The senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom, has commissioned the Betukwel and Igwo Road, Begiading Ward, Obudu Local Government Area.
As part of the commissioning process, Sen Jarigbe also inspected ongoing projects, including the Betukwel Ultra-Modern Town Hall and the Amukwong Bridge in Alege/Ubang, all in Obudu local government area.
The elated Sen Jarigbe Agom, appreciated constituents for their continued support and promised to complete the remaining segments of the roads and while considering their requests.
The Senator, who led his team to Obudu on October 13th , was received by traditional leaders, women, youths, and men who had gathered to witness the events at various locations.
In Igwo, the Clan Head, HRH Utsu Cornelius Ulem, narrated the difficulties faced by his people and thanked the Senator for remembering them when all hope seemed lost.
Similarly, the people of Betukwel expressed deep appreciation for the Lawmaker’s efforts, particularly the newly constructed road and ongoing ultra-modern town hall, while Amukwong community in Alege/Ubang also thanked him for facilitating the construction of their bridge, which had become a necessity due to its potential to boost economic development and improve their living standards.
On their part, the people of Betukwel expressed deep appreciation for the Lawmaker’s efforts, particularly the newly constructed road and ongoing ultra-modern town hall, while Amukwong community in Alege/Ubang also thanked him for facilitating the construction of their bridge, which had become a necessity due to its potential to boost economic development and improve their living standards.
Chief Austin Edibe, Prof. Zana Akpagu, Mr. John Atsu, Hon. Kingsley Agabi, Mr. Aninege Jimmie, Hon. Charles Eneji, Mr. Egar Mgbantul were among the dignitaries that accompanied the senator.
The 8th Governing Council of the Federal College of Education Obudu, Cross River State, has suspended the Provost of the College, Dr. Richard Ugbaha Utubaku for maladministration and gross misconduct.
In a letter made available to TheLumineNews and signed by Mr Evans O. Iyenya, Registra/Secretary of Council, with Ref No: FCE/OB/REG/CT-A/Vol.II/273, and captioned “LETTER OF SUSPENSION AND GENERAL INEFFICIENCY”. The Registrar noted that “I am directed to inform you that 8th Governing Council is in receipt of allegations and series of complaints against you from Deans of Schools, the three Unions in the College; COEASU, SUUCOEN, NASU and Director of Procurement for surreptitiously auctioning of college unserviceable cars and other irregularities vehicles. This is in violation of the White Paper of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the report of the visiting panel into the affairs of the College 2011-2015.
“Consequently, the 8th Governing Council in its 5th Regular meeting directed that you proceed on a Three months suspension at the first instance with effect from 14th October, 2025 pending the conclusion of investigation.
You are hereby directed to handover all college properties and official documents to the Deputy Provost.”
It is alleged that the Provost has been having a running battle with the major unions in the College because of his style of administration, high-handedness, lack of transparency and insensitivity to staff welfare.
The latest storm that is brewing in the College is the auctioning of about 15 College vehicles of various brands by the Provost to his cronies and family members without due process. A move that the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) describe as “Kangaroo Auctioning of College Property”
Documents obtained indicate that COEASU has given the suspended Provost till Tuesday 14th October 2025 to return the vehicles or they’ll down tools.
The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, will commission the newly completed road projects in Igwo and Betukwel communities, Obudu Local Government Area.
The commissioning ceremony is scheduled for Monday, October 13, 2025, at 12:00 pm prompt in Igwo, followed by Betukwel community.
During his visit, Senator Jarigbe will also inspect ongoing projects facilitated by him, including the Amukwong Bridge construction in Alege/Ubang and the Ultra Modern Town Hall project in Betukwel.
All supporters, party members, and the general public are cordially invited to attend this significant event.
At the time of Jesus, there were four categories of persons that were just regarded as dead people: the poor, the blind, the childless and the leper. Of these categories, the leper was considered the worst: an outcast, unclean and most loathsome. He was separated from the rest of the community and could not even come near the village. Like every disease at that time, leprosy was looked upon as a punishment for one’s sin. In fact, it was the very symbol of sin. To be cured of leprosy was a miracle comparable to reviving a corpse and only God could work such a miracle. We can then understand better, the story of the Ten Lepers who came to Jesus, as recorded in Luke 17:11-19.
In this story, the ten lepers came to Jesus for a cure, but they had to stop at a distance and cry out “Jesus, Master! have pity on us” (vs.12-13). Jesus, not wanting to claim credit, had to send them off saying, “Go and show yourself to the priest” (v.14), and they were cured on the way (lesson for modern healers who like to claim all the credit). Finally, Jesus wondered why only one of them (a foreigner) returns to give thanks and asked, “ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine?” (v.17). A similar story is also recorded in the Old Testament (2Kgs:5ff), where a foreigner, Naaman the leper who was hitherto worshipping Rimmon seeks a cure and Elisha the prophet sends him off to the Jordan. On his way, he got his cure and returns to give thanks.
The above stories and images have some symbolism. They speak to us first and foremost about the significance of leprosy and the leper in the Bible: Leprosy represents sin and the leper, the sinner like you and I. Although we are sinners, we can no longer be kept back from God’s house. By turning back to Jesus, the leper is no longer a foreigner because God has sent the one who has power to cure leprosy; Jesus Christ into the world
(Lk 7:22). This story speaks to us about the miraculous power of God to heal and the necessity of man to give thanks to God for his healing power, both in the physical and spiritual sense. Humankind is no longer divided between the healthy and the sick (lepers), the upright and the sinners, those who are beloved and those who are hated by God. Pope Leo, in his recent encyclical ‘Delexi Te’ urges the whole world to do away with a religion that excludes people, that passes judgements, that condemns the unclean because salvation is for ALL.
In a significant move to boost business and enhance food sufficiency, the senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has distributed 68 Tricycles and 50 Hand power Tillers to constituents at his residence, GRA, Ogoja.
Speaking during the distribution of the tricycles and tillers, Sen Jarigbe Agom, represented by his Constituency Officer, Mr Egar Mgbantul, noted that the gesture is to boost their economic activities and enhance food sufficiency.
In his words “As your representative, I told myself that my mandate is your mandate and that is why all year round, I have decided to provide you with what you need to sustain your livelihoods.
“Majority of those we have provided them with tricycles are business people. Some are farmers and they will need it to convey their produce from the farm to their homes and even the markets.
“Food sufficiency can be a powerful tool for promoting economic development, improving livelihoods, and enhancing community well-being.
“I have decided to provide tillers for machanized farming. I want to encourage our youths to go into farming as these tillers will help to plough the soil to ease farming. I will continue to do best to provide you with what will be of help to you”.
Speaking with some of the beneficiaries, Mr Sunny Idam, commended Sen Jarigbe Agom, for providing him with a tricycle and pledged to use it judiciously to aid his family.
Mr Jude Akpagu, who got a tiller expressed happiness for the honour done him and prayed God to continue to provide for Sen Jarigbe Agom.
New Trends in Earning Online in 2025 – Opportunities and Insights
The digital economy never pauses, and 2025 proves it again. Online income sources are growing, reaching areas that once felt untouched. From highly technical skills to platform-driven services, people now have more chances than ever to earn online. The change is quick, global, and highly rewarding.
Many are attracted by the convenience of modern platforms. Fast setup, secure payments, and simple user flows create a steady pull. Services such ashttps://1xbet.gm/enillustrate how online access connects users to income streams with smooth navigation. The wider digital space is built on the same model: mobile, efficient, and designed to generate returns.
Online Work and Changing Digital Habits
By 2025, online earning is part of everyday life rather than an alternative. Mobile apps, gig services, and subscriptions are now central to how people use the web.
Digital behavior is a major driver. Mobile-first activity, quick transactions, and microservices shape both how people spend and how they earn. Platforms integrating payments and work seamlessly continue to thrive.
Freelancing and Specialized Skills
Freelancing has moved far beyond side jobs. Designers, developers, and consultants work on global projects with increasing focus on niche skills. Specific expertise, not just volume, secures higher rates in 2025.
Category
Avg. hourly rate (USD)
Growth in demand
Leading platforms
AI development
60–120
+35%
Upwork, Toptal
Cybersecurity
55–110
+28%
Fiverr Pro, Guru
UX/UI design
45–95
+24%
99 designs, Upwork
Data analytics
50–100
+30%
Freelancer, Toptal
Content strategy
40–85
+20%
Fiverr, Contently
Categories of online jobs, hourly rates, market demand, and leading platforms
These figures show one clear trend: skills tied to AI, security, and data pay better than most other fields.
Subscriptions and Creator Economy
Creators shape much of today’s digital earning system. Memberships and subscriptions dominate in video, education, and streaming. Instead of advertising alone, creators turn fans into direct supporters.
Services like paid newsletters and community platforms help small groups of loyal fans bring in steady income. Many creators now earn more from a thousand paying subscribers than from a million casual viewers.
Gaming as a Source of Income
Gaming has shifted from entertainment to a serious economic driver. Streaming, competitive tournaments, and in-game purchases all support online incomes. Mobile solutions boost this further. https://1xbet.gm/en/mobile reflects how mobile convenience pulls users into digital ecosystems. This is mirrored in gaming, where mobile integration accounts for most growth.
Digital Products and Microservices
Digital product sales are growing rapidly. Templates, learning materials, and toolkits can be distributed easily and maintained with low effort. A single product may generate passive income for years.
AI shapes how individuals make money online. From automated design tools to smart trading assistants, machine learning is central. Smart contracts on blockchain platforms replace long and complex agreements, saving time and cutting costs.
Gig Platforms and Task Work
Small task platforms continue to attract millions. Survey jobs, testing, and micro tasks remain a steady entry point for new earners.
Platform
Avg. hourly income (USD)
Key features
Amazon MTurk
3–7
Microtasks, surveys
Clickworker
4–8
Data entry, short texts
Appen
6–10
AI training, audio work
UserTesting
10–20
Website and app testing
Lionbridge
5–9
Translation, language jobs
Examples of small tasks platforms, their rates, key features.
Earnings are lower than freelancing, but flexibility makes them popular.
Digital assets remain part of online income in 2025. Fractional shares and stablecoins allow micro-investments starting from a few dollars. Transparency and security are stressed.
Key Highlights
The online earning market is more dynamic than ever. Four major points define 2025:
Mobile-first models dominate across income types
AI and automation scale productivity and efficiency
Teaching online is thriving. Platforms for live classes and recorded material host subjects ranging from coding to productivity tips. Beyond formal learning, niche lessons such as gaming strategies also draw steady interest. Models vary by region. Mobile-first growth leads in some areas, while subscription services dominate in others.
Earning online in 2025 is not about chance but about adaptation. From freelancing and subscriptions to AI and gaming, digital opportunities are broader than ever. Creativity, flexibility, and quick adoption of tools define who succeeds.
Okwum Uchechukwu, a Journalist, serves as Editor with the Tide Newspapers, and writes in from PortHarcourt, Rivers State.
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this sponsored article are strictly attributable to the author, Okwum Uchechukwu, and do not represent the TheLumineNews or it’s agent .
The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has charged Nigerians to be united, resourceful and reignite the indomitable Nigerian spirit so as to triumph over the myriad of socio-economic challenges the nation is faced with.
Senator Jarigbe, in his message to commemorate the country’s 65th Independence anniversary, urged citizens to be hopeful, prayerful and continue to work towards sustained peace, unity and progress of Cross River North and the country.
According to him, “I heartily salute, congratulate and celebrate our great country Nigeria and its citizens, as we celebrate the 65th anniversary of the nation’s independence this year.
“As we celebrate these historic event, it is important that we deeply reflect on the vision of our founding fathers who laboured to secure our right to self-determination and establish a country based on unity, love and sacrifice on October 1st 1960.
“Today, I join all patriots to once again affirm that ‘though our tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand’ and that the ‘labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain’”.
The Lawmaker continued: “The current global and local challenges facing us as a nation may look daunting, however as a resilient, resourceful and great country, we will continually prevail and triumph over these challenges.
“The nation’s security challenges, the difficult economic situation and other challenges we currently face, may seem threatening to the fabric of our nation, but if we unite and ignite our indomitable Nigerian spirit, we shall overcome and emerge as the victorious people that we are.
“In Cross River North Senatorial District, we will continue to strengthen the foundations of our society by transforming our institutions, empowering our people and communities to ensure efficiency in production and service delivery.”
“We believe that the steps we have since commenced to take will strengthen the political and economic fabric of our Senatorial District; they will also enhance social justice, security, economic development and delivery of good services to our people.
To all Nigerians, 65 hearty cheers! Long live Cross River North Senatorial District. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria 🇳🇬
A socio political group that cuts across political, social, religious and ethnic divides, Jarileague Coalition, has stated that with the performance of Sen Jarigbe Agom, so far, it will amount to witchcraft and social retardation for any sane person not to support him to continue to serve his constituents.
The Group posit, very strongly, that for now, Dist.Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe is simply irreplaceable.
This was disclosed in Calabar , Cross River State, Saturday September 20th 2025, during the New Yam get-together organised by members of the famous Coalition
Speaking at the occasion, the Convener and Spirit Head of Jarileague Coalition, Prof Patrick Egaga, thanked all members, friends and associates who identify with the
with the good works of the diligent and Distinguished Senator who is the political pride of CRN.
The University don disclosed that, “as it stands now, there is no alternative to Senator Jarigbe” and also that “the ONLY alternative to Senator Jarigbe is Senator Jarigbe”.
His handwriting and signature is on the 54 political WARDS of CRN. We can see clearly now.
Prof. Egaga also solicited prayers aside the overwhelming moral anf physical support for the Senator.
On his part, Prof Joseph Obu of Physics Department University of Calabar, commended Sen Jarigbe Agom’s unprecedented representation and noted that “I have never met with Sen Jarigbe Agom. I must have taught him in year One in the University. When I went home, I saw schools, roads and solar lights right in my compound and I was told that they were all facilitated by Sen Jarigbe Agom. What a man?
“He tarred the road from my friend’s mother’s village to his father’s village. He is here seated. For us, we have got a task to ensure that we take this advocacy to every part of our local government areas and ensure that he is returned to continue his good works. We are aware that some people are ready to spend billions to snatch the senate position, but we are very determined to ensure that we mobilize support for Sen. Jarigbe’s return”.
Engr Jacob Owan PhD, noted that “I am a member of the APC and I have identified with Sen Jarigbe Agom. If he is going to contest election in 2027, and APC will be my headache, I will defect to the PDP to support Sen Jarigbe Agom.
“His performance is unmatched. He has done well for us. Wike said, you do for me, I do for you”.
On his part, Mr Justine Akpanke PhD, from Igwo in Obudu Local Government Area, noted that ” Apart from the road tarred by the former Secretary to the State Government, Mr Gabriel Ogar to his compound, the only tarred road from Obudu – Ogoja highway to our primary school, is currently being constructed by Sen Jarigbe Agom. I wonder how anyone will drive through that road to come and tell the Igwo community not to vote for Jarigbe”
Others took turns to affirm their support for Sen Jarigbe Agom, despite their affiliation with their political parties, and noted that the 2027 general elections, will be the masses against the elitist class.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has intensified preparations for its September 27, 2025 State Congress with the unveiling of a 20-member committee to steer the exercise.
A statement signed by the State Chairman, Barr. Venatius Ikem, said the panel will oversee the planning and coordination of the congress to ensure it is credible, transparent, and rancour-free.
The committee is chaired by former University of Calabar Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Zana Akpagu, while Chief (Barr.) Helen Bocco serves as Secretary.
Other prominent members include Prof. Walter Mboto, Prof. Tom Ogar, Rt. Hon. Fred Osim, Barr. Mike Aniah, Barr. Francis Anom, Barr. Victor Edim, and Barr. Paul Ebiala.
Also named are Dr. Ivon Ettah, Hon. Ina Ibor, Hon. Ayuk Ntui, alongside several respected party leaders representing the state’s 18 Local Government Areas.
Ikem described the team as “a reputable mix of experience and competence,” noting that its composition underscores the PDP’s commitment to inclusivity and internal democracy. He expressed confidence that the committee would deliver a seamless congress capable of repositioning the party for greater political relevance in the state.
The congress is expected to attract massive participation from party faithful, as stakeholders gear up for a landmark event that will define the PDP’s leadership and strategic direction in Cross River State.
The Utugwang community in Obudu Local Government Area came alive on September 7th 2025, with the celebration of the maiden edition of the Umung Cultural Day Festival, a colorful event that showcased tradition, unity, and community spirit.
This maiden edition focused on education and youth empowerment, thanks to the intervention of Dr. Godwin Agbor, Director of Omega Agbor Clinic and Maternity Ltd, Chairman of the Obudu Health and Anti-Quackery Committee, and a former APC aspirant for the Cross River State House of Assembly.
As part of the festival highlights, Dr. Agbor awarded bursary to 70 students from Obudu, Bekwarra, and Obanliku Federal Constituency, describing the gesture as his way of supporting the ongoing strides of Governor Sen. (Apostle) Bassey Edet Otu in improving education and infrastructure across the state.
The day also featured a novelty football match between Utugwang Central and Utugwang South Ward, which ended 1–0 in favor of Utugwang Central. Dr. Agbor donated ₦50,000 to the winning team and ₦20,000 to the runners-up, encouraging sportsmanship and youth engagement.
Other activities included cultural dances, a new yam harvest competition, cooking contests, and the unveiling of the Utugwang Cultural Attire by the clan heads of Okworogung and Nkirira communities.
Although Hon. Chief Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to the Governor, could not attend to receive a scheduled Chieftaincy title, organizers assured he would get it at a later date.
Speaking after the event, community leaders praised Dr. Agbor’s consistency in supporting educational initiatives, cultural preservation, and healthcare delivery. His active role in the festival, they noted, reflects a leadership style rooted in service and a commitment to the future of Obudu and the wider Cross River North region.
The 2025 Umung Cultural Day Festival did not only celebrated tradition but also highlighted the growing role of leaders like Dr. Agbor in blending culture with development for the benefit of the people.
