The Lumine News

Author: News

  • Cross River Journalist Elected National Coordinator Of Leg’ACEs Community 

     

    Cross River Journalist, Efio-Ita Nyok is now the National Coordinator of the Active Citizens Engaging the Legislature (Leg’ACEs) Programme, NEGROIDHAVEN can report authoritatively.

    He assumed the leadership of the national caucus of the community in company of two others, namely, Deborah Obiabo (National Deputy Coordinator North/FCT Caucus Coodinator of the OPN Leg’ACEs) and Ukeme Anwan the National Deputy Coordinator South/Akwa Ibom Caucus Coodinator of OPN Leg’ACEs via an election which held on Friday the 30th of June 2023. Their tenures will last for one year.

    While notifying the community of Leg’ACEs, Temidayo Taiwo-Sidiq the
    Senior Programme Executive of OrderPaper Nigeria, said ‘As part of reform measures to infuse a breath of fresh ideas into the Active Citizens Engaging the Legislature (Leg’ACEs) Programme, we are pleased to formally announce the election of a national leadership for the National Caucus of the Leg’ACEs at a Special Meeting of the Zonal and State Caucus Leaders yesterday.

    ‘National Coordinator: Efio-Ita Nyok,
    Deputy National Coordinator (DNC) North: Deborah Obiabo, Deputy National Coordinator (DNC), South: Anwan Ukeme Archibong.

    ‘With great pleasure, OrderPaper congratulates these leaders on their well-deserved election and are confident that they will galvanise the Leg’ACEs Community towards greater heights.’

    The new national leadership also comprises Rabo Michael who is the
    National Chief Whip and Coordinator of the OPN Leg’ACEs in Nasarawa, and Effiong Innocent the Deputy National Chief Whip.

    In an address before the election, the Executive Director of Order Paper, Oke Epia said that two of the areas of concern for the Leg’ACEs is for the programme to aim at opening up the civic space in Nigeria view of facilitating engagement by the citizenry to demand quality public service from the national and state assemblies; as well as developing the best way to interact with the House of Assemblies.

    The Leg’ACEs initiative was created to fulfil the mandate of bridging the gap between citizens and parliament, the objectives of the community is to explore co-creation opportunities with stakeholders in furtherance of parliamentary reporting and education, and activate the agency of responsible citizenship to promote accountability from legislators.

    Order Paper is Nigeria’s leading policy think tank and media group aspires to bridges the gap between the citizenry and parliament. As a media body she has been dedicated to reporting, tracking, analysing and archiving activities of the Nigerian legislature in the digital age with a vision of being a parliamentary reporting, advocacy and public policy advisory in Africa, and vision of providing simple and ‘authoritative parliamentary data that empowers citizens to take action’.

  • CRSHOA Deputy Speaker Gets Seven Aides

    The Deputy Speaker the of Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon Sylvester Agabi has gotten seven (7) staff appointed into in his office.

    The was contained in a release signed and made available by the Director of Legislative Matter – Edi. M,  for the Clerk of the House.

    It stated that all appointments are with immediate effect.

    Those appointed are:

    Joseph Odama – Chief of Staff

    Anakia John Akawu – Protocol Officer

    |Agbor Mathias Ogar – Press Secretary

    Orim Daniel Asu – Media Liaison Officer

    Akpanke David – Special Assistant

    Adung Odey – Personal Assistant I

    Ekawu Odey Sunday – Personal Assistant II

  • Otu Bars All Former Aides From Official Functions

    The Cross River State Governor, Sen Bassey Otu, has barred all former appointees of the previous administration from representing or parading themselves as representatives of the State government, insisting that they have been relieved of their duties.

    In the same development, the office of the Governor has also called out Oscar Ofuka, former Special Adviser on Cocoa Development and Control to former Governor Ben Ayade, to stay clear from government functions concerning that office.

    In a release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Emmanuel Ogbeche, sighted by TheLumineNews, the State government warned also that: “Any agreement entered into on acquisition of Cocoa plots beyond December 31, 2023, do so at his or her own risk and are advised to review such erroneous transactions with Mr. Oscar Ofuka and seek for their refunds.”

    The release further stressed that : “It is imperative to inform the general public that Mr. Oscar Ofuka, former SA on Cocoa, has since been relieved of his appointment and is strongly advised to desist from presenting himself in that light.”

    The release added: “The State Government is reviewing activities in the cocoa value chain to ensure transparency and accountability and exploit the inherent potential in the sector as a veritable revenue earner.

    “Therefore, any attempt by any individual or group to undermine the government’s directive in this regard will be seriously dealt with. The Cross River State Government wishes to reiterate that all former political appointees have been relieved of their appointments, therefore, cannot act on behalf of the State Government.”

  • Prof Florence Obi Is The Reason More Women Should Given Higher Offices BY RAMSEY BASSEY

     

    For years, managers of the University of Calabar continued to roll in their own putrescence, like pigs in a sty, luxiriating among the dirt very much in the manner of worms, while mixing illiterates in a cauldron of half baked broth which they served as graduates. No knock-need narrative can change this truth, because it is self evident. It is only now, after more than a decade, that the world is beginning to look at the institution with some measure of respect because quite a lot has changed since Professor Florence Obi became its Vice Chancellor. And I am in a position to know.

    Now things are beginning to look like old times again and students have returned to the classroom both to attend lectures and to study. It is always dreadful when I recall how examinations were written in hotel rooms and living quatres on Goldie Street and elsewhere in the city. Do we really forget so easily? To do so will be rank mischief. No, we have not forgotten. We are just prosecuting private wars for jaded kings, and dear old Unical will always be the worse for it.

    Are students required to register for courses, yes. Do they do so, most of the time, no. Before the last exams the portal for registration of courses was shutdown in good time, to enable departments plan for the exams with the correct numbers. The battle cry went, up. “Oh Professor Florence has no heart, how can she shut down the portal for registration”. And 24,000 many of who could not register sat for supplementary examinations. Yes, you read me right, 24,000 students!

    So this time she ordered that the portal be left open for a little longer to enable students register for all their courses, main, elective, et all. And until it is shut down as it was yesterday, no department will know the correct numbers and no concrete timetable could be drawn up. Boom, “exam timetables are not out and students have been made to stress too much.” Common now, who is ringing the bell and who is wagging the tail?

    For those whose minds are preset in a particular negative direction, Professor Florence Obi will always be guilty even before she is charged. But such is the way of the world. As a growing child in my village, I read an inscription on the tail board of the lorry ‘Gongoro’ that used to come on market days – SUCH IS LIFE. It was only when I grew up that I came to understand the true meaning of that cryptic phrase.

    Do you know that the integrity of the exams have been further enhanced by the addition of barcode on the answer sheets and the strict supervision of the process? Professor Florence Obi has done very well and because of her work ethic and achievements, many more women are likely to be given higher responsibilities in the coming days even if you eat your heart out or not.

    RAMSEY BASSEY writes from the University of Calabar.

  • Obudu Face Of Culture Extends Sale Of Nomination Forms

    The organizers of Obudu Face of Culture, Mountain Cinema has extended the sales of nomination forms to July 2023.

    In a release signed by the Director, Mr Frank Akpeke and made available to TheLumineNews, indicates that a brand new car and other consolation prices are to be won.

    The release reads in full: “ATTENTION!!!

    There is a extension of deadline for sales of form till 10th of July 2023

    “Are you bold? Elegant? Beautiful? Do you think you have what it takes to represent your culture? Here is an opportunity to showcase your talent and win big!

    “Join the awesome contestants for the face of culture train and stand a chance to win a brand new car, and consolation prizes Worth 2 million Naira cash prize and become the crowned queen for 2023

    “Please check flyer for more information call” or WhatsApp 09160094624, 09060323504

  • Gov Otu Pledges To Review The Monthly Subvention To UNICROSS In The Light Of The Current Challenges

     

    Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, has disclosed that he is aware of the current challenges faced by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State and he will review the subvention to the University and will continue to work together with the Vice Chancellor to resolve all the issues.

    The governor made the commitment when he received the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Austin Angba, and his management team on a courtesy visit.

    According to Otu, a society’s academic foundation must be securely established for it to advance.

    “For any society to progress, the academic foundation must be solidly entrenched. That is why I facilitated the building of a befitting administrative block to provide the needed comfort for staff and lecturers.

    “My administration will continue to work to ensure that UNICROSS becomes one of the leading tertiary institutions in this country and beyond,” the governor said.

    In light of the current economic difficulties, Governor Otu indicated that he will review the monthly subvention to them to ensure some structural changes in the institution.

    “The challenges you face, I already know. We will review the monthly subvention in the light of current challenges and will continue to work together to resolve the issues.

    Speaking during the visit, the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Austin Angba, while congratulating the governor on his assumption of office, commended him for facilitating the building of the administrative block of the university while serving as a senator, expressing confidence that he will do more as the Chief Executive of the state.

    “Many years ago I drove to UNICROSS and beheld the administrative block you facilitated when you were at the National Assembly. It speaks of a man who loves education. We thank you for facilitating that project, because we know that as governor, you will do more for the institution.”

    The VC disclosed that in recent ranking of universities, the University of Cross River State emerged as 7th Best University in Nigeria and 37th

  • Hon Bette Obi Tells State Government To Lift Embargo On Wood Logging

     

    The member representing Boki 1 in the Cross River House of Assembly, Hon. Bette Obi has appealed to the government of Senator Bassey Otu to lift the over twenty years old ban on wood logging in the state because it has brought adverse economic results and encourage massive forest degradation.

    Bette Obi who spoke on the floor of the House early in the week explained that the so called ban has over the years made the well trained forestry rangers and other officials idle since untrained government-empowered task forces, whose only interest is to make money for themselves, have taken over their statutory duties.

    Honourable Obi who is a former Chairman of Cross River State Forestry Commission, pointed out that despite the ban on logging, several trucks of wood are still harvested every day from the forest and taken to neighbouring states like Ebonyi thereby denying the state government of legitimate revenue.

    “Before the ban, the forests were managed with the cooperation of the local communities who were also paid royalties from the trees harvested. There was also sustainable management of the forest with critical species replanted in place of the ones harvested. But now armies of loggers just invade the forest, cut down every tree in sight after giving a pittance to the local chiefs.”

    He wants the government to make adequate use of the Forestry Commission Law which he believes will help in check mating the wanton forest exploitation going on now. “As a member of the State Assembly I know there is a law that has been passed by the State Assembly called Cross River State Forestry law and it is very rich. If you go through it, it does not include ban or moratorium but it has been kept aside so it is on that basis that I say we should remove the ban”. Bette stated.

    In their various contributions to the debate, Members observed that the motion was very timely and that the embargo should be lifted very soon so as to stop the huge loss of the State’s much-needed revenue to criminals.

    The Lawmakers observed that, the purpose for which the embargo was imposed has not been achieved rather the forest faces severe threats from the activities of illegal loggers. They added that the forest which has been the natural habitat of some rare animal species is fast being destroyed by rampart illegal logging and bush burning thus endangering the survival of such animals.

    They emphasized that, proper management of the forest will also lead to job creation for the teeming unemployed youths as well as boost the state’s economy.

    On his part, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem observed that the preponderance of opinion supported the lifting of the embargo.

    He directed the clerk to forward the motion to the State Governor for implementation

  • UNICROSS Gets NUC Approval To Operate 17 New Courses

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted full accreditation to 17 undergraduate academic programmes at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).

    The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Augustine Angba, made the disclosure during the 111th Regular meeting of the University’s Senate.

    Angba listed the approved programmes as:
    1. Broadcasting
    2. Journalism and Media Studies
    3. Marketing
    4. Animal and Environmental Biology
    5. Plant Science Advertisements
    6. Microbiology
    7. Library and Information Science
    8. Human Kinetics
    9. Information Systems
    10. Peace Studies
    11. Sociology
    12. Entrepreneurship
    13. Banking and Finance
    14. Software Engineering
    15. Early Childhood Education
    16. Economics
    17. Industrial Chemistry

    The approval of these programmes is an outcome of NUC’s Resource Verification visit to the University. The visit took place in April this year. The approved programmes are scheduled for commencement in the next academic session.

    This is another win for UNICROSS, following the recent ranking of the University by Times Higher Education as the 7th best in Nigeria and 37th in Africa, among 51 universities that were ranked in Sub Saharan Africa.

  • Jarigbe Agom Facilitates The Construction Of Mbube East Road Linking Utugwang

    The senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has fsciltated the construction of Mbube East Road.

    The Mbube East road, in Ogoja Local Government Area links Utugwang in Obudu Local Government Area.

    The construction firm handling the Mbube East road has commenced laying of asphalt on sections of the road.

    On completion, the road will boost the economic fortunes of residents within and around Ogoja and Obudu Local Government Areas of the Senatorial District.

    Residents of the benefitting communities are full of appreciation to Senator Jarigbe for bringing the project to bear. They prayed for God’s continuous guidance and protection as the lawmaker begins another journey of the 10th National Assembly.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • The Ministry Of Giving: For Christians, Giving Goes Far Beyond The Letting Go Of Possessions; We Give Our Hearts Too BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    THE MINISTRY OF GIVING

    For Christians, giving goes far beyond the letting go of possessions; we give our hearts too. Christian giving is both a spiritual gift and a discipline of discipleship to our Lord Jesus Christ. It becomes yet more rewarding when the purpose of giving is geared towards the evangelization of the kingdom of God amongst men. Christ’s words in Matthew 25:40 hits home: “whatever you did to one of these least brothers of mine, you did it to me. So do not grudge when you are asked to donate for any project in the church. It is an exercise in the ministry of giving.

    Most people fear that giving of their prized possessions such as money, food, or other material things would deplete them of their resources. Others feel they have too little or even nothing to give. The good news is that everyone has something to offer, no matter how little for God did not create anyone empty. Do not feel bad when you give little in comparison to others, God looks at the heart of a cheerful giver not the size. Remember the widows mite and moreover, giving is not just about letting go of one’s treasured possessions; it is letting go of our heart ♥️ too.

    Most people only give when they have a strong assurance of recompense. They only give when they are sure they will be rewarded either by being praised or something given to them in return. This makes it nearly impossible to give the needy who have very little to pay back what they are given. Do not excel in giving, only when your donation is made public. Remember what Jesus said about not seeking to publicize our good deeds, for we have already had our reward. The good news for Christians is that our giving is an investment that cannot be destroyed, for the more we give to the work of God, the more blessed we are.

    We are told in 1 Corinthians 9:6-11 that; if we have given unto spiritual things, we shall reap of God’s kingdom. Christian giving is a management of God’s resources. The first thing we must know is that the money that is ours to manage is not ours, but God’s. Yes, we have been given it to use, but it remains His. We have it as a loan and in due course, we must give account to him of what we have done with it. Paul affirms this when he says that if we cannot see things differently as Christians, then we have not begun to live the Christian life (cf. Romans 6:3-4.8-11)

    Where would you rather want to be a partner if not in the service of God? Many complain when asked to donate in churches for any cause. They equate their giving to a human enterprise thinking they are giving to human beings instead of God. The ministry of giving has many goals; spreading the gospel, sustaining the church, providing care for distressed individuals (as the rich woman in the first reading) or providing for church workers who use such gifts to enhance their apostolate and more. The ministry of giving in all its forms aims to advance the kingdom of God. “Whoever gives to these little ones shall not lose his reward”(Matt. 10:42).