The Lumine News

Author: News

  • TAF Frowns Discrimination Against PWD, Advocates Inclusion

    By Sylvia Akpan, CrossRiverWatch 

    The Albino Foundation (TAF) Africa has carried out a sensitization exercise frowning against discrimination against Persons With Disabilities in public, private sector and in governance in Cross River State.

    In an event held in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, facilitated by Dr. Owoade Philip Adeleke, the Foundation also sued for equal inclusion of PWD in the State.

    He noted that discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, education, and accommodation among others are now criminal offenses; clinging to Disabilities act, 2019, and Disability Rights Law.

    In his presentation, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TAF Jake Epele said the foundation is passionate about Cross River State because of the establishment of a project that speaks with inclusivity in a very important area which the State has done well by embracing the project.

    “We’ve developed the guidelines for inclusive election and we are working with the office of the Secretary to the Government and para adventure, we would also work directly with the Governor. He has shown tremendous interest in what we are doing and at the end of the day, we would push and break the seal for inclusivity using this State as a role model.

    “When it comes to implementation, the government can produce a framework to implement a particular law. It is the critical stakeholders that implement and that’s why we are walking directly with critical stakeholders and robbing minds with them, exposing them to the best practice when it comes to implementation.”

    The State Coordinator, Advocacy for Women With Disability Initiative, Cross River State, Iquo Mkpang, expressed optimism that the government of Governor Bassey Otu will work with people with disability; first by implementing the Disability Bill passed into law by former Governor Ben Ayade.

    The interactive session had questions and answers as well as group work presentations by participants

  • Six Youths Arrested For Booing APC Governor Over Burial Dispute

    Culled From Ejesgist

    Angry youths in Ugondu community, Makurdi LGA of Benue State, reportedly attacked the convoy of the state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, on Wednesday.

    The protest erupted over plans to bury the proprietor of Vaatia College, Engr Michael Vaatia, within the school premises located in their community.

    The youths from Ugondu community pelted the governor’s convoy with stones, expressing their opposition to the burial within the school premises.

    Six of the protesting youths were subsequently arrested by the police for their actions.
    Governor Alia had visited Vaatia College to assess the preparations for the burial of Engr Vaatia, who recently passed on. The deceased, who was the proprietor of the college, was scheduled to be buried within the school premises on Thursday.

    The angry youths reportedly invaded the school and damaged the grave. They disrupted proceedings as security escorts attempted to prevent them from accessing the school. The governor’s entourage was also reportedly trapped outside.

    Responding to the situation, the police special unit, Operation Zenda, was called in, resulting in the arrest of several of the protesting youths.

    The governor, addressed leaders of the Ugondu community, and cautioned against actions that could create chaos and disunity in the state.

    Governor Alia stated, “I have come to correct some misgivings that happened in the rulership of your son as governor. I sent both the Tiv, Idoma, and other tribes overseas for training without discrimination. I want to believe you, the traditional and community leaders, denying involvement in what has happened. Surely, some youths arrested will make confessions, and if they mention your name, be ready to go and answer.”

    He highlighted the peaceful burials of individuals from different tribes in Makurdi town over the past week and called for calm. The governor assured students of safety during and after the burial, directing the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to ensure peace prevails during the wake-keep and burial scheduled for Thursday.

    As of the time of this report, reconstruction of the damaged grave by the irate Ugondu youths was underway ahead of the interment of the deceased proprietor.

     

  • Humanitarian Response: Gov Alia, Tor Markudi Commend President Tinubu For Fulfilling Promises Made To Benue State

     

    Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fulfilling some of the promises made to the people of the state during his electioneering campaign.

    The Governor spoke during a state dinner organized in honor of the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr Betta Edu and her team at the Banquet Hall, Government House Makurdi.

    The Minister was in Benue to perform the ground-breaking ceremony of the Renewed Hope Shelter for poor and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as well as the distribution of food and non-food items to the IDPs in eight local government areas of the state.

    According to Father Alia, President Tinubu has matched words with action by committing to ameliorating the suffering of the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in the state, by addressing humanitarian challenges facing them.

    He said the people of Benue state have started benefiting from the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, saying Benue people will never forget that the President made a promise and fulfilled the promise on record time.

    The Governor commended President Tinubu for appointing Dr Edu as Minister in charge of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, describing her as a perfect match for the job.

    “Honourable Minister, please convey my appreciation on behalf of the government and people of Benue state to Mr President for fulfilling the Promise made to provide permanent homes for IDPs in Benue State and provide for their livelihood.

    “We are happy as a people and we appreciate Mr President for this gesture. I also thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing a quintessentially young and vibrant Minister to take charge of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, she’s doing extremely well and we commend her and her team for a good job.

    On his part, the first Class Traditional Ruler in Benue State, His Royal Highness, Chief Vincent Awure,Tor Markudi III, was full of effusive praises for President Tinubu for giving the people of the state a new lease of life.

    The Monarch who spoke on behalf of Benue royal fathers said that before the coming of President Tinubu, several communities in the state, including Tatyo and Kyo in Markudi North local government area never knew a day would come when life would be brought back to the communities devastated by herders and bandits attacks.

    Recounting the indignities his people have passed through, the Tor Markudi lamented that they have lost many lives and livelihoods, a development that rendered over millions of households homeless, hence their present status as IDPs.

    The Monarch stressed that with life now brought back to the communities by the federal and Benue state governments, is phenomenal and they were willing to donate more land for developmental projects.

    He however pleaded with the government for more security around the riverine communities.

    “On behalf of my kingdom, we appreciate President Tinubu for this gesture and also thank the Honourable Minister, my daughter, Dr Betta Edu for her vision to address humanitarian challenges In Nigeria.

    “I have been watching her and her passion for humanitarian response from a distance; she is simply unmatched”

    Earlier, Dr Edu commended Governor Alia,the traditional rulers and the people of Benue for the warm reception and hospitality given to her and her team during her two-day working visit to the State.

    The Minister assured that her Ministry will collaborate with the state government to provide livelihood for those who have lost their means of survival. While providing transit learning areas for children through the alternate school program

    “We want to be able to provide durable solutions to those who have already been affected by this humanitarian crises.

    “Beyond this, we have already picked some markets within Benue state where we will be carrying out the markets money scheme, this scheme is a soft loan, a zero-interest loan to market women.

    “The market women will be registered right there in the markets and the loans provided for them there to support their businesses. We believe it will help the local economy to thrive.

    “There are several other government interventions including the end hunger program, the Code Nigeria program, the YESSO 2.0 program for young people, several interventions that we would be bringing to Benue State.

    “The essence is to see that we can first pull those who are in poverty out of poverty and prevent those who are at the borderline, just at the edge of it from falling into poverty.

    Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair
    SA Media & Publicity to HM
    MHAPA

  • 10 Lessons From Philippa Perry’s Book ‘The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read’ (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)

     

    1. Children are not adults in training. They are their own people with their own thoughts, feelings, and needs. Treat them with respect and listen to them.

    2. It’s okay to have big feelings. Children may have big tantrums or meltdowns from time to time. This is normal and healthy. Help them to express their feelings in a safe and healthy way.

    3. Praise effort, not ability. When you praise a child’s ability, you are sending the message that they are only good if they are successful. Instead, praise their effort and hard work. This will help them to develop a growth mindset.

    4. Don’t compare children to each other. Every child is different and develops at their own pace. Comparing children to each other will only damage their self-esteem.

    5. Set boundaries, but be loving and supportive. Children need to know where the boundaries are, but they also need to feel loved and supported by their parents.

    6. Be a role model for your children. Children learn by watching the adults in their lives. Be the kind of person you want your children to be.

    7. Don’t be afraid to apologize to your children. If you make a mistake, apologize to your children. This will teach them that it’s okay to make mistakes and that everyone is imperfect.

    8. Spend time with your children. The most important thing you can give your children is your time. Make time to play with them, talk to them, and simply be with them.

    9. Enjoy your children. They grow up so fast! Savor every moment and be grateful for the time you have with them.

    10. Remember that parenting is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs along the way. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Just do your best and learn from your mistakes.

    A guide to parenting. It offers a practical advice on how to raise a happy home.

  • Avoid Cooking Beans With These Two Ingredients, They Destroy The Liver

     

    Everybody knows that cooking beans take quite a long time than other foods like rice, yam, potatoes, etc. This has made most Africans look for alternative means of cooking beans so it will get done quickly without wasting their energy and fuel. Some people don’t understand that some of these techniques of cooking beans are very harmful to the body and can damage vital organs of the human body.

    Most of these ingredients are very dangerous and can cause us several health conditions. It is very easy to avoid this, all you need to is to be patients while cooking your beans. You should adhere to the normal method of cooking beans. This will help in maintaining a good dieting habit.

    I have observed that many Nigerians prepare their meal with paracetamol and potash just to help them save time and fuel while cooking. My dear, if you are among the group of people doing this you need to stop now.
    Potash and Paracetamol are mostly used by Nigerians in cooking their meal. This can damage your liver which is one of the vital organs of the body.

    These wrong methods of cooking have caused many people to lose their lives, and some are having one medical problem or the other. To avoid this, you should use a pressure pot in cooking your meal. This makes it cook faster and saves your energy and time. For those who can’t afford a pressure cooker, you should wait for your food to be done properly without adding any dangerous ingredients that put your life at risk.

    My dear, ignorant kills, you should not risk your life and don’t say most we stop eating everything. Life is too short and you should live the best out of it. Stay alive and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

  • Endurance Ogri, Founder of His Ordeal Invites You To Join ‘A Honest Conversation’ On November 19th 2023

    By Elijah Ugani 

    As parts of activities to commemorate the 2024 International Men’s
    Day, which comes up on November 19th, 2023, the founder of His Ordeal has put together A Honest Conversation which seeks to address some of the challenges faced by the boy child in the society. Some of these challenges includes: Parental alienation, sexual abuse, suicide, violence and gender discrimination towards the boy child.

    The conversation aimed to proffer solutions to some of these challenges, as well as commence advocacy for His Ordeal in gender mainstreaming, seemed to be the most recent engagements that particularly advances the rights of the boy child.

    His ordeal, is a non-governmental and non-profit organization, aimed at creating a convenient and conducive environment for the boy child, devoid of gender discrimination.

    The theme of this maiden edition “The place of the boy child in the society, and how the society has neglect the affairs of the boy child, endangering the life of the boy child” was carefully chosen to reawaken those silent area and very necessary areas that the society has downplayed over the years as the relate to the boy child.

    According to the release signed by the Founder and Host, Endurance Anne Ogri, the event will be hosted on Sunday November 19th, 2023 between 8pm and 9pm.

    The release further indicates that the conversation promises to be educative and engaging as great personalities are billed to share their thoughts on the topic.

    A popular right activist and prisoner of conscience as declared by Amnesty International, Agba Jalingo, a legal practitioner, First Baba Isa Esq, and a Medical practitioner, Dr Hilkia Isong, are the discussants.

    To join the conversation, you will need to visit the Founder and host on her verified Facebook page, Endurance Anne Ogri as she will go live. Your questions and contributions are welcome.

  • NLC, TUC Shifts Grounds, Suspends Nationwide Strike

    The Nigerian Labour congress and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended the indefinite nationwide strike which commenced yesterday.

    This decision was made after meeting with the national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

  • Rev Eyoanwan Otu Donates Back-to-School Materials To FGGC, @50

     

    The Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Rev. Eyoawan Otu, has donated back-to-school items and learning materials to students of the Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Calabar, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary.

    The donation, which was made earlier today, included textbooks, exercise books, writing materials, school bags and other essential items.

    In her remarks, Rev. Otu, who was represented by the Special Adviser, Programs, Projects and Events, Dr Inyang Asibong, urged the students to emulate their alumni community, who are constantly raising the bar in alma mater activities. She said that the alumni’s success is a testament to the quality education that FGGC provides.

    The school was established in 1973 with the goal of providing quality education to girls across the state and promoting inclusivity. Over the years, FGGC has produced a number of successful alumni, including doctors, lawyers, engineers, top government functionaries, and entrepreneurs.

    The donation from Rev Otu is part of the 5000 – unit back to school kits distributed to Basic Education schools across the State and is a welcome boost to the school, as it will help to ensure that students continue to receive the best possible education.

    Her Excellency’s commitment to FGGC is an example of her dedication to improving the lives of women and girls in Cross River State. Her support will help to ensure that FGGC continues to be a beacon of hope and an opportunity for generations to come.

  • Despite The Hardship And Tinubu’s Inability To Fix The Economy, APC Allegedly Commence Permutation For 2027 General Elections

    Culled From Nesweekng

    Controversy is said to be brewing in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the high cost of contesting elections on the party’s platform due to the increase of the expression of interest and nomination forms since its formation in 2014.

    The cost of APC presidential and governorship forms in 2014, ahead of the 2015 general elections, was ₦27.5 million and ₦5 million, respectively.
    In 2019, it increased to ₦45 million and ₦22.5 million. It, however, climbed to ₦100 million and ₦50 million in 2023, respectively.

    A party stalwart have urged the leadership of the ruling APC to make the 2027 contest less expenssive, alleging that despite raking in billions of Naira from the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms before the 2023 elections, the party has failed to give an account of how the money was spent.

    In a statement on Tuesday, the former national vice chairman (North West) of the APC, Salihu Mohammed Lukman, lamented the increasing cost of contesting elections in the party.

    He expressed fears that by 2027, the APC might charge ₦250 million for expression of interest and nomination forms for the presidency and ₦125 million for the governorship.

    According to him, the APC is “progressively losing the little democratic credentials,” which encouraged Nigerians to expect the possibility of a progressive party emerging out of it in 2015.

    Reacting to the development, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said, “The issue of cost of forms for next elections is all speculations.”

    On his part, a Professor of Political Sociology at the University of Abuja, Kari, however, told reporters that placing high fees has continued in the APC because it is the ruling party.

    He also attributed it to the systematic monetization of Nigerian politics and the activities of a select few influential individuals who have hijacked the party.

    “The fee for APC has been the highest because it is the ruling party. The underlying assumption is that anybody who gets APC ticket will likely get elected. It is an assumption that may be true. It may not be true,” he said.

    Kari stated that if the party leadership can put obstacles on the way to political participation through this constant hiking of the fee for nomination, “you have blocked the very essence of democracy, and that is exactly what is happening. So the regime of high fees is a huge stumbling block on democracy because it stops those who cannot pay from participating.”

  • Do You Know That Chris Brown Has Sold Over 217 Million Records, Making Him One Of The World’s Best-selling Music Artist

     

    Christopher Maurice Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, dancer, and actor. One of the most successful R&B singers of all time, he has often been referred to by contemporaries as the “King of R&B”.

    His musical style has been defined as polyhedric, with his R&B being characterized by several influences from other genres, mainly pop music and hip hop. His lyrics develop predominantly over themes of romance, sex, fast life, desire, lovesickness, regret, emotional conflict and loneliness. Brown has had wide comparisons to Michael Jackson for his talent and stage presence.

    In 2004, Brown signed with Jive Records and released his eponymous debut studio album the following year, which was later certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). With his debut single “Run It!” (featuring Juelz Santana) peaking atop the Billboard Hot 100, Brown became the first male artist since 1995 to have his debut single top the chart. His second album, Exclusive (2007), was met with further commercial success worldwide, and spawned his second Billboard Hot 100 number one “Kiss Kiss” (featuring T-Pain).

    In 2009, Brown pled guilty to felony assault of his then-girlfriend, singer Rihanna. This foresaw the release of his third album, Graffiti which was considered to be a commercial failure compared to his previous works.

    Following Graffiti, Brown released his fourth album F.A.M.E. (2011), which became his first album to top the Billboard 200. The album contained the commercially successful singles: “Yeah 3x”, “Look at Me Now” (featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes) and “Beautiful People” (featuring Benny Benassi), and earned him the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
    His fifth album, Fortune, released in 2012, also topped the Billboard 200.

    Following the releases of X (2014) and Royalty (2015), his eighth album, Heartbreak on a Full Moon, a double-disc LP consisting of 45 tracks, was certified gold by the RIAA for combined sales and album-equivalent units of over 500,000 after one week, and was later certified double platinum. Brown’s ninth studio album, Indigo (2019) found similar success, debuting atop the Billboard 200.
    It included the single “No Guidance” (featuring Drake) which broke the record for the longest-running number one on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. Its chart success was outdone with the single “Go Crazy” (with Young Thug) released the following year, which broke Brown’s own record for the longest-running number one on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart set previously by “No Guidance”.

    In 2022, his Indigo album spawned a sleeper hit with its song “Under the Influence”, which was re-released as a single.

    Brown has sold over 217 million records worldwide, making him one of the world’s best-selling music artists. He is also one of the highest-grossing African American touring artists of all time. Brown has the most Billboard Hot 100 entries of any male singer in history;[ the most top 40 hits of any R&B singer in history; the most RIAA gold certified singles of any male singer in history; and the most RIAA multi-platinum of any male singer in history.[43] Brown was also ranked third on Billboard’s top R&B/Hip-Hop artists of the 2010s decade chart, behind Drake and Rihanna in first and second, respectively.

    Moreover, Brown has won a total of 199 awards from 506 nominations over the course of his career. Brown has also pursued an acting career. In 2007, he made his on-screen feature film debut in Stomp the Yard, and appeared as a guest on the television series The O.C. Other films Brown has appeared in include This Christmas (2007), Takers (2010), Think Like a Man (2012), Battle of the Year (2013) and She Ball (2020).

    Source: Wikipedia