The Lumine News

Author: News

  • Ogoja State Creation: Stakeholder Commends Senator Agom

     

    The Convener of Cross River North Development Forum, Mr Ajiwhen MC Olugah has thrown his weight behind the move by Senator Jarigbe Agom supporting the creation of Ogoja State; saying it is urgent and compelling.

    Ajiwen said the position by Senator Agom on the Ogoja State addresses the longstanding imbalance in the geopolitical distribution of states in Nigeria; especially Ogoja as the oldest province in the country without the status of a state.

    “I thank and congratulate you our dear Senator for once again showing us that you are a Senator with a deep passion for satisfying every request and cries of your people. It is a mark of respect for the desires of his people and it also shows that Senator Jarigbe Agom is a General that leads his soldiers from the front. Jari na man ooh.”

    Ajiwen said the people of Cross River North are very proud of Senator Agom’s support for the creation of Ogoja state because he has demonstrated his enormous potentials to lead us from the front.

    We commend your populist tendencies to listen to your people at all times. May God continue to bless you abundantly above your enemies, he said.

    Recall, the Senator representing Cross River North in Nigeria’s Senate, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, recently said he is fully involved and has endorsed the idea of creating Ogoja State, out of present day Cross River State.

    The Senator also came clear that his insistence that Ogoja State be created out of Cross River State, is not an endorsement that seeks to dismember CRS, but a well intentioned endorsement that will take development to one of Nigeria’s oldest province, still largely underdeveloped and marginalised in the scheme of things.

  • Christ Not A Christian BY INYALI PETER 

    Yesterday, I watched a thought-provoking YouTube video shared by my friend, Dr. Aruku Kalita, featuring Prof. Patrick Lumumba addressing theologians in Kenya. Prof. Lumumba boldly stated that Christ is not a Christian, a view I wholeheartedly agree with.

    As I’ve always believed, Christianity is a human construct that emerged many years after Christ’s time. It is not ‘Jesus’ religion as most people want the world to believe but it can well fit into the description as religion about Jesus Christ. But to understand this perspective, let’s delve into brief history.

    Jesus Christ was born approximately 2,000 years ago, and his ministry spanned about three years before his crucifixion. The Bible accounts for his life, death, and resurrection, but there’s a significant gap between his departure and the establishment of Christianity as a religion.

    The early Christian Church began to take shape around 50-100 AD, with the writings of the apostles and the spread of their teachings. However, it wasn’t until the 4th century that Christianity became a dominant force in the Roman Empire under Constantine’s rule. This means that there’s a substantial gap of several centuries between Christ’s life and the formation of the Christian religion.

    Given this historical context, it’s logical to conclude that Christ couldn’t have been a Christian, as the religion didn’t exist during his lifetime. This disparity highlights the human construct aspect of Christianity, which developed over time through interpretations and cultural influences.

    It’s essential to acknowledge that Christianity wasn’t the first religion; many others predated it. For instance, ancient religions like Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism had existed before Christianity. This emphasizes that faith is a personal choice, often influenced by upbringing and cultural background.

    Personally, I was born into a Christian family, making me a Christian by default. If my parents belonged to a different religion, I would have likely followed suit. This realization reminds me that faith is a matter of perspective and presumption, lacking scientific proof. It’s crucial to respect and celebrate diverse beliefs without feeling superior or inferior.

    Prof. Lumumba’s statement resonates with me, and I believe it’s essential to understand the historical context and human construct aspect of religion. This can help us foster greater tolerance, acceptance, and coexistence among people of different faiths, recognizing the shared human values that unite us all.

    Thank you Dr. Aruku for the video!

    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.

  • I Am Fully Involved, I Have Endorsed The Idea Of Ogoja State – Jarigbe Agom

    Culled from Caliton 

    The Senator representing Cross River North in Nigeria’s Senate, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, says he is fully involved and has endorsed the idea of creating Ogoja State, out of present day Cross River State.

    Jarigbe also came clear that his insistence that Ogoja State be created out of Cross River State, is not an endorsement that seeks to
    dismember CRS, but a well intentioned endorsement that will take development to one of Nigeria’s oldest province, still largely underdeveloped and marginalised in the scheme of things.

    The senator who bared his mind early Saturday morning, June 22, 2024, when he appeared as guest on “The Public View”, HIT 95.9 FM, Calabar’s flagship news and current affairs programme, was particular that, “Ebonyi is what it is today because it was carved out of Enugu and made a state. It has brought development to that part of Nigeria
    and there’s the added advantage of bringing governance close to the people. As I speak, Ogoja is the only old provincial headquarters in Nigeria that has not been made a state capital and this is sad, I must say.”

    On attempts to classify and position Ogoja as belonging to Nigeria’s middle belt, Jarigbe insisted that, “Ogoja belongs to the South-South of Nigeria, we do not belong to the Middle belt because our people are in the South-South, our culture, our tradition; and we cannot be classified as belonging to the Middle because we are not.”

     

  • Is Giving Good? BY AGBA JALINGO

    Is Giving Good?

    Yes it is! When I go to the club, I pay an entrance fee. Some even have club membership fees, if you want to be a member.

    When I go to my village meeting, I pay money for dues and donations.

    In my age grade meeting, we contribute money.

    In school, we pay school fees and other levies.

    In our alumni associations, I gladly pay money.

    In my professional associations, I pay money.

    When I go to the lodge, I contribute money.

    When I go to the temple, I contribute money.

    When I go to the shrine, I contribute money.

    When I attend trainings, seminars, workshops and masterclasses, I pay.

    There are two mosques, and one Islamic children school on my street, and four churches on the same street. They do events periodically and send me envelopes and I still contribute to all of them till today, and will continue to do so.

    Anytime they are holding men’s week in my wife’s church or any other activity that is pro-people, I make contributions to the church. These are just a few examples. I love giving. But there is a reason I bored you with that information.

    There are none of these places where I will refrain from asking questions if it is clear that the contributions are now channeled to purposes for which they were not meant. It is like telling me not to ask questions even when I notice that the taxman is using my tax to finance his lavish lifestyle. Individuals should not be allowed to set up these places and milk people of their hard earned resources and use same to take care of only their personal lives and all we continue to say is ‘leave it to God’? That’s how society deteriorates. That’s how the cookie crumbles.

    The obvious thing today about churches in particular is that, apart from the semblance of accountability demonstrated by the old orthodox and protestant Churches, most of which are owned by foreign nations/states, there is flagrant profligacy and bare-faced extortion of the people by the later days legion of scammers claiming to have been called to preach. These organizations have transformed into very powerful enclaves, emotionally blackmailing and hoodwinking people of untaxed billions and giving back tokens for validation. Some have even turned to money laundering conduits for politicians, leading opulent lives that even Christ will detest if he were still here.

    Yet, they have been bred with so much haughtiness that they feel unquestionable. They have assumed the Messianic high throne that once you question any of their actions, they and their followers quickly accused you of questioning God. Which God? At what point were these human beings elevated to God? Because there is a clergy prefix attached to their names? So they are no longer servants of God but now God, whom you cannot question?

    In a nutshell, giving is good. Very very good. It is a sure path to so many good things. But don’t give foolishly. Don’t give to finance people’s personal lavish lifestyles, regardless of what is attached to their names. Give to the poor who are genuinely in need in these very hard times. Above all, always ask questions about how your giving is utilized, unless you know God’s account number where you send the money to. But so long as you pay it into someone else’s account in a bank here on Earth, always ask questions. If you remove the tithes and the collections, many of these people will abandon the so called “calling” and return to their jobs.

    This opinion is strictly mine!

    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, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Sen Jarigbe Agom Felicitates With Muslims in Cross River North

     

    …doles out cash and six cows for celebration.

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has felicitates with the Muslim community in Cross River North Senatorial District as they mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    The Senator in his Sallah message prayed that this year’s celebration will bring blessings, peace and prosperity to all Muslim faithful in the Senatorial District.

    “May the blessings of Eid-el-Kabir fill your life with joy, peace and prosperity”.

    While assuring them on the fulfillment of promises made, the lawmaker urged them to continue to give him the necessary support and cooperation to enable him continue with his infrastructural and human capital reforms in the Senatorial District.

    He presented six cows and cash for the Eid celebration across the five Local Government Areas of the Senatorial District and prayed that Allah showers His countless blessings upon all and makes this year’s Eid-el-Kabir a memorable one.

    Eid Mubarak!

  • Africa Is Monotheistic BY AGBA JALINGO 

     

    Like many other lies that foreigners told us about Africa and we swallowed them hook, line and sinker; lies like, it was Mungo Park who discovered River Niger, we also bought into the lie that Africa is Pantheistic. Meaning African religions have multiple gods. Those who accept and romanticize that lie are doing so because they don’t want to think.

    Long before the Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten (1353-1336 BCE), who is credited with declaring the global concept of monotheism, (belief in one God), all known African tribes had a name for the ALMIGHTY GOD. There is no tribe or vernacular in Africa that did not know or had a name for, or had a form of worship to the Almighty God.

    Unim is almighty God in my Bette language. Abasi is almighty God in Efik. Chukwu is almighty God in Igbo. Eledumare is almighty God in Yoruba. Ubangiji is almighty God in Hausa. Nyame is almighty God in Twi language in Ghana. Unkulunkulu is almighty God in Zulu language in South Africa. Mungu is almighty God in Swahili. It is not foreigners or missionaries that brought these names. All these names existed before the coming of Islam and Christianity. Even before Pharaoh Akhenaten.

    So if you can stretch your thinking faculty a little bit, you will know that Africa has always been and still remains Monotheistic. African Religions believe in the existence of one God and worship only one God. The almighty God! Every other god(s) is a deity under the almighty God. A medium through which prayers are taken to the Almighty God. Like Christians pray to God through the name of Jesus.

    Christian and Muslim missionaries did not invent God for Africa. We know God. Some persons only came around to lie to us so we will worship that God through the lens of their own eyes. They didn’t bring us God. They brought us methods which they claim were superior to ours and majority of our people accepted. That does not in any way detract from the rich knowledge of God that Africans have. The same God, unless you think there are two almighty Gods.

    So when you hear an African religionist express faith in God or thanksgiving to God and you cringe, it is because you don’t know your history or probably have not thought about it. No religion owns God. God is God of the universe. Not God of any religion and the earlier you realize that, the better.

    Good morning and have a blessed weekend.

    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, its agent or the organization the author works for 

  • One Year In Office: Akpanke Distributes Sewing, Grinding Machines To Constituents

    By Elijah Ugani 

    As parts of activities to mark one year in office, the member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke, has distributed 30 sewing and grinding machines across the 30 political wards that makes up the federal constituency.

    Addressing supporters, the State Chairman of PDP, Mr Vena Ikem Esq, welcomed party to faithfuls to the event and commended them for keeping faith with the PDP, and assured that a lots of things are underway for the people.

    Mr Ikem noted that “I have decided to address you because I know that majority of you will have the feelings that you’re not captured in this phase of empowerment. I want to assure you that you will all be considered for one empowerment or the other.

    “The empowerment will be done in phases. Thank you for all you do to keep hope alive. At the moment, there is no better place to be than in PDP, for this part of the state”.

    The State Chairman of PDP, charged members to brace up for the challenge ahead as the party is prepared to get other positions from the APC in the next election and avoid the temptation of being hoodwinked into leaving the party.

    Presenting the items to beneficiaries in Obudu Local Government Area, held at the PDP State Chairman’s residence, Hon Akpanke noted that “I want to expressed gratitude for your support and goodwill to ensure that I was elected to represent you. I have come today with these items to support your businesses. For all of you who supported me during the last election, this is the beginning of many good things that are going to happen in our constituency”.

    Speaking at Bekwarra, he thanked especially the women of Bekwarra for the prayers, and maintained that “You labored to support our ambition to win election, I havr returned to appreciate and to tell you thank you for all the support.

    “For today, we have come to empower the women, from next week, it will be the turn of the men. Please be calm and exercise some patience. All of you are very dear to me. We will continue to visit and share with you what God has blessed us with.

    “I had told you during the campaign that, if you vote for me and I win the election, I will come home, stay with you and we reason together. I have kept that promise and each time I visit you, I enjoy myself because I’m with my people.

    “These items you see here is the beginning of many good things that will come. For those who support me, you will first benefit.
    As we progress, some people will drive cars, some will build houses while others will do businesses”.

    On her part, the coordinator of the Rock Ladies Bekwarra, Mrs Angela Oko, commended Hon Peter Akpanke, for considering the women to be supported and called on all the beneficiaries to become ambassadors of Hon Akpanke.

    She charged the beneficiaries to begin a house to house campaign to support Hon Akpanke for a second term having performed wonderfully well in just one year.

    Martina Omang thanked the lawmaker for the show of love and prayed God to continue to bless him to enable him give the constituency the needed representation.

  • Helen Isamoh Sends Message Of Hope As She Joins 2024 International Albinism Awareness Day In Calabar

    HELEN ISAMOH EGODO SENDS MESSAGE OF HOPE AS SHE JOINS THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL ALBINISM AWARENESS DAY CELEBRATION IN CALABAR

    Beloved brothers and sisters,

    The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, on behalf of the Cross River State Government, today, 13th June, 2024, congratulates you on your resilience and struggles in creating awareness on the plights of people living with albinism in Cross River State in particular and in our dear country, Nigeria, in general. Your doggedness, pertinacity, and perseverance with altruistic strategies demonstrate your ability and single-mindedness. Indeed, we are proud of you!

    In his magnanimity and determined efforts to actualizing the People First Mandate, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu created the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs & Poverty Alleviation to pay particular attention to the well-being of the vulnerable people in our society which includes people living with albinism who we are celebrating their struggles today. As a ministry, we are always determined to pursue our core mandate and be committed to helping people whose lives, health, security and welfare are threatened, as well as work towards improving the general welfare of the people.

    This year’s theme of the International Albinism Awareness Day, “10 years of IAAD: a decade of collective progress”, highlights your capacity to withstand difficulties and the tireless efforts of the global albinism group whose circumstances of birth resulted in a lack of pigmentation or melanin in the hair, eyes and colour, causing vulnerability to the sun and bright lights. This has also undoubtedly resulted in discrimination, marginalization, stigmatization and social exclusion. Therefore, we, as a state governed by a man with the fear of God and a people filled with love stand to share in your pains. In fact, we are committed to helping your cause in promoting understanding and acceptance of the diversity of human skin and hair colour.

    As we celebrate together today, I, as the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, wish you a wonderful and fulfilling day as I assure you of this administration’s commitment and continuous support to all Cross Riverians without reservations to social status, class, colour and condition.

    Congratulations and Happy Celebrations of the 2024 International Albinism Awareness Day!

    *Hon. Helen Agan Isamoh Egodo, PhD*
    Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation
    Cross River State.

  • C’River Humanitarian Commissioner Felicitates With Nigerians On Democracy Day

    HAPPY DEMOCRACY DAY CROSS RIVERIANS.
    DR. HELEN AGAN ISAMOH,
    CRS COMMISSIONER FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION

    It is evident that for over two decades now, our country has experienced a democratic governance that has excelled the expectations of our founding fathers.
    Our democratic institution has brought us a lot of pride as Nigerians and placed us on an enviable platform where the rewards are more than the challenges.

    As much as we have grappled with a slew of social unrest, terrorism, and much unsavory experiences, we have been collectively resilient in upholding the democratic essence of a nation that is strong and powerful in all its dimensions.
    At home, our governments have worked tirelessly to provide a safe environment and nurture a compassionate people.
    We have also continued to relate to our neighboring countries by the power of our example rather than the example of our power.
    In all we have forged relationships across the world and maintained a posture of friendliness at all times.

    Our experience in Cross River State has been characterized by transformative excellence driven by the vision and mission of our Sweet Prince, Senator Bassey Edet Otu .

    We in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation are eminently committed to work in consonance with the vision of this administration in ensuring that all Cross Riverians feel the intentional stride, passion, commitment, and dedication demonstrated by our State Governor in ensuring a peaceful environment, a productive economy, and good citizenship all through the State.

    On thIs important day that we acknowledge our democracy as pivotal to our existence and successful outcome as Nigerians, we give gratitude to the leadership of our State and the country as a whole as we continue to stride even farther and higher

    Happy Democracy Day Cross Riverians.

    Dr. Helen Isamoh Agan, Fhnr
    Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,
    Cross River State.

  • One Year In Office: Hon Godwin Offiono Presents Scorecard

    HON. GODWIN OFFIONO’S ONE YEAR SCORECARD AS A FIRST TIME HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MEMBER, REPRESENTING OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY.

    LEGISLATION/PROJECTS/INTERVENTIONS & EMPOWERMENT, IN ONE YEAR.

    LEGISLATION

    Motions:

    1- Motion on the need to stop excess charges and illegal deductions by commercial banks in Nigeria.

    2- Motion on the need to rehabilitate the Bekwarra-Ogoja-Ikom-Calabar Federal Highway in Cross River State.

    3 -co-sponsored a motion on the demarcation and ceding of Danare and Biajua communities in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State of Nigeria through pillar 113A to the Republic of Cameroon.

    Bills:

    1. Bill for an Act to establish the School of Mines and Geological Studies Yala, Cross River State, 2023 (HB. 231) – First Reading.

    2. Bill for an Act to establish Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme, 2023 (HB. 232) – first reading.

    PROJECTS

    1- Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Wanudu, Ijiraga, Yala LGA, through Personal funding.

    2- Construction of Solar Powered borehole In Olachor, Okpoma, Yala LGA, through the Cross River Basin Development Authority (CRBDA)

    3- Rehabilitation of Borehole at Yahe Motor park, Yala LGA, through Personal funding.

    4- Provision of Sporting equipments (Table Tennis Boards), to 10 selected schools within Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency.

    5- Installation of solar street lights in Okuku, Abakpa-Junction, Gabu, Yache, Yahe, Wanihem, Mbube, Nkum-Iborr, Ekajuj 2, Okpoma wards of Ogoja and Yala LGAs.

    6- Grading and expansion of streets in Ogoja/Yala federal constituency: Ezekwe market, Uchu village, Abuja village, Ogbada village in Ezekwe community.
    Igede village, Ibila, Kampala village, Ohadahame, Eheha down to Anyugbe in Igede community.
    Mike-Centee Street in Okuku-Yala, Ijegu Street in Imaje-Yala, Okuku/Old Gboko Road, Okuku in Yala, Klinicapp Street in Imaje, Echumofana in Yala; Assemblies of God Street in Agiga-Ogoja, Kaduna Street in Igoli-Ogoja, Christian Foundation Street in Agiga-Ogoja, and Stadium Road in Igoli-Ogoja.

    7- Construction of motorized borehole in Igede, Yala LGA.

    8- Construction of solar powered borehole in Mbube, Ogoja LGA.

    9- Facilitates construction of a divisional Police station, Officers quarters, 150mm Borehole with 8000 litres overhead tank, 5.5kva generating set/generator House and linear meter block work fence at Okpoma, Yala LGA, Cross River State

    EMPOWERMENT

    1- Empowerment of Selected women from the 24 wards of Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency with standard Mechanized Grinding Machines, through Personal funding.

    2- Cash Support to selected women from the 24 Wards of Ogoja/Yala for business start up, through personal funding.

    3- facilitation of Mechanized farming training and empowerment for Women & Youths in Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency

    4- Distribution of fertilizers to farmers in Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency

    5- Facilitation of skill acquisition training; where some constituents were empowered with laptops at the end of training.

    6- Through his NGO, (G&S Offiono) foundation, Hon. Offiono empowers 12 farmers with N3 million micro Agro grant, as a pilot grant.

    INTERVENTIONS

    Aside from reaching out to various community leaders and security agencies in an effort towards restoring Peace during crisis in various areas within the Federal constituency, the Lawmaker also embarked on the following:

    Donation of three million naira (₦3m) for new yam festival celebrations in the Constituency, in August, 2023.

    Distribution of relief materials, Cash and Food items to victims of communal crisis in Ijiegu-Yache, Yala LGA

    Distribution of palliatives to victims of communal crisis in Igbekurikor, Yala LGA.

    Distribution of palliatives to victims of communal crisis in Ugaga, Yala LGA

    Payment of hospital bills for victims of communal crisis in Benekaba and Ujama communities of Ukelle, Yala LGA.

    Payment of Okpoma General Hospital, Adhoc staff Salary from June 2023 till date.

    Distribution of 700 bags of rice and thirty-five million naira (₦35m) to various categories of Constituents in the Constituency for Christmas and New Year celebrations, in December, 2023.

    Rented new accommodation (16 rooms apartment) for 32 victims of fire outbreak at Glado street, Okuku-Yala alongside provision of relief materials to the victims.

    Visited the Leprosy Hospital, Monaiya, Ogoja LGA with cash and food items.

    Hon. Offiono on 4th June, 2024 launched his foundation (G & S Offiono) to continue to assist in agriculture, education, humanitarian services, security, and peace building, adding to the earlier launched Offiono Stars Football Club, nurturing talents in the sports sector.

    The lawmaker has also embarked on numerous Welfare activities/gestures during the period under review, including cash support for celebrations, cash gift to Stakeholders, Youths, women, etc.