The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • International Day Of The Boy Child: Matthew Okache Urges Society to Recognize Boy’s Emotional Needs

    International Day Of The Boy Child: Matthew Okache Urges Society to Recognize Boy’s Emotional Needs

     

    The Chief Press Secretary to the speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr. Matthew Okache has called on society to recognize the emotional needs of the boy child, he made this known today on InternationalDay of the Boy Child, His statement, aimed at acknowledging the often-overlooked struggles of young boys, emphasized their emotional well-being and the importance of recognizing their inherent worth.

    Okache pointed to the societal expectations placed on boys to remain strong and silent, often at the expense of their mental health. He expressed concern over the tendency to overlook the emotional needs of boys, urging society to offer them the same compassion and care given to others.

    “Too often, society expects you to be strong and silent, to bear your burdens without complaint. But the truth is, you are human. You feel pain, you face fears, and you deserve the same care and compassion as anyone else,” Okache stated.

    Okache’s message focuses on the importance of acknowledging boys’ feelings and experiences. He reassured them that their dreams, tears, triumphs, and trials were all significant and worthy of attention.

    “It might feel like the world has forgotten to protect your innocence, to cherish your spirit, but know that you are not alone. Some believe in your worth and are fighting for your right to be heard and loved. You are seen, you are valued, and you are deeply cared for, even when it doesn’t seem that way,” he said.

    The Chief Press Secretary emphasized the importance of vulnerability, urging boys to embrace their emotions as a source of strength. “Stand tall, embrace your emotions, and know that your strength lies not just in your resilience, but in your vulnerability,” he added.

    Okache concluded his message with an empowering reminder of the boys’ potential to effect positive change in the world. He encouraged them to rise, be kind, and make a difference, assuring them that their journey is important and their story worth telling.

    “You are the future, and the world needs your light. Even when it feels like no one is standing up for you, remember, that you have the power to rise, to be kind, and to make a difference. Your journey is important, and your story is worth telling,” he concluded.

  • If There Is Light… BY AGBA JALINGO

    If There Is Light… BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    The Economist Magazine estimates that, as at 2019, there were over 100,000 registered tailors in Nigeria. That figure is quite conservative to say the least. There is not much reliable data on the precise number of artisans countrywide. But millions of them, including, barbers, hair dressers, tailors, business center operators, welders, frozen food sellers, carpenters and wood workers, bars and pubs owners, etc, are out of work and finding it extremely difficult to cater for themselves and their families. And the only reason they are out of work is the shameful epileptic supply of electricity in Nigeria.

    Yet, instead of working to improve power supply, in the 2023 national budget, N81.7 billion was allocated to the purchase of solar street lights, surpassing schools and primary health centers, which were allocated N77.9 billion and health centers, which got N3.1 billion. Yet these lights die off after a few months. They can’t power anything. Not even a blender or a clipper to cut your hair or a dryer to dry your hair. I do not know how much of that budget came to my senatorial district but I think we can separate ourselves from the pack.

    What do I think we can do other than the street lights? I do not have any perfect idea. I am sure that elected leaders were trusted by the voters and do have their own solutions, but there are some thoughts racing through my mind which I will share with you. I am deliberately restricting my suggestions in this article to the five LGAs in Cross River North, where I come from. My only desire and goal here is to see how my suggestions may help to revamp the informal sector, check urban migration and drive investment to our place.

    In March 2023, President Buhari signed into law, the constitutional amendment allowing states in the country to licence, generate, transmit, and distribute electricity. Under the Act, states can issue licenses to private investors who can operate mini-grids and power plants within the State. This de-monopolization of Nigeria’s electricity generation, transmission, and distribution empowered states, companies, and individuals to generate, transmit and distribute electricity.

    The best bet for us from Cross River North is to explore the Obudu Dam Resort. The Federal Government on Wednesday 14th August 2012, at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, approved the contract sum of N1.165 billion, awarded to Consolidated Construction Limited, CCL, for the rehabilitation of the dam, which has a storage capacity of 1.25 million cubic meters and was meant to serve the entire northern Cross River, up to Ikom LGA. But the former Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Stella Ochekpe, was accused of misappropriating the money and she is serving a jail term in Jos.

    Our National Assembly Members from the North need to constitute and support a lean technical committee to immediately determine the encumbrances surrounding the project and the possibility and plausibility of intervening to even make the place work partially.

    Where that is not possible immediately; the technical team can work with experts to identify an artesian well within the proximity of the dam where groundwater can be harnessed for power generation. In the 2025 budget year, our three NASS Members can then deliberately accommodate into their joint constituency project, the development of a small dam and mini grid that can generate between 2-5 megawatt of electricity from that artesian well. Five megawatt can power Cross River North and energize a designated industrial zone within any of the LGAs in the Senatorial district. Experts say, without corruption and padding, N500 million can achieve that.

    The project can be funded from NASS constituency intervention, PPP where citizens will be encouraged to own equity, and private capital. But I do not think that N500million is too much money to raise for such a vital project by our legislators. The generated energy can then be isolated from the national grid and be promptly evacuated to a designated technology hub or economic zone, that will be specially designed and allocated for all those artisans listed in my first paragraph that are currently out of jobs and other private investors who would want to come and utilize the regular power supply for small scale processing of our wasting agricultural produce and other electricity dependent business endeavours.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Jarigbe Pledges Advocacy For Legislation That Supports Female Entrepreneurship

    Jarigbe Pledges Advocacy For Legislation That Supports Female Entrepreneurship

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, received in audience the Women in Energy Network (WIEN), a non-profit organization, led by the President, Eyono Fatayi-Williams, at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

    The visit was basically to pledge their support towards advancing Nigeria’s developmental goals in the energy sector.

    During the occasion, the Lawmaker reiterated his commitment to advocating for legislation that supports female entrepreneurship, combats discrimination and creates an enabling environment for women to excel in all sectors.

    He assured that, as a Senator, he will continue to support the vision of Women-in-Energy group because it aligns with the nation’s goals of economic development, sustainability and social equity so that Nigeria can be lighted, not just with electricity, but with brilliance of empowered women leading the charge.

    Senator Jarigbe, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas also noted that, the group’s efforts to advocate for greater inclusion of women in energy are not just about gender equality; but to enhance the overall capacity and innovation in the energy sector.

    “It is through your leadership and mentorship that we can nurture the next generation of female engineers, scientists and leaders in the energy sector”, he reiterated.

    Speaking earlier, the WIEN President, Mrs. Eyono Fatayi-Williams, stated that, they seek to achieve gender diversity and inclusion, a supportive environment where women can thrive and contribute significantly to the Energy Industry.

    Other members of the group also emphasized that they are keenly interested in the incredible work undertaken by the current administration with a shared commitment to diversify and include the energy industry, adding that there are valuable opportunities for collaboration.

    Also with the President were; Asanimo Omeze, Rita Kwentoh and Bassey Adie.

  • Hon Peter Akpanke: The Wonder Of Simplified Leadership BY THE ROCK MEDIA

    Hon Peter Akpanke: The Wonder Of Simplified Leadership BY THE ROCK MEDIA

     

    In the ever-changing landscape of political leadership, it is rare to find a representative who is truly dedicated to serving the people. However, Hon Peter Akpanke has proven himself to be one amongst exceptional leaders. As he approaches his one-year anniversary in office, it is evident that his commitment to effective representation and simplified leadership has made a significant impact on his constituents.

    Hon Peter Akpanke Akpanke, a member of the People’s Democratic party, was elected as the representative for Obanliku, Bekwarra and Obudu Federal Constituency in 2023.
    From the moment he took office, he has been working endlessly for the better representation. Recognizing the challenges and aspirations of the people he represents, Akpanke embarked on a journey to streamline and simplify the process of governance.

    One of the first things Hon Peter Akpanke did was establish an open-door policy. He made himself accessible and available to his constituents, ensuring that their concerns and needs were heard. This approach not only made the people feel valued and represented, but it also allowed for a direct and efficient communication channel between the representative and his constituents.

    In addition to his open minded Policy, Hon Peter Akpanke introduced regular Constituency Visits where he interacts and get feedback from his Constituents.

    Perhaps one of the key highlights of Hon Peter Akpanke’s tenure has been his emphasis on youth engagement and job facilitations. This concerted effort has not only helped reduce unemployment but has also created a pool of skilled workers within the community.

    As we prepare for his one year of effective representation, Hon Peter Akpanke is receiving accolades from both his constituents and fellow political leaders. His simplified leadership style has brought about tangible changes and improved the lives of the people he serves. It is no wonder that he is regarded as a role model for aspiring politicians who wish to make a real difference in their communities.

    As Hon Peter Akpanke looks towards the future, he remains committed to continuing his efforts to serve the people of OBO Federal Constituency. With his simplified leadership approach and dedication to effective representation, there is no doubt that he will continue to bring wonders and positive change to his constituency.

    The Rock Media

  • C’River Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Presents Food Items And Relief Materials To Inmates Of Nigerian Correctional Service In Calabar

    C’River Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Presents Food Items And Relief Materials To Inmates Of Nigerian Correctional Service In Calabar

     

    In her continuous quest to extend the Season of Sweetness to all Cross Riverians and in line with His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s People First Agenda, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Helen Isamoh Egodo Ph.D, presented food items and other relief materials to Ogoja inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Cross River State.

    The Commissioner who conveyed the Governor’s compassion towards the inmates assured the inmates and staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service, CRS, of the State government’s determination to provide the needed support and assistance to the Nigerian Correctional Service in their determined attempt to rehabilitating the inmates.

    She encouraged the Controller, Cc. Kupan Amos to call on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs for necessary assistance anytime the need arises.

    IDr. Egodo prayed God to give the inmates a new beginning, and enjoined them to keep making good choices now regardless of the past as their choices today determines their destiny.

    Responding, the State Controller of Correctional Service Cc. Kupan D. Amos Ph.D, mni, who received the gifts on behalf of the inmates at the Cross River State Headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Calabar expressed appreciation to the Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for his regular support for inmates in the State and his drive towards ameliorating the suffering of his people.

    Dr Amos also commended the efforts of the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Helen Isamoh Egodo, for always showing great sympathy for people with special needs.

    He applauded Dr Egodo for working tirelessly to ensure that the Governor delivers on his mandate and campaign promises in order to rebuild the Paradise City.

  • LOAN CRS Chapter Embarks On Indefinite Strike

    LOAN CRS Chapter Embarks On Indefinite Strike

    Culled from CrossRiverWatch

    The Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN) Cross River State chapter has embarked on an Indefinite Strike on Monday May 13th.

    LOAN said the action is due to the State Government’s inability to meet their demands for the implementation of the existing approval for parity between Law Officers and Magistrates, in the 50% Salary increment for Magistrates since June, 2022, without a corresponding increase for law officers.

    The association had embarked on a warning strike on March 27, 2024 to April 2, 2024 over the demand, however there appears to be no solution to their plea.

    LOAN Chairman Ewonah Araghe, Esq. and Chairman Action Committee C . Adama had signed a notice made available to CrossRiverWatch in Calabar saying the government has a, “deliberate refusal to implement the existing approval for parity.

    “The notice reads in parts: “LOAN in its executive meeting held on the 9” day of May resolved to embark on an indefinite strike to press home their demands. This is because there is no credible reason or explanation as to why they refused to implement the 50 % increment for Law Officers in the first place.

    “This singular act has plunged members of (LOAN) Cross River State Chapter into indescribable hardship. Much worse, it defies logic to try to subject members of this profession to discriminatory treatment. In the light of this, we are constrained by this bulletin to direct all Law Officers working in all Government Ministries and agencies to proceed on an indefinite strike, commencing from Monday the 13” day of May, 2024.

    “We advise the government not to take for granted the maturity of this Association by trying to coerce or victimize its members as the association will resist such threats. The time for empty promises and excuses has passed; the time for action is now.”

  • Ike Ekwermadu: My Friend And The Global Leader At 62 BY OSITA CHIDOKA

    Ike Ekwermadu: My Friend And The Global Leader At 62 BY OSITA CHIDOKA

     

    We met in 199; you came to pick me up in your Peugeot 505 Salon car. At that time, you were a Local Government Chairman, and I was Personal Assistant to Chief Okete, Minister of State Works and Housing.

    Our friendship was on and off as you climbed the ladder of leadership. I saw you as Chief of Staff to the Governor, Secretary to the State Government and Senator.

    In 2008, our friendship was renewed, made possible by Olisa Metuh, your classmate. The friendship, this time, blossomed.

    You were there when my mother came back from her first cancer surgery.

    You were there when I turned 40. You were there in Obosi when my father turned 90.

    You were there by 7 am for the surprise praise and worship session when my wife turned 40.

    You came to Obosi to see the Thomas Chidoka ICT Centre before its launch in 2016.

    Your wife Nwanneka was always by your side and heartily entertained us with that Abacha that I insist she must get a patent for. I particularly respect Anukata etinye ego (as Olisa and I fondly call her) for focusing on her job as a civil servant while you held sway in the Senate—a remarkable woman.

    I was there at your birthday events. The picture of you, your wife and myself was your 2019 birthday.

    I witnessed your intellectual curiosity never wane, even as you dedicated yourself to public service. Your pursuit of knowledge and your passion for debate, all while maintaining your duties, are traits to be emulated. I escorted you to receive your PhD certificate from the University of Abuja.

    You are a loyal friend, a good husband and a great father. I am proud of you, grateful to know you and happy that you prioritised fatherhood.

    You live your love of family and pay the price for love.

    Today, you mark 62 years. We would have been at your house eating and laughing. We will eat today, but we will not laugh. We will drink, but we will not be raucous because……

    To all friends and admirers: Ike and Nwanneka are in good spirits. They know that ….this, too, shall come to pass. Their back may be bent, but their spirits are not broken.

    Your legacies are etched in our hearts – those you’ve touched. Though the burdens may weigh heavy, your spirit remains unyielding.

    In the face of adversity, you stand tall, a living testament of hope and inspiration to all who know you. Your commitment to family, community, and service is a soulful reminder of and tribute to the power of love and sacrifice.

    Your resilience and calm confidence whenever I see you are an enduring testament to your character and doggedness.

    Next year in Enugu, with God keeping us, we shall sing the Lord’s song not in a strange land but on the soil ordained by God.

    We will celebrate again a friend, a leader, a father and a man whose community and friends acknowledge with one voice as a global leader.

    Happy birthday, Ikeoha, okala madu, and husband of Nwanneka.

    Osita Chidoka
    12 May 2024

     

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

  • Governor Sim Fubara Has No Power To Use Executive Order To Relocate The Venue Of The Rivers State House Of Assembly By OKOI OBONO-OBLA 

    Governor Sim Fubara Has No Power To Use Executive Order To Relocate The Venue Of The Rivers State House Of Assembly By OKOI OBONO-OBLA 

     

    The constitutional crisis in Rivers State continues unabated with Governor Sim Fubara using all the apparatus of power at his disposal to ensure that the Rivers State House of Assembly is totally emasculated and does not perform its constitutional responsibility.

    After collaborating with three members with three members of the House of Assembly to secure an injunction restraining 25 members of the House of Assembly from sitting on 10 May 2024; Governor Fubara issued an executive order directing the relocation of the sitting of the Rivers River State House of Assembly to the Government House Port Harcourt.

    What is an executive order ?
    It is the declaration by the President or a Governor that has the force of law usually based on statutory power.

    The Constitution makes provisions for three branches of government, namely the executive ,legislature, and judicial.
    Each branch of government is a sovereign in itself and therefore independent.

    The pertinent question is : Is it within the constitutional power of the Governor of Rivers State to issue an executive order to relocate the sitting of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the precinct of the Government House, Port Harcourt?
    I submit that the executive order by Governor Fubara amounts to an interference with the legislative powers vested in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    The Constitution vests the power on the Rivers State House of Assembly to regulate its own procedure.
    Section 101 of the Constitution provides that subject to the Constitution, a house of Assembly shall have the power to regulate its own procedure, including the procedure for summoning and recess of the House.

    I therefore submit that it’s the Rivers State House of Assembly that has the power to decide where it should sit temporarily in view of the fact that the House of Assembly was gutted by fire recently.
    It certainly does not lie within the plentitude of executive powers vested Governor Fubara to decide the place where the Rivers State House of Assembly should relocate temporarily.

    If the venue of the Rivers State House of Assembly is unsafe, it is entirely within the constitutional purview of the House to decide on what to do.

    The Supreme Court has declared that Executive Order 10 (EO10) signed by President Muhammadu Buhari on financial autonomy for the judiciary and legislature is unlawful.
    In the case of 36 States versus Attorney-General of the Federation, the Supreme Court declared that Executive Order 10 (EO10) signed by President Muhammadu Buhari on financial autonomy for the judiciary and legislature is unlawful and unconstitutional.

    The executive order of Governor Fubara is a dangerous precedent that must be thrown away into the waste basket of illegalities and unconstitutionalities.
    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • Cross River TOPREC Laud Governor Otu for Creating More Satellite Towns

    Cross River TOPREC Laud Governor Otu for Creating More Satellite Towns

     

    The Cross River State Representative of Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria, TOPREC, TPL. Dr. Simon Ajom has lauded the recent declaration by the state Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for the creation of more Satellite Towns in the state.

    Dr. Ajom made this known during an interactive session with Journalists on Thursday 9th May, 2024 in Calabar, the state capital.

    According to him, the idea aligns with the Governor’s ‘People’s First’ mantra of his Administration and if fully implemented, it’ll serve as growth poles centers that will help in expanding the state Government’s effort in the provision of basic infrastructural facilities as they relates to roads, power supply, housing, schools, telecommunication, etc which are already overstretched as a result of increase in human population.

    Emphasizing the needs and importance of satellite towns, Ajom said the action and activities will promote effective utilization of different land-uses as well as guarantee environmental quality, comfort, security and safety of lives and properties in the state.

    He also expressed the readiness of professional Town Planners in the state to partner with the State Government to achieve the desired goal in the areas of site selection and layout design, infrastructural and facility planning, Urban designs and renewal, regional and rural development planning, sector planning, master planning and development control amongst others.

    Dr. Ajom is also a fellow and one time Cross River State Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, NITP and a former Director of Physical Planning Unit, University of Calabar. He is currently the Head of Department, Urban and Regional Planning in the Faculty of Environmental Sciences in the University of Calabar.

    ©️Onigah Joseph Egidi

  • NYCN, Cross River State; A Body Of Fraud BY PHYLO MODLIN ODU

    NYCN, Cross River State; A Body Of Fraud BY PHYLO MODLIN ODU

     

    A list of requirements for consultation has surfaced online, purportedly from NYCN-CRS Consultative Heads. That list is an embodiment of disgraceful avarice, mindless exploitation, disdainful extortion and coming from a youth body, it is painful. Even a fine for the most abominable crime in a community or bride price list to marry a graduate maiden from a disobliging family in C’River State isn’t so tainted by Cupidity as compared to an ordinary NYCN election, particularly in this difficult economy.

    A youth is expected to spend not less than 5 million naira for the Chairmanship position, in an election that is already compromised. Everything on this list is to be presented to each consultative body of the three Senatorial district. This is aside from LGAs, Wards consultations and individual consultations.

    To continue a circus of ineptitude, incompetence and corruption, there’s an ongoing exploitation, bribery, foolish threats, character assassination, spiritual tussle, interference from politicians and so many untoward things. NYCN-CRS is like Students Union pro-max, where many have been perpetual undergraduates in the name of stakeholders, never graduating, exploiting students who seek offices in SUG. They have passed the age of youthfulness, some are nearly grandfathers, but greed and perhaps, laziness is still keeping them in NYCN.

    In 2019, I was made Award planning committee Chairman out of the blues, even though I have never been a registered member or active participant of the group. I resigned shortly after. It didn’t make sense to me, the kind of cartel appointment made into subcommittees. They just wanted someone they could manipulate into generating funds for their event, and mostly, for the pockets of their so called cartel. Not long after, they had an election that was erupted by violence and unresolved controversies till date. In the style of Prof. Ayade, titles of no-value adding offices were imagined, and hundreds of youths appointed into them. What they do is to attend funerals and child dedications with their Chairman in a convoy.

    There is no single achievement in the interest of C’River youths or the State that can be ascribed to NYCN. No job, no talent/craft promotion, no scholarship, no profitable empowerment. Just eye-service and sycophancy. The government they should be holding accountable and liaising with when necessary, is the same government they’re busy blackmailing themselves to, for appointments. This is the reason why many leaders do not respect the group.

    NYCN has a youth parliament, with members representing every constituency in the State, just like, CRSHA. But what laws are they making and for whom? All I know about them is that some of them are just white starched-shirt wearing boys who call themselves ‘Honourable Member’. No value!

    The present NYCN-CRS has a catastrophic impact on our youths who may want to seek political offices in future. It is a breeding ground for mediocre politicians, and until conscious efforts are made to resist and uproot the bad eggs and their nonsense, it will soon become a group synonymous to political nuisance.

    Take a look at the list. Is NYCN a group or a cult?

    Phylo Modlin Odu.

     

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, PHYLO MODLIN ODU, and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent.