Author: The Lumine News

  • Jarigbe Agom Announces Town Hall Meetings Across Cross River North Senatorial District

    Jarigbe Agom Announces Town Hall Meetings Across Cross River North Senatorial District

     

    As part of my ongoing commitment to engage with the people of Cross River North Senatorial District, I am pleased to announce a series of Town Hall meetings across the five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the district. These interactive sessions will provide an opportunity for open dialogue, feedback, and discussion on key issues affecting our communities.

    The schedule is as follows:

    Saturday, 24th May, 2025:
    • 10:00 AM – Obanliku LGA
    • 1:00 PM – Obudu LGA
    • 3:00 PM – Bekwarra LGA

    Sunday, 25th May, 2025:
    • 2:00 PM – Yala LGA
    • 4:00 PM – Ogoja LGA

    I warmly invite every constituent of Cross River North, especially those in support of my vision for a better future, to join these sessions. Your voice matters, and together, we will continue to work towards the development and progress of our great district.

    I look forward to meeting with you all!

    Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe
    Senator, Cross River North Senatorial District

    NB: Respective venues will be communicated in the various platforms by the Organizers in each LGA.

  • Sen Jarigbe Set To Engage Constituents In Town Hall Meetings

    Sen Jarigbe Set To Engage Constituents In Town Hall Meetings

    Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe Announces Town Hall Meetings Across Cross River North Senatorial District

    As part of my ongoing commitment to engaging with the people of Cross River North Senatorial District, I am pleased to announce a series of Town Hall meetings across the five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the district. These interactive sessions will provide an opportunity for open dialogue, feedback, and discussion on key issues affecting our communities.

    The schedule is as follows:

    Saturday, 24th May, 2025:
    • 10:00 AM – Obanliku LGA
    • 1:00 PM – Obudu LGA
    • 3:00 PM – Bekwarra LGA

    Sunday, 25th May, 2025:
    • 2:00 PM – Yala LGA
    • 4:00 PM – Ogoja LGA

    I warmly invite every constituent of Cross River North, especially those in support of my vision for a better future, to join these sessions. Your voice matters, and together, we will continue to work towards the development and progress of our great district.

    I look forward to meeting with you all!

    Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe
    Senator, Cross River North Senatorial District

    NB: Respective venues will be communicated in the various platforms by the Organizers in each LGA.

  • Open Letter to the Honorable Minister of Education: Preparing Our Students for the Impending Digital WAEC Examinations BY MIKE UDAM

    Open Letter to the Honorable Minister of Education: Preparing Our Students for the Impending Digital WAEC Examinations BY MIKE UDAM

    Open Letter to the Honorable Minister of Education: Preparing Our Students for the Impending Digital WAEC Examinations

    Your Excellency, Honorable Minister of Education,

    I write to you with a deep sense of urgency and responsibility regarding a matter that threatens the academic future of thousands of Nigerian students—the impending transition of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to Computer-Based Examinations (CBE). This shift, set to commence next year, presents a critical challenge that demands immediate and decisive action from your office.

    The current reality in many schools, particularly in Cross River State and likely across the nation, is alarming. Data suggests that over 80% of Senior Secondary Two (SS2) students lack basic computer literacy. Compounding this crisis is the fact that a significant number of our schools have no functional computer laboratories, and where they exist, access for students remains severely limited. Without foundational digital skills and exposure to computer-based testing formats, our students are being set up for systemic failure—a prospect that will have far-reaching consequences on their educational and professional futures.

    Your Excellency, the time for intervention is now. I respectfully urge your office to consider the following emergency measures:

    1. Immediate Adjustment of the Academic Calendar: A temporary shortening of the current third term, followed by a mandatory two-month intensive computer literacy program for all SS2 students, would provide them with the critical skills needed to navigate the digital WAEC examinations.
    2. Partnerships with Accredited Training Centers: Collaborate with reputable ICT training institutions to ensure students receive hands-on training in basic computer operations, typing, and digital test-taking strategies.
    3. Emergency Provision of Infrastructure: Direct immediate funding and support to schools lacking computer facilities, ensuring at least minimum digital readiness before the 2025 WAEC examinations.

    The stakes could not be higher. Without prompt action, we risk a generational setback in educational outcomes, with thousands of students failing not due to a lack of academic ability, but because of systemic unpreparedness for this digital transition.

    Your leadership at this pivotal moment can avert this looming disaster. I appeal to you to act swiftly and decisively, for the sake of our children and the future of Nigeria’s education system.

    Respectfully yours,
    Dr. Mike Udam
    School Teacher and Preacher
    Ogoja, Nigeria

  • UNICAL: Dean Calls On HODs, Mobilization Officers To Strengthen Collaboration For Seamless NYSC Process

    UNICAL: Dean Calls On HODs, Mobilization Officers To Strengthen Collaboration For Seamless NYSC Process

     

    The Dean of Student Affairs of the University of Calabar, Prof. Patrick Egaga, has called on Heads of Departments (HODs) and Mobilization Officers to strengthen collaboration to ensure a seamless and error-free NYSC mobilization process for Prospective Corps Members (PCMs).

    Prof. Egaga made this call during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the CES Conference Room, where key academic staff gathered to review and improve the mobilization procedures across the institution.

    In his remarks, the Dean emphasized the importance of using only senate-approved results in the mobilization process and warned against any form of compromise or undue influence from students or staff.

    “HODs should act as watchdogs to ensure Mobilization Officers carry out their duties diligently. Any mistake made in the mobilization process will be traced back to the department, and those responsible will be held accountable,” he warned.

    He further urged all departments to work in unity, emphasizing that consistency and cooperation between HODs and Mobilization Officers is critical to preventing errors and delays in student mobilization.

    The Dean also appealed to HODs to appoint mobilization officers based on capacity, integrity, trust, and service delivery driven output, rather than friendship.

    Also speaking at the event, , the Deputy Registrar, Student Affairs Division, Mr. Patrick Ibiang, delivered a paper titled “Enhancing Mobilization Process for Effective Service Delivery.”

    He clarified that the mobilization process begins and ends at the departmental level before final vetting by the Student Affairs Division.

    “Departments will bear full responsibility for any errors or invalidations, including the cost of reprinting university certificates,” he added.

    Mr. Michael Ikogor, the NYSC Data Entry Officer at the Student Affairs Division, gave a presentation on “Guidelines and Best Practices for NYSC Mobilization Data Entry.”

    He outlined frequent data entry mistakes and advised officers to verify information against senate-approved results.

    The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, providing attendees the opportunity to clarify issues and share suggestions to improve the mobilization process.

    Public Relations Unit

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

    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. 

  • UNICAL Secures Full Accreditation For 24 Programmes From NUC

    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.

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

    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 “

  • UNICAL SLT Students Records Excellent Performance In MPE Papers 3 & 4 Exams

    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

  • Jarigbe Hand Over 9 Solar-Powered Boreholes To Communities in Bekwarra LGA

    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

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

    #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.