The Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu had summoned NLC And other Trade Unions leadership to an emergency meeting last night at the Presidential Villa.
Chief Of Staff, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila was expected to join the meeting last night. This meeting is part of moves to avert the planned October 3rd indefinite strike by Labour Unions.
As at the time of filing this report, no information was gotten yet regarding the outcome of the meeting held last night.
Children of Rural Africa CORAfrica Nigeria, a non profit and nongovernmental organization, founded by Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue PhD, opened a new academic institute in Adagom – Ogoja, Cross River State, Nigeria.
The institute is intended to be a world class institute that will address most of the socio economic problems confronting most vulnerable and indigent child of our communities.
Speaking with the TheLumineNews, the Founder/Chief Strategist of Children of Rural Africa, Very Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue PhD, noted that “the burning desire and the dream to help children and community thrive has placed a burden on me especially in this technical age to conceive this institute.
“The institute is going to have a world class vocational training center where children and youth will be trained in addition to the education there will acquire to prepare them for the tasks ahead”
Speaking further, Fr Obele noted that “despite been born in rural areas, Africa children desire the right to qualitative education, research and the rights skills to compete favourably with their peers from other parts of the world.
“It is for this reason that we have designed our institute to house the nursery, primary, and secondary sections. We will incorporate vocational education into our scheme in line with government assistance to ensure that once you graduate from the school, you should be prepared fend for yourself without necessarily depending on government for white kola job”.
According to the plan of the institute, it is expected to house hostels staff quarters, a worship center, health facility and a demonstration farms for hands on practical.
As academic activities begins for the 2023/2024 session, the school commenced with over 400 pupils comprising of 80 percent refugees children and 20 perfect Adagom children.
CORAfrica acquired over 70 plots of land for this institute.
The Guardian Newspaper reported recently that more than 56,000 projects worth 12 trillion Naira have been abandoned in Nigeria since 1999, citing the Institute of Quantity Surveyors. These projects include the N18bn National Library, NIPOST headquarters construction, N39bn FIRS headquarters construction, N69bn Millennium Tower and Cultural Center construction, N7bn Ministry of Agric headquarters construction, World Trade Centre, N700bn Abuja City Centre, N4.3bn 220-Bed Utako General Hospital, $18billion Centenary City in Abuja, amongst many others scattered across the country.
It is nerve wracking to imagine that, year in year out, these huge sums are appropriated and in many cases, disbursed either in part or in full, and the projects are jilted without consequences. How this sort of financial rascality has seemingly become a matter of numb indifference to the population is even more appalling. We just keep moving on as if nothing happened.
But in this same country, when Third Mainland Bridge was built, it was the longest bridge in Africa until 1996 when the 6th October Bridge in Cairo was completed. The National Theatre, NITEL, NEPA, Nigerian Ports Authority, Military and Police barracks, East West Road, Kano-Maiduguri road, functional airports, Federal Secretariat, National Assembly Complex, Aso Rock Villa, Eagle Square, Courts, Stadia, were all built by jack boot regimes that we agree are unconstitutional and corrupt.
At the regional levels, Premiers of the various regions also left some iconic infrastructure that are still surviving till date and we talk about them with relish and nostalgia. And I have been asking myself what memorable functional projects have these set of democratic leaders started and completed since 1999 when democracy returned to Nigeria?
I really wish those who do these things will realize that our economic development is tied to these abandoned infrastructure. They should realize also that if we don’t develop, none of us, no matter how much you have amassed, will be safe from those who don’t have. The rich will continue to axle themselves within the city centers or ride perpetually in armoured automobiles with a bevy of armed security guards.
Our contemporary nations that have attained this realization are tying their future to infrastructure development and taking deliberate steps. The Indian ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) for instance, has internally set a goal to construct at least 45km of highways a day in 2023 totalling 16,000km of roads. The ministry achieved a record 13,298km in the COVID pandemic-stricken year of 2020-21, at a rate of 36.4km per day. The road building target has helped to reduce travel time, connected new areas, stimulated commercial activities, and accelerated India’s growth story.
Someone should deliberately take the gauntlet and vow to leave us some legacy projects. It is not luxury. It is what we just have to do so we don’t perish. The stealing just has to be reduced at least. Massive infrastructure development will create a chance for young people to dust their pans and their shovels, and reduce crime. It will give our population the clefts of succour and sustained hope and provide us all some roads out of this national malaise.
Yours sincerely,
Citizen Agba Jalingo.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi has formally received the report of the Investigation Panel set up to probe allegations of improprieties levelled against the suspended Dean of Law, Prof Cyril Ndifon.
Receiving the report in a brief presentation ceremony in her office, the Vice Chancellor
commended the Panel members for their effort and commitment towards the achievement of
a thorough and objective report within a short period of time.
She said though Management has not gone through the report, she knows the report will be
useful to the University and it will help the University achieve the needed closure to the subject matter and consequently move forward.
Prof. Obi who reiterated her happiness over the sacrifice and show of commitment by the Panel, assured that, the report will be presented to the Ministers of Education and that of Women Affairs as well as, Executive Secretary of NUC as delivered by the Panel, “nothing added, nothing removed”. On the scale of mixed comments in the public domain which has trailed the reportage of the subject matter, the Vice Chancellor said the report of the Panel would serve as the mouthpiece of the University to all.
On the capacity of the panel members, the University helmsman stated that they were
carefully selected based on their offices, position and credibility, describing them as individuals full of capacity and integrity.
In her words; “I wanted someone who cannot be influenced, and on behalf of the University
Management, I want to thank the Chairman for accepting to head this Panel. I want to also
thank every member of the Panel. To take the University higher we need men and women who are credible”, she added.
The Vice-Chancellor said it was very unusual to have an External Observer for any investigation
in the university but, because of the sensitive nature of the issues raised and the personalities involved, Management had to make an exception. presenting the report, the Chairman of the Panel, Prof. Dorothy Oluwagbemi Jacob said the Panel was sent on an errand, on a fact-finding mission and collectively, they came to present
their findings.
In her words, “We went out of our way to investigate the issues point by point. We did not rely on hearsay. We did the work objectively. We allowed all stakeholders to speak their minds. Every finding has evidence with verification. The result was not made up or cooked. Every fact here can be verified”.
She used the occasion to commend Members of the Panel for their cooperation, time and commitment towards the success of their mandate, adding that, should anyone find the report beautiful, it is because of the collaborations of the professionals involved.
Public Relations Unit.
The University of Calabar has bagged an Award of Bronze, coming 3rd in the nation and 1st in the South-South geopolitical zone following the just concluded JAMB Equal Opportunity Group’s (JEOG)National Conference held in Abuja.
The event which took place on Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th September 2023, at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, had the University of Ilorin and Nnamdi Azikiwe’s University taking first and second positions respectively in the nation’s Universities with high equal opportunities to higher education.
The conference which has the theme: “Towards Increasing Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education in Nigeria”, was aimed at boosting the enrollment opportunities of persons with disabilities in the Nigerian tertiary education system.
It is instructive to note that the administration of Prof. Florence Banku Obi has overtime among others, given special recognition to persons with disabilities in the University of Calabar. This has most recently earned her an outstanding award of patronship from the group.
By Blessing Bassey
The 2023 National Youth Games commenced with great pomp and enthusiasm in Asaba, Delta State, reflecting a carnival-like atmosphere.
Participants from all 36 states of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, paraded with pride as they embarked on the grand opening ceremony.
The event was graced by the presence of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Hon John Owan-Eno, who delivered a stirring address, emphasizing the importance of unity, peace, and togetherness among the nation’s youth.
The opening ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the importance of sports in bringing together young talents from across the nation, all striving for excellence and exemplifying the values of peace, unity, and togetherness that are vital for the future of Nigeria.
One of the highlights of the opening ceremony was the spirited entrance of Team Cross River, led by the State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, amidst cheers.
The cheers and support from The Commissioner underscored the sense of pride and solidarity that binds the representatives of Team Cross River as they embark on this sporting journey.
The team showcased their distinctive uniforms, capturing the attention and admiration of the spectators and fellow athletes.
This display exemplified the unique spirit and identity of Cross River State within the larger context of the National Youth Games.
As the National Youth Games continue, the participants are not only competing for sporting glory but also fostering a spirit of unity and camaraderie.
By Sylvia Akpan, CrossRiverWatch
Following the Election Petition Tribunal affirming the victory of Governor Bassey Otu, he has prayed his petitioner and opponent in the March 18 2023 polls – Senator Sandy Onor to accept defeat.
The Election Petition Tribunal led by Justice Oken Inneh dismissed all the reliefs sought by the petitioners in suit No. EPT/CR/GOV02/2023 and affirmed the election of Senator Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, on March 18, 2023.
Reacting to the judgment, Governor Otu urged the opposition to sheath their sword and join hands to rebuild Cross River State, Cross Riverians desire.
“It is with great delight and a high sense of responsibility that I welcome the judgement of the Election Petition Tribunal, which gave us our deserved victory and has affirmed the mandate Cross Riverians freely and overwhelmingly gave to us on March 18, 2023,” he expressed.
He commended the Election Petitions Tribunal for a fair judgment, adding that, “our confidence in the judiciary has never been in doubt. And it has been reinforced by today’s dispassionate ruling on the elections. I commend the Election Petition Tribunal for proving their mettle once again by upholding the virtues of justice, fair play and responsibility.”
Also, he urged Cross Riverians to join his administration in realizing the People’s First mandate.
“I call on all Cross Riverians to join hands with my administration as we continue to put in place the administrative framework needed to realize the noble objectives of our People’s First mandate.
“With this judgment, I call on members of the opposition, who are our brothers and sisters, to take the ruling in good faith, jettison any further appeals and join hands with my administration to bring the much-needed dividends of democracy to our people.
“It is expedient for me to stress that if our dear State Cross River must be counted amongst the comity of States with bright future and great economic potential and social security, then all hands must be on deck to make the lofty dream come true.
“Our well-thought-out People First Agenda remains sacrosanct in attaining its goals. What I urge all citizens and those who have found here as home whether for business, investment, pleasure or education, is to be patient and give us the needed support as we work to reposition the State for the better.
“Fellow Cross Riverians, the present times call for sacrifices on the path of everyone. We must remain resolute and strive to play our various roles in the development of our beloved State. “Finally, I thank the executive and members of our great party, the APC, and all Cross Riverians for their support, loyalty and unflinching solidarity before, during and after the elections.
“As we take our destiny in our hands and resolve never to be left behind, may the Almighty God reward our efforts and remain our crowning glory.”
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu had sworn in Unit Heads and cluster Executives under her ministry to help redeem the dignity of zero and low income earners across the country.
In a much historic event held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Edu urged the new heads to kick start their duties immediately with optimism, transparency and total dedication.
She noted that, with over 75 million Nigerians living below the poverty index, the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope initiative is set to create a lasting to issues of Malnutrition among young school and out of school children Internally displacement people, Youth and unemployed adults.
She urged them to work harmoniously with other affiliate members to bring succor to the lives of the poor by regularly positioning themselves in the field for proper and immediate contact with the targeted population .
Among those inaugurated are the National Head of Office, National Conditional Cash Transfer, Dr Michael Ajuluchuku, Deputy Head of Office/Deputy National Coordinator
Dr Janet Ekpenyong, a seasoned Medical Doctor , health Financing specialist, experienced programme manager and a Philanthropist from Cross River State. Also inaugurated are Engr Mrs Anjor Obandi (Home Grown school feeding program), Mr Richard Romanus( YESSO Project), Dr Echeri Ansa (Renewed Hope Initiative for out of school children) amongst others.
The Director General of the Caterpillar Movement, Chief Hon Joe Obi Bisong has called on supporters to remain even after the governorship tribunal upheld the election of Gov Bassey Otu.
Bisong made the call while reacting the judgement of the tribunal today in Calabar.
In his words “The Governorship Election Tribunal just delivered her judgement in our petition.
“We appeal to our teaming supporters to remain calm.
“There is still plenty of hope. We shall seek further legal opinion in the way forward and revert to you soon”
The Governorship Election Tribunal in Cross River State, has upheld the election of Governor Bassey Otu.
The tribunal in its ruling, held that, the issues of Certificate brought before it by sandy Onor of PDP, was a pre-election matter.