The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • Academic Elites Commends Sen Sandy Onor, Donates Branded Exercise Books And Flex Banners

    Academic Elites Commends Sen Sandy Onor, Donates Branded Exercise Books And Flex Banners

     

    As Senator Sandy Onor’s Governorship ambition continues to gather momentum, a socio-political group, ACADEMIC ELITES FOR SANDY ONOR has joined the growing league of groups drumming support for the realization of his mission to reclaim Cross River State.

    The group commended the Governorship Candidate of the PDP for his astute qualities and sterling performance in the Senate, lauding his courage to rise and make a bold charge to reclaim and restore Cross River State.

    The group made this known on Tuesday, September 6th, 2022 when it visited Senator Onor at his residence in Calabar, Cross River State.

    Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr Edim Moses said it became imperative for the group to identify and work with Senator Onor in view of his academic background and track record, astute qualities, sterling performance, as well as genuine interest and commitment for the betterment of the academia and students.

    Responding, Senator Onor thanked the group for the beautiful and laudable initiative as he assured them of a better Cross River State when he becomes Governor in 2023.

    The group donated branded exercise books and flex banners to the Governorship candidate.

    The Academic Elites For Sandy Onor is a group of reputable men and women from the academic community across tertiary institutions in the state with the zeal and determination to be part of the process to reclaim Cross River State.

    (Caterpillar Movement Media)

  • Ayade Care: C’River State Govt Distributes Drugs And Other Medical Commodities, As BHPF Programme Records Success

    Ayade Care: C’River State Govt Distributes Drugs And Other Medical Commodities, As BHPF Programme Records Success

     

    There’s huge success in the recently implemented AyadeCare/Basic Health Care Provision Fund Program and the state’s social health care scheme across board as the Cross River State Government has commenced the distribution of Drugs and other medical commodities to benefiting facilities across the state.

    The Distribution which was led by the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong and her team had various facility heads in the southern Senatorial District of the state present and also the team visiting facilities to drop the commodities.

    Speaking at the site of distribution, the DG who was represented by the Focal Person of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, Mrs Ekaette Ekpenyong warned the benefiting facilities to avoid issues of misappropriation and hoarding of drugs , noting that , it is punishable and those found wanting will be penalized.

    She said, the drugs which were made available by both the state and federal government will help meet the basic health needs of clients in communities as well as boost the confidence of the people in the patronage of primary health care facilities.

    She encouraged the benefiting facilities and their staff to be of good conduct noting that , regular interactions with members of the Community through health talk, awareness and sensitization will help in promoting good, quality and desirable health .

    The basic health Care Provision Fund and the State’s Social Health Scheme, “Ayade Care” are innovations of both the state and federal government with 1% of the nation’s consolidated revenue earmarked for equiping, renovation, staffing and standardization of primary Healthcare facilities across the country. The Ayadecare also requires a N1,000 contribution which allows Cross Riverians access to quality health care Whenever they need it.

    The Ayadecare program is aimed at benefiting the old, children under 5, vulnerable and all who are resident in Cross River as they are granted access to free and unquantifiable healthcare to avoid “out of pocket expenditures”.
    Those registered under the Basic Health Care programme only need to visit the facility where they registered with their cards and they will have access to free health care services.

  • Linda Ayade Calls For Continued Prioritization Of Nutrition In Cross River State

    Linda Ayade Calls For Continued Prioritization Of Nutrition In Cross River State

    By Margaret Asikong MOI Officer 

    Wife of Cross River State Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Ayade has called on all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as partners to come together and increase awareness geared towards the prioritization of nutrition, while fostering collaborations that will mobilize resources to help tackle malnutrition in the state.

    Dr. Ayade made the call recently at the Diamond Ball Room, Transcorp Hotel, Calabar during a one day high level engagement meeting and policy dialogue with key stake holders on investment in maternal, infant, young child and adolescent nutrition in Cross River State, which was organized by United Nation International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with CRS Planning Commission and State Committee on Food and Nutrition.

    Dr. Ayade who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Bakassi LGA and President of Cross River Women Emancipation Initiative (CROWEI), Eti-Eka (Mrs) Lawrencia Ita, said that the theme for the event which is Harnessing optimal Developmental Potentials of Cross River Children and adolescents through investment in Maternal, Infant, Young Child and Adolescent Nutrition, is very apt as people all over the world are suffering from various forms of malnutrition such as; life-threatening hunger, micronutrient deficiencies, low calories intake and obesity, with over 45% of under-five mortality as a result of malnutrition.

    She stated that another measure of chronic malnutrition which is of huge concern in the state is stunting, adding that 1 out of every 5 (189,160) children under five years in CRS is stunted (shorter than the expected height for their age), while only 24% initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth.
    She maintained that the urgency for nutrition improvement is a necessity for sustainable development and that it is pertinent for states to promote, as well as sustain investments that will address the drivers of malnutrition, especially inappropriate feeding practices, poor stewardship and policy implementation.

    She further stated that the state has over the years employed measures to address issues of malnutrition, food insecurity and poverty such as; the inauguration of the State Council of Nutrition (SCN), which is in line with National Policy on Food and Nutrition; implementation of high impact interventions and programmes like; maternal newborn and child week, breast feeding week, agricultural/food programme, women empowerment and other nutrition focused programmes across the state, as well as ensuring free health care services to pregnant women and children under five through the Ayade care scheme, amongst others.

    Dr. Ayade opined that through the office of the wife of the Governor and SCN, they are committed to promote the public private partnership in nutrition which will galvanize resources to empower women, improve nutrition, amongst others.
    She used the occasion to express thanks to UNICEF, State House of Assembly, SCN, Ministries and Agencies for their support in improving nutrition in the state.

    In his welcome remarks, the SPC Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor on Economic Planning and Vice Chairman Dr. Francis Ntamu expressed appreciation to all present especially the speaker, CRSHA, RT Hon. Eteng Williams, House Committee Chairman, Executive members, key stakeholders, Unicef and other partners for finding time to be part of the event and for all their support . According to him, the focus of the State Government is on human capital development and is glad that the gathering will give them the opportunity to review necessary procedures, actions and strategies ranging from polices that can activate result with specific regard to maternal, infant and young children as it relates to nutrition, amongst others.

    In her remarks, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF, Enugu, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe-Chilemba used the occasion to thank all the participants present as well as the state government for the effective collaboration with UNICEF in organizing the meeting, which according to her, reflects the commitment of the state government and partners to ensuring that the maternal and nutrition health of mothers/children in CRS is achieved, adding that UNICEF is committed to partnering with CRS, as well as other relevant partners and stakeholders in achieving the global development agenda.

    Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Surv. Dr. Gertrude Nnanjar Njar, thanked UNICEF for their unrelenting and continuous multi-sectorial technical and financial support over time, especially as it concerns children and other vulnerable groups in CRS, while also expressing thanks to other donor partners and stakeholders for their support and good works towards attaining sustainable development and growth, adding that the importance of nutrition for all categories of persons cannot be over emphasized especially for infants and young children.

    In the same vein, the Director-General, CRS Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, said that they will continue to do their best to ensure that children have access to micro nutrients that will help them come out of malnutrition and that integration of nutrition is their watchword in all their programmes, for they will continue to strongly advocate for investment in maternal, infant, young child and adolescent nutrition amongst others.

    Highlights at the event included; goodwill messages from the Speaker, CRSHA, representative of the Chief Judge of CRS, members of the State Executive Council and Partners, panel discussion/policy dialogue, group photographs, amongst others.

  • Linda Ayade Flags Off Health Symposium, Seek To End Malnutrition Scourge In Cross River State

    Linda Ayade Flags Off Health Symposium, Seek To End Malnutrition Scourge In Cross River State

     

    According to global indices, over 2 million children under the ages of 5 are currently suffering from “Severe Acute Malnutrition” with only a privileged 2 out of every 10 opportuned to be receiving treatment for this life threatening situation.

    malnutrition continue to be a major cause of death and ill health, as it contributes to over 45% of under-five mortality. Another measure of chronic malnutrition which is of great concern is stunting. It is indeed a huge concern that in Cross River State 1 out of every 5 (189,160) children under-five years in the State is stunted (shorter than the expected height for their age), while only 24% initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth.

    With this said figures, Nigeria is said to account for the second highest prevalence rate of children with stunted growth globally with a further scary projection of a worsen figure if authorities don’t develop formidable policies to address this issue.

    On a benchmark of accurately reducing malnutrition and delibrately exonerating Cross River State from adding to the nation’s Scarry figures, Government agencies, the private sector and some agencies of the united nations have met in Calabar, the Cross River State capital to buy into the newly developed policy framework seeking more actions against Malnutrition among infants and young children in the state.

    The Cross River State Planning Commission on food and nutrition in conjunction with United Nation System and United Nation’s International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has formally charted a formidable avenue on investment in Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition in the State.

    Wife of the state Governor, Dr. Linda Ayade while declaring the symposium open said Malnutrition has been a challenge to the health of many especially the vulnerable in the society.

    Dr Ayade who was represented by Hon Mrs Lawrencia Ita said , the need to invest resources in the fight against malnutrition cannot be over emphasized as she likened malnutrition to a pandemic which if not well managed, could affect the well being of the child.

    She also harped on the need to increase health sector and other ministries budget, while calling on the line MDAs to ensure nutrition is captured in their budget.

    She also implicated poverty as a major cause of malnutrition and highlighted some of the measures and innovations His Excellency, Senator Prof Ben Ayade has brought in, such as employment, empowerment of women and youth, among others.

    She further stated that tackling malnutrition is a collective effort as she called on the involvement of private sector.
    She reiterated Government’s commitment to tackle malnutrition, through various health interventions as well as investing in the health sector.

    In his remarks Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon.Eteng Williams assured the representatives of unifying partners of a robust cooperation and contribution between them and the State Legislative arm of Government , pointing out that the issue would be prominently captured in subsequent budgets .

    In an address, the Director-General, Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), Dr. Janet Ekpenyong expressed optimism and excitement for the various roles played by key drivers in ensuring the actualization of the set goals.

    She acknowledged the danger faced by the vulnerable children, stressing that they deserve adequate attention in order to ensure a better future free from incessant life-threatening scourge even as she charged NGOs and MDAs not to only see the dialogue as a continuum but incorporate nutrition in their budget so as to inform futuristic relevance and safety.

    Dr. Ekpenyong who enumerated poverty, eating of unbalanced meals among others as the major causes attributable to malnutrition, noted that when stakeholders key into the State government’s policy on food and nutrition, the envisaged set goals, multiplier effect/benefits would be speedily achieved.

    She reiterated the state government commitment to tackle malnutrition by ensuring full implementation of the policy and health campaigns such as Maternal newborn and child Health week and other programmes to mitigate malnutrition issues.

    On her part, the Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong disclosed that a child with an unbalanced diet is prone to stunted growth as such nutritional dieting remain the only panacea to a healthy life and Nation building.
    She lauded UNICEF for their support, describing it as worthwhile.

    In her reaction, the UNICEF Enugu field office , Ms Maria
    thanked all and sundry for a proper dialogue expressing confidence that the workshop would afford drivers and beneficiaries to harness the knowledge gain on their respective MDAS and NGOs.
    She pledged UNICEF unwavering support to the state while appealing for more investment to sustain the gains made.

    The Chief economic Adviser to the Governor, Mr Francis Ntamu, who was also the convener thanked Her Excellency, the Honourable speaker and other dignitaries for their commitment and promises to ensure full implementation of the state nutritional framework as it will guide our efforts towards ending malnutrition in the state.
    The event also featured panel discussions by dignitaries, Technocrats, the academia and top government functionaries including the deputy leader and chairman House Committee on education, Rt Hon Hillary Bisong, the chairman Committee on gender, Rt Hon Maria Akwaji, the perm secretary Smoh , Dr Iwara Iwara amongst others.

  • Inflation: Who Takes The Beating; The Rich Or The Poor? BY JANEFRANCES CHIBUNDU

    Inflation: Who Takes The Beating; The Rich Or The Poor? BY JANEFRANCES CHIBUNDU

     

    With inflation now rising faster than wages, economists are debating which group suffers more from inflation, the poor or the rich. This kind of economy-wide question is quite easy to answer, especially when rates of inflation have been so high in recent times while comparing the losses to the poor to the losses to wealthier groups.

    Nonetheless, the arguments suggest that the poor are likely to take a beating. Inflation can worsen inequality or poverty because it hits income and savings harder for poorer or middle-income households than for wealthy household. One major factor being that the poor is the socio-economic group that finds it hardest to purchase a home, of which real estate seems to be one of the best inflation hedges.

    In Nigeria for instance, the average Inflation rate in the current Buhari-led administration is at 12.9% this excludes covid-19 effect, with a significant rise of 250bps compared to 10.4% during the Jonathan-led administration. This is according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, NBS. Headline Inflation in Nigeria rose to 20.52% in August 2022, higher than 19.64% recorded in July 2022, this represent the highest inflation rate since 2005. Food Inflation also rose by 110bps to 23.12% from 22.02% in July 2022, while Core Inflation increased by 94bps to 17.20% in August 2022 compared to 16.62% in July.

    Nigeria’s inflation rate in the month of August 2022 rose to a 17-year high of 20.52% This compares to 19.64%. recorded in the previous month of July 2022, and it was driven by significant increases in both Food and Core Inflation. According to the NBS, the rise in food inflation was caused by increases in prices of bread and cereals, food products like; potatoes, yam, meat, fish, oil, fat and other tubers. Nigerians have continued to feel the impact of the inflation for instance, a commodity which sold at N1,000 in 2015 is currently sold at N2,000, which is a 100% increase.

    Salaries have not been increased to compliment the prices of goods In the market, instead people are left with the option of cutting down their budget while those who can afford relocation troop out in their numbers, thereby contributing to the high demand of foreign currency especially dollar, which in turn devalues the Nigerian Naira.

    Speaking with a Certified Financial Analyst Adetumi Atayero CFA, on the increasing rate of Inflation in the world, he attributed the high inflation globally to energy cost, supply chain and geopolitical tension.

    He explained that, “the current Russian and Ukrainian war and the sanction on Russia by the west since their invasion of Ukraine has been a major factor contributing to the high cost of Energy in the world as Russia has retaliated by reducing the amount of oil production to Europe and other countries, knowing that Russia is the third Largest oil producing nation in the world after United States of America and Saudi Arabia”. Germany for instance depends solely on Russia for 40% of there gas supply and about 5 to 20% of oil supply, hence the reduction in the flow of oil to E.U has caused the price of oil to soar.

    Nigeria on the other hand depends on Ukraine for their grains and some other staple foods, and since the onset the war there has been a reduction in the importation of wheat used for production of bread. This disruption means that wheat prices are now 25% higher than a year ago. Many other staples have become more expensive. A barrel of oil in Nigeria is selling at 105 dollars. Since oil is the major instrument for production of goods and services as energy affects all sectors of the economy leading to all round inflation.

    The UN’s Food Prices Index has fallen for the fifth month in a row, and this is a sign that one of the main pressures pushing up the cost of living around the world could ease.The index fell to 138 points in August and is now lower than it was before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The countries were both major exporters of crops including sunflower oil, corn and wheat.

    Undeniably, the COVID-19 pandemic imposed a sudden and dramatic shift on global supply chains as rolling lockdowns to mitigate the virus’s spread impacted the exchange of goods and materials on the world stage. Similarly, lockdowns on a national and local level led to a tremendous rise in unemployment, as businesses were forced to shutdown as a result of viral countermeasures.

    This significant job loss forced the government to prop up the floundering economy via economic stimulus plans. These stimulus plans resulted in a large influx of money to the national economy, which in turn increased the currency supply and decreased its overall value. Adetumi however argued that “since the COVID-19 lockdown the supply chain around the world was greatly affected as it takes longer to import goods which has limited raw materials which inturn affects the cost of goods and services”.

    Speaking on Geopolitical tension as one of the leading factors of high rise in inflation he said “China is responsible for a huge chunk of global production, the country currently is practicing zero COVID-19 tolerance which suggests that if one person contracts COVID-19 the economy would be shut down, which inturn affects production of goods” This means that if the ratio of demand is not proportionate to supply, it leads to high demand of goods which in turn leads to inflation.

    Nigeria being an import dependent Nation. Increases in the prices of imported fuels, materials, and components increase domestic costs of production, and lead to increases in the prices of domestically produced goods. Imported inflation may be set off by foreign price increases, or by depreciation of a country’s exchange rate. Imported inflation which is evident in the devaluation of the Nigerian currency. Over the last 10 years which has seen the Naira erode in value at the cliff of 12% yearly against 2% average long-run inflation in U.S.A which leaves the difference at 10% depreciating value of the Naira against dollar.

    The financial analyst also linked the devaluation of Naira to the poor economy management. “A country that spends about 86% of her revenue on debt servicing there is a tendency that people would see such economy as not being sustainable”, he said.

    Recall that the World Bank had projected that the current inflationary pressure will push additional one million Nigerians into extreme poverty by the end of this year. In its latest Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report, titled, “The continuing urgency of business unusual,” it estimated that an additional one million would be added to the six million Nigerians that were already predicted to relapse into poverty this year because of increase in prices, particularly food prices.

    Adetumi, speaking On how inflation affects the rich, argued that “the rich also take the beating on the effect of inflation but not as much as the poor and that since most of rich have companies in Nigeria and as well generates revenue in Naira that the inflation effect affects the generation of revenue in their various companies”. As at the time of this report Dangote’s networth stood at 12.7 Billion dollar ranking #130 on the Forbes list of world richest men compared to four years ago when the rate of dollar to naira was 150 naira his net worth was at 14 Billion dollars equivalent to 5.8trillion naira a decline of 1.3 Billion dollars.

    Speaking on the way forward he pointed that the growth rate of the Nigerian economy is not proportionate to its Gross Domestic product (GDP)
    “the idea of exporting our raw materials like cocoa and crude oil for it to be imported back as finished product is wasteful”.

    The jobs which could have generated revenue for her citizen and as well save cost have been shifted to other countries, “our exports are now lower than our income”, added the Financial expert.

    Increased insecurities in different parts of the country have also led to low productions of goods and services as the prices of the available goods are inflated to makeup for their efforts. “Government should focus on Infrastructural development and creating an enabling environment free of insecurities to enable investors and as well boost the economy while we improve in our technological advancement” Adetumi concluded.

    Therefore, Nigerian government needs to employ the services of qualified economic managers to formulate and implement viable economic policies to drive the Nigerian economy on the path of growth and development.

  • C’River PDP Constitute Appeal Committee For Local Government Election

    C’River PDP Constitute Appeal Committee For Local Government Election

    The Cross River State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, has constituted the Appeal Committee for the local government election.

    In a release made available to ThwLumineNews and signed by the Organizingi Secretary, Hon Francis Ekeng, that Mr Boniface Odey is to serve as Chairman, Hon Rita Ekpenyong is to serve as secretary, while Mr Ferdinand Ugbong and Evang (Mrs) Caroline Etim are to serve as members.

  • Governor Ayade’s Aunt Dies At 122 years

    Governor Ayade’s Aunt Dies At 122 years

     

    The Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade is said to have lost his aunt, Ama Suzan undiegah Agaba, at age 122 years whose sad event occured September 3rd, 2022.

    The late Mrs Susan undiegah Agaba was the governor’s father elder sister, and the grandmother of Dr Francis Agaba, PhD, a lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, University of Calabar, Calabar.

    The mama Susan contributed in her own small measure to the upbringing of most of her brothers, sisters, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives.

    In a release bymby the Chief mourner,a Mr Andrew Agaba and made available to TheLumineNews, indicates that, Wake Keep is slated for Friday, September 23rd at Mr Marcellinus Ushie Agaba’s compund, Betukwel. While funeral service is to hold on Saturday, September 24th, 2022 at 10.00am at St Joseph Catholic Church, Betukwel, and internment to follow immediately at her family compund in Betukwel, Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    She is survived by seven (7) children, 15 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 14 nephews, 15 nieces and a host of other relatives to mourn her.

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom’s Score Card, After One Year In Office

    Sen Jarigbe Agom’s Score Card, After One Year In Office

    September 15th, 2021, is an auspicious day for Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, the Senator Representing Cross River North Senatorial District and the good people of Cross River North.

    His first year in the Nigerian Senate was the greatest year of Infrastructural and human capital development in the history of Cross River North Senatorial District. Lives were changed, cries were heard, and prayers were answered. Indeed, his emergence as Senator last year was a fitting denouement to an episodic political journey which began two decades ago.

    In fact, at a time when it was generally believed that one has to be lowbrow, an incorrigible liar and a bit a murderer to be a politician, Senator Jarigbe ventured into politics to improve lives yet, bucked at seeing people sacrificed or slaughtered for the sake of his ambition. It is a reason his life offers interminable lessons on the beauty and benefits of resolve, compassion, unpretentious generosity, humility as well as political and family values.

    Below, but not limited are some of Senator Jarigbe’s legislative giant strides in his first year in the Nigerian Senate;

    1. Solar street lights across all 5 LGAs in the North.

    2. Sensitization on COVID-19 pandemic in Cross River North.

    3. Construction of school building at St. Peters Primary School, Akwurinyi, Bekwarra LGA.

    4. Empowerment of constituents to mark 1 month in office.

    5. Training of Widows in Cross River North on Animal Husbandry by National Productivity Centre (NPC).

    6. Construction of a 3 classroom block at Community Primary School, Kutiang 2, Obudu LGA.

    7. Animal Husbandry Training for Farmers in Cross River North.

    8. Ongoing Road Construction at Igodor, Nkum, Ogoja LGA.

    8. Construction/Rehabilitation of 1.3km Prince Akwaji Offiono Road, Yala LGA.

    9. Renovation of Government Primary School Ukpirinye, Utugwang, Obudu LGA.

    10. Renovation of Community Primary School Ashikpe-Ukpe in Obudu LGA.

    11. Renovation of Primary School Estong Busi, Obanliku LGA.

    12. Installation of Solar Powered Street lights in Bekwarra and Ogoja LGAs.

    13. Facilitated the construction of Monaya-Ikaptang Road in Ogoja LGA.

    14. Facilitated drilling of Solar powered borehole at Image Central Mosque, Okuku, Yala LGA.

    15. Facilitated drilling of Solar powered borehole in Ukpah Community, Bekwarra LGA.

    16. Drilling of Solar powered boreholes in Gakem, Bewo, Abuagbor, Ukpada, and Agida Communities in Bekwarra LGA.

    17. Drilling of Solar powered boreholes in Begiaba, Ukwel, Utugwang North, Utugwang South and Utugwang Central Communities in Obudu LGA.

    18. Drilling of Solar powered boreholes in Ketting, Bayaga, Bagga, Sankwala, Akorshi-Owhe Belinge and Bukemaya Communities in Obanliku LGA.

    19. Renovation of Community Primary School Ilagos Ikhor, Ochagbe, Afrike 2, Bekwarra LGA.

    20. Installation of Solar powered street lights in Belinge, Belegete, Ketting, Busanfong, and Sankwala Communities of Obanliku LGA.

    21. Installation of Solar powered street lights in Begiaba, Alege Ubang, Kakum, Ukwel Obudu and Utugwang North Communities in Obudu LGA.

    22. Installation of Solar powered street lights in Ugboro, Anyikang, Alumonye, Akpakpa, Otukpuru and Ukpah communities of Bekwarra LGA.

    23. Facilitated the Construction of Mini Stadium in Ogoja LGA.

    24. Facilitated the construction of Recreational Center in Ogoja.

    25. Facilitated the construction of 65 km road in Aliforkpa, Yala LGA.

    26. Facilitated the construction of Ikaptang – Afrike Road, Ogoja LGA.

    27. Distribution of relief materials to victims of Itega/Oba communal disputes, Yala LGA.

    28. Distribution of foodstuffs to Hausa Communities in Cross River North.

    29. Renovation of Government Primary School, Estong, Busi, Obanliku LGA.

    30. Renovation of Community Primary School Ada, Itega-Okpame in Yala LGA.

    31. Construction of Ukpagada-Aladim road in Ogoja LGA.

    32.Construction of a 3 classrooms block at Community Primary School, Adigbo, Mfom, Ogoja LGA.

    33. Drilling of solar powered borehole in Nwang/Nyake, Mfom 1, Ogoja LGA.

    34. Cash empowerment/grant for farmers/Artisans in Cross River North.

    35. Facilitated grants for rural vulnerables in Cross River North.

    36. Construction of class room blocks at Ekajuk Comprehensive Secondary School in Bansara, Ekajuk, Ogoja LGA.

    37. Facilitated Training/Cash empowerment of graduates/Youths under the platform of National Film and Sensors Board of Nigeria.

    38. Facilitated Entrepreneurship Development Training under SMEDAN in Cross River North.

    39. Installation of Solar powered borehole in Basan Community, Mbube West Ward 2, Ogoja LGA.

    40. Facilitated job placement for youths in The Nigerian Immigration Service and Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corp.

    41. Sponsored Free 2022 JAMB Registration for constituents.

    42. Provided Financial support for Northern Cross Riverians who are members of ASUU Unical Chapter.

    His bill seeking the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre, Ogoja has been passed by the Nigerian Senate, awaiting Mr President’s assent, while his bill seeking the establishment of Federal College of Agriculture awaits third reading.

    Senator Jarigbe is poised to continue his legislative stride in the Senatorial District when re-elected come 2023.

    While we bask in the euphoria of the sterling achievements of Sen. Jarigbe, we are also taken aback by the memories of the untimely death of Charles Onwe, who lost his life on the eve of the Senate Bye-Election Primary and all others who sustained injuries during the primary election when the oppressor ordered the shooting of unarmed constituents.

    May the soul of Charles Onwe continue to Rest in Peace.

    Congratulations once more to a refined and quintessential Nigerian lawmaker and the good people of Cross North Senatorial District.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

     

     

  • FG Inaugurates N274m TETFUND Projects In FCE Obudu

    FG Inaugurates N274m TETFUND Projects In FCE Obudu

     

    The Federal Government through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) has inaugurated projects worth over two hundred and seventy four million naira (N274,000 000) at the Federal College of Education, (FCE), Obudu.

    The projects include a Science Complex compromising of six laboratories, one auditorium, twenty nine offices, a gym hall as well as a storey building compromising four classroom blocks and ten offices.

    Inaugurating the projects located at the main campus of the college on Friday, the Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba commended the management of the institution for the judicious use of resources as exemplified in the timely completion of the projects.

    Jedy-Agba who said that aside giving face-lift to the institution, the projects will enhance teaching and learning amongst staff and students, urged the institution to maintain the projects appropriately to inspire government to do more.

    The Minister said that the feat was a testament to the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to improve infrastructural development in tertiary institutions in the country.

    According to him, “the President is very happy with these projects that’s why he sent me to personally come down to commission and hand them over to the college. As I go go back, I’ll report to the President that the funds have been properly utilized, and I’ll also pass the message that the school needs more investment in its internal roads. For power, I’ve heard the request”.

    While delivering his goodwill message, Cross River State Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade commended TETFUND for the projects as well as all the interventions done in the states owned institutions.

    Ayade who was represented by the State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Godwin Amanke said that “the framers of the TETFUND laws should be commended because they have brought so much development to public tertiary institutions in the country. We commend TETFUND for these projects and all the ones executed in our state owned institutions. We encourage them to continue to do more “.

    Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Arch. Sonny Echono on his part said that the projects were executed through the 2015/2018 merged normal intervention funds.

    Echono who was represented in the occasion by the Director, Monitoring and Evaluation of intervention agency, Arch. Babajide Olajide added that TETFUND have many other projects lined up for commissioning in about twelve different locations across the country.

    He said that “in the seven to eight years of the President Buhari’s administration, we’ve witnessed a lot of developments in the tertiary education subsector which have been made possible not just through statutory funding but intervention agencies like TETFUND. These iconic projects were completed this year and we’re delighted that the funds provided were properly utilized. We’re happy and hope that the institution will benefit more “.

    Earlier, provost of the college, Dr. Richard Ugbaha while delivering his welcome address said that “I want to categorically state that the best thing to happen to tertiary education in Nigeria is the establishment of TETFUND. This bold step has helped to provide institutions with basic infrastructure and educational needs that are required for effective teaching and learning, and our college has benefitted immensely “.

    Ugbaha who commended the President and other key stakeholders for the projects executed in the main and satellite campuses of the college, however, appealed to the federal government to also look into providing the institution with Solar Power farm, hostel accommodation, furnishing of the 2012/2013 Theatre Arts auditorium as well as fencing of the Bebi campus.

  • Jedy-Agba Tours Electricity Project Sites In Cross River North

    Over the weekend, after commissioning two complexes in the Federal College of Education, Obudu on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Honourable Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR, embarked on a confirmation tour to some locations where he facilitated electricity projects in Cross River North.

    The Minister had facilitated the installation of six (6) 500kva distribution transformers to his Senatorial district; three in Obanliku, two in Obudu and one in Ogoja local government. A single 500kva transformer can connect more than 103 homes.

    Those in Obanliku are located in Bayaga,
    Busi Road and Busan fong while the ones for Obudu have been installed in Ukwutia and Ngbenege. The one for Ogoja is in Muniaya, just by the Hospital in Ogoli.

    Part of the project also involves replacement of electricity poles and cables. Already, the first phase of the the project which is installation of the transformers in the six locations and replacement of poles and cables in some parts of Ukwutia is at advanced stage of completion.

    The second phase which is commencing soon will also see to the installation of distribution transformers and replacement of cables and poles in some parts of Bekwarra, some LGAs in central and South Senatorial districts including Obubra, Etung, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, etc.