The Lumine News

Author: News

  • UNICAL Students Protests Hike In School Charges

    Students of the University of Calabar have taken to the streets to protest a hike in the charges levied by Varsity’s management.

    The students gathered at the Malabor Square which houses the Students Union Government secretariat and moved to the female hostels bearing placards.

    They marched from the areas where hostels are situated, popularly referred to as ‘Malabor Republik’ as their numbers increased via the Senate building and currently occupy the roundabout next to the main gate which connects Etta Agbor Street and Mary Slessor Avenue.

    Some of the placards with various inscriptions read: “Florence Obia, UNICAL is not a private university, which one is ‘slight increment’, say no to billing”, “UNICAL VC, stop forcing girls into prostitution”, “this is a federal university, not a business center,” among others.

    Meanwhile, there were alleged sporadic gunshots within the school environment on Sunday 3rd December 2023 at about 8:30 pm.

    While our reporters keep tabs on the situation, vehicles have diverted to other routes as the Etta Agbor Road and Mary Slessor routes have been blocked.

    The versity management had over the weekend reached the decision to increase tuition fees.

    In the statement by the University’s Information Officer, Mr Effiong Eyo, the upward review of the tuition fees was taken at an emergency meeting of the University Senate on Friday.

    The release stated that the implementation of the upward review takes effect from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions.

    Findings showed that with the increase fresher’s, returning students and the final year students for the non science courses are expected to pay N111,000, N91,500 and N114,000 respectively.

    They are also required to pay N36,500, N21,500 and N21,500 respectively as third parties dues.

    Students in the science courses are expected to pay N155,000, N125,000 and N148,000 respectively for fresher’s, returning students and final year students. They are also to pay N38,500, N21,500 and N21,500 respectively as third parties dues.

    However, in the early hours of Monday, Student’s of the institution took placards with various inscription to protest the hike of tuition fees as well as other charges asking the management to rescind its decision.

    Some of the inscriptions include, return to the old fees, bring back our old fees/ charges , We can’t afford the news fees, UNICAL SUG , wake up ” amongst others.

    Findings reveled that previously, tuition fees for an average student, depending on the department, was N64, 050 for fresher’s, N52,050 for final year and N49,500 for the returning students.

    The management explained that the increment was necessitated by the current economic realities and the need to maintain the academic standard which the University was known for.

  • Gov Otu Charges Newly Sworn-in Corps Members To Embark On Laudable Community Projects

     

    The Governor of Cross River State Senator Prince Bassey Otu has enjoined the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream II Corps Members deployed to Cross River State to embark on laudable Community Projects which will stand them out at the end of their service year.

    The Governor stated this today, 28th November 2023 during the official opening /swearing-in ceremony of Prospective Corps Members for the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream II Orientation Course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp Obubra.

    His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu whom Justice Emmanuel Ubua, the representative of Chief Judge of Cross River State also stood in for, while delivering His Excellency’s address said, ” l charge you to carry out laudable community projects which will stand you out at the end of the service year”, he opined.

    He reminded the newly sworn-in Corps Members that this is a period for them to make personal sacrifices and prepare themselves for the enormous challenges of nation building.

    The Governor said, his administration is people-driven, that will create a conducive atmosphere for Corps Members to operate, assuring them that their welfare will be given top priority.

    The Governor used the occasion to high light the importance of the NYSC in contemporary Nigeria and emphasized that against all odds the Scheme has remained a tool for national unity and integration.

    Earlier, while delivering his welcome address, the State Coordinator NYSC Cross River, Mr Zemoh Andrew said that the three (3) weeks Orientation Course is structured to prepare Corps Members for the compulsory one year national service.

    Mr Zemoh said Corps Members will be exposed to various Camp activities such as Leadership training, Drills, Lectures , Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training programme etc to prepare them ahead for the future, encouraging them to be patriotic in their service to their fatherland.

    High point of the event was the administration of Oath of Allegiance on the Corps Members by the Chief Judge of Cross River State Her Lordship, Justice Akon lkpeme who was represented by the Judge of the State High Court Obubra Cross River State Hon. Justice Emmanuel Ubua.

  • C’Rive Humanitarian Commissioner Commends UNHCR For Protection And Empowerment Of Cameroonian Refugees

     

    The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Mrs Helen Isamoh- Egodo has commended the untiring efforts to the High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR, for the protection and provision of empowerment programmes for the Cameroonian refugees who have been forced to flee their homes.

    Egodo made the commendation while she paid an unscheduled Visit to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Sub Office in Ogoja LGA, Cross River State.

    Dr Egodo expressed gratitude to the UN Initiative to carter for the need of the refugees.

    She used the opportunity to call for more robust support from other UN agencies, organizations and individuals to upscale the services currently rendered.

    During the visit, she interfaced with the Head of Ogoja Sub Office, Mrs Irene Omoni, and the Head of Health Unit, Dr Ernest Ochang.

    The Head of Ogoja Sub Office,Mrs Irene appreciated the Commissioner for her visit and her unwavering commitment to assisting refugees, displaced persons and the vulnerable, promising to visit the Commissioner and her Team in the Ministry to further interact and strengthen a working relationship that will ensure collaborative efforts and support for the refugees.

    Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, CRS.

  • Education Commissioner Threatens To Expel Secondary School Students In Alleged Gang Fight

    By CrossRiverWatch Admin

    The Cross River State Ministry of Education has threatened to expel Secondary School students from Government Secondary School Ikot Ansa Calabar if found culpable of the recent alleged gang-related activities in the school.

    The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Stephen Odey in a visit to the school on Thursday said the visit is necessitated due to the disturbing viral video portraying gang-related activity in the school.

    In the video in circulation, Senior Secondary Two (SS2) students are alleged to have imported gang members to fight their senior counterparts of SS3.

    The Commissioner upon his arrival in the school, addressed the students and ordered for “immediate investigation into the issue, as all involved will be severely punished.”

    He reiterated that all involved would face expulsion and will never be admitted into any school in Cross River State, promising to collaborate with the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Police to deploy some of their men to the school for surveillance, warning that, “cult-related activities will never be condoned in the State.”

    The one-time Senator further admonished the students to be good ambassadors of Cross River State and make their parents proud rather than indulge in vices that will destroy their lives and future.

    The Commissioner upon arrival met the Divisional Police Officer of Federal Housing Police Station, CSP.  Innocent E. Ayabotu who addressed the students on the dangers of gangsterism.

    The DPO was invited by the school Principal Obono Ubana Ofem.

  • Resist The Pressure… BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    People who are actually rich and can comfortably pay their bills are not loud about it on social media. Most of those who do, are not.

    People who are genuinely happy in their lives and families are not loud about it on social media, it is those who are not that are using social media to fill that gap.

    People whose businesses are thriving and returning them six digits are not bringing that information to social media themselves. Only in their boardrooms. Most of those who rush here to trumpet their success are just making you believe.

    Most of the people who pay for their travels and leisure are shy of bringing it to social media. It is those who others pay for, that are eager to come show it off.

    Plenty of people who are helping to change thousands of lives out there genuinely don’t remember to go around with cameras, it is those who do very little that pose before the screens.

    Truly rich people are conscious of their safety. Anyone who made wealth legitimately will also appreciate the high level of insecurity in Nigeria today and wouldn’t want to be trailed by the vagaries of social media exposure. Again, most of those who do those show off are usually looking for vulnerable clients.

    Don’t be put under undue pressure by the optics. If you believe in God like I do, pray and wait on God. Work and be hopeful and if it pleases God, your day will come.

    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 or its agent 

  • Helping Someone In Private And Ridiculing Them In The Public Is Not Just Wrong, It’s Inhumane BY IWASAM IGBONG

    Helping someone in private and then ridiculing them in public is not just morally wrong, it’s inhumane. It goes against the fundamental principles of empathy, kindness, and treating others as we would like to be treated.

    When we extend a helping hand to someone in private, it reflects a compassionate and caring nature. However, turning around to mock or ridicule that person in public is a betrayal of trust and a stark contradiction to the values we should uphold as human beings.

    Treating others as we treat ourselves is a golden rule that transcends cultures and religions. It’s about understanding the shared human experience and recognizing that everyone deserves dignity and respect. When we help others, regardless of how small the gesture may be, we contribute to creating a more compassionate and supportive community.

    The benefits of being present to help others, even in modest ways, are numerous. It builds a sense of unity and fosters a culture of kindness. Small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to pay it forward and creating a positive environment for everyone.

    Moreover, being kind without seeking publicity or recognition reflects genuine intentions. It’s about helping because it’s the right thing to do, not because it enhances one’s public image. This authenticity in kindness builds trust and fosters meaningful connections with those we help.

    On the flip side, if someone chooses not to offer assistance, that’s understandable. Not everyone can or wants to help in every situation. However, it becomes problematic when a person ridicules someone seeking help. Making someone feel less human or unworthy because of their circumstances is not just unkind; it’s a display of arrogance and a lack of empathy.

    Each person’s journey is unique, and circumstances can change for anyone. Nobody should be ridiculed for seeking help, as it takes courage to reach out. Instead of judgment, let’s foster a culture where people feel comfortable asking for assistance without fear of ridicule. Empathy and kindness create a society where everyone, regardless of their situation, feels valued and respected.

    Shalom

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, IWASAM IGBONG and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent.

     

  • How About This… BY AGBA JALINGO 

     

    Every election year, instead of wasting billions of Naira on routine elections, I am proposing a formalization of the prevailing situation.

    1. Any zone of the country or State that overlords who own the political parties give their tickets to run, should all agree and give the rest of the country nominees. No need for elections.

    2. The nominees across party lines can now approach the courts to determine who amongst them will become President or Governor.

    3. Zoning of political offices and the courts, have successfully conspired with our inability to conduct free and fair elections, to effectively hijack the power of the vote from the ordinary citizenry. The office of the Citizen of the Federal Republic, has been stripped of ballot perquisites.

    4. Periodic elections should therefore become undesirable. Just do the zoning by the parties and give us a leader on a platter, if there is any dispute, go to court. INEC spent N355billion in the 2023 elections. Yet it is the courts that are still telling us who won the elections. We can now disband INEC and save that money because their services will no longer be needed.

    5. INEC officials and desperate election contestants will no longer trade deals and money and that’s a way of fighting corruption.

    6. Lives that are usually risked and lost before, during and after elections, will become a thing of the past.

    It appears to me that this system is what our political leaders will prefer and we may need to approve it for them since we don’t want to fight for good and accountable governance.

    It is still a thing of great surprise for me that, a people so many, can be held down by them so few, and prolonged for this much. If e clear you, understand me. If e no clear you, no vex. No be only you. Country hard!

    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 or its agent.

  • Missing Child Found Around Stadium, Currently With The Akim Police Divisional Headquarters Calabar

    A good Samaritan simply identified as Richie announced in a WhatsApp group that he found a missing vhild who identified himself as Samuel from Etung Local Government Area, and he he took him to Akim Police Divisional Headquarters, Calabar.

    Richie wrote, “Missing Child his Name is Samuel from Etung local govt area, I found him at stadium after a mini bus driver dropped him and zoomed off, I gradually leaned somewhere to carefully observe the child, then I decided to walk towards him and interrogate after interrogating him then i realize he is a missing child,got him he only knew where he come from and his Name,got him something to eat and then I’ve taken him to police head quarter at Akim for proper identification and documentary, please help share the pictures until it got to the parent, God bless us all”

  • SS Two Students Of Government College Ikot Ansa, Calabar Invaded Their School With Invited Gang-teens To Fight SS Three Students

    By Elijah Ugani

    Senior Secondary School (SS) two students of Government College Ikot Ansa, Calabar had on Wednesday November 22nd invited their Gang-teens to fight the senior colleagues, SS Three students.

    According to some of the teachers speaking in the background video, exclusively obtained by Agba Jalingo, the teacher is heard saying that “the SS Two Students were driven for fees”

    Watch video attached

  • Otu Calls On Sandy To Accept The Court Of Appeal Ruling And Join Hands With Him To Rebuild Cross River State

    The Governor of Cross River State,  Senator Bassey Otu has prayed litigant – Senator Sandy Onor to accept the recent Court of Appeal ruling affirming him as the authentic winner of the March 18th Governor election.

    Governor Otu said the affirmation is a true reflection of the people’s mandate given to him in confidence.

    He prayed the aggrieved parties to sheath their sword and join hands in the People’s First Agenda.

    “The ruling of the Court of Appeal today is a welcome development and affirms that we were overwhelmingly voted in by the people on March 18, 2023.

    “This ruling should bring an end to litigation on the outcome of the governorship election. For those in the opposition, especially my brother, Prof. Sandy Onor, I once again offer you a hand of friendship. Come and join my administration so that together we can move our state forward and bring about the dividends of democracy.”

    Otu reiterated that his administration will not segregate irrespective of tribe, gender, and age, adding that a level playing ground will be given to all and sundry to showcase their prowess.

    “My administration is fully re-energized to deliver on the People First Mandate, which is on track to repositioning our State for effective and responsive governance. I solicit the support and patience of all Cross Riverians as we navigate the challenging times toward the Cross River of our dreams.

    “Let me reassure all our citizens that we are working round the clock to ensure that we deliver the best governance for our people. It is important also to note that preparations are in top gear for a robust and successful Calabar festival, while we continue to address other socio-economic and developmental issues.”

    Recall that on Wednesday, the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos affirmed the decision of the Election Petition Tribunal of September 26 upholding the election of Governor Bassey Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey as duly elected.