The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • It’s Time We Realize That God Is Not Our Business Partner; He Is Not An Accountant To Record Our Deeds In Order To Pay Us According To Our Merits BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    It’s Time We Realize That God Is Not Our Business Partner; He Is Not An Accountant To Record Our Deeds In Order To Pay Us According To Our Merits BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    THE GOD OF LOVE

    Some people prefer the god of revenge and punishment than the God of Love. They believe other people who are not as good as them are destined to receive no reward from ‘their’ god. But was Abraham our father in faith not called while still a pagan? Was David not forgiven while he was at his worst sin of adultery and murder? Was Moses who murdered an Egyptian while ‘defending’ his people not still called to lead his people? If you read this and think I am taking God for granted, encouraging tolerance for evil, laziness, or sloth, then think again.

    Jesus addressed his disciples in the gospels, saying: “Friend, I am doing you no wrong … take what belongs to you and go…Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Why are you envious because I am generous? “ (Matt. 20: 1-16). Our God is a generous God, even when we know he has zero-tolerance for sin. He lavishes his love on both saint and sinner
    alike. He forgives sinners unconditionally so that they may find it in their hearts to repent or even forgive those who sin against them. All so we may understand his true nature and seek to be like him; a God of love.

    The Babylonians, in exile, had this false image of God; only as a punisher of evil, and Isaiah tells them in very plain language that they were wrong and needed conversion of heart. This time, it was not a conversion from sin and corruption, but a radical change from their myopic way of thinking ( and looking at God): “Let the wicked forsake his ways and the unrighteous man his thought … I will abundantly pardon you, for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, says the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8).

    It’s time we realize that God is not our business partner; He is not an accountant to record our deeds in order to pay us according to our merits. Seriously, we merit nothing from God; we can only receive …forgiveness, generosity, love, and indeed salvation from him. A DOG is the only creature you can train to obey you and work in accordance with your dictates, not GOD. It’s time we begin to change our mentality of the God we serve and relate to him like a G-O-D, not a D-O-G

  • Jarigbe Agom Facilitates Rehabilitation of Refreshment Spot at Calabar Sports Club

    Jarigbe Agom Facilitates Rehabilitation of Refreshment Spot at Calabar Sports Club

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS, has facilitated the rehabilitation and upgrading of the refreshment spot at Canaan City Sports Club (Calabar Sports Club), located at Calabar – Calabar Roundabout, Calabar, Cross River State.

    The facility which previously housed the club’s gym, a mini-bar and other indoor games has suffered years of neglect, prompting the lawmaker’s intervention.

    Senator Jarigbe noted that, infrastructure is key in sports development and will further provide the facilities to harness the rich sporting talents within and outside the shores of Calabar as well as, boost economic activities in and around the facility.

    “To enable the State compete favourably at the global stage, there is need to have standard sporting facilities where abundant talents can be discovered and nurtured to stardom” he added.

    Recall that the lawmaker had facilitated the construction of a Mini-Sports Stadium and Recreational Centre, in Cross River North Senatorial District.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA.

  • Suspected Armed Men Arrested, Gun Factory, IED Discovered In Cross River

    Suspected Armed Men Arrested, Gun Factory, IED Discovered In Cross River

    By Tori.ng

    Operatives of the Cross River State Police Command uncovered an Improvised Explosives Device (IED) and gun manufacturing factory, on Wednesday, at Osomba Community in Akamkpa Local government Area of the State, leading to the arrest of multiple suspects.

    The Operation was led by Commander, Anti Cultism and Kidnapping Squad, ACKS, (Dragon Squad) SP Ogini Chukwuma on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, CP Gyogo Grimah.

    Findings by Vanguard showed that police recovered remote-controlled IEDs, detonators, other explosive devices, several automatic weapons, dozens of locally made double barrels, and pistols while nine suspects were arrested including bomb makers.

    When contacted, the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo who confirmed the development said that nine persons have been arrested and were now in their custody.

    She noted that even a notorious gangster, armed robbery suspect simply identified as Orok Etim a.k.a Gowon is equally in their custody.

    The following items were recovered according to SP Irene Ugbo: explosive devices (High explosives 90M) 8 pieces, 60M 6 pieces, Detonator 10 pieces and Indicators 15 pieces as well as 10 pieces of remotes devices and 10 pieces of battery as power source.

    Other items recovered include; G3 automatic machine gun 2 pieces, 3 pump actions, MAC 4 automatic rifles 5 pieces, 5 locally fabricated pistols, LAR rifle, a fabricated revolver, a locally beretta Pistol, 650 rounds of 7.6×51 LAR ammunition 29 rounds of 7.62×39 AK-47 AMMUNITION X 70 pieces of cartridges amongst others.

  • Otu Charges Hon Justice Jane Inyang, Newly Appointed Judge Of Court Of Appeal To Discharge Her Duties With Integrity And Fairness.

    Otu Charges Hon Justice Jane Inyang, Newly Appointed Judge Of Court Of Appeal To Discharge Her Duties With Integrity And Fairness.

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu has charged the newly appointed Justice of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Jane Inyang, JCA, to discharge her duties with compassion, integrity and fairness.

    The Governor who spoke through his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, during the reception that followed the swearing-in of Hon. Justice Jane Inyang, JCA, expressed joy that Justice Inyang had distinguished herself over the years through her dedication to her job while on the Federal High Court Bench. Hon. Odey extended the Governor’s apologies for his inability to attend the event while disclosing that plans were underway to hold a reception in honour of the newly sworn-in Justice in Calabar.

    Hon. Odey, while urging Justice Inyang to conduct her affairs with the fear of God, opined that lawyers are the mirror of society and their conduct will always be observed and emulated by the society.

    Speaking earlier at the event, Justice Emmanuel Agim, JSC, admonished Justice Inyang, JCA, to be upright and just in her dealings with litigants as the promotion from God is better and more rewarding than any wealth one may acquire through subverting justice. Justice Agim who shared several personal experiences with the audience, encouraged the newly sworn-in Justice to be hardworking and to give as many judgements as possible so that more people will read her work and speak about her, stating that lawyers always talk about judges whether for good or for bad.

    The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, aligning himself with the counsel of the Supreme Court Justice, endorsed the character of Justice Jane Inyang, JCA, having worked with her from the time she was first joined the bench. He said the elevation of Justice Inyang to the Court of Appeal was a lesson to those who have the tendency of looking down on the young but assured her that he was happy to have tutored her until she had risen beyond him.

    Responding to the goodwill messages and words of advice, Justice Jane Inyang, JCA, said she was overcome with emotions because of the show of love and the opportunity she had been given to serve. She promised not to disappoint those whose faith had been placed on her.

    Justice Jane Inyang who is the only Cross Riverian appointed with 8 other Justices to the bench of the Court of Appeal on Wednesday, 20th September, 2023, hails from Ikoneto in Odukpani Local Government Area. She has served as a judge of the Federal High Court since 2015 and has, within this period, recorded a number of remarkable and high profile convictions while serving in Bayelsa, Kano and Delta and other jurisdictions.

    The Deputy Governor was accompanied by Senator Eteng Jones Williams, Rt. Hon. John Gaul Lebo to the event which was attended by legal luminaries including judges, Attorneys-General of states and other distinguished personalities.

  • I00 Days In Office: Akpanke Set The Pace, Splashes Projects And Interventions Across Federal Constituency

    I00 Days In Office: Akpanke Set The Pace, Splashes Projects And Interventions Across Federal Constituency

     

    In the February 2023 general elections, the people of Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency (OBO) ushered a new dawn when they signed a social contract with Hon. Peter Akpanke by massively electing him as their Representative in the Green Chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly.  His victory came as a product of hope from his campaign promises for an effective, responsive and active people’s-oriented representation that will give priority to the wellbeing of his constituents.

    Admittedly, the first 100 days in a four-year term is too short to assess the performance of a legislator, especially when he/she has not taken part in the making/implementation of a budget. Nevertheless, the tradition introduced by the 32nd president of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt, in 1932 has become a tradition among public office holders. Hon. Peter Akpanke assumed office as member of the 10th assembly with a sense of urgency and has done the following within the first 100 days in office.

    COMMUNITY RELATIONS/PARTNERSHIP
    To achieve the goals of offering a people’s-oriented representation that will drive down the dividends of democracy to his constituents, Hon Peter Akpanke promised to form a strong partnership with the people for the smooth distribution and execution of constituency projects. To achieve this, the MP did the following immediately after his inauguration;

    i. Needs Assessment Tour: He embarked on needs assessment tour with elders, stakeholders, youths and opinion molders across the three LGAs of OBO Federal constituency.

    ii. On-the-spot assessment of uncompleted and abandoned federal projects in OBO. He is in discussion with the various ministries, departments and agencies to rehabilitate/complete the construction of such projects.

    III. On-the-spot assessment of Economic sites like the Obudu Dam Resort, illegal mining sites in Utanga, Obanliku LGA etc. for possible attraction of government’s attention so that royalties could accrue to the host communities.

    2. LEGISLATION
    The primary function of a House of Reps member is to make laws and sponsor bills. Within the few days of his legislative activities, MP Peter Akpanke has been active on the floor of the House. He has the following motions/bill to his credit;

    I. A Motion for the immediate rehabilitation of the abandoned Obudu Dam Resort.

    ii. He co-sponsored a motion (with other Cross River law makers) which raised alarm that the country was on the verge of losing some parts of Cross River State to Cameroon.

    iii. He presented a petition on the floor of the House from some constituents who felt that they were unjustly withdrawn from the University of Calabar.

    iv. He sponsored a bill for the establishment of a Federal University of Technology in Obanliku, Cross River State.

    3. PROJECTS
    * Installation of solar street lights in some communities in Obanliku LGA.
    * Construction of solar powered borehole in Sankwala Market.
    * Distribution of hand pumps and herbicides to farmers in Obudu LGA.
    * Distribution of sewing machines and motorbikes to selected constituents in Obudu
    * Construction of solar powered borehole at Obudu Central Market (Old Park)
    * Distribution of sewing machines and motorcycles to selected beneficiaries in Bekwarra LGA
    * Construction of solar borehole and toilet in Bekwarra Motor Park.
    * Distribution of hand pumps and herbicides to farmers in Bekwarra
    * Distribution of hand pumps, herbicides and liquid fertilizers to Obanliku female farmers
    * Entrepreneurial training/empowerment of young ladies in hair dressing and makeup business in Obanliku LGA
    * Distribution of motorbikes to 20 Obanliku youths
    *Entrepreneurship training and distribution of hair-making and makeup kits for hair stylists in Obudu

    4. AIDS AND INTERVENTIONS
    * Launching of the Akpanke Health Scheme for the benefit of his constituents
    * Distribution of food stuffs to about 200 widows across the ten wards of Obudu
    *Payment of hospital bills for patients in Bekwarra General Hospital
    * Payment of hospital bills for the less-privileged in different hospitals across Obudu
    *Distribution of food items to widows across the political wards of Obanliku LGA
    *Distribution of food stuffs to over 200 widows and people living with disabilities in the 10 wards of Bekwarra
    * Distribution of incentives, gift packages and cash to constituents, unions and associations across Obanliku, Obudu and Bekwarra LGA for new yam celebrations
    * Timely response to the collapsed of Kafa-Bridge linking Lishiche/Shikpeche and eight other communities of Bishiri North and South where he sponsored temporary paths while waiting for the relevant government agencies to commence rebuilding work on the collapsed bridge.

    JOB CREATION
    Hon Akpanke has within the short time in office facilitated jobs for several constituents, the last being 5 of his constituents that are currently undergoing training in NDLEA camps and 2 of his constituents who have resum work at the Federal College of Education,Obudu

    CONCLUSION
    It is evident that the first 100 days of Hon. Peter Akpanke in the House of Reps have been quite impactful and promising. The MP has no plans of slowing down in his quest to deliver the dividends of democracy to OBO Federal constituency. He is determined to leave no stone unturned until he delivers on his campaign promises of harnessing opportunities for his constituents, emancipate women, empower youths, support children education and better the lot of his people.  The MP admonish all his constituents to remain steadfast and continue to pray for him as he continues to put their interest first.

    Once again, welcome to a new dawn in OBO

    Awade Friday
    SSA Media and Publicity to Hon Peter Akpanke

     

  • 100 Days In Office: Jarigbe Agom Spreads 38 Projects Across Northern Senatorial District

    100 Days In Office: Jarigbe Agom Spreads 38 Projects Across Northern Senatorial District

     

    Today marks 100 days as Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS, took an oath of office as the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District in Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly.

    Without doubt, the distinguished Senator is arguably the most outstanding lawmaker and politician in Cross River State today.

    Senator Jarigbe made history during the February 25th general elections by becoming the first candidate to defeat an incumbent State Governor of Cross River State in a Senatorial poll.

    While the parameter of 100 days for the evaluation of performance of political office holders may seem short, it is usually indicative of the direction and value the official brings to bear on the instruments of governance and a pointer to the trajectory of the new helmsman.

    Despite the distraction by the former governor of Cross River State, Sen. Benedict Ayade, who challenged his victory at the Tribunal, Senator Jarigbe has demonstrated his usual focus and determination in continuing to carry out his extensive programs, projects and interventions in the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State. The subsequent decision of the tribunal to uphold his victory demonstrates the commitment and professionalism that guides every initiative undertaken by the distinguished Senator, from the conduct of his elections to the discharge of his responsibilities to his Constituency.

    Being one of the most sought-after Nigerian lawmakers, Senator Jarigbe was meritoriously appointed Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas, and membership of various Senate committees. Also, the lawmaker has within 100 days in the 10th Senate executed 38 projects, programmes, key releases and interventions which are listed below;

    1). Construction of Six (6) Classrooms Block at Community Primary School Inyie-Ukan, Gakem, Bekwarra LGA.
    (Completed)

    2). Construction of Six (6) Classrooms Block at St Patrick’s Primary School, Ibil, Ogoja LGA.
    (Completed)

    3). Construction of Six (6) Classrooms Block at St. Pius Primary School Nkpakna, Ekajuk 1, Ogoja LGA.
    (Completed)

    4). Construction of Six (6) Classrooms Block at Mbube West Secondary School Ekumtak, Mbube West 1, Ogoja LGA.
    (Completed)

    5). Construction of Six (6) Classrooms Block at Community Secondary School, Uhutu, Bishiri South, Obanliku LGA.
    (Completed)

    6). Construction of Six (6) Classrooms Block at Community Primary School Begiaba, Bendi 11, Obanliku LGA.
    (Completed)

    7). Construction of Six (6) Classrooms Block at Oe’Yi Onwu Secondary Grammar School Yahe, Yala LGA. (Completed)

    😎. Construction of Six (6) Classrooms Block at Primary School Ejakpe Ukutia, Utugwang North, Obudu LGA. (Completed)

    9. Construction and Furnishing of Three Classrooms Block at Migrant Science and Technical College, Okambi, Obudu LGA.

    10). Construction of Three (3) Classrooms Block at Community Primary School Dam Road, Ukwel-Obudu, Obudu LGA. (Completed)

    11. Construction of Three (3) Classrooms Block at Government Primary School, Bugene, Sankwala, Obanliku LGA.
    (Ongoing)

    12. Construction of Three (3) Classrooms Block at RCM Primary School Begiaba, Obudu LGA.
    (Ongoing)

    13. Construction of Three (3) Classrooms Block at Community Primary School Ubepa, Bekwarra LGA.
    (Ongoing)

    14. Construction of Three (3) Classrooms Block at Community Primary School Egbe Mbube, Ogoja LGA. (Completed)

    15. Construction of Three (3) Classrooms Block at Community Primary School Ekpogryinya, Ogoja LGA. (Ongoing)

    16. Construction of Three (3) Classrooms Block at St. Mary Primary School Ndok, Ogoja LGA. (Ongoing)

    17. Construction of Three (3) Classrooms Block at St. Charles Primary School Ukpe, Ogoja LGA. (Ongoing)

    18. Construction of Three (3) Classrooms Block at Community Primary School Ishindede, Nkum, Ogoja LGA.
    (Ongoing)

    19. Renovation of Four (4) Classrooms Block at Secred Heart School, Ezekwe/Okpodon, Yala LGA.

    20. Construction of 1.5km Ibil-Abakpa Road “Alladim Section” (Ongoing)

    21. Rehabilitation of Abakpa-Ndok Road in Ogoja LGA (Completed)

    22. Construction of Egbe, Oboso Ojirim Road, Ogoja LGA
    (Completed)

    23. Construction of Olachor Okpoma Ward Road, Yala LGA.
    (Completed)

    24. Construction of Aliforkpa Road, Yala LGA (Ongoing)

    25. Construction of 1.5km Yahe-Ukelle road (Ongoing)

    26. Construction of Ukpagada Bridge, Ogoja LGA. (Ongoing)

    27. Construction of Igwo Road, Obudu LGA. (Ongoing)

    28. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Egoja Edim, Ogoja LGA. (Ongoing)

    29. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Ohong, Obudu LGA. ( Ongoing)

    30. Construction of Solar Powered Boreholes at Okpaka, Wanokom, Yala LGA. (Ongoing)

    31. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Ugbakoko, Becheve, Obanliku LGA. (Ongoing)

    32. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Ijegbemi, Mfuma/Nrigom, Yala LGA. (Ongoing)

    33. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Sankwala, Obanliku LGA. (Ongoing)

    34. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Mfamju Ibil, Ogoja LGA. (Ongoing)

    35. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Utanga, Obanliku LGA.(Ongoing)

    36. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Belesa, Bishiri North, Obanliku LGA.(Ongoing)

    37. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Mbagide, Ogoja LGA.
    (Ongoing)

    38. Donation of 100 Bundles of Roofing Zinc and Cash to Communities Affected by Windstorm in Bekwarra LGA.

    These among others are the reasons why he is nicknamed “Mr. Project” by his constituents and other well-meaning Nigerians.

    Congratulations on your first 100 Days in office, sir.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA.

  • My Administration Will Put An End To The Challenges Within The Judiciary – Otu

    My Administration Will Put An End To The Challenges Within The Judiciary – Otu

    The Executive Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu has assured the Judiciary that this administration will put an end to the challenges within the Judiciary.

    The Governor made this known during official opening of the 2023/2024 Legal Year held today the 18th of September,2023 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Marian Hill.

    Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, who was able represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey said a legal year is a time to recommit and dedicate themselves to the ideals of the Judiciary. He charged them to embrace technology as the collaboration between the legal profession and technological advancement has the potential to revolutionize how the dispensation of justice is approached. He, however called on them to be vigilant in the face of the challenges which these advancement brings because the boundary between the physical and virtual are blurred.

    Governor Otu added that the legal year affords the Judiciary the opportunity to reflect on the state of access to justice in our society. He called on them to ensure that justice is not only available to those who can afford it, but all members of the society. They must strive for a legal system that is not only efficient and fair, but also inclusive and responsive to all individuals regardless of their social or economic background.

    His Excellency further admonished that as they embark on this legal year, let them be guided by the principles of integrity, professionalism and compassion while also embracing peace and inclusion.

    He assured the Judiciary that this administration will collaborate with and equip the Judges with all that is necessary to ensure that they dispatch their duties responsibily.

    Earlier, the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Hon. Justice Akon B. Ikpeme, said it was traditional for her and the Judiciary to begin the legal year in God’s presence. While thanking the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Charles Etim (Esq) for the homily, she prayed that God will see to their lives, guide and remind them that one day, they too will stand before the greatest Judge of all. Justice Ikpeme encouraged the judicial officers to go back to the drawing board as the legal year begins and do what they can do with their consciences in place. She appreciated all who left their busy schedules to grace the occasion.

    Present at the event were the officiating priests, the Speaker, His Lordship, the President of the Cross River State Customary Court of Appeal, Their Lordships, Honourable Judges of the Cross River State High Court, The Attorney General of Cross River State, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, The Chief Registrar, Magistrates, The Solicitor General/ Permanent Secretary of the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, The Director of Public Prosecution, Members of the Bar, Counsel of the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, amongst others.

  • Cross River Coordinator Re-opens NYSC Clinic At Secretariat

    Cross River Coordinator Re-opens NYSC Clinic At Secretariat

     

    The State Coordinator of NYSC Cross River State Mr Zemoh Andrew today 14th September 2023 re- opened a newly renovated NYSC Clinic at its Secretariat to commence operations to staff, Corps Members and people living within its environs.

    Opening the Clinic, the State Coordinator said the project was laudable. He used the occasion to inform all that the Scheme has restated its commitment to promoting the medical well-being of members staff, Corps Members and indigent people of the host community of the NYSC office to access free and quality healthcare.

    The NYSC Boss said that the re-opening of the office Clinic was in line with the implementation of the NYSC heath initiatives for rural dwellers (HIRD) programme of the Scheme. According to him, the HIRD programme has since inception benefitted over two millions people from the State through free medical outreaches across the various rural communities.

    He commended the members of Medical and Heath Community Development Service (CDS) group for their initiatives by setting up the Clinic again to serve the entire members of staff, Corps members and its environs.

    In an act of appreciation, Mr Zemoh donated Nextus NX- 65 Refrigerator to the Clinic to provide safe storage for some essential drugs.

    Responding, the CDS president, Pharmacist Okon ldara Effiong with State code CR/ 22C/ 2475 on behalf of the CDS Corps Members said that the CDS was well thought out to address the healthcare of staff. He went on to state that the CDD has a vision to provide smart healthcare services to the staff and vulnerable people within the host community.
    According to him ” As a group , we identify the lack of primary medical services within the State Secretariat, hence the initiative to renovate and re-open the clinic to provide basic medical services ranging from free medical consultations, free medical check-up to the provision of pharmaceutical care to staff members, corps members and members of the neighbouring Community,” he opined.

    He said the clinic will run three (3) times in a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) from 10am to 2pm. The clinic will be manned by medical doctors, nurses and pharmacists from the medical and health CDS group.

    Highpoint of the event was the presentation of Nexus NX- 65 Refrigerator to the Clinic by the State Coordinator.

  • TIFUH Berths In UNICAL As VC Seeks Robust Collaboration

    TIFUH Berths In UNICAL As VC Seeks Robust Collaboration

     

    A Study Center under the aegis of the Institute for Universal Harmony (TIFUH) has berthed in the University of Calabar( Unical), just as the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Florence Obi is seeking a robust collaboration with the Center.

    Speaking at the institution’s Senate Chamber during the inauguration and launching of TIFUH Study Center, the Vice Chancellor commended TIUFH for finding Unical worthy of collaboration, saying the institution was looking forward to deepening and sustaining the partnership.

    DVC (Admin) Prof Eno Grace Nta
    Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration,Prof.Eno Grace Nta, the Vice Chancellor applauded TIFUH for choosing Unical as the host study center, saying the center will contribute immensely towards the promotion of peace and harmony in the various strata of the society.

    She said, “I congratulate and thank TIFUH for choosing University of Calabar as a worthy partner for this quest for peace in our community and the nation.

    “We believe that this relationship will yield lot of dividends in terms of how our students will develop, due to the fact that our degree is based on character and learning”.

    The University helmsman also reiterated her administration’s commitment towards providing a conducive environment for the Center to achieve it’s laudable goals, adding that, ” we will make sure the University facilities are available for the institute, you have not made a mistake in collaborating with unical.”

    Also speaking, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu described peace as an indispensable factor for the growth and development of any nation.

    Represented by the State Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey, the Governor commented TIFUH for establishing the study centre, saying the society is currently facing a lot of crisis hence the need to have professional peace ambassadors to help curb the menace.

    He assured the Institute of his total support to enable them produce managers that can address the issue of conflict management in the society.

    While charging TIFUH to engage people with proven integrity, the Governor said, “engage managers that will be consultants and advocates of peace in our society.”

    The Chairman of the occasion and Founder of Christian Central Chapel, Bishop Emmah Gospel Isong said no nation can achieve sustainable development without peace.

    Represented by the Chaplain of TIFUH, Apostle Dr.Glory Udoema urged everyone to be advocate of peace as only peace can bring meaningful progress in the society.

    He commended TIUFH for seeking to promote peace in Cross River State which is already touted as a peaceful state.

    Earlier, in her welcome address, the National President of TIFUH, Prof Mrs Akon Esu, said she was delighted over the birth of the institute particularly at a time when conflict is ravaging the whole world, saying the emergence of TIFUH at this time is very appropriate.

    Prof Akon Esu said TIFUH is on a mission to deliver quality training and give access to more people around the world to embrace peace advocacy.

    She disclosed that TIFUH is currently enrolling interested applicants into courses in the institute and urged members of the public to avail themselves the opportunity to be among the pioneer students.

    The International president of TIFUH, King Charles E. Bassey, in his remarks, said the institute has unique features that enable students to study anywhere in the world through online programmes.

    He said the vision is to be a conflict management institute in the world that conflict Resolution professionals can identify with for instilling peace building capacity in the minds of their professional members via intellectual and pragmatic training, locally and internationally.

    King Charles said TIFUH’s mandate is to help develop relevant training that will enhance manpower in peace building.

    He said the institute’s core values are anchored on passion for peace and harmony, human dignity.

    Highlight of the event was the conferment of the award of Honorary Fellow on the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Florence Obi.

    The event was graced by Royal Fathers, the Clergy, Security Chieftains and a coterie of Peace Advocates.

  • War Breaks Out Between Ugaga And Igbekurekor Communities In Yala

    War Breaks Out Between Ugaga And Igbekurekor Communities In Yala

    By CrossRiverWatch Admin

    Two communities in Yala Local Government Area of northern Cross River State, Ugaga and Igbekurekor are currently at war with each other, information reaching CrossRiverWatch shows.

    The conflict started last weekend, Tim Ugaga Esq, the President of the Ugaga Family Union, says.

    “It is about land and boundaries. It is unfortunate that this is happening,” Mr. Ugaga said.

    Mr. Ugaga said the conflict between both communities has been dormant for a long while and was only triggered by allegations of an incursion into farmland.

    “The problem started with the story that Ugaga people tilled heaps and the Igbekurekor people went to plant on them. I learned there was an attempt at a peace meeting, but that failed, and now they are at war. It is shameful,” Mr. Ugaga explained.

    Ugaga who disclosed that he was at neighboring Okuku community when he was contacted by CrossRiverWatch, said he saw trucks of soldiers heading towards Ugaga which he hopes is to calm the situation.