The Lumine News

Author: News

  • 2024 Presents Another Golden Opportunity To Take Very Demanding Course To Rejig Our Strides For Our Advancement – Akpanke

    NEW YEAR FELICITATION.

    Year 2023 took a bow a short while ago, ushering in a new year, 2024. It is a golden opportunity for us as a people, to take another golden step in our natural but very demanding course of rejigging our strides for our individual and communal advancement.

    As I wish us a prosperous new year, permit me to charge us to reinvigorate our commitment to our oneness and the pursuit of our desperate desire for development, in order to chart and sustain the course for our development, so that our Constituency could close ranks with and even be placed at par with other constituencies that are glaringly far ahead of us.

    My wish for us is that we allow peace, love, and brotherhood to reign in our Constituency, in order to provide the desired wholesome climate for our meaningful progress.

    Let me conclude by restating my total commitment to providing effective representation that shall attract abundant dividends of democracy to our Constituency. I am confident that with your continued prayers and support, we shall overcome all our developmental tasks.

    HAPPY NEW YEAR.

  • 2024: Be Intentional And Run The Race Of Excellence – Odey

    2024: BE INTENTIONAL AND RUN THE RACE OF EXCELLENCE

    Welcome to 2024 and the truth is there is no time. The year has started. The first day of the year is as important as the last day of the year so start putting things in place to have a smooth flight in 2024. Your destiny is in your hands. Do not procrastinate. What you have to do, do it now. Be very intentional with your plans and purpose for the next twelve months. Run your race with so much passion and EXCELLENCE. Do not try to make excuses. Excuses birth calamity, regret and retrogression. Start now and watch yourself become a high flier in 2024.

    You are what you think of yourself. The global giants you see understand the dynamics of time and that is why they are always in a hurry to succeed. If you have to acquire that certification, do it now. If you have to read those books and make that decision to be a star, do it. Be intentional and work towards becoming the best.

    Your year has just started and the race is on.

    Happy New Year.

    Congratulations

    Rt. Hon. Peter Odey

  • Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Charges Cross Riverians To Face The Challenges Ahead Of 2024 With Courage And Determination

    Dear Cross Riverians,

    It is with great pleasure and profound sense of responsibility that I reach out to you today.

    The past year has been filled with numerous challenges and uncertainties, but it has also showcased the resilience, compassion, and unity of our people. In the face of adversity, you have risen above, extending a helping hand to those in need and demonstrating the true spirit of Humanity.

    As we embark on this new year, let us carry forward the lessons we have learned and the values we hold dear. Let us continue to prioritize the well-being and rights of every individual in our beloved state.

    In the year ahead, our mission remains steadfast – to promote and protect the rights and well-being of all individuals in Cross River State. We will work tirelessly to address the pressing humanitarian issues that affect our communities, and we will strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.

    I encourage each and every one of you to join us in this noble endeavor. Let us extend a helping hand to those who are less fortunate, advocate for the rights of the marginalized, and work towards creating a society that leaves no one behind.

    I also use this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to all the individuals, organizations, and volunteers who have supported our efforts throughout the year. Your dedication and commitment have been instrumental in our success, and I am truly grateful for your partnership.

    As we step into this new year, let us embrace hope, unity, and resilience. Let us face the challenges ahead with courage and determination, knowing that together, we can overcome any obstacle.

    I wish you all a Happy New Year filled with love, peace, and prosperity. May this year be a time of RENEWED HOPE, SWEETNESS, Abundant Blessings, and positive change for all.

    Warm regards,
    Hon. Mrs Helen Isamoh- Egodo Ph.D
    Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, CRS.

  • Holy Innocents: The Children Whom Herod Slaughtered In An Attempt To Kill The Baby, Jesus BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    HOLY INNOCENTS

    Every 28th day of December we remember the Holy Innocents: The children whom Herod slaughtered in an attempt to kill the baby, Jesus. Herod had (dubiously) given instructions to the wise men to find out about the child and return the news to him so that he could go and do the child homage. That was a lie. In truth what Herod wanted was to eliminate the child.

    As God would have it, Herod realized that his trick failed when, after two years, the wise men never returned. In a rage, Herod commanded the killing of all the male children two years old and younger, in order to protect his kingship. Herod did not know that Jesus was not an earthly king interested in worldly power.

    Lessons to be learnt:
    1. Evil does not pay. Do not plan evil against your neighbor because it will boomerang on you
    2. Ĺeadership is a bait. Sometimes we leaders can be used by the devil to perpetrate evil. Be careful
    3. Avoid the PHD (pull him down) syndrom in life. Do not be threatened by the success of others to the extent of doing all in your power to pull them down. That’s pettiness
    4. Do not defame the character of other people in the name ‘telling the truth’ Which truth? Defaming people’s character, or blackmailing just to look good will not get you far in life
    5. Children and other vulnerable individuals are innocent and need our support and protection. Do not harm innocent people in order to perpetrate your agenda.

    My conclusion
    The death of the Holy innocents gives us a glimpse of the darkness that filled the earth before Christ brought light to the world. We Christians are reminded especially during this Christmas season that we must show the light not spread darkness and there are many ways we can do this

    As part of my ministry , I have been involved in (among other many apostolates), protecting the lives of innocent children for the past 38 years having been ordained on this day. There is no doubt I have faced many Herods in my ministry; misunderstandings, defamation of my character, temptations as a leader etc. In all, I pray to God for the grace to persevere, to be holy and to be innocent knowing that the God I serve will NEVER LET ME DOWN

    Please pray for me!

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

  • Akpanke Gifts 3M, 800 Bags Of Rice To Widows In OBO Federal Constituency

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke has puts smiles of the faces of 800 widows in Obanliku, Obudu and Bekwarra Local Government Areas.

    The widows who gathered at their various local government areas were elated at the show of benevolence by their MP.

    Addressing the widows, the lawmaker thanked them for their steadfastness during the last general elections and maintained that it was very necessary he identified with them at this period of Christmas.

    Akpanke noted that “It has been in my tradition to visit you before Christmas, but my new office comes with responsibilities that couldn’t allow me the time to come to see you before Christmas, kindly hold me excused.

    “Your prayers and support have us the victory at the polls and I can’t thank you enough. You rejected money, your children also rejected appointments to stand for what is right. I assure you that we will continue to share what we have to ensure that we live as a united community.

    “What is important here is that like I have always reach out to you, the desire to reach out to you the widows is at the increase.

    “Please continue to pray and support us so that we will continue to drive home what legitimately belongs to us”

    Speaking on behalf of the widows, Mrs Cecilia Ushie from Ukwortung community thanked Hon Peter Akpanke for his benevolence and magnanimity.

    She stated that providing for the widows has been a tradition for the lawmaker even before he was elected to represent the federal constituency.

    She prayed that God should continue to provide for the MP and grant him open doors to enable him reach out to the less privileged.

    The widows in the three local government areas prayed for guidance and protection for Hon Akpanke as he undertakes his legislative functions.

    Each of the 800 widows were given a bag of rice, Maggie, salt and a cash support of N3,000.00

  • Just In: Ondo Governor Akeredolu Dies At 67

    Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo State governor, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, aged 67.

    Ondo State sources told FIJ Akeredolu’s death was confirmed by senior government officials.

    The former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) died at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday at a German hospital where he was receiving treatment.

    Reports about his health challenge headlined the news in June, with claims that he was receiving treatment for leukemia yet refused to officially transfer power to his deputy as required by the constitution.

    He would later embark on a three-month medical leave to Germany that same June.

    Akeredolu became the governor of the state on February 24, 2017. He won his second-term re-election bid and was sworn in in February 2021.

  • Jarigbe Moves To Improve Food Security In Northern Cross River, Distributes Fertilizer To Constituents

    By Elijah Ugani 

    As part of his deliberate efforts to improve food security in Northern Cross River, the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS, has distributed fertilizer to his constituents across the five Local Government Areas.

    Senator Agom averred that food insecurity is one of the major challenges facing the country at the moment and his move to put an end to food insecurity in Northern Senatorial District, can not be overemphasized as his constituents are predominantly peasant farmers.

    The Senator stated this on Tuesday, December 26th 2023 at his constituency office where constituents received fertilizer to boost food security and sustainability.

    Represented by his Constituency Officer, Mr. Egar Mgbantul, the Lawmaker reiterated that, “one of the major challenges facing the country now is food insecurity and there must be a deliberate plan to reverse the trend.

    “Fertilizer is one of the basic ingredients that our farmers need to assist them in their farms. We will continue to do this to assist our farmers in the rural areas to have an improved yield on farm produce”.

    Commending the lawmaker, some constituents who described the gesture as timely and crucial particularly with the current economic hardship associated with the hike in pump price of fuel that placed ordinary people in a difficult condition which prevent many farmers the opportunity to purchase fertilizers from the market, adding that God should always bless the Senator for them.

    Speaking to TheLumineNews, the lawmaker stated that he prioritized agriculture in his empowerment programmes with the view that the right people will be targeted.

    He further disclosed that, “I am enthused to put an end to food insecurity in Northern Cross River. I presume you should be aware of my previous empowerment programmes in agriculture sector. We have distributed over 150 power hand tillers, tractor, herbicides among other things to boost crop production with the view to ensure food security, as well as organized capacity building trainings for my constituents in agriculture value chain”.

    Speaking further, senator Agom, noted that “Food security is the availability of food in a country and the ability of individuals within that country to access, afford, and source adequate foodstuff. It is our deliberate intention that food should be available for all class, gender or region which entails food security”

  • Christmas: NYSC DG, YD Ahmed Charges Staff And Corps Members To Rededicate Themselves To The Service Of Our Dear Country

    PRESS STATEMENT

    DIRECTOR GENERAL’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO STAFF AND CORPS MEMBERS

    Dear Compatriots in National Service, I am pleased to use this season of Yuletide to felicitate the Christian faithfuls as they celebrate Christmas which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.

    This season is punctuated with sharing love with family members, friends and the underprivileged; and symbolically a time for self renewal, thus, charting a new beginning in your lives as Christian faithfuls.

    As we reflect on the significance of Christmas, may I use the opportunity to appreciate your individual and collective contributions in driving the ship of this noble Scheme towards achieving its objectives which has significantly added value in all facets of our national development.

    Accordingly, I charge you to rededicate yourselves to the service of our dear country even as you prioritize your personal security in this season.

    As many that may travel during this festive period, specifically with permission on the side of Corps Members, I wish you journey mercies and divine protection to and fro your various destinations.Remember, you must avoid night journey.

    Together, with other patriotic Nigerians, we shall continue to build a strong, united and prosperous nation.

    I heartily wish all Staff and Corps Members MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD’S BOUNTIFUL PROTECTION
    Thank you.

    YD AHMED
    Brigadier General
    Director General

  • Police Arrest Kidnapers Of Car Dealer’s Wife In Calabar

    By Frank Ulom, Converseer

    Two persons have been arrested by the police in Cross River over the abduction of the wife of a car dealer, Mrs. Aliu in Calabar.

    CONVERSEER reports that Mrs. Aliu was kidnapped in October by the gang who collected a ransom from her husband before being released.

    However, the kidnappers met their waterloo after the officers of the Anti Cultism and Kidnapping Squad aka Dragon Squad led by SP Chukwuma Ogini tracked them via the account number they used in receiving the ransom.

    SP Irene Igbo, police spokesperson in the state while confirming the development said the Dragon Squad, a tactical unit of the police, had been on the trail of the owner of the account used for the transaction and arrested him.

    She said, “The victim is the wife of a popular car dealer in Calabar who was kidnapped on 27 October 2023, and they used an unsuspecting individual account to receive the ransom.

    “The suspects didn’t know that they were being trailed by the Dragon Squad. We are happy that two out of four of them have been apprehended.

    “Locally made pistols, ammunition, phones and other valuable items were recovered from them.

    “They have also made confessional statements on their involvement in the abduction of the woman. They will be charged to court as soon as we conclude the investigation.”

    SP Ugbo advised members of the public to be mindful of who they give their private information, especially bank details, as it might land them in trouble when used to commit a crime.

  • Gunmen Kills Youth Leader, Abducts Four Others In C’River Assembly Speaker’s Village

     

    Richard Ndoma, Leadership Newspaper

    Tragedy struck the Nde Three Corners Community in Cross River State on Christmas Day as gunmen killed a youth leader, Mr. Akpang Ayambem, and abducted four others.

    The incident occurred in the hometown of the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Honorable Elvert Ayambem, in Ikom Local Government Area.

    Nde Three Corners has become notorious for kidnappings and other violent crimes in recent months.

    Travelers on the Ikom Ogoja/Katsina-Ala Highway have also been frequent targets of kidnappers over the past month.

    Mr. Awor Takim, a resident of the community, reported that the gunmen struck in the evening, shooting an unidentified man and dragging his body into the bush.

    They then proceeded to operate for 30-60 minutes, shooting and wounding two other residents who were returning from their farms. One of the wounded victims sustained a gunshot injury to his hand and is receiving medical attention.

    Soldiers from a nearby battalion and police anti-robbery squad reportedly arrived after the gunmen fled.

    As of the time of filling this report, Irene Ugbo, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that her office had not yet received a report of the incident but promised to investigate the matter.

    The recent surge in criminal activity in Nde Three Corners is deeply concerning.

    Last month, a medical practitioner was reportedly shot dead, and the All Progressive Congress (APC) Ikom Ward Chairman, Matthew Egomo, was kidnapped along with his son. Egomo paid a N5 million ransom before being released.

    Efforts to reach Speaker Ayambem for comment were unsuccessful as his phone remained switched off.