The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • One Year In Office: Akpanke Thanks Obudu Stakeholders, Says It Is Better In PDP

    One Year In Office: Akpanke Thanks Obudu Stakeholders, Says It Is Better In PDP

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke, has thanked Obudu PDP stakeholders for the support during the 2023 general elections for Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District and himself to represent them at the national assembly.

    Hon Akpanke expressed gratitude for the support during the elections despite threats to life from the power that be, despite the fact that the sitting governor then, was from Obudu with lieutenants of Chief of Staff, numerous Special Advisers and Assistant, Director of Agencies, Chairmen of boards, Council Chairman, 10 councilors among other appointees.

    Akpanke said he has decided to come back and celebrate his first anniversary in office with his constituents because there are the reason why he is in Abuja, having shelved plans to gallivant in Abuja.

    Speaking further, the Member of Parliament, noted that “During elections, I had promised you that if you support me to become your Reps Member, I will consult with you regularly and to the best of my knowledge, you can all attest to the fact that I have kept faith with the promise as this is about the fourth time we are meeting after my inauguration.

    “I’m not representing Abuja, I am representing you people. So, I must sit with you people, discuss with you, understand your plight to enable me present your case during plenaries”.

    Akpanke told PDP stakeholders that “I heard some people are inducing you to leave PDP, I assure you, it is better in PDP than any party elsewhere. Here, you have me and senator Jarigbe. We are always coming you to sit with you and chat a way forward. There what do they have? When was the last time they met like this? We keep doing what we are doing for the next three years”.

    Speaking on the up congresses, Akpanke charged stakeholders to remain united in building the party. “In your various wards, you will meet and agree on your executive which will be signed by everyone involved in the process.

    The MP used the opportunity to invite stakeholders to join the various programmes outlined to mark his first anniversary in office to include; Interdenominational service to be held on Wednesday June 12th at the Sen Liyel Imoke Civic Center, Obudu and empowerment program scheduled to take place on Thursday, 13th June, while Friday 14th June, he will be at his home at Bendi to attend constituents.

    He said “I will commission some of the projects facilitated. While some are ready for commissioning, others are yet to be installed, like solar street lights, classrooms to be constructed, I will lay foundation before I go back to Abuja”.

    Earlier, the PDP Chapter Chairman, Hon Francis Atsua, welcomed and thanked stakeholders for the prompt response despite the short notice.

    He commended the resolve of party faithfuls in Obudu and noted that the choice of Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and Hon Peter Akpanke, remains the best in recent times.

    On his part, the Coordinator of Hon Peter Akpanke, Mr Emmanuel Abua, encouraged stakeholders to keep faith with the MP as many positive stories are underway.

    The event which held on June 11th 2024, at the Sen Liyel Imoke Civic Center, Obudu drew stakeholders from the ten wards of Obudu.

    Hon Akpanke was accompanied to the event by the State Auditor, Mr Adida Agabi and his Director General, during the election, Mr Charles Eneji.

     

  • Jarigbe Agom Speaks In Support, As Senate Passes #98.5bn FCT 2024 Supplementary Budget

    Jarigbe Agom Speaks In Support, As Senate Passes #98.5bn FCT 2024 Supplementary Budget

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, earlier today urged the Senate to pass the FCT Supplementary Budget due to the infrastructural transformation going on in and around the Federal Capital Territory.

    Senator Jarigbe noted that, with the kind of reforms and infrastructural projects going on in the FCT, the Senate should not waste time but pass the budget to enable the FCT Minister and his team continue with the good works they are doing.

    The Senate on Tuesday passed the sum of N98.5 billion as the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2024.

    The passage of the Bill followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on FCT during plenary.

    Recall that the Senate had last week stepped down the Bill, saying the details of the budget needed to accompany it.

    The Vice Chairman of the Committee, Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu West) presented the report on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Bomai Mohammed (APC-Yobe South) who was absent during the plenary.

  • Odey Bids Late Godwin Adoga (TM) Farewell Amidst Tears

    Odey Bids Late Godwin Adoga (TM) Farewell Amidst Tears

     

    Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey PhD payed last respect as Late Comrade Godwin Adoga (TM) was lowered to mother-Earth at his family compound at Itate-Okuku, Yala LGA.

    The Commissioner condoled with the immediate family to take solace in the fact that their Late son lived a worthy life even though short; He encouraged TM’s mother to also take solace in God Almighty. Finally, the son of late Godwin Adoga was given scholarship by Senator Odey and promised employment after completion of his tertiary education. The scholarship fund was presented to Hon. Otanya Odey for the boy’s educational upkeep.

    In the entourage of Senator Odey were: Hon. Idiku David, former Secretary of Yala Local Government Council, Chief Tony Okaka, Hon Mike Ogbudu, former Leader Yala Legislative Assembly, Engr. Cosmos Oloko former Special Adviser to former Governor, and several other supporters were present to bid farewell to a jolly good brother and friend, TM.

    On behalf of the immediate family, Hon Otanya Odey appreciated Senator Odey for the condolence visit and specially commended his magnanimity and generosity in giving scholarship to the son of TM.

    #Office_Of_The_Commissioner_For_Education_CRS

  • Ukpagada Bridge 95% Completed As Community Leaders Hail Sen Jarigbe

    Ukpagada Bridge 95% Completed As Community Leaders Hail Sen Jarigbe

    By Robben Sylva Agom

    Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has disclosed that construction work on the Ukpagada bridge is ninety-five percent completed and would soon be inaugurated.

    Jarigbe, representing Cross River North Senatorial District, said the critical infrastructure has reached an advanced stage with the successful completion of piers construction and beam placement.

    This is as a result of the successful concrete decking which has been carefully laid out to ensure a robust and durable foundation for the bridge.

    The lawmaker restated his commitment to transform Cross River North Senatorial District, adding that the bridge construction was designed to make rural dwellers comfortable and open up rural communities for development.

    Sen. Jarigbe in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works is committed to delivering this enviable task according to its full specifications and design after which the project will be commissioned and handed over to the communities.

    Commending the Senator for his transformative programmes, the Clan Head of Ukpagada, Ntol Julius Mobre, expressed delight at the quality and level of work done, describing Senator Jarigbe as “a qualitative representative” while praying for God to bless him.

    Also hailing the Senator, a cleric of Church of Christ, Mr. Mike Udam, said: “The project is a testament of pragmatic leadership focused on delivering projects that have a huge positive impact on the people.

    “I m happy to be a whistle blower. I am more happier, the Senator picked up the sound of the whistle and acted on it”, he added.

    The road project, cutting across four communities of Ukpagada, Ukpe, Alladim and Igodor, was facilitated by Senator Jarigbe and aims at alleviating the suffering of commuters and residents.

    Happy New Month Everyone.

  • 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.