The Lumine News

Author: News

  • Meet Jaclyn Ihuoma, The Deputy Senate President, SUG UNICAL

    By Okonkwo Jacklyn Ihuoma

    MEET JACKLYN IHUOMA…

    Sen. Okonkwo Jacklyn Ihuoma, a native of Ipupe Ubakala Umuahia South,Abia State. A 300-level student of the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State.

    She is an intelligent student girdle with the principle of hard work and diligence, always geared toward academic excellence. Her unwavering passion for Student leadership has been proven over the years with credible credentials.

    Apart from being an academic enthusiast, she is an erudite member of the Nigerian Union of Campus Journalists, University of Calabar Councils, and is currently a radio presenter in one of the stations in Abia State.

    As a Distinguished Senator of the Students Union governing Parliament, serving in the principal office of the Deputy Senate President of the 9th Senate, which is ridden with her legislative acumen for students.

    Her Philosophy: Life is hard on those who are soft on themselves and soft on those who are hard on themselves.

    Her love for God is not part-time but ever consistent in the moral standings of the Christian faith, a confide member of the Apostolic Church of Nigeria, and a devoted member of Joint Christian Campus Fellowship(JCCF), Unical.

    #jacklynihuoma

  • Advocate, The Problem Is That We Sometimes Doubt These Words Of Jesus. We Ask Ourselves ‘What About Victims Of Mass Massacre, … BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    ADVOCATE

    Advocate means one who stands beside the accused or somebody who is in difficulty. In the time of Jesus, if one is accused of a crime and is under judgment, it might happen that a well-to-do person would come forward and without saying a word, stand beside the accused. If that happens the prosecution would dare not go on with the case. This kind of person was called “Paraclete” in old English and “Advocate” in common parlance. To get the full gist think of a hit man or bouncer or something like that. In John 14:15ff, this name is given to the Spirit, the third person of the trinity to remind us that as Christians, only God is our advocate or defender, our protector when in difficulty.

    At times, we Christians forget this and allow ourselves to be intimidated or feel defenseless, insecure and unprotected especially when in unpredictable conditions. Presently, most people in Nigeria feel that way because they do not trust even the Justice System to defend them and give them a fair hearing in tribunal cases. People who live under extreme conditions like enduring hurricanes, earthquakes or blizzards especially those who cannot do anything about it, feel that way too. People who suffer under the sledgehammer of authority or political power of their fellow human beings who make life difficult for them feel that way. Jesus says: Do not be afraid…rather wait and “I will ask the father and he will give you an Advocate or Paraclete, the spirit of truth to be with you always” (John 14: 15).

    The problem is that we sometimes doubt these words of Jesus. We ask ourselves ‘what about victims of mass massacre, terrorism, kidnappings that end in murder, police brutality etc? My answer is ‘what about Jesus who was God’s beloved son but still suffered persecution in the hands of evil people even when he was innocent? You see, sometimes God allows evil to happen, not because he is powerless but to remind us that although he created the world, he still gives freedom to human beings to have full control of it. In the midst of all these, we must keep our hope alive. Even in the face of persecution, Peter exhorts Christians in his days not to give up hope because of the persecution which just started and was to last for about 250 years (read 1 Peter 3; 15-18)

    In truth, as Jesus’ disciples we are sometimes threatened by persecutions or even our own sins or human frailty (Read Romans 8: 35-39). Those who believe in Jesus’ promise of the Paraclete know that they will not be defeated by any difficulty, however great it may be. Believe, wait and pray this week for the Paraclete, the promise of ages who comes to defend you, to teach you the truth even about that most unpredictable situation you are facing in your life right now. The Holy Spirit comes to fill your heart with courage, to enkindle in you the fire of his love. Stand ready! .

  • Shun Cultism, Examination Malpractice, UNICROSS VC Advises Students

    By Ada Wodu, Punch Newspaper

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State, Prof. Augustine Angba, has warned matriculating students of the institution to shun deviant behaviors such as cultism, exam malpractice, and stealing among others.

    He gave the warning on Thursday during the combined matriculation of students admitted in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 sessions at the institution’s main campus, Ekpo Abasi, Calabar.

    “Ensure to take your academic work seriously, shun cultism, stealing, examination malpractice, and all forms of deviant behaviors and other vices, and focus on why you are here. Remember that the university certificate is awarded based on character and learning. You are, therefore, advised to set your priorities right from the onset. If you miss it now, it will be difficult to correct the missing link,” he told the students.

    He reminded the students that the institution’s no fees, no examination policy was still in force.

    He added, “I further implore you to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations enshrined in the student’s handbook as this will help the university serve you better.”

    Professor Angba also said the Vice Chancellor’s pet scholarship project tagged ‘Feed one, train one student’ was still on.

    He said the program “offers scholarships to exceptionally intelligent students, indigent students and students who have seen to possess an outstanding character. You can earn yourself a scholarship from it.”

    He thanked The Visitor to the University, Governor Ben Ayade for his laudable contribution to the advancement of the university.

  • A Crown Of Thorns For The Next Governor Of Cross River State BY DOMINIC KIDZU

     

    “Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes”,
    This is a Latin quote rendered by Aeneid in the epic poem of the same name written by Virgil which translated into English means “I fear the Greeks even when bearing gifts”, The phrase is spoken by Trojan priest Laocoön referring to the Trojan Horse used by the Greeks during the Trojan War in which the Trojans were defeated after the Greeks left behind a large wooden horse and pretended to sail for home. Unbeknown to the Trojans, the wooden horse was filled with Greek. warriors who spilled out and conquered the city of Troy.

    The next Governor of Cross River State will be sworn-in at an expectedly impressive ceremony by the Chief Justice of the state after which a crown of thorns shall be placed upon his head, while the people hoot, dance and make elaborate merriment to celebrate the dawn of a new era. The crown of thorns will no doubt be heavy, having been constructed with lead spikes upon wrought iron, strung together with barbed wires that prick the scalp all the time.

    In a symbolic sense he will be the Christ, who will be expected to take away the sins of the past and make the state a new dwelling place for all who live here and those who shall come to it. To make omelettes without breaking eggs and roll a bunch of palm fruits in cocoyam leaves without piercing them. He shall be the miracle maker expected to turn water into wine, an exalted king presiding over the ruins of an ancient empire brought to its knees by the rapacious reign of the king of locusts.

    By the whimsical rush-hour enactments of the departing potentate the civil service will have 5,000 new staff, 5,000 more will be promoted, 5,000 more will join the pensions pay cheque while an army of at least 5,000 former appointees will be waiting to return to government waving their polling unit results in his face as their banner of true faith and fidelity. The Trojan horse for His Excellency has fully arrived with stuffed turtles, a coterie of wasps and a thousand regents to the throne of entititlement embedded in it.

    Despite the elaborate afterthought appointment of a commissioner for government property, all the good cars will disappear while office furniture will suddenly develop legs. The posh automobiles in His Excellency’s fleet will also go with him in a blaze of glory. He loved convoys of cars before he became Governor, he should love them more now. The new Governor is sure to receive visits from bank officials bearing large files of loans, debts and overdrafts left unpaid and unpaid contractors who have already paid weired percentages of kickbacks upfront.

    Young people from his senatorial zone, who have hardly come out of the gates of the University of Calabar shall demand for good appointments and good offices, so that they too can build swank houses with swimming pools, drive posh cars and live the good life. After all, what is good for the goose is also good for the gander. Water Board lands and LEMNA estates where not created for people from one senatorial zone in the state alone. And the beat goes on and on and on. Welcome to Perigrino Lodge, His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State.

    Through all these, the heavy crown remains on the Governor’s head, heavy, pricky and excruciating. No one notices his pain and discomfort. In a few days they will find new catch-names for him, ala Digital et al. Facebook and WhatsApp groups will be awash with the new prefixes and appellations. Didn’t the departing Governor once tell his Advisers that psychophancy was a legitimate tool in politics? And now that it has come to stay, I too will join the race. I am even now looking for three or four people to collaborate with me to set up a music band to praise the Governor. So that once he steps out of his car, the orchestra and the chant will go up and we shall tell him what we are sure he is not in the hope that we too can build fine houses and drive beautiful cars.

    Yet there is one way out. Just like in the 1989 mercenary film starring Miles O’Keefe, ‘The Hard Way The Only Way’, will be the only way. The incoming Governor will have to put away recent precedence and do things his own way bearing in mind that he doesn’t need to be popular or loved in the first couple of years. What he needs immediately is respect, love can return later. He must reduce public expenditure, plug revenue leakages, keep family out of government and lead by example and not by laudatory declarations at the public gallery.

    There has been too much casual drama and comedy recently, too many caricatures and mediocres in public office. The proper laid down forms, culture, conventions and proprieties of officialdom must quickly replace the childlike razzmatazz that has been the regular fair in the once beautiful city of Calabar. The Sesame Street must urgently seize to define our general corpus, because we are a people of excellent education, high class and decent standards. Written with the most excellent intentions and best wishes to the next Governor of our dear state.

     

    DISCLAMER: The opinion reflected in this article does not reflect THELUMINENEWS or it agent, it credited to author, Dominic Kidzu 

  • Convocation: UNICAL Seeks TETFUND Intervention On Building Of Library, Standard Senate Chambers 

     

    Prof. Florence Banku Obi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, has appealed to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to come to the aid of the university in building a befitting library and a standard senate building.

    Obi made the appeal on Friday in Calabar during the 35th convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar.

    The convocation was held for first degree graduates of the institution, masters, diplomas and postgraduate diplomas; while the award of doctorate degrees was scheduled for Saturday.

    She also called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to come to their aid in infrastructure development of the institution.

    “Much as we do our best to create the conditions for the university we desire within the context of our realities, we have to let you know that the institution is hamstrung largely by paucity of funds, and many other problems.

    “Most topical in the demands of the university is the provision of electric power which gulps a greater part of our internally generated revenue, leaving us struggling to meet other important needs.

    “We are also in need of a standard senate building befitting of a second generation university of our standing.

    “The university has for the past 2 years been without a central library due to a major structural defect which led to it being cordoned off following the advice of professionals in the building industry.

    “We appeal for a special intervention from TETFUND to urgently come to our aid as there is no university without a functional library,” she said.

    The VC also appealed to spirited individuals to intervene in the building of hostel accommodation for students of the institution.

    She noted that the university was ready to give all the cooperation to any individual or corporate body to achieve this.

    She said that the university, with a population of over 36,000 students, has only 2,400 bed spaces for the accommodation of students.

    “This accounts for less than 5 per cent against the National Universities Commission recommendation of 30 per cent of students that should be accommodated on campus,” she added.

    She disclosed that the university was awarding 5,445 first degrees and 171 diplomas to persons certified worthy in character and learning in keeping with the academic tradition.

    “Out of the 5,445 for first degrees, 11 persons distinguished themselves with First Class Honours, 1,062 with Second Class Upper Division, 3,647 have Second Class Lower Division, 721 got Third Class, while 4 have the Pass Degree.

    “The Diplomas are as follows: Distinction 2,
    Merit 111, Credit 45, Lower Credit 1, Pass 11 and Certificate of Attendance 1.

    “At the post-graduate level, we have 2,159 persons who have earned higher degrees and diplomas as follows: 553 PhDs, 1,104 Masters and 502 Post Graduate Diplomas,” she added.

    Also speaking, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero, Chancellor of the university, urged the graduands to make the best choice of the path they have chosen to follow.

    Ado-Bayero, who is also the Emir of Kano, commended the VC for her outstanding leadership and for transforming the institution within the two years she assumed office.

    He assured the university management that his vision as Chancellor was to make the University the best university in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Also, Retired Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai, Pro-Chancellor of the University, said that the university was still grappling with inadequate facilities and funding.

    Luther-Agwai said that there was a need for the university to continue to institutionalize its relevance and civil engagement beyond the convocation ceremony to a more meaningful contribution to national development.

    He assured that the university council would work hand-in-hand with the management to address some of the peculiar challenges.

    One for the graduands, Mr Cleverty Njong, who had a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 5.00 in Law, Master degree, said his success came as a result of dedication and commitment to academic activities.(NAN)

  • UNICROSS Announces Combined Matriculation Ceremony

    By Mary Bassey

    The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has announced dates for the combined matriculation ceremony for its students.

    This was contained in circular number 385 informing students and the general public that the exercise will be for first-year students of the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic sessions.

    It noted that the matriculation is scheduled to hold on Thursday May 11, 2023, and Friday, May 12, 2023, across the four campuses in the State.

    The circular reads: “This is to inform all First Year Students of the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 combined Academic Session that the 20th Matriculation Ceremony in all programs of Cross River University of Technology has been scheduled to hold on Thursday 11th May 2023 and Friday 12 May 2023 respectively across all the campuses of the University.

    Advert by CRWatch :Place Yours

    “All the newly admitted students of the University should endeavor to pay their school fees before the date of Matriculation. Students who fail to pay their fees as directed will forfeit their admission to the University and will not be eligible for matriculation.

    “All concerned should note that; all year one students in Calabar and Obubra campuses shall attend their matriculation in Calabar campus on the 11th of May 2023.

    “All year one students in Ogoja and Okuku campuses shall attend their matriculation in Okuku campus on the 12 of May 2023.

    “All Faculty Officers of the various Campuses should ensure that this information is given wide publicity. They should also support all arrangements toward achieving a successful matriculation.

    “All Finance Officers are expected to facilitate payment of school fees as well as academic gowns by concerned students. Management looks forward to a hitch-free event,” the letter reads.”

  • Prince K J Announces The Passing on To Glory Of His Father, UTI Jeddy-Agba

    Prince K J Jeddy-Agba has announced the passing on of his father, His Royal Majesty, Uti Itedem III of Utugwang, Uti Ukani I of Obudu and Paramount Ruler of Obudu Local Government Area, Uti Jeddy-Agba.

    K J took to his verified Facebook page to make the announcement and called on the public to stay calm while the funeral arrangement is made in line with lay down tradition.

    The announcement reads in full, “It is with a heavy heart that I have to communicate to you the passing away of my Beloved father, His Royal Majesty Uti (Dr) Joseph Davies Agba, OON. Uti Itedem 111 of Utugwang, Uti Ukani 1 of Obudu, Paramount Ruler of Obudu Local Government Area and Chancellor of the University of Cross River State. His accession to the traditional royal stool dates back 64 years ago, making him probably the longest serving Monarch in Africa.

    “We the immediate family, may not have the full details of his final funeral protocol given his standing as a king, we are constrained to follow the tradition of our people in all events that would culminate to his final obsequies. I will endeavour to abreast you of it as soon as the traditional institution concludes on that.

    “As difficult as this moment is for the family, it is my sincere wish that your heart stay with us in prayers.

    Yours Truly
    Kjay Jedy – Agba”

  • Ayade vs Jarigbe – What Is The Governor Looking For In The Tribunal? BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    In 2011, you ran for Cross River North Senatorial seat and got it on a plater of gold against more popular candidates.

    Both from your PDP primaries against more popular Paul Adah (now late), and Musa Adede, who was incumbent, as well as the opposition APP and ACN then, there were accusations of rampant rigging in your favor, yet no one took you to the tribunal.

    In 2015, the governorship ticket of your party then, PDP was taken in broad day light from Jedy Agba and handed to you in an arrangee primaries at the U.J Esuene stadium in Calabar. You didn’t even print a single billboard but you became governor. Both Jedy Agba and Odey Ochicha of the APC, said they won’t go to the tribunal since the governorship had gone to northern Cross River. Infact, Odey Ochicha was even denied several appointments by his party at the center because he refused to take you to the tribunal.

    In 2019, you ran for second term as Governor and after the election, Senator Owan Enoh, your challenger in APC went to the tribunal and later withdrew the petition and committed to supporting your government to enable you concentrate.

    In 2023, your greed wouldn’t allow you retire in peace. You sought to return to the Senate a second time as retirement. Having failed as Governor for eight years, your people rejected you abysmally in an election that has been adjudged by the people as the most peaceful, transparent and violence free, in Cross River North since 1999, and you are up and about talking about going to the tribunal with Senator Jarigbe?

    Do you really think the salt is tasty only in one side of the mouth? What do you really think you did specially do deserve all the benefits of doubt that people have been giving you? Do you really think if everyone that has a grouse with you decide to sue you after you lose your immunity in 34 days, you will have even a minute sleep in a day or even the resources to pay your lawyers?

    Even if that election is conducted ten times, Senator Jarigbe will still win you. He will also beat you in court like he did to you and your stooge, caretaker Senator. My only worry is that, the tribunal will distract his attention and make him waste money he would have used to continue penetrating our villages with projects, on paying lawyers.

    If at any point you used to be heavyweight, it was before. You are now light weight and you need to see that on time, make a retreat before you face more embarrassing moments.

    You didn’t come from heaven with a seat in government. Everyone leaves when it is time and your time is now. I am talking to my Governor, Senator Ben Ayade. A word is enough for the wise. I don’t know if you are still wise sir.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • We share her peacefully’ – Rwandan Twin brothers who married one wife

     

    A Rwandan woman identified as Marie Josiane from Rwanda has married two brothers who are identical twins.

    The young lady revealed that she first dated the elder twin who did not disclose that he had an identical brother.

    In a video shared by Afrimax TV, Marie said had never seen them together. However, on one faithful day she met, hugged and kissed the other brother without knowing that he was not the one she was dating.

    The second twin then fell for her, but when they all realised what had happened, they chose to happily be in an polyandrous relationship.

    The woman also revealed that hate or envy does not exist between the two brothers due to the fact that they are both married to one woman.

    The three have been staying together for the past two years and counting.

    The twin brothers say due to the nature of their marriage, people say a lot of things but they always turn a deaf ear because they ae happy sharing her.

    They are expecting their first born soon.

  • MARCO PLATINUM CELEBRATION: Alumni Contact And Mobilization Committee Visits Senator Kanu Agabi SAN And Justice Emmanuel Agim JSC

     

    As preparation for the Celebration of Mary Knoll College Platinum (70th) Anniversary intensifies, some members of the Alumni and Contact and Mobilization Committee, yesterday paid a courtesy visit to some of their most respected old Boys and National icons, the Senior Prefect of the class of 1964, Senator Kanu Agabi SAN (Former Attorney General Of the Federation) and Justice Emmanuel Agim, Justice of the Supreme Court, in their Abuja residences.

    Members of the Contact and Mobilization Committee; Colonel Agim Rtd ( Former Director, Ministry Of Information)
    Chief Joe Agi SAN (University Of Calabar’s first SAN)

    Chief Dr. Dorn-Cklaimz Enamhe
    Barr. Godwin Offiono aka Goffio, (House Of Representatives Member-elect for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency),
    Mr Mathias Uyouyo (Director PSC), visited the legal icons to brief them on their preparedness for the platinum celebration and to formally invite them to the epoch-making event.

    Both Senator Agabi SAN and Justice Agim JSC received the team with ecstasy and assured them of their availability because Mary Knoll College remains their place of honor till eternity.

    Senator Agabi SAN took them through memory lane about his time in mary knoll. He got very emotional at some points especially when he heard that Pa Moses, the chief cook is still alive. He emphasized that there’s no where he speaks without mentioning Mary Knoll.

    At Justice Agim JSC’s Residence, the learned Jurist spoke with nostalgia about his time in Mary knoll and advised that Alumni must come together to support the School. He opined that he holds Mary Knoll College dear and will continue to speak about the impact of the school in all his outing.

    The Platinum Celebration of the famous Mary Knoll College will be taking place in the School premises from 12th to 18th of June, 2023.

    TEAM MARY KNOLL COLLEGE @70.