The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • UNICAL VC Receives Report Of Investigation Panel

    UNICAL VC Receives Report Of Investigation Panel

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi has formally received the report of the Investigation Panel set up to probe allegations of improprieties levelled against the suspended Dean of Law, Prof Cyril Ndifon.

    Receiving the report in a brief presentation ceremony in her office, the Vice Chancellor
    commended the Panel members for their effort and commitment towards the achievement of
    a thorough and objective report within a short period of time.

    She said though Management has not gone through the report, she knows the report will be
    useful to the University and it will help the University achieve the needed closure to the subject matter and consequently move forward.

    Prof. Obi who reiterated her happiness over the sacrifice and show of commitment by the Panel, assured that, the report will be presented to the Ministers of Education and that of Women Affairs as well as, Executive Secretary of NUC as delivered by the Panel, “nothing added, nothing removed”. On the scale of mixed comments in the public domain which has trailed the reportage of the subject matter, the Vice Chancellor said the report of the Panel would serve as the mouthpiece of the University to all.

    On the capacity of the panel members, the University helmsman stated that they were
    carefully selected based on their offices, position and credibility, describing them as individuals full of capacity and integrity.

    In her words; “I wanted someone who cannot be influenced, and on behalf of the University
    Management, I want to thank the Chairman for accepting to head this Panel. I want to also
    thank every member of the Panel. To take the University higher we need men and women who are credible”, she added.

    The Vice-Chancellor said it was very unusual to have an External Observer for any investigation
    in the university but, because of the sensitive nature of the issues raised and the personalities involved, Management had to make an exception. presenting the report, the Chairman of the Panel, Prof. Dorothy Oluwagbemi Jacob said the Panel was sent on an errand, on a fact-finding mission and collectively, they came to present
    their findings.

    In her words, “We went out of our way to investigate the issues point by point. We did not rely on hearsay. We did the work objectively. We allowed all stakeholders to speak their minds. Every finding has evidence with verification. The result was not made up or cooked. Every fact here can be verified”.

    She used the occasion to commend Members of the Panel for their cooperation, time and commitment towards the success of their mandate, adding that, should anyone find the report beautiful, it is because of the collaborations of the professionals involved.

    Public Relations Unit.

  • UNICAL Bags JAMB’s Award, Emerges Best In South-South Nigeria

    UNICAL Bags JAMB’s Award, Emerges Best In South-South Nigeria

     

    The University of Calabar has bagged an Award of Bronze, coming 3rd in the nation and 1st in the South-South geopolitical zone following the just concluded JAMB Equal Opportunity Group’s (JEOG)National Conference held in Abuja.

    The event which took place on Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th September 2023, at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, had the University of Ilorin and Nnamdi Azikiwe’s University taking first and second positions respectively in the nation’s Universities with high equal opportunities to higher education.

    The conference which has the theme: “Towards Increasing Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education in Nigeria”, was aimed at boosting the enrollment opportunities of persons with disabilities in the Nigerian tertiary education system.

    It is instructive to note that the administration of Prof. Florence Banku Obi has overtime among others, given special recognition to persons with disabilities in the University of Calabar. This has most recently earned her an outstanding award of patronship from the group.

  • Unity And Enthusiasm Marks The Commencement Of 2023 National Youth Games

    Unity And Enthusiasm Marks The Commencement Of 2023 National Youth Games

    By Blessing Bassey 

    The 2023 National Youth Games commenced with great pomp and enthusiasm in Asaba, Delta State, reflecting a carnival-like atmosphere.

    Participants from all 36 states of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, paraded with pride as they embarked on the grand opening ceremony.

    The event was graced by the presence of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Hon John Owan-Eno, who delivered a stirring address, emphasizing the importance of unity, peace, and togetherness among the nation’s youth.

    The opening ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the importance of sports in bringing together young talents from across the nation, all striving for excellence and exemplifying the values of peace, unity, and togetherness that are vital for the future of Nigeria.

    One of the highlights of the opening ceremony was the spirited entrance of Team Cross River, led by the State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, amidst cheers.

    The cheers and support from The Commissioner underscored the sense of pride and solidarity that binds the representatives of Team Cross River as they embark on this sporting journey.

    The team showcased their distinctive uniforms, capturing the attention and admiration of the spectators and fellow athletes.

    This display exemplified the unique spirit and identity of Cross River State within the larger context of the National Youth Games.

    As the National Youth Games continue, the participants are not only competing for sporting glory but also fostering a spirit of unity and camaraderie.

     

  • Gov Otu Begs Sandy To Sheath His Sword And Jettison Further Appeals

    Gov Otu Begs Sandy To Sheath His Sword And Jettison Further Appeals

    By Sylvia Akpan, CrossRiverWatch 

    Following the Election Petition Tribunal affirming the victory of Governor Bassey Otu, he has prayed his petitioner and opponent in the March 18 2023 polls – Senator Sandy Onor to accept defeat.

    The Election Petition Tribunal led by Justice Oken Inneh dismissed all the reliefs sought by the petitioners in suit No. EPT/CR/GOV02/2023 and affirmed the election of Senator Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, on March 18, 2023.

    Reacting to the judgment, Governor Otu urged the opposition to sheath their sword and join hands to rebuild Cross River State, Cross Riverians desire.

    “It is with great delight and a high sense of responsibility that I welcome the judgement of the Election Petition Tribunal, which gave us our deserved victory and has affirmed the mandate Cross Riverians freely and overwhelmingly gave to us on March 18, 2023,” he expressed.

    He commended the Election Petitions Tribunal for a fair judgment, adding that, “our confidence in the judiciary has never been in doubt. And it has been reinforced by today’s dispassionate ruling on the elections. I commend the Election Petition Tribunal for proving their mettle once again by upholding the virtues of justice, fair play and responsibility.”

    Also, he urged Cross Riverians to join his administration in realizing the People’s First mandate.

    “I call on all Cross Riverians to join hands with my administration as we continue to put in place the administrative framework needed to realize the noble objectives of our People’s First mandate.

    “With this judgment, I call on members of the opposition, who are our brothers and sisters, to take the ruling in good faith, jettison any further appeals and join hands with my administration to bring the much-needed dividends of democracy to our people.

    “It is expedient for me to stress that if our dear State Cross River must be counted amongst the comity of States with bright future and great economic potential and social security, then all hands must be on deck to make the lofty dream come true.

    “Our well-thought-out People First Agenda remains sacrosanct in attaining its goals. What I urge all citizens and those who have found here as home whether for business, investment, pleasure or education, is to be patient and give us the needed support as we work to reposition the State for the better.

    “Fellow Cross Riverians, the present times call for sacrifices on the path of everyone. We must remain resolute and strive to play our various roles in the development of our beloved State. “Finally, I thank the executive and members of our great party, the APC, and all Cross Riverians for their support, loyalty and unflinching solidarity before, during and after the elections.

    “As we take our destiny in our hands and resolve never to be left behind, may the Almighty God reward our efforts and remain our crowning glory.”

  • Betta Edu Inuagurates Program Coordinators In The Ministry Of Humanitarian Affairs

    Betta Edu Inuagurates Program Coordinators In The Ministry Of Humanitarian Affairs

     

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu had sworn in Unit Heads and cluster Executives under her ministry to help redeem the dignity of zero and low income earners across the country.

    In a much historic event held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Edu urged the new heads to kick start their duties immediately with optimism, transparency and total dedication.

    She noted that, with over 75 million Nigerians living below the poverty index, the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope initiative is set to create a lasting to issues of Malnutrition among young school and out of school children Internally displacement people, Youth and unemployed adults.

    She urged them to work harmoniously with other affiliate members to bring succor to the lives of the poor by regularly positioning themselves in the field for proper and immediate contact with the targeted population .

    Among those inaugurated are the National Head of Office, National Conditional Cash Transfer, Dr Michael Ajuluchuku, Deputy Head of Office/Deputy National Coordinator
    Dr Janet Ekpenyong, a seasoned Medical Doctor , health Financing specialist, experienced programme manager and a Philanthropist from Cross River State. Also inaugurated are Engr Mrs Anjor Obandi (Home Grown school feeding program), Mr Richard Romanus( YESSO Project), Dr Echeri Ansa (Renewed Hope Initiative for out of school children) amongst others.

  • C’River Tribunal Judgement: DG Caterpillar Movement Calls On Supporters To Remain Calm

    C’River Tribunal Judgement: DG Caterpillar Movement Calls On Supporters To Remain Calm

    The Director General of the Caterpillar Movement, Chief Hon Joe Obi Bisong has called on supporters to remain even after the governorship tribunal upheld the election of Gov Bassey Otu.

    Bisong made the call while reacting the judgement of the tribunal today in Calabar.

    In his words “The Governorship Election Tribunal just delivered her judgement in our petition.

    “We appeal to our teaming supporters to remain calm.

    “There is still plenty of hope. We shall seek further legal opinion in the way forward and revert to you soon”

     

  • C’River: Tribunal Upholds Governor Otu’s Election

    C’River: Tribunal Upholds Governor Otu’s Election

    The Governorship Election Tribunal in Cross River State, has upheld the election of Governor Bassey Otu.

    The tribunal in its ruling, held that, the issues of Certificate brought before it by sandy Onor of PDP, was a pre-election matter.

  • Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Betta Edu Releases 13 Appointment

    Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Betta Edu Releases 13 Appointment

    PRESS RELEASE

    The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, announces the following appointments in line with the President Tinubu’s directive to restructure the social safety net Programme to address the expanded mandate of the ministry.

    The appointed persons will join her team in implementing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at providing succour to those affected by humanitarian crises and eradicate multi-dimensional poverty In Nigeria:

    1) National Coordinator NASSCO- Hon Abdulaziz Danladi

    2). National Cash Transfer Office NCTO Head of office – Dr Micheal Ajuluchukwu

    3) NCTO Deputy Head of Office- Dr Janet Ekpenyong

    4) National Programme Manager,Youth Empowerment Empowerment and Social Support Operations (YESSO) – Richard Romanus

    5) National Communication manager NSIP – Hon Jamalu kaburu

    6)National Programme Manager, Renewed Hope Shelter Programme for Refugees ,Poor and Internally Displaced Persons- Hon Chidinma Makuachukwu

    7)National Programme manager, Grant For Vulnerable groups – Hon Thalis Apalowo

    8)Programme Manager ,At Risk Children Programme- Hajia Salia Sanusi Yusuff

    9)National Programme Manager, National Home grown School feeding Programme (Renewed Hope Home Grown School feeding and End Hunger programme)- Hon Mrs Obande

    10) Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (Renewed Hope MSME Loan Programme)- Hon Dr Joseph Nkang.

    11) Programme manager
    N-Power Programme (Renewed Hope Skills Acquisition Programme – Dr Akindele Adekunle Egbuwalo

    12)Renewed Hope IDP Refugees out of school Programme (National Alternate school Programme )- Dr Mrs Etcheri Ansa

    13) National Project Manager, Community and Social Development Programme- Hon Olubunmi Bello

    The Honourable Minster of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, remains the Chairman, National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office(NASSCO) Management Team, while the Secretary NASSCO Management team is Hon Abel Enitan,the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    The Minister charges the new appointees to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their new offices as there will be no room for excuses or failure, in the actualisation of Renewed Hope mandate
    and in moving Nigeria Forward.

    The appointments take immediate effect.

    Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, (ANIPR),Special Adviser On Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, MHAPA.
    September 25, 2023

  • Richie Romanus Appointed YESSO National Program Manager

    Richie Romanus Appointed YESSO National Program Manager

    President Asiwaju Tinubu has appointed one of us, the convener of Us4Us, Mr Richie Romanus, as the National Programme Manager, Youth Empowerment and Social Support Operations(YESSO) through the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Betta Edu

     

  • UNICAL VC Condemns Assault On Students, Calls For Immediate Investigation

    UNICAL VC Condemns Assault On Students, Calls For Immediate Investigation

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi has in strong terms condemned an alleged assault on students of the Institution by a suspected Lecturer.

    In a video clip that surfaced online on Sunday night, a suspected Lecturer in the Institution was seen flogging a group of students who were gathered around an entrance to a classroom with a belt.

    According to reports, the students were students of the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences who were waiting for their practical before the unfortunate incident occurred.

    The Vice-Chancellor who is currently on official function outside the state said her attention has been drawn to the said clip, but the Acting VC, Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita, Director of ServiCom, Prof. Patrick Egaga, Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. Tony Enyang and the Acting Chief Security officer of the Institution, Capt. Austine Bisong(rtd) are already handling it.

    Prof. Obi who condemned the incident said it was unprofessional and against the University’s rules of engagement. She however appealed to the students and the general public to maintain calm as justice would be served as investigation had commenced already.