The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • Two Pillars: A Lot Of Good Can Be Achieved If Leaders Work Together To Build Up Community, The Church And Society In Spite Of The Differences BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    Two Pillars: A Lot Of Good Can Be Achieved If Leaders Work Together To Build Up Community, The Church And Society In Spite Of The Differences BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    TWO PILLARS

    Two people (Pillars) with totally different upbringing and character patterns. One a cradle Christian with official authority and power of the keys to bind and loose (Matt. 16:19). The other a convert and former persecutor of the church turned apostle of pagans (Acts 22: 3-16). Both died a martyr’s death and today are revered as the two main pillars of the church.

    Why are they remembered together? Because both combined their efforts to lead the early church irrespective of their differences. No one put down the other. Both put aside any fear or suspicion of each other to champion the cause of leading the early church to maturity.

    A lot of good can be achieved if leaders work together to build up community, the church and society in spite of their differences. The problem is often that we see differences more than similarities in one another and so don’t make much progress.

    Today, whole communities have launched themselves into irrepressible blunders because of bad leadership that arose first and foremost from the inability of leaders to see themselves as brothers in the struggle.

    Why do you castigate your colleague who can contribute to the system because in your mind he does not belong to the inner class, he does not possess the mandate like you do, he was not there from the beginning when you formed the party. You are afraid your colleague will wield so much power if you let him in and so you are ready to malign him so only you will appear relevant. You are very well misled because your own time will soon expire. If Peter and Paul feared each other that much they would not been the pillars we are celebrating today.

    The greatest problem and most dominant emotion of leaders today is fear. Fear has a tendency to imprison us. Fear stops most people from doing something incredible with their lives than lack of ability, contacts, resources, or any other single variable. Fear paralyses the human spirit and because of fear, when talented leaders sometimes do emerge, we we make their paths almost impossible.

    For the Christian, part of your witness is never to allow yourself be suppressed by another or feel inferior no matter the intimidation to the extent that you withhold your proclamation of truth. Be a pillar wherever you find yourself, remember that “it is not flesh and blood that has revealed this to you but Your heavenly father ” (Matt 16:17).

  • Let’s Pray Hard For Governor Otu, If We Don’t, Then We May Have Moved From Frying Pan To Fire BY AGBA JALINGO

    Let’s Pray Hard For Governor Otu, If We Don’t, Then We May Have Moved From Frying Pan To Fire BY AGBA JALINGO

    Let’s Pray Hard For Governor Otu…

    If we don’t, then we may have moved from frying pan to fire.

    First, the Anti-Deforestation committee is populated by timber thieves who are emotionally blackmailing him with “na we work for your election.”

    Lease agreement for Cally Aircraft, signed with a company that has no business whatsoever with aviation.

    And now, the vehicle recovery task force is being emasculated. Out of 500 missing vehicles, they have recovered 49. Most of the appointees in the former government that are being trailed by the task force members are so angry and have resorted to seeking the former Governor’s intervention. And now they are again, emotionally blackmailing the new governor with his pending matter in the election petition tribunal.

    It’s like “You want to embarrass members of the last government right? Your government we worked hard to install? We will embarrass you at the tribunal and you will lose the seat.” That’s the drama playing out.

    So everyone the task force tracks a vehicle to now, they make calls and the new governor is like, “please let that one be for now.”

    Who wan lose governor seat?

    Several vehicles have been tracked to different locations across the State and even as far as Lagos. One was even recovered in Ikoyi, Lagos and seized with the help of operatives of the DSS. But phone calls to the Governor have made nonsense of all those commendable efforts.

    My people, it may well be said that the assignment of that task force may have shared premature grace, unless Governor Otu, can damn the subtle blackmails, fund the committee adequately, stop interfering to hamper their operations and give them a free hand to move on all those involved.

    God please, don’t let us enter another one chance.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Do Not Fear: What You Really Need Now Is The Fortitude To Carry On BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    Do Not Fear: What You Really Need Now Is The Fortitude To Carry On BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    DO NOT FEAR

    Some things in life instill fear in us: a bleak and unkown future, dwindling resources and increasing list of needs, those who are our backbone dissappearing and we feeling alone, everyone mocking us and friends deserting us, the list goes on. At times like this, we run helter skelter looking for protection, but what we really need is fortitude to carry on. Fortitude is not only needed when we loose a loved one, it is the strength of mind or character in times of adversity. It ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of virtue. In this odd world, we need to be strong and fearless or else we will lose it.

    Jeremiah was one such character imbued with fortitude. He was not afraid and was able to conquer the glaring obstacles he faced. He spoke the truth and his adversaries were after his life. His truth got him in trouble with the leading army officers who wanted him dead at all cost. But would God allow his innocent servant suffer humiliation? No! God intervened and Jeremiah won at the end because he did not give up in the face of trials (Jer. 38: 4-10 also read Jer. 20:10-13). At the end he was able to exclaim: “The Lord is with me as a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, they will not overcome me. They will be greatly shamed.”

    Like Jeremiah, Jesus pronounced the words “Do not fear” to his disciples several times in the scriptures to remind them that he cares for them and will defend them at every step of the way: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt.10:28). What Jesus means here is that we should not be scared of those who threaten our lives with demonic powers. You fear that if you go home your village people will end your life. You fear that if you terminate that occultic deal you got involved in, you will die. You fear that you must consult a soothsayer to fortify your life with charms for protection. Listen to this: no mortal being is capable of harming you who did not create you. What harms you is the fear in you. God assures you like he did to Jeremiah when he prayed “O Lord of hosts…, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause”

    The good news as says the book of Hebrews is that: we are not alone in the struggle. “We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses… and so we must persevere in running the race that lies before us, while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12: 1-4). Fear is not your portion. Any Christian who still lives in fear or doubt of God’s divine protection over witches and wizards should listen again to the words of the Psalmist: “Sing to the LORD; praise the LORD! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hand of evildoers.” May you be truly delivered from all your fears and anxieties

  • Peter Akpanke Decries Poor State Of Ongoing Rehabilitation Of Ikom-Obudu Highway

    Peter Akpanke Decries Poor State Of Ongoing Rehabilitation Of Ikom-Obudu Highway

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke has described as unfortunate the poor state of work done on the Ikom-Obudu highway.

    The lawmaker made the remarks during an on the spot assessment of work done on highway as part of the activities for the three days need assessment/town hall meeting across the three Local Governments that made up the federal constituency.

    Speaking to journalists, Akpanke noted that “It is disgusting to see this kind of work being done. The work is abandoned. It is already raining season, commuters find it very difficult to ply the road. This road leads to my community.

    “I will ensure that the right thing is done. I will write to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, to feed me with details on the award of contract and also to find out the slow pace of work despite payment of funds to the contractors ”

    The contract was awarded to Leophina Works Limited, as at the time of filing this report, efforts to Leophina to comment on the state of work done was futile.

  • Be Good Ambassadors Of NYSC, Zemoh Counsels Passing Out CMs, As 500 Bows Out Of The Scheme

    Be Good Ambassadors Of NYSC, Zemoh Counsels Passing Out CMs, As 500 Bows Out Of The Scheme

     

    The 2022 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Corps Members in Cross River State passed out of the national service today 22nd June 2023.

    Speaking to the outgoing Corps Members in Calabar zone at Calabar Municipal Council, the State Coordinator Mr Andrew Zemoh commended them for exhibiting good conduct and high level of patriotism in the discharge of their service throughout the period of their service year.

    He went on to advise the outgoing Corps Members to remain good ambassadors of the Scheme wherever they find themselves and refrain from acts capable of tarnishing the name and good image of the Scheme, family and the nation at large. He advised them against night journeys as some of them will soon be travelling home, and reminded them to keep accessing NHIA during the period of their three(3) weeks terminal leave if they fall sick.

    Highlight of the ceremony was sample issuance of Certificate of National Service to some outgoing Corps Members by the SC to flag off its distribution by the Local Government Inspectors.

  • Hon Hilary Bisong Thanks Constituents For Inaugural Victory, Support

    Hon Hilary Bisong Thanks Constituents For Inaugural Victory, Support

    The member representing Boki 2 State Constituency in the Cross River House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, has expressed appreciation to stakeholders, members of the All Progressives Congress and his constituents for the unflinching support given to his aspiration.

    He said that his re-election as a third term member in the state assembly indicate the overwhelming support for his political growth and the rare privilege given to him to serve.

    The lawmaker stated that in the face of many challenges, he was elected for a third term to serve, hence his desire to collectively work with the people of Boki 2 in addressing their concerns.

    “During these uncertain times, my highest commitment is to be your bipartisan voice in the state Legislature so that we can achieve our shared goals.

    “From this point forward, your struggles are my struggles, your concerns are my concerns, and your hopes are my hopes. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I am ready and excited to work for you.

    As brothers and sisters, let us shun the things that divides us as one big family and look in-wards toward making our constituency a great one.

    Thank you for this tremendous honour done on me to once again represent you in the state legislature, this is a shared mandate and we will always work together.

  • Jarigbe Joins Acting Inspector General of Police to Decorate Newly Promoted AIG Suzan Akem Horsfall

    Jarigbe Joins Acting Inspector General of Police to Decorate Newly Promoted AIG Suzan Akem Horsfall

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS, earlier today joined the newly appointed Acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to decorate his constituent and newly promoted Assistant Inspector General of Police, Suzan Akem Horsfall, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    Until her promotion, AIG Suzan was a Commissioner of Police at the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), Criminal Investigation Department (Force CID), Area 10, Abuja.

    Speaking shortly after the event, the lawmaker noted that, the new rank is to a well deserving personnel as well as a call for higher responsibility. He congratulated the officer who hails from Obudu LGA of Cross River State and admonished her to remain committed in her worthy service to the Nation, Nigeria.

    Also present to witness the occasion were; the Executive Governor of Imo State, H. E Hope Uzodinma, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibril Barau, the immediate past Inspector General of Police, Usman Akali Baba, and a host of others.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA.

  • Governor Otu Condoles With Maryann Anam

    Governor Otu Condoles With Maryann Anam

    By Charity Ohotu
    S A – New Media
    Deputy Governor’s Office

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has condoled with the family of Late Mr William Awak Anam who passed away on 29th April, 2023.

    The Governor, who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Rt Hon Peter Odey, prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed, asking that the Almighty Creator would grant the entire bereaved family the fortitude to cope with his demise.
    Odey also used himself as an example of a man who had lost his dad at a young age but today he is a Deputy Governor by God’s grace. And as such, God will see her children through and someday, they will become Governor, President and all they desire to become in life.

    In the condolence message to the family of the deceased, Senator Bassey Otu said, “Your beloved husband, father, uncle and friend will be greatly missed not only by his biological family members but also those he touched positively during his lifetime.”

    Late Mr William Anam was a well-traveled family man. He was an agriculturist, businessman and marketing executive who worked in many reputable international companies including Nigerian German Chemicals Plc, SmithKline Beecham, Seven-Up Bottling Company, UNICEM and others.

    The funeral service, which was held at the Flourishing Branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Calabar, was attended by family and friends.

     

  • Otu Flags Off 2023 Insecticidal Treated Nets Mass Campaign, First Round Of Maternal Newborn And Child Health Week

    Otu Flags Off 2023 Insecticidal Treated Nets Mass Campaign, First Round Of Maternal Newborn And Child Health Week

     

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, today officially flagged off the 2023 Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) Mass Distribution Campaign and First Round of Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) at Channel View Hotels, Calabar. This biannual campaign aims to reduce child mortality by combating malaria in pregnant women and newborns, ensuring that each household possesses Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) as a protective measure against malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

    The integration of the Insecticide Treated Net campaign with the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) guarantees that expectant mothers and newborns in Cross River State have access to a comprehensive range of health services. These services include immunizations, postnatal and prenatal care, family planning, counseling on nutrition, and other essential healthcare provisions.

    About 2.9 million ITNs will be distributed across 1027 designated points in the state, encompassing churches, schools, health centers, and other designated locations. Therefore, all parents and pregnant women are strongly advised to visit these designated locations to receive their ITNs.

    During his address, the Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, emphasized the severity of malaria as an ongoing public health challenge. He stated that, “Malaria as we all know is a monster that has been living with us for a very long time. Today, as we speak someone where is dying of malaria. If we don’t take responsibility, no one will do it.” The Governor stressed that the success of the campaign relies not only on the distribution of ITNs but also on the conscientious utilization of these nets by every expectant mother and child for a healthier future in Cross River State.

    In her speech, the wife of the Cross River State Governor, Her Excellency, Rev. Mrs. Eyoawan Edet Otu, graciously accepted her role as the Net Ambassador for Cross River State. She pledged to “be the role model for correct and consistent usage of ITNs, and will strive to mobilize support in providing an enabling environment for malaria programmes to be implemented”.

    The event was graced by the presence of the US President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), a major donor agency, and its implementing partners, including UNICEF, USAID, and WHO. Also in attendance were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, the Head of Service, Mr. Timothy Akwaji, and many other dignitaries.

    Highlights of the ceremony included the symbolic presentation of an ITN to the Deputy Governor for distribution, the investiture of Rev. Mrs. Eyoawan Bassey Otu as the Cross River State Net Ambassador, a net hang-up demonstration by the Demand Team, and captivating traditional dance performances.

  • Introducing Pastor Fred Abua Esq (AIAGP)

    Introducing Pastor Fred Abua Esq (AIAGP)

     

    Barrister Fred Abua, JP, is a highly skilled professional with a diverse range of experiences in writing, communication, coaching, social work, and law. His career journey took a new turn in 2015 when he was appointed by Senator Professor Ben Ayade as Special Assistant (Media). Over time, Fred’s responsibilities expanded, and he assumed various designations including Senior Special Assistant (Media), Press Secretary to the First Lady, and ultimately Special Adviser (Corporate Communications) in the Office of the First Lady. Throughout these positions, he also served as the Speechwriter to the First Lady, crafting impactful messages on her behalf and managing her social media accounts.

    Fred is an esteemed member of the Board of Trustees of the Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF), an NGO founded by Dr. Linda Ayade. Within this role, he demonstrates exemplary human resource management skills by overseeing a team of about 30 staff. He also serves as the Secretary of the Board and, utilizing his expertise as a Media Advisor, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Mediatrix Magazine, a periodic publication that highlights the foundation’s initiatives, and he was instrumental in developing engaging content for the MDF website.

    Fred wrote a column for the Nigerian Chronicle called ‘Open Mystery’ in 2012 and hosted a music and talk radio show ‘Touch the Power’ on Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) before then. Beyond his contributions in the realm of media and communications, Fred is also an accomplished author and ghostwriter. He has penned numerous published and yet-to-be-published Christian and secular books, including works such as “Omale’s Dream”, “How the Devil Whips Us”, “Straight Talk to Jacqueline”, “The Whole Truth”, and “Finishing Strong”, a biographical sketch of his father, Rev. J.A.O. Abua, published by Arbi Press, USA, in 2012. Fred’s passion for writing extends to his involvement on the editorial board of various publications. Notably, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Mediatrix Magazine, an esteemed role he held during the tenure of former First Lady of Cross River State, Dr. Linda Ayade.

    Prior to his government service, Fred made a significant impact in the realm of ministry. He served as a Teacher and Nigerian Coordinator of Bible Training for Church Leaders (BTCL), a program designed to provide comprehensive seminary-standard training to church leaders who lacked formal biblical education prior to entering ministry. Additionally, he held pastoral positions, serving as a Pastor-Teacher at Rockhouse Bible Church in Calabar and Grace Bible Church in Port Harcourt. He also did stints in short-term missions to Ghana and many remote locations within Nigeria.

    With his rich background in communications, content creation, theatre arts, image management, pastoral ministry, humanitarian service, and law, Fred will bring value to any team. Currently, he serves as the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.

    Fred, an Associate of the International Academy for Gender and Peace (AIAGP), is happily married to Omaji, and they are blessed with four children – a girl and three boys.