The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • Foundation Sensitises C’River Students On Child Rights

    Foundation Sensitises C’River Students On Child Rights

     

    In commemoration of the 2024 Children’s Day, a non-governmental organization, Feed a Hungry Child With Brianna Foundation, conducted a sensitization campaign in some schools in Cross River State to raise awareness about child rights and social justice.

    The child rights sanitization exercise tagged “Know Your Rights” was approved by the management of two schools in Calabar approached by the foundation.

    On Wednesday, 29 May, the first edition was held at the Lourdes Academy, Calabar while today, Friday 31st, 2024, the foundation staged the event in the Holychild College, Maryslesssor, Calabar.

    During the visits by the Foundation, educative interactions and teachings on child rights, how to enforce the rights and demand social justice in the society were delivered to the students.

    The exercise which was led by the founder of the foundation, Barr. Briana Akpagu and supported by the offices of the Deputy Governor of Cross River State and the Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial district, included the donation of bags to the students.

    Speaking to reporters after the event, Akpagu said that with the growing cases of bullying and right abuses in schools, her team considered it necessary to embark on the project of creating awareness about the right of every Nigerian Child in schools.

    She thanked the management of the schools for the approval and opportunity provided to the foundation to improve awareness on child rights and social justice in secondary schools.

    While thanking the Deputy Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial district, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong and all those who supported the programme, she insisted that her foundation remains committed to providing for street children and creating robust awareness on the right of Nigeria children.

    According to her, “I want to start by thanking the management of the two schools we staged this programme for giving us this opportunity to interact with the students about their rights and how to enforce them. If Nigeria must improve on the social justice index then it’s important to begin to teach the young ones their rights and how to respect other people’s rights.

    Even though our foundation is particularly focused on feeding and providing for street children, we decided to mark this year’s children’s day differently by staging this event. This is our first edition and I’m very happy that it was not only embraced by the two schools we approached but even the students. You need to see how excited they were and some of the questions they asked in the course of our interactions. We hope to package a more robust event like this in the future”.

  • Jarigbe Facilitates Rehabilitation And Installation Of New Electrical Equipment in Ibil, Ogoja

    Jarigbe Facilitates Rehabilitation And Installation Of New Electrical Equipment in Ibil, Ogoja

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has facilitated the rehabilitation and installation of new electrical equipment in Ibil, Ogoja Local Government Area, in order to restore power supply, guarantee reliability, sustainability and safety in power supply.

    Senator Jarigbe who was represented by the Constituency Officer, Mr. Egar Mgbantul at the flag-off, noted that, the power sector remains the ultimate key to unlocking other sectors of an asphyxiating Nigerian economy.

    According to the lawmaker, the project became necessary as a result of obsolescence, equipment failure and his determination to undertake an upgrade of equipment and civil works in order to forestall damages, thereby restoring power supply, improving stability and reliability of power in the affected communities.

    “This project is of critical importance because it deals with the power sector, which I believe is pivotal to economic growth. Indeed, if we fix power challenges in Cross River North, a lot of other sectors would fall in place”, Jarigbe added.

    The rehabilitation project upon completion, will bring improvement in stability and reliability of power supply in Ibil, Ogoja and Cross River North Senatorial District.

  • Constituents Welcome Sen Jarigbe Agom, Laments Economic Hardship In the Country

    Constituents Welcome Sen Jarigbe Agom, Laments Economic Hardship In the Country

     

    Constituents of Cross River North Senatorial District have expressed concern over the prevailing harsh economy, declaring that the suffering in the country is becoming unbearable to ordinary Nigerians.

    They made the call on Saturday when they turned out en masse, to welcome Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe to Ogoja.

    While addressing supporters and constituents, Senator Jarigbe appreciated party faithfuls for the reception and their support so far. He took time to brief them on the goings on in Abuja and gave them cash gifts, promising to kickstart his empowerment programs in June.

    The lawmaker promised to give his constituency the best representation while appreciating party loyalists, supporters and the general public.

    “As your representative, I promise to be accessible, responsive and accountable to you all, and to work towards resolving our collective challenges as a people through our constituency projects” he added.

    Constituents were excited and appreciative of the kind gesture, adding that they will continue to support the lawmaker in his drive to ensure that the dividends of democracy is served to the Senatorial District.

  • We’re Ready To Partner French Government On Economy, Projects Implementation – CRSG

    We’re Ready To Partner French Government On Economy, Projects Implementation – CRSG

     

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Thursday, received in audience Mr Florent Mangin, the Head of Regional Economic Department Nigeria-Ghana and his entourage, at the Government House in Calabar.

    The Deputy Governor who expressed delight in welcoming Mr. Mangin and his team, emphasized the state government’s readiness to partner with France and other non-state entities to enhance economic development. He said the administration of Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has made substantial investments to foster a secure and an enabling business environment.

    He expressed gratitude to both the French government and her business community for expressing commitments to supporting the state’s initiatives in line with its ‘People First’ agenda for the welfare of its citizens.

    Mr. Mangin stated his purpose for visiting the state was to convey the eagerness of the French business community to partner with the Cross River State Government in vital sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure projects. These collaborations aim to enhance economic growth and development, aligning with Governor Otu’s ‘People First’ agenda.

    He expressed appreciation to the Cross River State Government for the warm hospitality accorded him and his entourage through some relevant agencies of government since they arrived in the state.

    In attendance at the event were some members of the State Executive Council, Senior Special Advisers and the State Economic Team.

    Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Calabar

  • Primary Health Care Needs Urgent Attention To Cater For Vulnerable Nigerians, Says Senator Jarigbe Agom

    Primary Health Care Needs Urgent Attention To Cater For Vulnerable Nigerians, Says Senator Jarigbe Agom

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has called on the Federal government to urgently address the infrastructural deficit in Primary Health Care institutions nationwide.

    The lawmaker made the call yesterday, when he supported a bill sponsored by Distinguished Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West) seeking the Establishment of Health Infrastructure Development Agency 2024 (SB.135).

    According to Senator Jarigbe, the Health sector is of great interest to not just the ordinary citizens but to the entire citizenry. He noted that the bill will help to address infrastructural decay in both the primary and secondary health care institutions.

    “It is with profound interest in the health sector, that I stand up to support this bill. We discovered that even in our tertiary health institution, we hardly have equipment, not to talk of the primary health care institutions that take care of the very vulnerable ones in our society”

    “We go to our various communities, the primary health care facilities do not have basic equipment such as thermometers and sphygmomanometers” he added.

    The Bill which was read the second time, seeks to provide a comprehensive framework to guide the planning, financing, construction, maintenance, and regulation of healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria.

    Thereafter, the Bill was put to a voice vote by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibril Barau, who presided over the session and it was passed and referred to the Senate Committee on Health Institutions for further legislative input.

  • C’River Government Seals Three Schools For None Adherence To Guidelines

    C’River Government Seals Three Schools For None Adherence To Guidelines

    Sen Stephen Odey, Commissioner for Education on Thursday morning led the Quality Assurance Unit in the ministry to seal one school in Obubra Local Government Area and two schools in Yakurr Local Government Area.

    The visit was unannounced, and the schools were closed for not following the Ministry’s guidelines.

    The schools closed are Glorious Vision Academy, Ugep, Yakurr; Dynamic Premiere Academy, Ugep, Yakurr; and Wealth Academy Nursery/Primary School, Apiapum, Obubra.

     

     

  • Jarigbe Pledges Advocacy For Legislation That Supports Female Entrepreneurship

    Jarigbe Pledges Advocacy For Legislation That Supports Female Entrepreneurship

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, received in audience the Women in Energy Network (WIEN), a non-profit organization, led by the President, Eyono Fatayi-Williams, at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

    The visit was basically to pledge their support towards advancing Nigeria’s developmental goals in the energy sector.

    During the occasion, the Lawmaker reiterated his commitment to advocating for legislation that supports female entrepreneurship, combats discrimination and creates an enabling environment for women to excel in all sectors.

    He assured that, as a Senator, he will continue to support the vision of Women-in-Energy group because it aligns with the nation’s goals of economic development, sustainability and social equity so that Nigeria can be lighted, not just with electricity, but with brilliance of empowered women leading the charge.

    Senator Jarigbe, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas also noted that, the group’s efforts to advocate for greater inclusion of women in energy are not just about gender equality; but to enhance the overall capacity and innovation in the energy sector.

    “It is through your leadership and mentorship that we can nurture the next generation of female engineers, scientists and leaders in the energy sector”, he reiterated.

    Speaking earlier, the WIEN President, Mrs. Eyono Fatayi-Williams, stated that, they seek to achieve gender diversity and inclusion, a supportive environment where women can thrive and contribute significantly to the Energy Industry.

    Other members of the group also emphasized that they are keenly interested in the incredible work undertaken by the current administration with a shared commitment to diversify and include the energy industry, adding that there are valuable opportunities for collaboration.

    Also with the President were; Asanimo Omeze, Rita Kwentoh and Bassey Adie.

  • C’River Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Presents Food Items And Relief Materials To Inmates Of Nigerian Correctional Service In Calabar

    C’River Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Presents Food Items And Relief Materials To Inmates Of Nigerian Correctional Service In Calabar

     

    In her continuous quest to extend the Season of Sweetness to all Cross Riverians and in line with His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s People First Agenda, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Helen Isamoh Egodo Ph.D, presented food items and other relief materials to Ogoja inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Cross River State.

    The Commissioner who conveyed the Governor’s compassion towards the inmates assured the inmates and staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service, CRS, of the State government’s determination to provide the needed support and assistance to the Nigerian Correctional Service in their determined attempt to rehabilitating the inmates.

    She encouraged the Controller, Cc. Kupan Amos to call on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs for necessary assistance anytime the need arises.

    IDr. Egodo prayed God to give the inmates a new beginning, and enjoined them to keep making good choices now regardless of the past as their choices today determines their destiny.

    Responding, the State Controller of Correctional Service Cc. Kupan D. Amos Ph.D, mni, who received the gifts on behalf of the inmates at the Cross River State Headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Calabar expressed appreciation to the Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for his regular support for inmates in the State and his drive towards ameliorating the suffering of his people.

    Dr Amos also commended the efforts of the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Helen Isamoh Egodo, for always showing great sympathy for people with special needs.

    He applauded Dr Egodo for working tirelessly to ensure that the Governor delivers on his mandate and campaign promises in order to rebuild the Paradise City.

  • LOAN CRS Chapter Embarks On Indefinite Strike

    LOAN CRS Chapter Embarks On Indefinite Strike

    Culled from CrossRiverWatch

    The Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN) Cross River State chapter has embarked on an Indefinite Strike on Monday May 13th.

    LOAN said the action is due to the State Government’s inability to meet their demands for the implementation of the existing approval for parity between Law Officers and Magistrates, in the 50% Salary increment for Magistrates since June, 2022, without a corresponding increase for law officers.

    The association had embarked on a warning strike on March 27, 2024 to April 2, 2024 over the demand, however there appears to be no solution to their plea.

    LOAN Chairman Ewonah Araghe, Esq. and Chairman Action Committee C . Adama had signed a notice made available to CrossRiverWatch in Calabar saying the government has a, “deliberate refusal to implement the existing approval for parity.

    “The notice reads in parts: “LOAN in its executive meeting held on the 9” day of May resolved to embark on an indefinite strike to press home their demands. This is because there is no credible reason or explanation as to why they refused to implement the 50 % increment for Law Officers in the first place.

    “This singular act has plunged members of (LOAN) Cross River State Chapter into indescribable hardship. Much worse, it defies logic to try to subject members of this profession to discriminatory treatment. In the light of this, we are constrained by this bulletin to direct all Law Officers working in all Government Ministries and agencies to proceed on an indefinite strike, commencing from Monday the 13” day of May, 2024.

    “We advise the government not to take for granted the maturity of this Association by trying to coerce or victimize its members as the association will resist such threats. The time for empty promises and excuses has passed; the time for action is now.”

  • Cross River TOPREC Laud Governor Otu for Creating More Satellite Towns

    Cross River TOPREC Laud Governor Otu for Creating More Satellite Towns

     

    The Cross River State Representative of Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria, TOPREC, TPL. Dr. Simon Ajom has lauded the recent declaration by the state Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for the creation of more Satellite Towns in the state.

    Dr. Ajom made this known during an interactive session with Journalists on Thursday 9th May, 2024 in Calabar, the state capital.

    According to him, the idea aligns with the Governor’s ‘People’s First’ mantra of his Administration and if fully implemented, it’ll serve as growth poles centers that will help in expanding the state Government’s effort in the provision of basic infrastructural facilities as they relates to roads, power supply, housing, schools, telecommunication, etc which are already overstretched as a result of increase in human population.

    Emphasizing the needs and importance of satellite towns, Ajom said the action and activities will promote effective utilization of different land-uses as well as guarantee environmental quality, comfort, security and safety of lives and properties in the state.

    He also expressed the readiness of professional Town Planners in the state to partner with the State Government to achieve the desired goal in the areas of site selection and layout design, infrastructural and facility planning, Urban designs and renewal, regional and rural development planning, sector planning, master planning and development control amongst others.

    Dr. Ajom is also a fellow and one time Cross River State Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, NITP and a former Director of Physical Planning Unit, University of Calabar. He is currently the Head of Department, Urban and Regional Planning in the Faculty of Environmental Sciences in the University of Calabar.

    ©️Onigah Joseph Egidi