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  • TCTI Concludes 2-Day Training Of 150 Teachers Aimed At Integrating Smart Tech Skills Into Pry Schools’ Curriculum

    By TheLumineNews Admin 

    The Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI) Biase, Cross River State, is poised to strengthen basic and foundational literacy education in the State. To achieve this, the Institute has undertaken a 2-day training program for one hundred and fifty primary school teachers in select schools in the state, to develop their digital literacy skills.

    The 2-day training program themed: “The Application of Smart Skills To Teaching and Learning in Primary Schools”, was held between July 18 and 19, 2024 at the TCTI. This intensive training seeks to equip primary school teachers with the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize smart application technology in their academic pursuits.

    Declaring the workshop open on Thursday, Director-General of the TCTI, Professor Taoheed Adedoja highlighted the impacts of the exercise to manpower development and nation building, noting that “Cross River State cannot afford to keep teachers of analogue skills at this period of digital platforms for all sectors of development, particularly the education sector”.

    According to the DG, the smart application workshop is to prepare teachers at the elementary level for the task ahead with the practical knowledge that will enable participants learn how to harness the power of digital infrastructure to enhance their teaching experience, improve their smart literacy usage and develop essential skills for the classroom task.

    “The training also aims to spotlight the significance of leveraging digital infrastructure in improving teaching and learning in primary schools across both rural and urban areas of Cross River State, ultimately bridging the educational divide and enhancing the quality of education”, he opined.

    Addressing participants, the Cross River State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), represented by the State Secretary, Comrade Victor Amireze, expressed his satisfaction that: “We are most pleased that TCTI is strategically constructed to provide the needed continuous professional development for teachers, not only in Cross River State, but for the benefit of teachers in Nigeria. The management of TCTI is most commended for carrying the union along in its training programs.”

    In his goodwill message, Dr. Adekunle Adekola, a Senior Education Specialist at the Abuja office of the World Bank, stressed the significance of digital literacy for teachers, both present and future. He praised the initiative of TCTI for organizing the workshop, which aims to equip educators with essential digital skills.

    In a related development, Mrs. Jane Walter Obeten, a teacher at Government Primary School State Housing Estate Calabar, said, “My experience here has been wonderful since I arrived. The topics are well-chosen, and the facilitators are highly knowledgeable. This workshop has opened our eyes to the potential of digital tools in enhancing classroom learning as teachers. I feel privileged to be part of this training, as not all my colleagues were selected.”

    Mr. Ekashi Jack-Konor, a teacher at Government Primary School Bateriko, Boki, also spoke, saying: “This experience will remain in my memory. The facilities are top-notch, the computers and the interactive whiteboards are 21st-century learning tools. They represent the perfect blend of AI and internet-based skills that are essential for smart learning in this era.”

    Mr. Achi Henry Achi, a teacher at Government Primary School, Obudu, was one of several educators who confirmed that the training facilitators were chosen from a range of national institutions, renowned for their expertise in the specific areas being covered. The teachers took turns, praising the Cross River State governor and the Institute’s management for organizing the event, commending their efforts and leadership.

    This workshop follows a similar event held earlier in March, which targeted primary school Head teachers in the state and builds upon the progress made during that initial gathering.
    This training exercise for 150 primary school educators, sets another stage for a series of comprehensive and effective learning opportunities that will have a lasting impact on education in the state and nationwide.

  • A Good Shepherd Is The One Who Listens, Seek Counsel, Prays And Takes Good Care Of The Sheep BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    THE GOOD SHEPHERD

    In the biblical sense, a good shepherd is the one who listens, seeks counsel, prays and takes good care of the sheep. In a way, all human beings created by God are called to be good shepherds. Not just adults with responsibility, but anyone with a vocation in life is called to be a shepherd. For some. it is in a higher degree than others but the question for everyone should be: What kind of shepherd are you; a good or a bad one?

    Zedekiah the king of Jerusalem was a bad shepherd. He listened to wrong advice and he rebelled against the King of Babylon, thus ensuring the ruin of his people. Nebuchadnezzar sent his army against him and reduced him to ruins. It was at this time that Jeremiah the prophet was preaching and he reminded the leaders of his time who were corrupt and incapable of leading the people that they should not be like Zedekiah; like shepherds who lead their flocks to destruction. “Woe to you says the Lord…you have scattered my flock…and you have not attended to them. Behold I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord” (Read Jer. 23:1-6).

    It is very easy to be a bad shepherd when you listen to wrong advice. When you don’t seek the counsel of those wiser than you or when you think you know it all. No human being is perfect and that’s why they say pencils have erasers so that we can correct our mistakes and move on. The problem is that most people (especially those who attain higher position in life) neither pray nor listen to advice. What did Jesus do when he sent out his disciples and they came back with the news that they had done well? He said to them: “Come away to some lonely place and rest” (Read Mark 6:30-34). That’s what true leaders do. When they get feedback, they come away to some lonely place and pray about it, reflect upon it, before they act.

    Sometimes people get so busy in life that they forget to reflect, seek advice, listen to others and do things that will positively benefit or effect the lives of the people they are responsible for. That’s not shepherding. While we seek to shield ourselves from bad shepherds and vouch to be better shepherds ourselves to others, let us realize that it is the Lord Himself that’s our ultimate Shepherd and will always lead us to greener pastures.

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

  • C’River Deputy Governor Charges Youths To Be Models Of Society

    Ukongikwen Adie

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Ph.D, has called on youths in Nigeria in general and Cross River State in particular to use their youthfulness to do great things for the society.

    Odey made this call in his office on Friday, 19th July, 2024, when a delegation of the National Youth Council (NYC) led by State Commissioner for Youth and Entrepreneurship, Barr.ljom Ukam, and the President of the National Youth Council (NYC), Ambassador Dokubo, paid a visit to his office.

    Rt. Hon. Odey gave the National Youth Council (NYC) leadership the assurances and support of the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, to ensure free and fair elections for offices in the State Chapter of the National Youth Council.

    Odey added that the State government is proud of the youths of Cross River State who are using their time and talents for the good of the nation as against those involved in kidnapping, violent demonstrations and other social vices.

    “We believe in encouraging the youth population. That is why there is a fair representation of the youth in the present administration”

    He charged them to ensure that the elections are free and fair, devoid of violence.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth, Barr. Ijom Ukam, who led the delegation, said the purpose of their visit was to update the Deputy Governor on the activities preceding and during the election into offices in the State Chapter of the National Youth Council.
    Barr. Ukam acknowledged that with the charge by the Deputy Governor and the assurances of support from the State government, the election will be hitch-free and the visions and ideals of the National Youth Council will be achieved in Cross River State.

    Also Speaking, the President of the National Youth Council, Ambassador Dokubo, reiterated the resolve of the leadership at the national level to ensure a free and fair election in the State. He called on all Nigerian youths to shun violence and explore diplomacy in channelling their grievances.

    Other government functionaries present during the visit were Dr. Erasmus Ekpang (Commissioner for lnformation), Dr. Chris Ojikpong (Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor), Barr. Don Claimz Enamhe, Mr Akiba (Senior Special Adviser Special Duties), Comrade Dan Obo (Outgoing Chairman, NYC-CRS) and other members of the National Youth Council, Cross River State Chapter.

  • Enoh, Ironbar, Akiba: Of Loyalty, Consistency And Power BY INYALI PETER

     

    The administration of Governor Bassey Otu has been making waves in the political sphere, and at the forefront of this wave are three individuals who have become synonymous with the government’s inner workings. Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff, and Barr. Akika Ekpenyong, Special Adviser on General Duties, are the triumvirate that have captured the attention of political enthusiasts and critics alike.

    Their influence in the government is undeniable, and it’s rare to have a conversation about Governor Otu’s administration without their names being mentioned. While some of these mentions may be laced with complaints about their perceived dominance, it’s essential to acknowledge that their consistency and loyalty to the Governor in the eight he was forced out of government were unparalleled and have ultimately, earned them the power and influence they wield today.

    For eight years, while Governor Otu was out of government, these individuals stood steadfastly by him, weathering the storm and remaining committed to his course. They were the modern-day ‘Joshua and Caleb’ of Otu’s vision, tirelessly working to keep the dream alive. I personally experienced their dedication, as the SSG would call me several times in a month to discuss the prospects of Gov. Otu’s governorship. The trio unapologetically believed in him, serving as his pillars of support when many deemed the dream impossible to achieve.

    Meanwhile, others who were once close to the Governor abandoned his ship, seeking greener pastures elsewhere when the milk stopped flowing. Now that the tables have turned, and it’s time for these loyalists to reap the rewards of their labour, some individuals are questioning their influence. They often focus on the privileges they enjoy today but forget to acknowledge the sacrifices they made during the eight-year wilderness. They want to enjoy the fruits of their success without having sown the seeds of consistency and loyalty that the trio did eight years ago.

    While it’s natural to have reservations about their level of control, it’s only fair to recognize that their investment in the Governor’s vision has yielded a tangible return. They have earned the right to enjoy the fruits of their labour, and instead of vilifying their influence, we should be learning from their exemplary consistency, loyalty, and dedication. Let us pray that they use their privileges to benefit the common good, alleviating the burdens of the people and supporting the government in fulfilling its mandate to develop the state.

    To my fellow young people, let us draw inspiration from the triumvirate’s consistency and commitment to a vision they believed in, even when the odds seemed insurmountable. Their story teaches us that loyalty, perseverance, and dedication pay off in the long run. As they wield their influence, let us pray that they do so with wisdom and integrity, ensuring that politics and governance are not compromised. Where we see them falter, let us offer constructive criticism, while continuing to support them where necessary, to help the Governor deliver on his promises and build a better future for all.

    To the trio, I offer these words of encouragement: may your privileged positions be a catalyst to etch your names in the annals of history with golden ink. May you wield your influence as a force for the betterment of all and not a select few. Strive to leave an indelible legacy that will forever be remembered as the triumvirate that helped Governor Otu elevate Cross River State to unprecedented heights. Don’t limit the benefits of your offices to only those within your circle, expand it. Never use your positions to oppress or for vendetta because as the table turned for you today, you don’t know whose turn is next.

    -Inyali Peter, Ph.D

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

  • Special Adviser Local Content Urges Industries In The State To Evolve Local Content Development Plan

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Content, Amb. Awatt Caleb Ekpenyong has raised public advocacy for industries in the state to evolve a local content development plan.

    Awatt stated that “such a plan should have certification of the local content office to give backing to economic needs of host communities and address issues of conflicts between industries and host communities over resource utilization”.

    The Special Adviser who raised the advocacy in Calabar when he visited Niger Mills Nigeria, observed that “while electronic projections are necessary, structural evidences suffices. The Local Content Development Plan  will build more confidence and transparency as industries desires to serve local communities”.

    The Special Adviser expressed joy at the level of progress recorded by the company explaining that the oversight became necessary to forge relations by the state local content office with the company.

    Mr Awatt who made the case for the employment of indigene of the state in the company promised to sustain existing relations between the two organizations.

    On his part, the legal Adviser,  Local Content Monitoring Regulatory and Enforcement Committee , Barrister Wilson Ajogbor said the state local content office is backed up by the Nigerian Content Development Act and commended Governor Bassey Otu for domesticating local content in the state.

    Speaking on the challenges facing implementation of local content in the state , Engineer Elvis Ntui called for employment of indigene of the state in skill , unskilled and managerial positions in industries in the state.

    Responding , the General Manager of Niger Mills Nigeria , Mr. Gregory Ehhemiken said the industry has successfully justified it’s corporate social responsibility over time to catchment communities.

    He thanked the committee for the visit and promised to work in close relationship with government through the office of the special Adviser on Local Content.

    Niger Mills PLC has pledged it’s willingness to cooperate with the state government in actualizing local content core values.
    Speaking in Calabar when he received in audience the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Content, Amb . Awatt Caleb Ekpenyong and the 13 man Local Content Monitoring Regulatory and Enforcement Committee paid a working visit to the company, the GM expressed satisfaction at the urban renewal by the present administration in the state.

    “I’m happy over your visit. Niger Mills have a good track of corporate responsibilities to it’s catchment communities and the state . Henceforth , we will align with the local content office in the effort to build more public confidence in our activities. Thank you for the visit”.

  • Before Basic Needs Became Luxuries… BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    The person who built the first car surely did not have luxury in mind. The idea was to facilitate the faster movement of things and persons from place to place. To replace the use of carts and animals with a faster means of transportation. The first self propelled steam engine cart, built by Frenchman, Nicholas Joseph Cugnot in 1769, could only move at a walking pace of 3km/h and had to stop every 20 minutes to build a new head of steam. But it was the fastest and could carry the heaviest loads at the time.

    A house, before it became luxury was only meant to be a safe place from hazards outside. To protect us from the elements. The famous Oldupai Gorge site, in Tanzania, still holds the oldest archeological evidence of what could be called, the construction of a house. It is a 1.8million year old, 13 feet diameter circle of stones surrounding a slightly sunken spot of earth. Nobody knows the human species who built the ‘houses’ found in Oldupai, but it is mostly agreed that the stones may have been built for shelter and fortress.

    Like a house, clothes were equally made to protect us from the environment. Hazards like cold, insect bites, sun rays etc. From the time of animal furs and skin to when fibre was discovered, the primary essence of clothing was to cover our stark nakedness and protect us from environmental hazards. Then, it became luxury and labels.

    Before food became luxury that is now graded into top notch classes and buzz names, food as one of the most basic needs of living things, is only meant to provide energy for us to sustain our lives. No matter how luxurious the food you eat is or how glamorous the table you eat the food is, the end goal is to provide energy for the body to proceed on its activity. Same thing with the person who eats in the dingy room, the goal is to get energy for the body.

    Likewise Education, before it became luxury, the educational system, from its crude form, was created primarily to ensure the discovery, survival and transfer of accumulated knowledge, skills, values, and traditions over generations. What were called schools then, held under the tutelage and servitude of sages and philosophers, under tree shades, barns and in caves, until it became a luxury.

    The gradual transformation of these basic human needs to luxuries is not bad and it has come with its benefits and challenges. It created a surge in innovation and jobs and also created a class society that has left a large chunk of citizens behind. It has also created social turmoil and exacerbated inequality; leaving most people hollow, even in the midst of the luxuries.

    Yet, to find our path and return to happiness, we must learn to enjoy these things with their original purpose on the top most of our minds. We need to always remind ourselves of the original purpose of the things we own, anytime we enter into them. As you wake up nude or in your night wear, remind yourself of the original purpose of the clothes on you, the house you woke up in, the car you will drive, the schools you send your wards to and the food you eat. If you keep that in mind, it will keep you humble and save you the stress of the world. It will also inspire sympathy for others and make the world a more lovable place to live.

    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, the organization the author works for or its agent.

  • Wife of Ayade’s Ex-Aide Seeks IGP’s Intervention Over Alleged Detention of Hubby By Gov Otu’s Security Adviser

    Culled From Paradise News

    Wife of ex- Special Adviser to the Cross River State governor on Cocoa Development and Control, Mrs. Joy Ofuka, has charged the Inspector- General of Police, IGP, Kayoede Egbetokun, to wade into what she described as unlawful arrest and detention of her husband, Dr. Oscar Ofuka, by Gov. Otu’s State Security Adviser (SSA) Rtd. Maj. Gen. Okoi Obono.

    Ofuka’s wife gave the charge while reacting to detention of her husband, by the State Security Adviser to governor Otu in Calabar on Wednesday.

    Speaking in a telephone conversation with our Correspondent, Ofuka ‘s wife disappointment over what she described as use of political power to intimidate and oppress former aide to Gov. Ayade, stressing that no political office is occupied forever but as all would fade a way with passage of time.

    In her words, Ofuka’s wife said, “I still do not understand the gang up against my husband despite the effort which he sank to ensure that money owed cocoa landlords communities for sixteen years were paid.

    “I see this detention as a strategy to distract the ongoing court process to intimidate my husband so that allottees whose monies were used by the state government to defray the debt burden that was hanging on the government’s neck would come after my husband.

    “Let me state categorically clear that there was no dime paid into my husband’s private pocket instead all the money used by the state government to settle the cocoa landlords communities passed through the state government account through the smart gov. platform as authorized by the court’s consent judgment.

    “This is why I am calling on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD whom I am quite sure hates oppression, not to allow this evil perpetrated against my husband to continue.

    “Even though am not a lawyer, I know too well that once a matter is in court, no one is allowed to arrest someone, unfortunately, the reverse.

    “The harassment and intimidation by the State Security Adviser who is out to see my husband dead is unacceptable.

    “He cannot use his position to oppress my husband like that. What crime or treason did my commit, that you took him to Afi Army Barracks at Ikom local government area, whisked him to Akim Barracks and finally to Federal Housing police station and to Zone 6 Police Commands Calabar in less than 48 hours?

    “Is he a terrorist to be treated the way he was being mal-treated? These are questions that State Security Adviser needs to answer.

    “His kids and I are really traumatized. The entire family have been in serious pain since all these started.

    “We have not been able to sleep in the last three days. We are indeed so emotionally drained.

    “My husband has not siphon any money belonging to the state government, all the cash that accrued from lease of government cocoa farms were paid into Cross River State government’s account and not to his private pocket. So why the oppression and harassment?

    “Government they say is a continuum, what is the rational behind this arrest and detention?

    “Is it because they tried to evict the allottees that got farms through my husband and legitimately paid money into the coffers of the state government and at the same time and the plot by certain individuals to evict the allottees out from the farms failed following court injunction order?

    “I called on Cross Riverians, well-meaning Nigerians that my husband did no wrong, except for the fact that he was only an agent to the immediate past administration led by Prof. Ben Ayade.

    “To the best of my knowledge, money realized from lease of farms were money used by the immediate past administration to defray 16-years old debt that previous administrations owed the cocoa landlord communities as royalties for the land that the communities donated to state government to cultivate its cocoa estate.

    “First they interrupted the court processes, secondly they alleged that a worker who died in the estate was masterminded by Ofuka, the question how?

    “Why not allow the police to carry out a thorough and independent investigation? From what we gathered the deceased died in plot 59/64 which is a bid far away from the cocoa plot that concerned my husband.

    “Besides that, the master of the deceased can attest to the fact that my family do not have any problem with him, the cocoa plot which the master of the deceased work is not even in contention with my husband.

    “I urged the State Security Adviser whom I know has integrity not to hinder the ongoing investigation, but to allow the police to do their job by carrying out a thorough investigation without prejudice, rather than resorting to intimidate our family members.

    “What they are doing is a ploy to distract and scare off beneficiaries allottees that genuinely paid for farms so that they will be afraid to access the farms.

    “When a matter is in court, as law abiding citizen, we allow justice to take its course. It’s barbaric for anyone to begin to harass and intimidate one whom they are in court with.”

    However, the State Security Adviser, Rtd. Maj. Gen. Okoi Obono, who reacted to the allegations during a telephone call with our Correspondent, denied issuing any order for the arrest and detention of Ayade’s ex-aide Ofuka, stressing that the allegations were not true but lies.

    “I am not responsible for his arrest and detention,” he said.

  • Civil Societies, NGOs Fumes As Governor Otu Snubs Again In Recent Appointment Galore

    Culled From CrossRiverWatch 

    Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Cross River State, are fumed over Governor Bassey Otu’s continuous snub in his recent appointment galore.

    The CSOs voiced their dissatisfaction in a press statement signed and issued by Civil Society/NGO leader in the State, Leader Ben Usang, questioning why the governor failed to appoint at least a Special Adviser despite the State having the Department of Civil Society/NGOs, created during the administration of former Governor Imoke.

    Governor Otu on Monday, July 8, 2024, rolled out at least 212 appointees into his government, raising an eyebrow if he has towed the path of his predecessor Ben Ayade.

    Leader Ben who doubles as Development Facilitator, Human Dignity Advocate, Social Justice activist, and Public Affairs Commentator opines that it “obviously indicates no interest or priority by government” to engage effectively with Civil Society/ NGOs contrary to the requirements of many Development Partners that support the State in its budgetary provisions.

    He said his administration can better harness the needs, expectations, and opinions of ordinary citizens, CSOs, and NGOs for the success of his administration and an upward trajectory in the development of the State.

    The statement reads: “Just recently, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator(Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, made another set of appointments into key positions of the State Government. Obviously, the appointments were made to fill existing vacancies and perhaps to strengthen the machinery of Governance in the state.

    “While it remains my personal view that it has become very imperative for all strata of government in our nation to deliberately cut the cost of governance, at this point of economic challenges, through minimizing the number of political appointees and instead according priority to filling up vacancies in the civil/public service of the state, I will, however, differ to the Wisdom and love for the state the Governor is reputed to have by his decision to further expand the size of his government by this latest tranche of the appointment he just made. I now look forward to the appointments translating to a HIGHER QUALITY OF GOVERNANCE centered on the primary interest of the people of the State.

    “Having stated the above, I must highlight here that the Governor in this latest appointment once again failed to appoint a Special Adviser, Civil Society/NGOs, a development I presume could be simply an unintentional oversight on the part of the Governor or as a result of the Governor’s attention not being drawn to the existence of a Department for Civil Society/NGOs in the state.

    “The Department of Civil Society/NGOs was created during the Administration of Former Governor Imoke. It has since had several Special Advisers, beginning with Mrs. Margaret Ebokpo, a seasoned NGO practitioner with a background in Women’s Rights and Political participation.

    “From the onset, the Department of Civil Society/NGOs became a critical agency of Government in coordinating the activities of Civil Society/NGOs in the State especially as it has to do with engagements with government and in Multistakeholder forums organized by the Government and other partners of Government including international development partners seeking to consult Non-State Actors or to fund their activities in the State. The department was also vital in registering Civil Society Organisations and Self Help Groups, facilitating capacity building for them amongst other vital services to the third sector. In that period, discussions and the way forward started on having a One Stop registration for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the state, taxation as pertains to CSOs, Civil Society Commission, increasing women’s political participation, electoral reforms, and many other policy issues that were of interest to many of the CSOs working or operating in the state.

    “Under Former Governor Ayade, the Department’s activities and relevance were sustained. The then-governor appointed A Special Adviser for the Department as his predecessor did and even went ahead to appoint Special Assistants to work with the Advisers. Among the many achievements of the department at this time included the Joint organizing and holding of the International NGO Day with some Civil Society Organisations and the participation of representatives of CSOs in major State functions, donor engagements, and public policy development through the department’s facilitation.

    “Despite the foregoing, more than one year after, the current administration led by Prince Bassey Edet Otu, there is no appointment of a Political Head for the Department which obviously indicates no interest or priority by government to engage effectively with Civil Society/ NGOs contrary to the requirements of many Development Partners that support the State in its budgetary provisions. The scenario has led to a huge void creating room for a lack of policy and program coordination of the Voluntary Sector at government level using a sustainable framework that leads to positive outcomes.

    “At this point, it is instructive to state that though some actors in the Civil Society of the State, including yours truly, have now adopted a recommendation for the Establishment of a Legislation backed Commission for Civil Society/NGOs, which will transform the department to a Commission and thereby headed by a Commission Chairman assisted by Commission members, we however still believe that there is need, for now, for a Special Adviser to be appointed for the Department as it currently exists subject to when a Commission will come to replace the Department upon assent by the Governor of the enabling legislation. To actualize our goal for a commission, the Special Adviser will be critical in functioning as a liaison between CSOs and Government so we arrive at provisions in the legislation that is acceptable to all stakeholders within a meaningful and realistic timeframe.

    “It is imperative to note that during the just concluded South South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment for CSO operations in Nigeria held on the 27th of June, 2024 in Calabar, calls were made by Civil Society actors to have an Executive legislative mechanism for the State that will improve the regulatory and developmental environment for CSO operations at the state level in line with constitutional provisions and precedence that exist in other states in the country especially Benue State that has a law for the Voluntary Sector activities which was upheld as valid in a Court of Appeal Judgement.

    “On this note, I am calling on the State Governor who is pro-people in his mantra to immediately appoint a Special Adviser for Civil Society/NGOs so his administration can better harness the needs, expectations and opinions of ordinary citizens and Civil Society Organisations including Non Governmental Organisations( NGOs) for the success of the administration and an upward trajectory in the development of the State and which gives the State a positive image among international development community.”

  • Special Adviser, Local Content To Gov Otu, Organizes Essay Competition For Secondary Schools

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Special Adviser on Local Content to Gov Bassey Otu, Mr Awatt Caleb, has released a schedule for a state wide essay competition for senior secondary schools across the state.

    In a release signed by the Special Adviser, Mr Awatt Caleb, and made available to TheLumineNews, Southern Senatorial District is scheduled to hold on the 29th of June, 2024, while central and northern senatorial districts will hold a later date to be announced.

    The release further indicates that “Star Price, second runner up and third runner up will be presented to deserving students”.

    Participants were assured by the release that “winners will be officially awarded at the grand finale and published in our journal of footprint”.

    Mr Awatt in the release further stated that the essay competition will also lead to the award of scholarship to deserving students to promote advocacy for local content and reward hard work and excellence amongst students. “Award of scholarship to senior secondary school students to depen local content advocacy, promote academic excellence and reward hard work among students”.

    Mr Awatt on a telephone call with TheLumineNews, revealed that this is the fifth edition of the essay competition in honor of Sen Prince Bassey Otu.

    He disclosed that the competition has been on while  Sen Otu was in the Senate.

  • C’River State Govt Suspends Collection Of Illegal Levies At College Of Health Technology, Calabar

    By Kingsley Agim

    Consistent with its avowed resolve to ensuring compliance with standards at all levels, as well as making social services affordable for all and sundry, the Cross River State Government has suspended collection of all unauthorised levies at the College of Health Technology, Mary Slessor Avenue, Calabar.

    A statement, dated June 21 and signed by the Director of Administration, Mr Agba William, on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, government lamented the increasing allegations of unapproved charges/levies at the Cross River State Collinge of Health Technology, Calabar, ranging from 15,000 for admission form, 5,000 for JAMB entrants, and additional 3,000 for both groups of students, as well as 1,200 to cover charges and verification.

    Other allegations of extortion leveled against the school authority, the Ministry’s highlighted to include, sales of past question papers to new entrants, payment of Students Union Government levy alongside school fee, and payment for portal maintenance and internet access.

    “While efforts are ongoing to resolve these anomalies and the seeming lack of adherence to standards, parents, guardians, students and the general public should take notice that all payments regarding the aforementioned charges/levies and any other unauthorised taxation at the College of Health Technology are hereby suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of the investigation on the matter,” the release further stated.

    The release also enjoined parents, guardians, and students to report similar illegalities and other untoward practices across all health institutions in the state to the Ministry of Health, restating the present administration’s zero tolerance to practices that are inimical to the effective teaching and learning in the state’s colleges of higher education.