The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • MDF Takes Campaign Against Drugs Abuse And Cultism To Schools In Obudu And Ogoja

    MDF Takes Campaign Against Drugs Abuse And Cultism To Schools In Obudu And Ogoja

     

    The Mediatrix Development Foundation on Friday, March 22nd, 2024 carried out an outreach program at Government Technical School, Abakpa in Ogoja, and Government Secondary School, Obudu, as a component of the foundation’s School Based Intervention initiative.

    The campaign aims to raise awareness among students about the danger of cultism and substance abuse.

    The event was led by 2 resource persons – CSP Innocent Ayabotu who dealt with the subject of cultism and Ms Juliet Otu, a public health practitioner who made a presentation on Drug and Substance Abuse.

    The outreach proved highly informative, leaving the attending students thrilled with the insights and knowledge gained from the presentations.

    In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of MDF, Mr. Olamide Onifade indicated that the program was part of a bouquet in MDF’s School Based Interventions. Other programs in the SBI include awareness on Gender Based Violence (GBV), Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV), Menstrual Hygiene & Distribution of Sanitary Pads, etc.

    Continuing, he urged students to show appreciation for the humanitarian efforts provided by MDF and its founder, Dr. Linda Ayade, by avoiding any behaviors or activities that could hinder their future aspirations of becoming outstanding citizens.

    He stated that the campaign will be expanded to other schools to aid in the reduction of cultism and substance abuse in schools and society at large.

    During their respective remarks, the school principals lauded the foundation for bringing the campaign to their schools and appealed for its expansion to other institutions. They emphasized the importance of raising students’ awareness on issues concerning their well-being and social standing.

    The participating students expressed their gratitude towards the founder, Dr. (Mrs.) Ayade, and the foundation for the commendable initiative and the valuable knowledge gained during the well-attended event. They pledged to carry the message back home and demonstrate exemplary behavior.

    MDF was founded by Dr. (Mrs) Linda Ayade in 2015 upon assuming the role of First Lady of Cross River State, MDF has embarked on several donor-funded projects in health, sustainable livelihoods, rights advocacy, and education. Over the years, it has enjoyed collaborations with various entities, including UNHCR, UNFPA, UNDP, UN-Women, Cross River State Ministry of Health, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Faith Care International, Lafarge Africa, and Medical Women Association.

    The highlight of the event included the distribution of sanitary pads and a photo session with the participants.

  • Cross River Abuja Liaison Office: House Assembly Calls For Revocation, Demands Immediate Halt To Renovation

    Cross River Abuja Liaison Office: House Assembly Calls For Revocation, Demands Immediate Halt To Renovation

     

    The Cross River State House of Assembly in a unanimous motion moved by Hon Kingsley Ntui, the member representing Etung State Constituency on Tuesday 19 March, 2024, called on the Cross River State Government to revoke the state’s Abuja Liaison Office, which was purportedly concessioned to a private individual.

    The Assembly’s Minority Whip, Hon. Omang Omang, expressed on the floor of the Assembly his dismay at the extensive renovations being carried out without the State Government’s knowledge. He also pointed out that the Assembly has not yet received any documentation proving the Abuja Liaison Office’s concession through due process to a private person or group of people.

    Omang citing Section 128 of the Nigerian Constitution which empowers the House of Assembly to carry out an investigation, demanded an inquiry into the purported sale of state-owned property and the subsequent prosecution of those involved to dissuade future attempts by others to unlawfully privatize government assets.

    Hon Neji Abang, the member representing Ikom 1 constituency, Hon Okon Owuna, a member representing Akamkpa II, Hon Ovat Agbor, a member representing Obubra I, and other members of the Assembly called for the immediate suspension of the ongoing renovations on the building and its recovery to the Cross River State Government. In addition, they demanded that the Assembly call on all parties engaged in the concession to provide a thorough explanation of the procedures followed before the properties were granted to private individuals.

    The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Rt Hon. Elvert Ayambem reaffirmed that the Assembly members’ call for the property’s return in Abuja was a priority for the people of Cross River State and was not motivated by vendetta or witch-hunting anyone. He maintained that Governor Otu-led administration is the people’s first administration and the House will do its best to support the actualization.

  • Thanksgiving: Hon Peter Akpanke To Complete Church Building In Bendi

    Thanksgiving: Hon Peter Akpanke To Complete Church Building In Bendi

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke has disclosed his intention to complete the ongoing church building project at the Roman Catholic Mission RCM Parish, Bendi in Obanliku Local Government Area.

    Akpanke made this known during a thanksgiving mass held in his honor on Saturday, February 24th 2024 at St John’s Catholic Church Keting, Bendi in Obanliku.

    Hon Akpanke came to God in thanksgiving on the recognition and award conferred on him alongside other sons and daughters of Keting by the Keting community.

    Speaking during the mass, Hon Peter Akpanke noted that “I built this church before I was elected to represent my people and I made a promise to God that if I win the election, I will build churches in my federal constituency to his honor, because without him, I will not have been alive. His grace saw me through with the support of my constituents.

    “Even if I cannot build churches across my federal constituency, let me begin from Obanliku where I come from. Yesterday, I sent a team to do costing for what is required to complete the church at the parish center and I was told it’s about 30m.

    “I will complete that church between now and the end of the year. That church must be used this year. And please father, don’t levy any church member in respect of the project”

    Responding to reminder by the homilist during the mass, Rev Fr Humphrey Udechukwu, on his earlier promise about the dilapidated Obudu – Ikom road that was awarded for reconstruction but abandoned, Akpanke pledged commitment to the advocacy to ensure that contractors return to site to complete the work.

    Speaking on her relationship with Hon Peter Akpanke, the member representing Oyi/Ayamelum federal constituency in the house of representatives, Hon Gwacham Maureen Chinwe, described him as a man with a large heart.

    In her words “I and my colleagues who are present in this event were elected under the labour party. My leader Peter Obi called me to go to Edo state, but I had to make my way to Cross River State to attend this event. You people did not make any mistake in electing him to represent you. Just give him some time, you will see what he do. All he needs now is your support. Forget the fact that we all members. Inside members, members the”

    Giving his vote of thanks, the Clan Head of Keting community, HRH, Utsu Nick Betiang Ayabie, noted that “It is with a deep sense of love, fraternity and utmost gratitude, that the entire Keting community expresses her profound appreciation to all colleagues, friends and well wishers of our illustrious son, Hon. Chief Peter Akpanke, for honoring our invitation to this glorious event. May God sustain your affinity with our son and our community so that the deep affection we have established shall remain our unshakable portion. May he also grant you safe return to your destinations”

    The event also had Hon Peter Udogalanya Aniekwe, member representing Anambra East/West Federal Constituency. Others were: Hon Martins Achadu PhD, representing Yala 2 state constituency, Hon Pius Ashakia and Hon Charles Omang, Members representing Obanliku and Bekwarra in the Cross River State House of Assembly.

  • There Is Hunger In The Land Because Most Of Our Leaders Have Become Predators – Humphrey Udechukwu

    There Is Hunger In The Land Because Most Of Our Leaders Have Become Predators – Humphrey Udechukwu

     

    The priest in charge of St Charles parish, Obudu has stated that there is so much pain and hunger in the society because most of our political leaders have become predators.

    Fr Udechukwu made the assertion today, february 24th 2024, while delivering a sermon at the Thanksgiving Mass in honor of Hon Peter Peter Akpanke, held at St John’s Catholic Church, Keting – Bendi, Obanliku Local Government Area.

    In his words, “Most of our leaders, the president, our governors, senators, house of representatives members, state house of assembly members, have become predators.
    They are feeding on the people they are supposed to feed. Instead of creating enabling environment for people to survive, through employment opportunities, regular payment of salaries, provision of social amenities, they divert funds meant for the public. Such leaders feed from the public and they therefore become predators”

    Udechukwu however, used the opportunity to call on members of the National Assembly who were present to put first the interest of their electorates, however encouraged Hon Peter Akpanke to remain resolute in the pursuit of the yearnings and aspirations of his constituents.

    He wondered what is really wrong with some leaders and cited the situation in Abia and Benue states where the previous governors of the two states had refused to develop the states with back log of salaries owed.
    He contemplated the magic that the current governors of Abia and Benue states, Dr Alex Oti and Rev Fr Alia are currently using to reposition the states.

    Reflecting on the thanksgiving, Fr Udechukwu commended Hon Peter Akpanke and Fr Justine Udie, to have returned to God in thanksgiving. They have come to thank God for what they have achieved.
    They realized that whatever they have achieved is as a result of God’s providential grace.

    “While Julius Caesar attributed his success to himself, our brothers have decided to attribute their success to God. That is why they have gathered us in thanksgiving to God.
    It is an invitation to share in what God has done for us.

    “Our Thanksgiving adds nothing to the greatness of God. When we thank God, we tell him that we are grateful.

    “When someone has done something good to you, than the person. If you have received something good either from God or people, thank them.

    “We are gathered here to continue to thank God for the things has done for us. Whatever we have, whatever we achieved, we should thank God.

    When David became king of Israel, he led the Israelites into very fierce wars and captured their territory and wanted to build a temple for God, but because his hands were filled with blood, God forbid him from building a house for him. But because of his goodwill and intention, God made his dynasty to last forever.

    “This church we sit here was built by Hon Peter Akpanke in thanksgiving to God in appreciation of what God has done for him. Hon Peter Akpanke is a man of Thanksgiving. He is a man who loves giving back to his people. We know him, he is always with his people, listening to them and providing solutions to most of their problems. For you his colleagues who are here today, I want to to challenge you to go back home and provide the representation your people yearn for.

    “Let me remind Hon Peter Akpanke that during his last thanksgiving here in this Church, he promised to draw the attention of all necessary authorities to the dilapidated, awarded and abandoned Obudu – Ikom road”

  • State Governor Pledges Support For ICAN, Pledges Space For Secretariat

    State Governor Pledges Support For ICAN, Pledges Space For Secretariat

     

    Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, has pledged his commitment to supporting the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

    During a recent visit, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, who received the institute on behalf of the Governor, conveyed this assurance to the 59th National President of ICAN, Dr. Innocent Okwuosa, and his delegation.

    ICAN, known for its pivotal role in society, has produced outstanding accounting professionals.

    The Governor, who promised to allocate land for ICAN’s secretariat within the state as requested by the National President, said Cross River State has benefited from the body’s professionalism, citing the remarkable contributions of their members who are members of the State Exco.

    In an exclusive interview, Dr. Okwusa emphasized that ICAN’s focus extends beyond technical expertise.

    He said the institute champions accountability and transparency in governance and expressed hope that Cross River State, currently ranked 21st in the federation, will climb higher with the state government’s unwavering support.

    Members of ICAN that are in the State Executive Council that were present at the event included, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Mike Odere; the Commissioner for Housing Development, Dr. Beatrice Igwe; and, the Accountant-General of the state, Dr. Glory Effiong. Also in attendance was the former Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Kelly Iyamba.

    Highlights of the event included the exchange of souvenirs and group photographs.

  • Ekumtak Welfare Association Felicitates With Odey

    Ekumtak Welfare Association Felicitates With Odey

     

    Adie Ukongikwen

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, today the 20th of February, 2024, received in his office the Ekumtak Welfare Association (EWA) Calabar Branch.

    In his opening remark, the leader of the delegation and Chairman of EWA, Hon. Justin Bentem said Ekumtak Welfare Association whose objectives include looking out for the welfare of Mbube sons and daughters and the development of Mbube nation as a whole was in the office to felicitate with the Deputy Governor over the electoral and subsequent judicial victory of himself and the ‘People First ‘ Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu.

    While praying God to continue to guide them in their administration he highlighted some issues affecting the Ekumtak people to include dilapidated secondary and primary schools; bad road network in the community; the need for portable water and electricity; gainful engagement of their youths; and completion of their town hall, and solicited for the support of government, public spirited individuals and NGOs to ameliorate the plight of the people.

    Responding to the Chairman’s remarks, Rt. Hon. Odey appreciated the visit of Ekumtak people. Regarding their demands, he said “Your demands are not out of place because these are basic amenities that government should provide”.

    Odey assured the association that all the issues affecting the Ekumtak people will be met as this will be meeting his own needs as well. The Deputy Governor used the opportunity to announce that the road leading from Ndok Junction into Mbube had already been awarded under the CR-RAAMP Project while also informing the delegation of ongoing water projects he had already sponsored in the community, assuring them that Ekumtak will benefit from the project.

    Present during the call were distinguished personalities of Ekumtak-Mbube, Sir B. O Ekpong, Justice Eunice Dada, Mr Godwin Nyiam, Chief Dr. A. A Abuo, Ms. Monica Ekpong and others.

    Highlights of the visit was a presentation of souvenirs to Rt. Hon Odey and a photo session with the visitors.

  • Gov Otu Attends Nigerian Navy Handing Over Ceremony

    Gov Otu Attends Nigerian Navy Handing Over Ceremony

     

    Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu on Monday, attended the farewell and handing over ceremony in honour of Rear Admiral O. K. Oluwagbire of Eastern Naval Command (ENC) of the Nigerian Navy.

    The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, congratulated the newly posted Flag Commanding Officer (FOC) Rear Admiral S.A Akinwande and expressed gratitude to the outgone Flag Commanding Officer, ENC, for his tremendous role in combating crime within the state and his unwavering service to the Nigerian Navy.

    The Deputy Governor was accompanied to the ceremony by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Special Adviser on General Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba, Esq, and Chairman of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, Rt. Hon. George O’ben-Etchi.

  • Jarigbe Agom Reiterates Commitment to Supporting SMEs Empowers Market Women with N2m

    Jarigbe Agom Reiterates Commitment to Supporting SMEs Empowers Market Women with N2m

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has reiterated his commitment to support Small and Medium Scale businesses and other entrepreneurial endeavors across the Senatorial District.

    Speaking when he made a brief stop to interact with petty traders at Abouchiche, Bekwarra LGA, he commended the women for their commitment to their businesses even in the face of adversity and current economic challenges facing the country.

    The lawmaker who spent time to encourage the women, assured them that, he will not accommodate idleness, adding that, there are deliberate policies and empowerment programs that will primarily target SMEs only.

    Supporting twenty (20) women who sell Beans Pudding (moi moi) with the sum of N100,000 each (N2m), Jarigbe exemplified empathetic leadership which entails listening to subjects, validating emotions and offering support when necessary.

    He has created a safe and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued, appreciated and well understood in Cross River North Senatorial District.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • UNICROSS Alumni Launches Scholarship Scheme For Undergraduates

    UNICROSS Alumni Launches Scholarship Scheme For Undergraduates

     

    The University of Cross River State (Unicross) Alumni Association has launched a scholarship scheme for the best second year student in all the departments in the institution.

    The National President, Dr. Inyali Peter, in a statement announcing the official kickoff of the programme said that the programme was not completely new but a revival of a policy that was initiated during the tenure of Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide as Vice Chancellor.

    Inyali said that, even though the maiden edition of the programme under alumni’s sponsorship will concentrate on year two undergraduates, there’s plan on ground to expand the scheme to cover graduates of the University who are running postgraduate programmes in the institution.

    According to him, “I’m very excited that today we’re formally reviving one of the best policies introduced by our former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ikpi Braide.
    As a way of encouraging new students to take their studies seriously rather than invest their times and energies in ventures that may lead them to not graduating or something, this policy was introduced but stopped at some point possibly, because of the poor financial situation of the University. Because some of us appreciate the importance of such great initiative, we have decided to revive it.

    The University is a place where most students will be living on their own and enjoying all the freedom for the first time. This makes them vulnerable to all kinds of things as their minds are preoccupied with many things. So to keep them focused on their purpose of being in the University, we believe that setting a target and making them realise that there’s an incentive that’ll come at the end of every academic session will inspire them to take their studies much more seriously “.

    The Alumni President who said that the target is to have at least one beneficiary from each department noted that the scholarship committee that was recently constituted will reach out to relevant offices in the University to work out modalities on how to select the beneficiaries.

    “The scholarship committee which is headed by a very disciplined and straightforward man, Dr. Paul Tawo Bukie will work out modalities on how to select the beneficiaries. One thing I can assure you is that even as a President, I’ll not influence a single name. I have told the Chairman that any day I call him to compromise the selection process for anybody, he should expose me publicly.

    We want to encourage the culture of competence and meritocracy. Only the best from each department shall be selected and the best must have a CGPA of more than 3.50; that’s is, any department that the result of the best student falls below 3.50 won’t benefit. Again, it’s important to emphasize that the scholarship will be paid directly to the University’s account and not to students. The beneficiaries will only be presented an award certificate and bank teller showing evidence of the payment of their fees.

    Other details will be announced by the scholarship committee in the next few days”, he said.

  • C’River Humanitarian Commissioner, Helen Isamoh Calls For Empowerment Of Rural Women

    C’River Humanitarian Commissioner, Helen Isamoh Calls For Empowerment Of Rural Women

    The Cross River Humanitarian Commissioner, Helen Isamoh PhD, has called for the integration and empowerment of rural women.

    The Commissioner made the call on her verified Facebook page.

    In her words “Women in rural areas face unique challenges and obstacles that often prevent them from fully participating in society and realizing their full potential. They are often marginalized, with limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. This not only affects their own well-being but also has a negative impact on their families and communities.

    “It is imperative that we work towards the integration and empowerment of women in rural areas, by providing them with the necessary resources, support, and opportunities to thrive. We must ensure that they have access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. We must also work towards changing societal attitudes and norms that perpetuate gender inequality and discrimination.

    “Empowering women in rural areas is not just a matter of social justice, but it is also essential for sustainable Development. Studies have shown that when women are empowered, they invest more in their families and communities, leading to improved health, education, and economic outcomes for all.

    “We call on all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to join hands in supporting the integration and empowerment of women in rural areas. Let us work together to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all women have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the development of their communities”.

    ©️ CRS Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.