The Lumine News

Author: News

  • Northern Stakeholders Back Otu’s Second Term, Demand Bloc Votes for Tinubu

    Northern Stakeholders Back Otu’s Second Term, Demand Bloc Votes for Tinubu

     

    Stakeholders across the five Local Government Areas of Cross River State’s Northern Senatorial District have endorsed Governor Bassey Edet Otu for a second term and pledged to mobilise bloc votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sen. Agom Jarigbe and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

    The endorsement was made at a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the Cross River State Consultative Forum at the Ogoja Local Government Council Headquarters.

    The event, which drew political leaders, traditional rulers, youths, women and other stakeholders from Ogoja, Obanliku, Obudu, Yala and Bekwarra, was preceded by a sensitisation walk from Ajegunle Junction to the council headquarters.

    Speaking at the gathering, former Cross River State Governor and Chairman of the Elders Advisory Council, Chief Clement Ebri, said the exercise was primarily aimed at obtaining first-hand information on the performance of the Otu administration.
    Ebri said the team would also engage stakeholders privately to enable them raise concerns that might not be expressed publicly.

    “We are more like a fact-finding team,” he said, explaining that Governor Otu had asked the council to provide honest advice on his administration and was willing to make amends where genuine shortcomings were identified.

    He appealed to the people to remain patient with the administration, citing the infrastructure deficits and other challenges accumulated over the years.

    Ebri also commended Otu for his efforts towards restoring Cross River’s oil-producing status.

    Speaking on the 2027 elections, the former governor urged stakeholders in the Northern Senatorial District to mobilise support for both Otu and Tinubu, stressing that a strong bloc vote for the President would strengthen the governor’s influence and bargaining power at the national level.

    Chairman of the Consultative Forum, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, described the Ogoja meeting as the forum’s first engagement in the Northern Senatorial District.

    Ekpo said the gathering was not a campaign rally but a platform for stakeholders to assess the administration and deliberate on the future of the state.

    He said the stakeholders’ response amounted to a strong endorsement of Otu’s second-term ambition and urged them to sustain mobilisation for the governor and Tinubu ahead of 2027.

    He also called for constructive and fact-based assessment of government performance, as well as peaceful political engagement.

    The State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Rt. Hon. Chris Etta, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Ugana Lukpata, urged the party to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections.

    Etta said the APC must reach beyond its membership base to secure victory, declaring that “we cannot record anything below five over five” in support of the party’s candidates.

    He highlighted ongoing projects across the Northern Senatorial District and linked the restoration of Cross River’s oil-producing status to the improved relationship between the state and Federal Government.

    According to Etta, Cross River now has 46 oil wells in its coffers, with exploration and exploitation already underway.

    He urged the people to continue supporting Otu and Tinubu to sustain what he described as the gains recorded by the state.

    In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the stakeholders acknowledged ongoing projects and other interventions by the Otu administration.

    They endorsed continuity for both Tinubu and Otu, while calling for the completion of ongoing projects and increased attention to the development needs of the Northern Senatorial District.

    The stakeholders also resolved to intensify grassroots mobilisation, promote peaceful political engagement and sustain consultations with communities and political stakeholders.

    They reaffirmed their support for Tinubu, Otu and other APC candidates at the national, state and local government levels.

    The communiqué , which was read and moved as a motion by Prof. Mike Okom and seconded and strongly supported by Prof. EGAGA Patrick, was unanimously accepted and adopted by the more than 1000 participants and signed byBarr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo; the Forum’s Secretary, Dr Julius Okputu; Chairman of the Drafting Committee, Ntufam (Barr.) Fidelis Ugbo; and Secretary, Prof. Michael Okom.

  • Petroleum Tanker Explodes After Crash in Odukpani

    Petroleum Tanker Explodes After Crash in Odukpani

     

    A petroleum tanker overturned and caught fire on Sunday opposite the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat in Odukpani, Cross River State, with the inferno spreading to nearby shops and buildings.

    The Cross River State Police Command, in a preliminary incident update, said the tanker was conveying petroleum products when it was involved in a road traffic accident and overturned, resulting in the fire.

    According to the police, the tanker driver, who was reportedly trapped in the fire, was rescued and taken to a hospital for medical attention.

    Police officers from the Odukpani Division were deployed to the scene to secure the area, maintain public safety and prevent further harm, while the Fire Service was alerted to contain and extinguish the blaze.

    As of the time of the police report, no death had been confirmed, although several shops and vehicles were reportedly affected by the fire.

    The police urged residents and other members of the public to stay away from the immediate area and allow emergency responders unhindered access to the scene.

    The Command said further information would be released as verified details become available.

    The preliminary update was signed by ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, PPRO, Cross River State Command.

  • God Has Entrusted His Vineyard to Us, Being A Sermon by Rev Fr Felix Ovai Ekpe

    God Has Entrusted His Vineyard to Us, Being A Sermon by Rev Fr Felix Ovai Ekpe

     

    Today’s first reading from the Book of Isaiah and the Gospel according to Matthew presents us with a very powerful image: the vineyard. Today, the message is very simple: God has entrusted his vineyard to us.

    The vineyard in the first reading represents the house of Israel. Isaiah speaks about a landowner who carefully cultivated his vineyard. He cleared the land, planted the choicest vines, built a watchtower, and did everything necessary to make the vineyard fruitful. The owner invested so much in the vineyard, and when he came looking for good grapes, he found only wild grapes.

    In the Gospel, Jesus also speaks about a vineyard owner who planted a vineyard and entrusted it to tenants. And so, the question for us today is: What kind of fruits are you bearing? What are we doing with what God has given us?

    In the first reading, the vineyard owner planted his vineyard and expected it to produce good fruit. God has also planted many things in our lives.

    He has given us life, family, children, jobs, businesses, talents, intelligence, strength, opportunities, and the sacraments. God has not abandoned us. Rather, God has invested in us.

    Therefore, the important question is not simply, “What has God given me?” The deeper question is: “What am I doing with what God has given me?” It is our responsibility to use these gifts according to God’s purpose.

    Jesus says: “Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” John 15:5. God expects us to bear fruit because He has invested in us.

    One of the great temptations of human life is that we receive certain things from God and begin to think that they belong entirely to us. But the tenants in the Gospel forgot something important: They were caretakers, not the landlords. The money you have is God’s gift. The strength you have today is God’s gift. Your children are God’s gift. Your intelligence is God’s gift. Your business is God’s gift. Your position is God’s gift. Your family is God’s gift. Your opportunities are God’s gifts. Everything we have ultimately comes from God. Therefore, we must ask ourselves: “Lord, how do you want me to use what you have entrusted to me?” You are only a caretaker.

    The question is not, “How much do I have?” The question is: “Am I using what I have to produce good fruit?” What Kind of Fruits Does God Expect? What does God expect from us? He expects fruitfulness, generosity, patience, love, faithfulness, forgiveness, compassion, and service. God does not want us to run away from what He expects of us. He has given each of us a vineyard to cultivate.

    For some, that vineyard is your family. For others, it is your marriage, your children, your business, your profession, your ministry, your community, or your personal life. Whatever vineyard God has placed in your hands, you have a responsibility to cultivate it.

    There is something very special about today’s readings: God is patient with us. Even when we fail, God continues to give us opportunities to change. He gives us another opportunity to rebuild ourselves. He gives us another opportunity to become better. He gives us another opportunity to bear good fruit.

    Therefore, do not waste the opportunity God has given you. If there is something you need to change in your life, begin today. If there is something you need to repair, begin today. If you need to forgive someone, begin today. If you need to become more generous, begin today. If you need to take better care of your family, begin today. Cultivate the vineyard God has entrusted to you.

    God wants us to invest in ourselves because He has already invested in us. He has given us life. He has given us opportunities. He has given us jobs and businesses. He has given us families. He has given us talents and abilities. And He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation.

    God does not demand that we build a perfect life. He wants us to build a better life. He wants us to keep growing. He wants us to keep producing good fruit. He wants us to use what He has given us for His glory and for the good of others.

    As we leave this church today, let us remember: I am God’s vineyard. God has invested in me. God has invested in my children. God has invested in my family. God has invested in my business. God has invested in my life. The question is: What fruits am I producing?

    Let us pray that when God comes looking for the fruits of our lives, He will find good fruits. May He find love. May He find generosity. May He find patience. May He find faithfulness. May He find kindness. May He find a life that has been used well.

    I pray for you at this Mass: As you leave this church today, may you remember that you are God’s vineyard and that God has invested in you. May you bear good fruits in your life. May you bear good fruits in your family. May you bear good fruits in your marriage, your children, your work, and your business.

    May God give you the wisdom to use everything He has entrusted to you. May God protect you. May God strengthen you. May God give you the grace to change whatever needs to be changed. And when you fall, may God give you the grace to rise again. May God give you another chance to cultivate the vineyard He has entrusted to you.

    And when the Lord comes looking for fruit, may He find good fruit in us.

    Amen.

  • Jarigbe Receives Legislative Leadership, Constituency Development Award from Nkum Irede Women

    Jarigbe Receives Legislative Leadership, Constituency Development Award from Nkum Irede Women

     

    The Nkum Irede Women’s Forum has honoured the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, with an Award of Legislative Leadership and Constituency Development.

    The award was presented to the senator following the maiden 2026 Annual Women’s Day Celebration of the forum, which culminated in a grand finale, Thanksgiving and Award Ceremony on September 16, 2026, in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    The Nkum Irede Women’s Forum comprises women from across Nkum Irede Ward and was established to promote unity, community development, women’s participation and collective action for the advancement of the ward and its people.

    Presenting the award on behalf of the forum at Senator Jarigbe’s residence in Calabar, the forum’s Convener and Councillor representing Nkum Irede Ward, Hon. Elizabeth Mbim, alongside Nurse Josephine Bassey, said the recognition was in appreciation of the senator’s commitment to community development, legislative leadership and constituency representation.

    The women said the award was also in recognition of Jarigbe’s contributions to Nkum Irede Ward, Ogoja Local Government Area and the wider Cross River North Senatorial District.
    Nurse Bassey said the forum considered it important to recognise individuals whose efforts had contributed to the development and representation of the people.

    She added that the senator’s legislative engagement and constituency-focused initiatives had earned him the appreciation of the women.

    According to her, the forum also appreciated Senator Jarigbe’s accessibility and continued engagement with constituents, noting that effective representation should be reflected in both legislative activities and tangible development within the constituency.

    Receiving the award, Senator Jarigbe thanked the women of Nkum Irede for the recognition, describing it as an encouragement to continue serving the people of Cross River North.

    He reaffirmed his commitment to effective representation and community development, while expressing appreciation to the women for their support and confidence in his leadership.

  • Your Excellency, Fire Them NOW! BY AGBA JALINGO

    Your Excellency, Fire Them NOW! BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    Lagos with a population of approximately 20million residents has no Chief Press Secretary CPS, to the Governor. There is a Special Adviser, Media to the Governor, Mr Gboyega Akosile; who is a member of the Executive Council.

    Under him are two Senior Special Assistants in charge of the mainstream media and social media. None of these two dare send anything out or grant any interviews in the name of the government without clearance from the Special Adviser.

    Until recently, the Lagos Governor has also appointed, for the first time in history, a Special Adviser on Public Relations and Documentation, and by nomenclature, the role of the office is clearly spelt out.

    Nothing goes out without clearance from the office of the SA Media or the State Commissioner for Information.

    But in Cross River State, my State, with a population of less than 4million residents, there are up to, if not more than 30 human beings who call themselves, this and that, to the Governor on Media and Communication. All kinds of bogus titles that I am sure even the Governor himself does not remember unless they introduce themselves to him.

    Most of them have their unauthorized letter headed papers that they use to dish out discordant press releases and all kinds of bull dung in their attempt to impress the Governor.

    The Governor even warned them in a press statement not to send anything out or grant interviews without clearance from his CPS, Linus Obogo or the State Commissioner for Information, but in their insubordination, they continue to disregard the directive of the Governor and keep on writing all kinds of incoherent and abusive diatribes in the name of defending government.

    Our Foundation organized a training for them, yet it doesn’t appear like they learnt anything. The over-sabi and overzealous-ness to prove that “I am the best media SA to the Governor” is counter productive and creates chaos and negative image for the government.

    The confrontational posturing of these neophytes is not doing the Governor any good. No one is in control of anyone in the government information management team. Everybody is his or her own boss, working at cross purposes.

    But simply put, the governor has to sack most of these folks, rearrange his information management team to a lean and small coterie of professionals that will be able to manage and disseminate government messages clearly. Our State does not need such a large number of unproductive parasites to manage its information.

    We don’t even have the luxury of those resources. It’s a total waste of resources and waste of government titles on undeserving sycophants who actually have nothing to offer in the real sense of the job. They can as well be redeployed elsewhere, where they can be more productive.

    This opinion is strictly mine.

    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.

  • C’River Reopens Obudu General Hospital, Promises Affordable Healthcare

    C’River Reopens Obudu General Hospital, Promises Affordable Healthcare

    The Cross River State Government has reopened the General Hospital, Obudu, restoring public healthcare services to residents of the local government area and surrounding communities.

    The hospital was officially reopened at the weekend by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Eld. Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, following the revival of the facility and the constitution of a new management team to oversee its operations.

    The development is expected to improve access to healthcare for residents of Obudu and neighbouring communities who rely on public medical facilities.

    Speaking during the reopening ceremony, Ayuk urged residents to patronise the hospital, assuring them that healthcare services would be provided at affordable and pocket-friendly rates.

    The Commissioner also disclosed that additional healthcare personnel would be deployed to the facility as the need arises.

    He said the Ministry of Health would maintain close supervision of the hospital to ensure adequate staffing, effective service delivery and sustained functionality.

    “We will continue to monitor this facility closely to ensure that it is adequately staffed, functional and able to provide the quality healthcare services that the people deserve,” Ayuk said.

    Ayuk further urged residents to take ownership of the hospital by making use of its services and supporting efforts to sustain its operations.

    The hospital is headed by Mr. Bob Abua, alongside a newly constituted management team charged with ensuring effective administration and quality service delivery.

    The reopening ceremony was attended by community leaders, senior citizens, the Secretary of Obudu Local Government Council, Mr. Aben Emmanuel, who represented the Council Chairman, Hon. Peter Undiandeye, the Supervisor for Health in Obudu LGA, and other stakeholders.

    Speaking on behalf of the council chairman, Emmanuel applauded the state government for bringing the hospital back into active service.

    He described the reopening as a welcome development for the people of Obudu, expressing the council’s appreciation for the revival of the facility.

    Emmanuel also commended the Hospital Administrator and the newly constituted management team for their efforts towards restoring the hospital and ensuring its effective operation.

    The reopening of the General Hospital, Obudu, marks a renewed effort by the state government to strengthen public healthcare delivery and bring essential medical services closer to residents across the state.

  • Daniel Nkpabo Denies Political Sponsorship by Senator Jarigbe

    Daniel Nkpabo Denies Political Sponsorship by Senator Jarigbe

     

    Nkpabo Daniel Inaku, a political aspirant from Ukpah in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State, has denied claims that Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe is sponsoring his political activities or backing him against other political actors in the area.

    In a statement titled “Setting the Record Straight: The Myth of Jarigbe’s Sponsorship” Inaku said his decision to seek political office was driven by personal conviction and what he described as persistent calls from members of his community.

    According to him, he first contested for the Cross River State House of Assembly in 2022 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He said six aspirants participated in the contest, including several from Ukpah, and that he narrowly lost the primary election to Barrister Omang Charles Omang.

    Inaku recalled that Senator Jarigbe subsequently described him as a “political underdog” during a meeting between them, stressing that nobody alleged at the time that the senator was sponsoring his political activities.

    He said that after the 2022 primary, he continued to mobilise supporters and travelled repeatedly between Abuja and Cross River State in an effort to defeat the incumbent lawmaker, using his personal resources.

    “I did so because I believed in the cause, not because anyone sponsored me,” he said.

    Inaku further stated that he returned to the political contest in 2023 following renewed appeals from members of his community. He said his first political consultation with Senator Jarigbe took place during that period.

    According to him, Jarigbe explained that the political circumstances had changed, with both men now in the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Governor Bassey Otu was the sitting governor.

    Inaku said Jarigbe told him that his loyalty to Governor Otu was total and that he would support the governor’s position if the governor had an interest in the Bekwarra contest. Otherwise, he said, Jarigbe indicated that he could speak with someone who might be able to support Inaku.

    “Since then, I have neither sought nor received political sponsorship or direction from him,” Inaku said.

    He also dismissed rumours that Jarigbe had provided him with money and aides to support his political activities. He specifically rejected a claim that the senator gave him ₦20 million during the New Yam Festival to return home and work against certain candidates.

    “Jarigbe has never sponsored me against anyone or any election,” he stated.

    Inaku said his political decisions were based on his personal convictions and religious beliefs, adding that he had previously taken political positions that he believed were in the interest of his people, even when doing so exposed him to pressure and personal sacrifices.

    He also acknowledged his admiration for Jarigbe’s political style while noting that he holds his own views about both the senator and Governor Otu.

    “My only political bargain is simple: whatever position I take must ultimately serve the interest of the Bekwarra people,” he said.

    Inaku concluded by urging political actors and members of the public to distinguish between legitimate political disagreements and what he described as political blackmail. “For those who believe Senator Jarigbe sponsors the air I breathe: he does not,” he said.

    He described himself as an independent political actor whose loyalty, in his words, is to “God, my people and the principles I believe in.”

     

  • MAPSI Autos Expands Premium Car Hire Services Across Calabar and Uyo

    MAPSI Autos Expands Premium Car Hire Services Across Calabar and Uyo

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    As business activities, tourism and inter-state travel continue to grow across Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, MAPSI Autos Limited is positioning its car hire services to meet increasing demand for reliable, comfortable and professionally managed transportation.

    The company provides car rental and chauffeur-driven transportation services in Calabar, Cross River State, and Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, catering to corporate travellers, families, tourists, expatriates and groups requiring transportation for both short- and long-distance journeys.

    According to the company, its services are built around three key priorities: safety, comfort and reliability.

    MAPSI Autos operates a range of vehicles intended to serve different categories of customers and travel requirements.

    Its fleet includes executive sedans for business meetings, airport transfers and city transportation, as well as SUVs and 4×4 vehicles for longer journeys and inter-state travel.

    The company also provides buses and multi-passenger vans for group transportation, corporate events, family outings and other large-scale movements.

    MAPSI Autos says its vehicles are subjected to routine maintenance and safety inspections as part of efforts to ensure dependable service for customers.

    Beyond vehicle rentals, the company offers chauffeur-driven transportation through what it describes as professionally trained and vetted drivers.

    MAPSI Autos says its drivers are trained in defensive driving and have knowledge of routes and traffic conditions within Calabar, Uyo and other parts of the region, including Ogoja and Ikot Ekpene.

    The company also highlights punctuality, courtesy and customer service as important components of its chauffeur operations.

    MAPSI Autos offers rental arrangements ranging from short-term bookings to longer-term transportation solutions.

    Daily and hourly rentals are available for customers requiring transportation for meetings, errands, airport transfers and short trips, while weekly and monthly arrangements are offered for corporate projects, expatriates and customers staying in the region for extended periods.

    The company also provides customised inter-state transportation between Cross River, Akwa Ibom and neighbouring areas.

    Airport Transfers and Major Destinations
    In Calabar, MAPSI Autos provides transportation services to locations including Margaret Ekpo International Airport, the Calabar International Convention Centre, Millennium Park and major business districts.

    In Akwa Ibom, its services include transportation to Victor Attah International Airport, Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and commercial centres across Uyo and other parts of the state.

    The company says customers can also arrange full-day vehicle hire for sightseeing, business engagements and other scheduled activities.

    MAPSI Autos Limited says its approach goes beyond providing vehicles, with emphasis placed on dependable transportation and personalised customer support.

    With its operations spanning Calabar, Uyo and inter-state routes, the company is seeking to strengthen its position in the regional car hire and transportation market by combining vehicle availability, chauffeur services and flexible rental arrangements.

    Customers seeking to make bookings, explore available vehicles or arrange customised transportation services can contact MAPSI Autos Limited on 08028460585.

  • Orim, Dignitaries Pay Last Respects to Late Ma Rose Obla Orim in Obudu

    Orim, Dignitaries Pay Last Respects to Late Ma Rose Obla Orim in Obudu

     

    The Chairman of GFO Orim Foundation, High Chief Martin Orim, has joined a distinguished gathering of government officials, military officers, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries to pay their final respects to the late Ma Rose Obla Orim in Utugwang, Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    Ma Rose Obla Orim was laid to rest yesterday after a requiem Mass at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Utugwang, brought close tributes to a woman remembered for her faith, discipline, compassion and service to humanity.

    Speaking at the funeral, High Chief Martin Orim expressed his condolences to the bereaved family, describing the deceased as a role model to many whose legacy of humanitarian benevolence continues to reflect in the lives and personalities of her children.

    According to Orim, the values and virtues demonstrated by the late matriarch during her lifetime left an enduring mark on her family and the wider community.

    He prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and asked God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

    Representing the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Prince Bassey Edet Otu, at the funeral Mass, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, described Ma Rose Obla Orim as a virtuous woman whose life was defined by love, faith and discipline.

    Also paying tribute, her son-in-law, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence, and the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, described the deceased as a counsellor and mother figure whose influence and contributions would remain memorable.

    The funeral attracted prominent personalities from across the state and beyond, including the Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Government, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar; Chairman of Council, Hon. Peter Akongfe Undiandeye; senior military officers and their spouses; federal and state government appointees; traditional rulers; religious leaders; political party leaders, friends and other well-wishers.

    The gathering was a reflection of the respect and affection with which Ma Rose Obla Orim was held by her family, community and the many people whose lives she touched.

    As family, friends and associates bid her farewell, tributes continued to highlight a life marked by faith, love, discipline and humanitarian values a legacy her loved ones say will endure for generations.

  • ATM Cares Foundation Takes Back-to-School Outreach to Two Rural Schools in Akpabuyo

    ATM Cares Foundation Takes Back-to-School Outreach to Two Rural Schools in Akpabuyo

     

    The ATM Cares Foundation has extended its community development initiatives to rural communities in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, providing school supplies to pupils in two schools as part of its Back-to-School Support Outreach.

    The outreach, led by the foundation’s founder and Chief Executive, Amb. David Ayoka Atim, took the team to Holy Ghost Catholic Primary School, Ikot Edem Odo, and St. Peters Primary & Secondary School, Ikot Offiong Ambai.

    The initiative was aimed at supporting pupils with basic educational materials while encouraging them to remain committed to their education.

    The foundation’s team passed through the historic community of Esuk-Mba before arriving in Ikot Edem Odo, where members paid a courtesy visit to community chiefs as part of the visit.

    At Holy Ghost Catholic Primary School, the team was welcomed by pupils, teachers and community members.

    The foundation engaged the pupils in interactive activities and a sensitisation session focused on education, personal hygiene and the importance of remaining focused on their aspirations. The pupils also received school materials provided by the foundation.

    The outreach continued at St. Peters Primary & Secondary School, Ikot Offiong Ambai, where pupils and teachers similarly welcomed the delegation.

    Across the two schools, hundreds of pupils received essential educational and personal items, including school bags, exercise books, mathematics sets, water bottles and school sandals.

    The distribution was accompanied by interactions with pupils and teachers, with the foundation encouraging the beneficiaries to make effective use of the materials in their studies.

    Speaking during the outreach, Amb. David Ayoka Atim commended teachers at the two schools for their commitment to educating children despite the challenges associated with working in rural communities.

    He urged them to remain dedicated to their profession and continue playing their role in shaping the future of the children.

    > “The joy on the faces of these children is the reason we do what we do. Education is the greatest gift we can give to the next generation, and ATM Cares Foundation will continue to support our children wherever they are, especially in the interior communities that are often forgotten.”

    The foundation described the outreach as part of its broader commitment to supporting underserved communities across Cross River State.

    ATM Cares Foundation, a subsidiary of ATMPress Nigeria Limited, operates as a non-profit organisation with programmes covering healthcare, education, access to clean water, solar street lighting, scholarships and youth empowerment.

    The organisation said its interventions are designed to address some of the basic needs of communities while creating opportunities for children and young people to improve their lives.

    The Akpabuyo outreach is part of the foundation’s efforts to provide educational support to children in rural communities and reinforce the importance of education as a tool for individual and community development.

    For enquiries and sponsorship: 08091446598.

    www.atmpressltd.com
    “Every Child Deserves the Tools to Dream.”