opportunities for students.

The signing ceremony, held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, of the institution was performed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, and the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Chukwuka Icha, on behalf of the University and Opay’s Director of Partnerships, Ikponwosa Odiase, and Corporate Responsibility Manager, Itoro Ekanem, who signed on behalf of the company.

Speaking prior to the signing, the Vice Chancellor, of the University, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong reaffirmed that Opay’s initiative aligns perfectly with his administration’s mandate to build strong partnerships that accelerate institutional growth and enhance academic excellence.

He noted that the facility will play a crucial role in safeguarding institutional data, enhancing digital resilience, and providing students with a practical learning environment.

Prof. Offiong expressed optimism that the Lab would help prepare students for careers in cybersecurity, positioning UNICAL as a major hub for training cybersecurity professionals in Nigeria.

Earlier, Odiase stated that Opay’s partnership with UNICAL stems from its broader corporate social responsibility goal of empowering young people with digital-security skills.

He said the organisation is proud of its secure financial platform and is committed to equipping students with skills to combat fraud and cyber threats.

The ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor R,L&C, Prof. Peter Okafor, the University Librarian, Prof. Aniebiet Ntui , others were, the institution Director of the Legal Unit, Barr. Jonas Abuo and the institution’s, Public Relations officer, Mr. Effiong Eyo and Opay Associate Director, Merchant Acquiring Education, Olumide Olubobokun.

The MoU signing reinforces the growing relationship between UNICAL and Opay, opening new doors for innovation, digital literacy, and enhanced cybersecurity capacity within the institution.

Public Relations Unit
University of Calabar

December 3, 2025
Cross River Journalists Forum Confers Award of Excellence on Sen Jarigbe Agom

The Association of Cross River Journalists Forum, Abuja, has bestowed its prestigious 2025 Excellence Award on Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, representing the Cross River North Senatorial District in recognition of his transformative leadership in Cross River North. The ceremony held on Tuesday, 2 December 2025 at the Candelux Hotel.

The event coincided with the 2025 CROSSJOF Day and the unveiling of the Panorama Magazine, whose theme was “Building the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs in Cross River State.”

Senior Legislative Aide Mr. Joe Ulom, JP, accepted the award on the Senator’s behalf in the presence of the Cross River State Governor’s representative, Hon. Minister of State for Industry’s representative, Ntufam Hiliad Etta, and other dignitaries.

Mr. Ulom thanked the journalists for deeming the lawmaker worthy of the honour and said the award was earned. He added that Senator Jarigbe remains committed to serving his constituents and will continue to work tirelessly for their wellbeing.

TEAM JARI MEDIA

December 3, 2025
The Lingering Burden of Intercommunal Conflicts in Cross River State BY OKOI OBONO-OBOLA

Cross River State remains one of the flashpoints of internecine intercommunal strife and violence in the country, largely emanating from disputes over land rights and, occasionally, chieftaincy matters. However, the Government of Cross River State has consistently exhibited a troubling lack of political will to boldly, fearlessly, courageously, and fairly settle these lingering disputes. The result has been sporadic and periodic eruptions of violence that have wracked the peace and stability of the State, leaving in their wake senseless killings and the destruction of property.

It is difficult to comprehend why a Governor, having taken the Oath of Office and Oath of Allegiance—both profoundly solemn—would exhibit fear, indecision, and mindless politicking in addressing such disputes simply because he does not want to “rock the boat.”

In 2006, the communities of Ebijakara and Ebom, though cousins, fought bitterly, leaving Ebijakara devastated. To this day, successive governments have inexplicably failed, refused, or neglected to resolve this conflict, which has since spread to involve other Bahumuno communities in Abi Local Government Area. Several judicial commissions of inquiry and administrative panels have been constituted by government on this issue, but their reports continue to gather dust in cupboards of government offices.

Earlier this year, bloody clashes erupted between communities in Obubra and Ikom Local Government Areas, once again leading to loss of lives and property. Yet, as usual, the government of Cross River State has manifested ambivalence and nonchalance in resolving the matter. Disturbingly, there are rumours that one of the protagonists in the conflict hired terrorists to fight on its side, resulting in deaths. There is also speculation about the involvement of a ranking Army officer from one of the communities, allegedly lending support to ruthlessly deal with their neighbours.

What is most irksome is the government’s refusal, failure, or neglect to release the report of the Surveyor General of Cross River State, who was appointed to ascertain and delineate the boundary marks between the two Local Government Areas. As is often the case, this report appears destined to be permanently lost in the labyrinth of government documents on sensitive matters that demand urgency and alacrity.

Similarly, the report of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee set up by government to address the issues between the communities in Obubra and Ikom, and to clearly define their boundaries, has been left unattended. Instead, some officials appear to be sleeping over these reports and playing politics until another violent incident erupts.

It is profoundly sad that a government entrusted as custodian of welfare, peace, stability, and justice would exhibit such unimaginable cluelessness over matters so sensitive and urgent. This neglect not only undermines the credibility of governance but also perpetuates cycles of violence that could otherwise be resolved with courage and fairness.

Conclusion:
The recurring intercommunal conflicts in Cross River State underscore the urgent need for decisive leadership and political will. Until government rises above fear and politicking to implement the findings of its own panels and committees, peace will remain elusive, and the people will continue to suffer needless tragedies.

@ Okoi Obono-Obla

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Chief OKOI OBONO-OBOLA, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

November 30, 2025
Leading Others Has An End Time… BY AGBA JALINGO

Leadership is not a forever task. Any leader that wants to lead forever doesn’t have a target and does not represent the interest of the people. Real leaders go into the positions they seek, deliver their promises and exit.

Real leaders do not recycle themselves. They groom others to replace them when they leave the scene. They do not seek to obliterate the aspirations of novel entrants. Those who seek to remain in public office perpetually are not seeking public good. They are seeking personal aggrandizement and endless opportunities to pilfer public wealth. There is a reason political offices have terms.

Even traditional rulers, who are supposed to lead till death, abdicate their authority when they feel their roles have been accomplished. You couldn’t have been a senator for four years, become governor for eight years and still think you are the only one available and want to return to the senate as retirement. Statesmanship requires more elegance and panache. That has been happening in other parts of Nigeria, not in Cross River State.

I am trying to imagine former governors Ebri, Duke or Imoke returning to run for senatorial seats in Cross River state. It will be a big shame to them. Even if it is boredom, governor Imoke for instance is actively running the Bridge Leadership Foundation and building young leaders and mingling. Duke is even more popular amongst young Cross Riverians in retirement than when he was governor. Governor Ebri is silently working from behind the scenes. What exactly does former Governor Ayade want?

Is he bored at home? Then he should get busy with his teaching work again. Even if he claims he wants to go and serve, you do not serve people in perpetuity. Hunger for the perquisites that public office confers is ephemeral and cannot be termed ‘service.’ The earlier that is realized the better for personal sanity. There is even more honor in grooming others after leaving office than perpetually fouling the air with seeking to return.

It is a true test of character to be able to resist the temptation to perpetually control others and control public resources. Watching from the sidelines when the klieg lights have left you is very difficult but it is possible. Be mindful of cheering dependants and hangers on, who urge you on the path to Golgotha. Their pseudo panegyrics are usually veiled with hypocrisy. For they speak with twisted tongues while their hearts mock you.

If the cosmic has been gracious to you like it has, pay back by sitting back and watching others play in the arena. You are certainly not the best man available. No one is the perpetual best. Best men are only found in weddings, not in public office. There are even young people in their thirties, with brighter ideas, who want to become senators too. Don’t stifle their dreams. These are my thoughts this morning for my former Governor, Ben (no one knows tomorrow) Ayade.

Yours sincerely,
Citizen Agba Jalingo.

November 30, 2025
Advent: Pruning Hooks BY PETER OBELE ABUE

….Being A Sermon Delivered on First Sunday of Advent.

The Advent season has come. The season that reminds us of peace even in the midst of darkness. The prophet Isaiah describes these times using the image “pruning hooks” (read Isaiah 2: 4). A pruning hook is an instrument that was used by Israelite farmers to cultivate the land and feed the people. It is meant to remind us of growth and development, not war and discord. At the time of Isaiah’s prophecy, the kingdom of Judah was preparing for war.

Jerusalem, the capital city, was in danger of being destroyed, yet Isaiah saw a bright future; Jerusalem, far from being destroyed would be the center of the world and the starting point of movement towards universal peace (Is. 2: 1-5). Yet Isaiah sees hope, where all others see war? This prophet had the audacity of hope, the firm belief that things would get better, and so he awakened the people to turn their spears of war into pruning hooks of peace and growth through hard work. That’s the “good news” this season (advent) brings to us.

This year, no doubt has been a year full of “wars” for some. There are lots of threats from one end to another. Even now, there are threats of terror going around, bandits hiding in bushes ready to attack. Denials of Christian genocide even when brothers and sisters are being massacred in their numbers. Our security is being threatened from within and from outside.

Within our households are disagreements and discord in all corners. They are even quarrels and lots of fights among family members Yet now, more than ever is the time to turn these war instruments into pruning hooks, otherwise, we are not ready for the season. Jesus also used familiar images, not necessarily to cause fear, terror or anguish in our minds, but to remind us of the need to be VIGILANT if we must claim the peace he offers us this season (Matt. 24: 37-44). It is not going to be a walk-over. We must be VIGILIANT.

In Noah’s days, there were two kinds of people: those who failed to shine their eyes, but were concerned with enjoying themselves alone and those who were vigilant, who foresaw the coming of the flood, who heeded God’s warning and became the fathers of a new humanity (vs. 37-39). The people in Noah’s day were going on with their day to day lives, doing normal things. Some were working in the fields and grinding flour (Vs. 40-41).

Many didn’t live sinful lives but perished with the flood. Their only crime was: not “shining their eyes” to the times they lived in. they were not quite awake to prevent the Burglar (v. 43). The peace Christ offers can only be claimed with vigilance. Yes, true peace is won at a high price, and we must stand ready to claim it because Jesus offers it to us at a platter of gold at this special season of advent.

November 30, 2025
We Are Called To Be Vigilant, Called To Prepare Our Hearts And Be Watchful For The Coming Of The Son Of God BY FELIX EKPE

Being a Homily delivered during the 9:00am (Second Mass) at Holy Trinity Parish, Ogboja Ogoja, by the Parish Priest, Very Rev Fr Felix Ovai Ekpe

First Sunday of Advent.

Advent begins with a horizon of hope. Adventus in Latin means “arrival” or “coming”. The coming of the One whose arrival changes everything.

Advent reminds us that God draws near to humanity. It is a season that invites us to move forward spiritually, to awaken, and to prepare.
The season of Advent comes with many signs. The priest wearing purple symbolizes penance and purification a sign of metanoia, a true change of heart. This is why we are called in this season to prepare our hearts.

St. Paul gives us three key attitudes for Advent:
Cast away the pains and burdens of our hearts.
Reject the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Live with discipline, avoiding drunkenness and every excess.

There are some people who work from January to November, many squander everything in December. Advent calls us to a different path, a path of discipline, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

The best preparation for the coming of Christ is the preparation of the soul. Advent is a new beginning. A time to start over. A time to put off anything that makes us spiritually old, jealousy, hatred, resentment, and bitterness.

It is a time to put God first in all we do, so that even those who do not know God may see Him reflected in our lives.
Advent is a call to watch and pray, to recognize the challenges of our time. Psalm 141:1–4 reminds us to guard our hearts, our thoughts, and our actions.

We are called to discipline ourselves, to resist the enemy, and to nurture a prayerful life. How else can Christians return to God if not through prayer?

As we begin a new liturgical year, let everything about us be made new. Let us begin again, a life that reflects Christ, a life that speaks of Christ. Carry others in your heart with love, even when they go about their lives unaware.
Let go, reconcile, and seek peace. When we pursue God above all things, the outcome is peace, peace that only the Lord can give. But when we pursue the things of this world, we remain restless until we possess them, and even then, they do not satisfy us, we year more for the latest version.

At Christmas, we celebrate the God who came for His people. As we seek forgiveness for our sins, we are called to become agents of forgiveness ourselves.
We pray, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us” and we must live that prayer.

Let us not deceive ourselves by merely putting up lights or outward decorations, let us instead embrace the virtues of Christ, mercy, forgiveness, humility, and love.

I wish you peace, and may that peace, which comes only from the Lord, fill your hearts this Advent season

November 30, 2025
C’River: 18 APC Vice Chairmen, 196 Ward Chairmen Back Call for State Chairman’s Resignation

By Judex Okoro

The crisis in the Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has deepened as 18 vice chairmen and 196 ward chairmen have thrown their weight behind the call for the resignation of the state party chairman, Barrister Alphonsus Eba, over alleged financial impropriety.

The vice chairmen, ward chairmen and the Forum of Chapter Chairmen also unanimously adopted Governor Bassey Otu for a second term ahead of 2027.

This development comes days after 35 chapter chairmen and secretaries demanded the immediate resignation of the state chairman. In a statement issued after their meeting in Calabar last week, they accused Eba of engaging in actions that undermine the progress and stability of the party.

During a meeting held at Hogis Royale in Calabar on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the Forum of Vice Chairmen and ward leaders unanimously resolved to fight for their rights and better welfare for ward executives. The meeting was convened by the Chapter Chairmen Forum to update ward officers on recent developments within the party over the last four months.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Forum of Ward Chairmen, Comrade Frankline Egbai from the Biase Local Government chapter, commended the Forum of Chapter Chairmen for convening the gathering. He also praised Governor Bassey Otu for his achievements in the past two years.

Egbai expressed deep dissatisfaction with the treatment of ward executives. He said, “I feel sad about the allegations against the state chairman and the poor treatment meted out to ward executives. It is shameful that ward executives are given twenty thousand naira to share among twenty seven members. We are being treated as insignificant by the state chairman. Sometimes, we go home with five hundred naira per person per month as party leaders at the ward level.”

He added that ward leaders are not benefitting from the Season of Sweetness, insisting that they should be financially empowered as the face of the administration in local communities. According to him, “If a ward chairman cannot buy a bottle of beer for a friend, how can he convince that friend to join the party? We therefore adopt the communique presented to Governor Bassey Otu by the Forum of Chapter Chairmen demanding Eba’s resignation.”

Also speaking, the Youth Leader of Ward 8 in Calabar South, Bassey Oyo Ekpenyong, commended the Forum of Chapter Chairmen for convening the meeting. He said they reject the vote of confidence passed on the state chairman. “We are not part of it and we stand firmly with the Forum of Chapter Chairmen. We worked tirelessly in 2023 to ensure the party’s victory and now they want to shortchange us.”

The Vice Chairman of Obubra and Chairman of the Vice Chairmen Forum, Elder William Ovat, also denounced the earlier vote of confidence. He said they were misled into signing the statement. “We were not informed about the purpose of the meeting that led to the signing of the vote of confidence. Based on the allegations of corruption we have seen and heard at the state leadership level, we align with the Forum of Chapter Chairmen in adopting the communique calling for the chairman’s resignation.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Forum of Chapter Chairmen, Chief Kelvin Njong, read the communique again, accusing Eba of high handedness, insolence, underestimating party leaders and adopting a transactional style of leadership. He also accused him of instigating party officials at the chapter and ward levels against their leaders.

Njong said, “We convened this meeting to carry everyone along and ensure that ward leaders understand the issues at stake. We have presented the matter to the Governor and we believe he will address it dispassionately. The state chairman can no longer lead us and we will occupy the secretariat until he resigns. We appeal to all party leaders to understand that we are fighting for justice.”

The Forum of Vice Chairmen and Ward Chairmen unanimously adopted Governor Bassey Otu for a second term ahead of 2027 and announced a boycott of further meetings with the state chairman until all issues raised in the communique are addressed.

Forum of Chapter Chairmen Communique

The 35 APC chapter chairmen and secretaries had earlier accused the state chairman of failing to remit funds meant for local government areas and wards from the sale of forms during the 2023 general elections.

According to the communique, “While the local government areas and wards, comprising 5,778 party officials, received only nine point two million naira, the state executive with just thirty six members took forty million naira. This is gross injustice and typical of the chairman. There are also other remittances from the national secretariat that are unaccounted for.”

They further demanded the immediate payment of all outstanding stipends owed to local government and ward officials. They also recommended that future stipends should be deducted at source and paid directly to chapter chairmen who lead the party at the local government level.

They advocated a review of the sharing formula for party funds, proposing a seventy to thirty percent ratio in favour of local government and ward officials as against the state officials.

The communique concluded that, in the interest of unity and progress, the state chairman should resign honourably due to his actions which they described as anti progressive and harmful to the party.

November 26, 2025
Jarigbe’s Defection Crumbles PDP In C’River North As Stakeholders, Chapter And Ward Leaders Resign

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the 5 Local Government Areas of Cross River North have tendered their resignation letters to the PDP in preparation to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defectors, largely drawn from the Local Government Chapters and Ward levels of the PDP, said they were leaving the PDP due to dissatisfaction with the party and to support Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 Senatorial election.

Addressing party supporters in their respective LGAs, the Stakeholders, stated that there is every need to support the leadership of Senator Jarigbe Agom, urging them to immediately return to their various wards and polling units to begin grassroots mobilisation for the lawmaker and the APC.

The increasing influx of members to the All Progressive Congress in the Senatorial District is due to the Senator’s performance in office.

Excos and leaders of the following wards have recently tendered their resignation letters as they prepare to defect to the APC.

Bishiri North (Obanliku)
Utanga (Obanliku)
Bishiri South (Obanliku)
Ukpah Ward (Bekwarra)
Becheve Ward (Obanliku)
Bendi II (Obanliku)
Ukpe (Obudu)
Abouchiche (Bekwarra)
Ibiaragidi (Bekwarra), Ugboro (Bekwarra), Ochagbe (Bekwarra).

November 26, 2025
Former Governor Ayade Supporters Should Stop Their Expensive Jokes…. BY AGBA JALINGO

Because former Governor Ayade wants to run for Senate in 2027, his minions are digging up AI generated motion pictures to hoodwink the public. For want of what to present as his record of achievements for eight years as governor, they are resurrecting matters that should be buried if they don’t want their master to head to jail.

One is the British Canadian University BCU Obudu, which was given accreditation by the NUC in June 2023. BCU is one of the 39 privately owned schools that were given accreditation by the National Universities Commission NUC on June 9, 2023 in Abuja. Kingshill Education Limited is the proprietor of BCU.

It is annoying and injurious enough to remember that Governor Ayade misappropriated the State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB funds, which are meant for year one to year nine education, into the construction of a university and later unilaterally sold it to private individuals. But it is even more irritating to see his lapdogs continuously flaunting a private school as one of Ayade’s achievements in office.

A project that Cross Riverians should be on the streets or in courts asking the former Governor to account for how it was transferred from public to private is repeatedly thrown at our faces as a feat?

No name of a Cross Riverian is reflected in the Board of Trustees of the school. I do not want to talk about the details of what is inside the school or happening in the school because it is now a private concern. I don’t want to offend the new owners. But I will never stop talking about the shady process of how our State funds were used to build a school that is now a private school without due process.

And for those who think they can pull that veil over our eyes, know that the more you try, the more questions will be asked until one day, the chicken will come to roost.

(See attached documents.)

Yours sincerely,
Citizen Agba Jalingo.

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

November 26, 2025
Let Christ Reign Over You BY SYLVERUS ULEM

LET CHRIST REIGN OVER YOU By Rev Fr Sylverus Ulem

…. Being a sermon delivered during second Mass (9:00am) at Holy Trinity Parish, Ogboja – Ogoja.

34th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C
Solemnity of Christ the Universal King

My dear people of God,
When we allow Jesus to reign over us, our society becomes a better place. Many times, the stagnation we experience, individually and collectively is because we have not truly allowed Christ to take His rightful place in our hearts.

From the beginning, God created us with one primary rule, that good be done. The Ten Commandments came later as guidance, but the heart of God for us has always been goodness, love, and obedience.

Christ the Universal King
On this 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church celebrates Christ the Universal King, a feast instituted by Pope Pius XI. This celebration is a public proclamation that Jesus is the King of the universe and, by implication, the King of our lives.

God created everything out of nothing. Jesus is the center of our being, the foundation on which everything stands. Without Him, everything collapses back into nothingness.

In David, the people saw a worthy servant. He did not campaign or write manifestos; instead, the people recognized the qualities of leadership in him. When we humble ourselves, God reveals Himself in us. Every true leader carries the “flesh and bone” of the people, he arises from among them and must protect and guide them.

A king who cannot protect his people has failed in his duty. Today, we see many leaders more concerned with power than service. Political defections, power struggles, and the hunger for influence remind us that many seek authority without embracing responsibility. But Scripture tells us, all power comes from God, and any power not rooted in God will eventually collapse.

Today we see apostles, evangelists, bishops, prophets, all kinds of titles, yet confusion persists. Some pursue titles more than service; some even fight or kill to protect these positions. But any title without corresponding responsibility is useless.
Whether priest, bishop, parent, or leader if we carry the name without carrying the corresponding responsibility, we have failed.

Pilate and the Jews conspired out of ignorance, yet their actions fulfilled God’s plan of salvation. Our celebration today is not a mockery of Christ, but a recognition of His kingship expressed through the cross.

There are three crosses in life:
The cross we accept, it serves us.
The cross we reject, it condemns us.
The cross we willingly carry, it redeems us.

Christ’s Kingship vs. Earthly Leadership
Christ is the model of all kings and leaders. He thinks of His people, loves them, and serves them like a good Shepherd. He treats us as brothers and sisters. Many leaders today make promises they do not keep, feeding on the people rather than feeding the people. But Jesus is the King who feeds His subjects, who gives His life for them.
He left the riches of heaven to share in our poverty so that we might become rich. Yet today we often see leaders who rise from poverty only to feed on the riches of their people.

He had no social media account, yet He has the largest followers in history. Many today expose themselves online simply to gain followers and earn small payments, forgetting their dignity.

There is no protocol to access Jesus. He was like a parish priest whose parishioners could freely approach Him. Sadly, even we priests sometimes fail in this area. When a rich man arrives at the parish house we often rush to welcome him, but when a poor man comes, we sometimes turn him away.
May God help us to change.

As we celebrate Christ the Universal King, may He truly reign over our hearts, our families, our communities, and our nation.

May His peace fill our lives, now and always.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Rev Fr Sylverus Ulem, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

November 23, 2025