The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • Respect Them: Those Girls From Poor Homes Who Jettison Transactional Sex For Legitimate Hustle! BY ADIE IKOR JR

    Respect Them: Those Girls From Poor Homes Who Jettison Transactional Sex For Legitimate Hustle! BY ADIE IKOR JR

    Respect them!

    Those girls from poor homes who jettison transactional sex for legitimate hustle!

    It has not being easy with them.

    With fine shapes and poor background

    They resist taking the easy route.

    Opting for legitimate hustle and decency

    At a time when glamour and grandeur have taken centre stage.

    A young girl, choosing to be a waiter at a hotel instead of a hooker at a motel.

    Earning about 50k in a month and watching her mates earn 7x that amount in a week.

    E not easy at all

    Watching a friend who you shared neighbourhood in the slums, moving into the heart of town courtesy of hooking up.

    Soon after she comes back with expensive toys and wears and rub them on your face

    In most cases, she comes and moves her parents and sibling out of poverty into the coziness of the city. And your parents will give you that look as if to say “see your mate”

    While you struggle and toil, they bubble and tour.

    And they will never stop taunting you. Some would say ” There is no difference between having sex with 36 men and having sex 36 times with one man”

    So they shade you for shunning transactional sex but sticking to a poor boyfriend and leaving you in deep thoughts.

    Most girls will throw in the towel. Others will trudge on and on.

    Then boom!!

    One day you scroll through Facebook and see her wedding pix going viral in the internet. She did hook up and hooked up a rich cute guy.

    You feel frustrated because you have stayed decent and true but no engagement ring in sight.

    You question yourself, and your creator.

    In your closet, you sob and whimper.

    My dear sister,

    Life no get manual

    But you have earned my respect. Whatever that means.

    You are a BRAVE girl.

    ©️Adie Ikor Jnr
    ✅ Pen Bandit
    🇳🇬🇳🇬 FCT

  • Gov Otu Begins Plans Towards Carnival Calabar 2023

    Gov Otu Begins Plans Towards Carnival Calabar 2023

    By Fred Abua, Esq

    Carnival Calabar an event that showcases the cultural heritage of Cross River State and Nigeria at large is 21 Years Old.

    The State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, recently received a team of Turkish Investors interested in investing in the Carnival Calabar. The Governor said “after 20 years, Carnival Calabar, like any other longstanding investment was due for rejigging, relaunching and reimagining .”

    The Turkish team of investors which met separately with the Governor and the Deputy Governor went on an inspection tour of the 12km Carnival Route with the Chairman of the Tourism and Culture Cluster of the Transition Committee, Mr. Gabe Onah, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Development, Mrs. Eme Afiah. The group was accompanied by the Director of Tourism, Mr. Ekpenyong Ojoi, Mr. Thomas Ikpeme, Mr. Mathias Amgba, amongst others.

    The Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, who later received the visiting team in his office in the company of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem and the Member representing Akamkpa 2 State Constituency, Hon. Linus Etim, said Calabar Carnival was the most colorful in the world comparable only to that of Brazil.

    Hon. Odey assured the Turkish team of their security and the Governor’s commitment to ensuring that Cross River regains her place as Number 1 Tourism Destination in Nigeria.

    He said Cross River State was the most welcoming group of people in the world while eulogizing the Head of the Culture and Tourism Cluster, Mr. Gabe Onah who had sold the Carnival to the world and led the brand for more than 16 years.

    Agreeing with the earlier position of the Governor, Hon. Odey said it was time to move the Carnival Calabar brand from its routine to the next level and expressed faith that the partnership would ensure that the 2023 carnival is the best ever.

    Speaking at the event, Mr. Gabe Onah, presented the team from GL Events who he said were in Calabar to introduce the hidden areas that will make the brand self-sustaining to achieve its primary objectives and opined that after 21 years, Carnival Calabar had come of age. He expressed confidence in GL Events who had organized global events including the African Nations Cup.

    He said carnival bands were private sector-driven and ought to be self-sponsoring; this innovation will ensure that the bands stop depending on Government.

    Accompanied by Mr Ikechi Uko , the consultant to the international carnival , Ms Umran Alinak and Seda Diker, representatives of GL Events said they had come to Calabar to inspect and tell the story of Carnival Calabar by themselves. They added that a larger team would return to Calabar by September to prepare for the Carnival in December.

    Diker promised that their group was ready to make Carnival Calabar global having organized events like the world cup and the likes of the Super Ball.

    In his comments , the organizer of Akwaba Africa Travel Market , Mr Ikechi Uko observed that, from all indications, Carnival Calabar 2023 has the potential to maintain her lead as the foremost cultural event in Nigeria after Afrobeat and Nollywood to open up Nigeria in positive ways beyond Africa to the whole world.

     

  • Akpanke Calls For End To Conflict Arising From OBO Federal Constituency Election

    Akpanke Calls For End To Conflict Arising From OBO Federal Constituency Election

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke has called on both his supporters and that of his friend, Hon Legor Idagbo, his predecessor to let go the conflict that arose from the election that gave him the opportunity to serve.

    Akpanke made the call during a thanksgiving mass organized by the Idagbo family at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ikot Ansa, Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

    Speaking during the event, Akpanke noted that
    “Legor has always been there for me, even when I call him at midnight, he still takes my calls and puts me through. If you are my Supporter and you are having issues with Legor or his supporters I will advise that you let it go because I and Legor are not quarrelling. On the other hand, if you are Legor’s supporter and you have issues with me or any of my supporters, please let it die because me and Legor are not fighting, we are brothers, and party affiliation will not separate us”

    Akpanke expressed deep admiration for his predecessor, Hon Legor Idagbo, and lauded him for his maturity and display of affection.

    He extolled Idagbo’s noteworthy contributions to the political landscape of Cross River State, and recounted unprecedented approach he brought to politics. “My friend graciously called to congratulate me after the election results were announced, pledging not to pursue legal action, a promise he kept”.

    Akpanke used the opportunity to express appreciation for Idagbo’s unwavering support since assumption of office as the new Member of Parliament for the Federal Constituency, noting that Legor Idagbo has consistently offered guidance and assistance whenever needed.

    On his part, Hon Legor Idagbo, reflected on his political journey, and expressed gratitude to God having provided him with numerous opportunities to serve the people. The Idagbo’s used the thanksgiving to acknowledge God’s blessings for his younger brother, who marks 18th priestly anniversary in the Lord’s vineyard.

    The homilist, Rev. Father Bob Emmanuel urged the congregation to practice forgiveness, as God continually forgives their own trespasses.

  • We Will Double Efforts To Ensure Prof Ekanem’s Release – Odey

    We Will Double Efforts To Ensure Prof Ekanem’s Release – Odey

    By Fred Abua, Press Secretary to Deputy Governor 

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has provided reassurance to members of the Nigerian Medical Association that the government is fully committed to securing the release of Prof. Ekanen Philip-Ephraim from her abductors. Rt. Hon. Odey expressed the Governor’s and the security agencies’ unwavering dedication since the news of the abduction emerged, acknowledging the pain and psychological trauma experienced by the kidnapped doctor’s family.

    In response to the concerns raised by the Nigerian Medical Association, the Deputy Governor pleaded for patience, assuring them that the government is exerting every effort to ensure the safe return of the victim. He emphasized that security holds a prominent position in the administration’s agenda, as highlighted in the Governor’s inaugural address.

    The Chairman of the Cross River State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Felix Archibong, who led the delegation to express their deep concern over the abduction of their colleague appreciated the Governor and Deputy Governor’s prompt response to the association. Dr. Archibong also expressed worry that it had been over 72 hours since the doctor’s kidnapping and appealed to the government to expedite the response of the state’s security agencies to secure Prof. Ekanem’s swift release.

    Brig. Gen. E. I. Okoro, Commander of the 13th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, urged the doctors to reconsider their plan to proceed on strike. He highlighted that Dr. Archibong had already acknowledged the government’s proactive approach to security. Brig. Gen. Okoro emphasized that a strike would only embolden criminals and make doctors vulnerable targets in the future.

    The meeting was attended by Commissioner of Police, CP Gyonon Grimah, Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. John Sokoya, and the State Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Okoi Ubi Obono (Rtd).

  • Earthwheel Group Set To Mine Lithium In Cross River State

    Earthwheel Group Set To Mine Lithium In Cross River State

     

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, has assured the Earthwheel Group from China of Security and an enabling environment to conduct their mining and manufacturing business in Cross River State. The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor when the Earth Will Group paid him a visit on Monday, 17th July, 2023, told the group that Cross River State was happy to have them in the state and assured them of support while praising the group for making Corporate Social Responsibility a prominent part of their business plan. The Governor said the administration was very keen on the development of Cross River State, which was why the group received the Governor’s attention even on short notice.

    Addressing the Governor earlier, the leader of the Earthwheel delegation, Dr. Otu Archibong, said their group, which was already working in Tanzania, had been issued a license by the Federal Government to mine lithium in Cross River State. He assured the Governor that Earthwheel was not only interested in mining but in manufacturing and so the group was ready to set up a battery making factory in the state.

    Speaking later to Government House Press, the Regional Head of Earthwheel Group, Evangelist Ezekiel Usonguyo, said the group was going to produce batteries for phones, cars, computers and electric cars which were the future of automobile in Nigeria. He said the company was going to employ 90% of its workers from the host community and provide social amenities like roads and water for the people. He sued that insecurity has sent investors out of many regions and called on the Government to continue to keep the state safe for investors. He assured the State Government that their group will not engage in illegality by mining other products that they are not licensed to.

  • The People Of Cross River North Are Suffering Indirectly Because Of The Distraction From Ayade – Jarigbe

    The People Of Cross River North Are Suffering Indirectly Because Of The Distraction From Ayade – Jarigbe

    Politics of Primitive Acquisition : A Man cannot have 4 years in the Senate and 8 years as Governor, without meaningful achievements and be rewarded with a Senatorial Seat or a Ministerial Position.

    I hear, about fifty (50) of my Constituents from Cross River North have been ferried to Calabar, to appear as Witnesses for Ayade, in the Petition filed by Ayade against me, over the last Cross River North Senatorial Election. I also hear there is a failed attempt at conscripting Inec to give evidence against me. I trust Inec on this and they will never act arbitrarily. The problem with people like my Opponent is that, they believe it is possible to get everything in this World if you have acquired some money. Let us not forget that when money is made, at the expense of service delivery to the common Man, it haunts you for a life time. That is the baggage my Opponent has.

    We can all see that Ayade is up against his supposed Mentee, for the Ministerial Position coming to Cross River State. His supposed Mentee is even miles ahead of him, in consideration for that Position. He is also at the Tribunal to compromise an election, I defeated him in, with about twenty thousand votes. This is a Man that I was in the forefront of making Governor in 2015, when Gov Imoke practically spoon fed him to becoming a Governor.

    Everyone knows Ayade was rejected by our People. His rejection affected even the House of Assembly Elections, where his Party only clinched one Seat out of 6 HoA Seats in Cross River North. My Party (PDP) won 4 Seats. Is this not enough evidence to show that
    he was rejected?. He came on TV to shamelessly tell lies against the Police and Military, because they refused to bully the electorates and rig the elections for him.

    The clandestine attempts at compromising Justice and the Mandate of our People will not succeed. The only issue is that, I am being distracted by AYADE’s futile attempts and I cannot concentrate to deliver on the Mandate given by our People.

    The People of Cross River North are suffering indirectly, because of the distractions from Ayade. Resources that should go to our People are being spent to secure the Mandate given to me, by our People. He doesn’t want us to attract Infrastructural Development to our deprived communities.

    Someone should advise him to apologize to our People, rather than inflict more pain. Where is the Ukelle Road he promised to do before the Elections? Why was he chasing the Contractors we sent there away? Wickedness personified. Only the Will of God prevails.

  • Deputy Governor Pledges Youth Inclusion In Government

    Deputy Governor Pledges Youth Inclusion In Government

    By Fred Abua

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has assured members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, of the administration’s commitment to youth inclusion in governance. During the visit which held in his office on Wednesday, July 12th, 2023, Hon. Odey emphasized that although the administration might not appoint a large number of individuals to office, its agricultural programs would positively impact a significant portion of the state’s population.

    Hon. Odey expressed the view that young people should position themselves for leadership as a good number of youths will take up key positions in the Government, stating that young people like Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and Dr. Betta Edu who both hold national positions were propelled into the limelight when they distinguished themselves while holding executive positions in Cross River State as youths.

    Expressing his commitment to the group, the Deputy Governor assured them that their constituency would receive due attention during the current administration. He also lamented the prevalence of election petitions and shared his personal experiences of facing defeat in previous elections. Each setback, he emphasized, became an opportunity to regroup and re-strategize.

    Hon. Odey revealed to the group that he gave early support for the “Back-To-South” campaign unaware at the time that he would eventually be chosen as the Deputy Governor. He assured the youths of his intention to extend similar support to other zones when their time comes.

    Speaking earlier, the State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Dan Obo, who led the delegation reiterated the support of his group, stating that the youths had supported the “Back to South” agenda and were now poised to support the “Back to Us” agenda which aims to place more young individuals in prominent government positions

    The Speaker of the Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Victor Kijuo, and the Chairman of the State Advisory Council, Comrade Ndiyo Ndiyo, expressed their satisfaction with having a youth serving as the Deputy Governor of Cross River State. They expressed their gratitude and pledged to continue seeking the Deputy Governor’s guidance. They emphasized that while election success is significant, the true measure of achievement lies in the actions and accomplishments during the government’s tenure.

    The event, which was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youths and Skills Acquisition, Dr. Sam Egbala, featured the singing of the solidarity song “Aluta” and the presentation of an award by the National Youth Council of Nigeria.

  • Ayade’s Approval: Due Process Was Rigorous, Water Tight, Egbelo Replies Ogbeche 

    Ayade’s Approval: Due Process Was Rigorous, Water Tight, Egbelo Replies Ogbeche 

    Ayade’s Approval Due Process Was Rigorous, Water Tight

    Our attention has been drawn to an online publication purportedly authored by Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche, the press Secretary to Gov. Bassey Otu

    We want to state categorically that under Governor Ben Ayade, at no time was any government approval granted via whatsapp or any social media channel as opined by Mr. Ogbeche

    Appointees of the Ayade administration are still alive and can bear testimony to the rigorous procedure of securing government approvals.

    Every approval, including major land allocations, compulsorily passed through the scrutiny of the Executive Council, Due Process and Audit before getting to the final nod of Governor Ayade.

    Former Governor Ayade and Gov. Otu share a very cordial relationship that has lasted for years, dating back to their years as lawmakers in the National Assembly.

    It is important for Mr. Ogbeche and his co-travellers to note that such statement will be misinterpreted as a rift between Gov. Otu and his immediate predecessor,  His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade.

    We are not unaware of Mr. Ogbeche’s long standing romance with the PDP, therefore, it is now imperative to state emphatically that Mr. Ogbeche is a PDP agent sent to cause disaffection among members of the APC in Cross River State.

    We advise Ogbeche to thread carefully and respect the existing peace and harmony amongst members of the APC family in Cross River State

    Governor Ayade gave his all to ensure Gov. Bassey Otu emerged victorious in the last gubernatorial election, so, Mr. Ogbeche is a beneficiary of Gov. Ayade’s wise decision and shouldn’t be acting like a fifth columnist.

    The APC family in Cross River State remains one indivisible family.

    Egbelo Edward N.
    For Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade Media

  • Under Ayade, Govt Approvals Were Done Via Whatsapp – Ogbeche

    Under Ayade, Govt Approvals Were Done Via Whatsapp – Ogbeche

     

    Emmanuel Ogbeche, the spokesperson to Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, said the new administration inherited a “rundown” state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the spokesperson stated this when he spoke with the members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, in Calabar on Monday.

    Mr. Ogbeche stressed that the state was “badly rundown” and that it would require the support and collaboration of all to put things in order.

    He, however, said Governor Otu is up to the task of turning things around.

    According to him, “Otu inherited a rundown state. It was badly rundown… There is no record of anything; approvals were given on WhatsApp messages.

    “It will require a lot to turn the state around, and thank God we have a capable and listening governor ready to provide the needed leadership.”

    Speaking further, Mr. Ogbeche solicited the NUJ’s support for the governor while promising that the governor would support the union.

    He said he is ready to give his all to justify the governor’s confidence.

    “This is a job I never lobbied for or didn’t make any call nor contact anyone to secure the job.

    “The job found me with God’s grace, and I am ready to do everything to justify that confidence reposed on me by the governor.

    “As a member of the union and the immediate past chairman of Abuja council, I will ensure a robust relationship between the governor and the media practitioners in the state,” he stated.

    The Chairperson of the NUJ in the state, Nsa Gill, congratulated Mr. Ogbeche on his appointment and promised that members of the union in the state would work to ensure he succeeds in his new office.

  • Hope Returns To Ukelle As Abandoned Road Facilitated By Jarigbe Reaches Advance Level

    Hope Returns To Ukelle As Abandoned Road Facilitated By Jarigbe Reaches Advance Level

     

    There was joy on the faces of the rural dwellers as the North Ukelle Road construction reaches advance level, courtesy of the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS.

    Senator Jarigbe took this steps in fulfilling his promise made to the good people of Ukelle North on the 13th of January, 2023 where he announced to residents of the affected communities that the sum of N10 billiion has been approved for the road construction in the 2022 Supplimentary budget.

    The lawmaker has expressed optimism that when all the roads under construction are fully completed, there would be greater access to the agrarian treasures of the Senatorial District and more opportunities would be open thereafter.

    He further noted that, his time in office is symbolically opening the entire Senatorial District for accelerated growth and development, as the road connects both Cross River and Benue States.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA