The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • Police, C’River Government Appeal for Calm as Obutong Landslide Worsens

    Police, C’River Government Appeal for Calm as Obutong Landslide Worsens

    Thelumine Admin 

    The Cross River State Police Command and officials of the state government have appealed to residents of Obutong Community in Calabar Municipal Local Government Area to remain calm following the worsening landslide at Anansa Junction.

    The affected section, located between WAPI Junction and the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, has raised serious concerns among residents after the erosion, first noticed on Monday, Aug. 3, deteriorated on Tuesday, prompting calls for urgent government intervention.

    Addressing members of the affected community, the Acting Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, DCP Godwin Etim Effiong, appealed to residents to remain peaceful and cooperate with authorities as efforts to address the situation continue.

    The police chief visited the community alongside the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Pius Arikpo Edet; the Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Mensah Bassey Offiong; the Special Assistant on General Duties; and the Special Assistant on Security Surveillance.

    The delegation assured residents that the Cross River State Government is taking the necessary steps to address the landslide and prevent further damage.
    Residents were also advised to avoid the affected area for their safety while intervention measures are being put in place.

    The Cross River State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order and working with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to safeguard lives and property throughout the intervention process.

    The appeal was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday.

  • UNICAL Orders Students Admitted Irregularly into Law to Return to Original Departments

    UNICAL Orders Students Admitted Irregularly into Law to Return to Original Departments

     

    The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has begun implementing measures to correct admission irregularities in its Faculty of Law, directing affected students to return to the academic programmes through which they were originally admitted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, made the appeal during a meeting with affected Law students from the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic sessions. He was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Anthony Afam Okiwelu.

    According to the Vice-Chancellor, the exercise is part of the university’s efforts to sanitise its admission process, restore public confidence, and ensure compliance with the regulations of JAMB and the Council of Legal Education.

    Prof. Offiong said the institution had recently faced public scrutiny over admission irregularities and that the current administration was committed to addressing the anomalies to prevent future sanctions.

    He explained that students who were not originally offered admission into the Faculty of Law through JAMB could not be allowed to remain in the programme, warning that such a situation could invalidate their Law degrees and make them ineligible for admission into the Nigerian Law School if discovered by the Council of Legal Education.

    “We advise every student who transferred from the programme to which JAMB originally admitted them into Law to return to their original departments in line with the admission records,” he said.

    The Vice-Chancellor added that failure to correct the irregularities could also lead to sanctions against the university, including the suspension of admissions into the Faculty of Law, thereby affecting future applicants and damaging the institution’s reputation.

    Providing details of the situation, Prof. Offiong disclosed that of the 435 students currently in the second year of the Faculty of Law, only 221 were originally admitted into the programme through JAMB, a development he described as a clear violation of existing admission regulations.

    To ease the impact of the decision, the university has approved the transfer of school fees already paid for the 2025/2026 academic session to the 2026/2027 academic session for students returning to their original departments.

    He also stated that students who choose to discontinue their studies at the university would be eligible for refunds of their school fees upon submitting the required applications, assuring them that due process would be followed in handling all refund requests.

    Prof. Offiong urged the affected students to cooperate with the university, stressing that the corrective measures are intended to protect their academic future while preserving the integrity and accreditation of the Faculty of Law.

    He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to statutory admission guidelines as part of ongoing efforts to restore the credibility and reputation of the University of Calabar.

  • Cross River Approves ₦70bn, US$1.075bn PPP Projects to Drive Industrialisation

    Cross River Approves ₦70bn, US$1.075bn PPP Projects to Drive Industrialisation

    The Cross River State Executive Council (ExCo) has approved sixteen major Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects valued at over ₦70 billion and US$1.075 billion, marking one of the largest investment packages in the state’s history.

    The projects, which span agriculture, renewable energy, transportation, manufacturing, healthcare, infrastructure and environmental sustainability, are expected to attract significant private-sector investment, create thousands of jobs and accelerate the state’s industrialisation agenda.

    Speaking after the Executive Council meeting, Governor Bassey Otu described the approvals as a defining milestone in his administration’s efforts to reposition Cross River as a leading investment destination in Nigeria.

    According to the governor, the projects represent carefully structured partnerships designed to stimulate industrial growth, expand the state’s revenue base and improve the quality of life of residents.

    “We are deliberately building an economy that is driven by production rather than consumption,” Otu said. “Our vision is to transform Cross River into a competitive hub for agriculture, clean energy, manufacturing, logistics and the blue economy. These partnerships demonstrate growing investor confidence in the future we are building together.”

    Among the approved projects are the Kereksuk Limited Rice Value Chain Development Project in Calabar, Odukpani and Ogoja; the Valuefronteira Limited Oil Palm Development Project in Yala; a 100-megawatt Solar Power Project by Tee Pama Limited across Calabar, Ikom and Ogoja; the Calabar Fishing Port and Fisheries Development Project; and the Odukpani Dairy, Livestock and Trawler Fishing Project.

    The investment package also includes an electric vehicle manufacturing project, statewide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure, the State Transport Company PPP, the Creek Town Industrial Park, healthcare diagnostic centres, municipal waste management facilities, rehabilitation of the Adiabo Gas-Fired Power Plant, and a lithium battery assembly plant.

    Also approved was a ₦60 billion investment by Living Curation Real Estate Limited for the redevelopment of the Obudu Cattle Ranch, Utanga Lodge and Bebi Airstrip.

    Governor Otu said the projects were carefully selected for their potential to diversify the state’s economy, strengthen food security, encourage technology transfer and generate sustainable employment opportunities.

    “Our young people deserve opportunities, not promises,” he said. “Every investment approved today is designed to generate employment, stimulate enterprise and create sustainable prosperity across our communities.”

    To ensure effective implementation, the Executive Council approved a governance framework requiring Project Monitoring Committees to be established by all implementing Ministries, Departments and Agencies through the Bureau of Public-Private Partnerships. The committees will submit quarterly performance reports to the State PPP Council.

    The governor stressed that transparency and accountability would remain central to the implementation process, noting that every concession and partnership must deliver measurable public value.

    The Executive Council also authorised the Ministry of Justice to prepare, negotiate and conclude all project agreements, joint venture agreements, concession agreements and other legal instruments required for the execution of the projects.

    Governor Otu reaffirmed that all transactions would be guided by the Cross River State Public-Private Partnership Law and aligned with international best practices to ensure investor confidence and protect the public interest.

    The administration said the approvals form part of its broader economic strategy to leverage private-sector partnerships to drive sustainable development, positioning Cross River as a competitive destination for domestic and foreign investment while promoting innovation, industrialisation and inclusive economic growth.

  • UNICAL Reaffirms Compliance as NUC Begins Post-Matriculation Monitoring Exercise

    UNICAL Reaffirms Compliance as NUC Begins Post-Matriculation Monitoring Exercise

    By Admin 

    The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the standards and regulations of the National Universities Commission (NUC) as the Commission commenced its Post-Matriculation Monitoring Exercise at the institution.

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, gave the assurance while receiving members of the NUC Post-Matriculation Monitoring Team during their assessment visit to the university.

    Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Ekaette Enang, the Vice-Chancellor described the monitoring exercise as a vital mechanism for ensuring that the University of Calabar remains compliant with the NUC’s guidelines and quality assurance standards.

    He said the university places a high premium on quality assurance and remains committed to upholding best practices in academic administration, admissions, and institutional governance.

    Prof. Offiong assured the monitoring team of the university’s full cooperation throughout the exercise, stating that all relevant documents and records would be made readily available to ensure a smooth, transparent, and successful assessment.

    He also commended the National Universities Commission for its sustained efforts to strengthen quality education in Nigerian universities, noting that the post-matriculation monitoring exercise would further enhance the credibility and integrity of the country’s higher education system.

    Speaking on behalf of the monitoring team, the Chief Legal Officer of the National Universities Commission, Mr. Oriabure Iyayi, expressed appreciation to the university’s management for the warm reception and hospitality extended to the team.

    Mr. Iyayi explained that the purpose of the visit was to conduct the Commission’s Post-Matriculation Monitoring Exercise, a recently introduced initiative aimed at ensuring that universities comply with approved admission regulations and operate within their authorised carrying capacities.

    According to him, the exercise will involve an assessment of the university’s admission records, matriculation register, staff list, physical facilities, and correspondence with relevant professional bodies on admission quotas for academic programmes. He added that the team would also inspect institutional records and interact with staff and students as part of the evaluation process.

    Mr. Iyayi expressed confidence that the exercise would achieve its objectives and commended the University of Calabar’s management for its cooperation and support, describing the institution’s readiness as a positive step towards sustaining quality assurance in higher education.

  • Cross River Police Advocate Stronger Interagency Collaboration at Naval Warfare Course

    Cross River Police Advocate Stronger Interagency Collaboration at Naval Warfare Course

    By Admin 

    The Cross River State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening interagency collaboration in maritime security and disaster response with the delivery of a lecture at the ongoing Naval Warfare Course 10 at the Naval War College, Nigeria.

    The lecture, titled “Effective Interagency Collaboration for Enhanced Disaster Response in Cross River State’s Maritime Environment: The Role of the Nigeria Police Force,” was delivered on Tuesday by the Acting Commissioner of Police, DCP Etim Godwin Effanga, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, AIG Rashid B. Afegbua.

    Speaking during the session, DCP Effanga highlighted the critical role of the Nigeria Police Force in disaster preparedness and response, maritime security, intelligence sharing, community engagement, and coordinated interagency operations. He noted that effective collaboration among security agencies and emergency management organisations is essential to safeguarding lives, property, and critical national assets.

    According to the Police Command, the lecture was part of the Naval War College’s Inter-Agency Cooperation in Maritime Security Operations module, designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills for collaborative maritime security operations.

    Naval Warfare Course 10 has 34 participants drawn from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, as well as officers from Cameroon, Liberia, and Ghana, reflecting the regional importance of cooperation in addressing maritime security challenges.

    The Cross River State Police Command said it remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships that will enhance maritime security, disaster response, and public safety across the state.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, who issued the statement on Wednesday, said the Command would continue to support initiatives that promote effective collaboration among security and emergency response agencies.

  • Amb. Kennedy Nsan, Apexbase Strategy Ltd to Hold Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills and Monetization Training Programme

    Amb. Kennedy Nsan, Apexbase Strategy Ltd to Hold Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills and Monetization Training Programme

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Amb. Kennedy Nsan Support Group, in collaboration with Apexbase Strategy Ltd, has announced a two-day training programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills and monetization, aimed at equipping participants with practical knowledge of emerging AI technologies and income-generating opportunities.

    The training is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 8 August, and Sunday, 9 August, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day.

    According to the organisers, the programme is designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, practical AI tools, and strategies for leveraging AI to enhance productivity and create sustainable income opportunities in today’s digital economy.

    Interested participants are required to register by sending their full name and ward via WhatsApp to 0703 536 3179 or 0703 449 3474.

    The organisers encouraged members of the public, particularly young people, students, entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone interested in digital innovation, to take advantage of the training to acquire valuable AI skills and explore the growing opportunities within the rapidly evolving technology sector.

  • Gov Otu Hails Elevation of Three Cross River Officers to AIG Rank

    Gov Otu Hails Elevation of Three Cross River Officers to AIG Rank

    By Admin

    Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has congratulated three senior police officers from the state on their promotion to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), describing the development as a proud moment for Cross River and a recognition of excellence, professionalism and dedicated service.

    The newly promoted officers are AIG Nnanghe Itam from Yakurr Local Government Area, AIG Obono Bassey Samuel Ewa from Etung Local Government Area, and AIG Akaninyene Ezima Ifebem from Biase Local Government Area. They were elevated from the rank of Commissioners of Police.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, Governor Otu said the officers’ promotion reflects their decades of commitment, integrity and patriotism in the service of the nation.

    According to the Governor, the elevation of the three officers has once again brought honour to Cross River State and demonstrated that merit, competence and discipline remain the foundations of professional advancement.

    “This well-deserved elevation is far more than a promotion in rank; it is a profound national acknowledgement of your sterling professionalism, unblemished integrity, uncommon courage and steadfast devotion to the security and unity of our great nation,” Otu said.

    He noted that the officers had earned the confidence of the Police High Command through exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to duty, adding that their achievements would inspire young Cross Riverians to pursue excellence, discipline and selfless service.

    Governor Otu urged the newly promoted AIGs to remain committed to justice, the rule of law and the ideals that had distinguished their careers, while encouraging them to continue strengthening public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force through exemplary leadership.

    He also prayed for divine wisdom, good health and strength for the officers as they assume their new responsibilities.

    On behalf of the government and people of Cross River State, the Governor congratulated the three AIGs on what he described as an exceptional milestone, expressing confidence that they would continue to make the state and the nation proud through

  • Odey Reaffirms Cross River’s Commitment to Partnership with NEMA on Disaster Management

    Odey Reaffirms Cross River’s Commitment to Partnership with NEMA on Disaster Management

    Cross River State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to sustaining its partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to strengthen disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness and response across the state.

    The Deputy Governor gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from NEMA, led by the Assistant Director of Operations, Abuja/Uyo Operations Office, Mr. Labaran Ahman, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Calabar.

    Odey commended NEMA for its proactive role in disaster management and its sustained collaboration with the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA). He described disaster preparedness as a critical component of the state’s efforts to safeguard lives and property, noting that the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration remains committed to building resilient communities through strategic partnerships.

    He assured the delegation of the state’s full support for NEMA’s programmes and activities, emphasizing the government’s readiness to continue working closely with the agency and other development partners to protect lives, preserve livelihoods and strengthen community resilience.

    The Deputy Governor also expressed appreciation to NEMA for choosing Cross River as the venue for key emergency management activities, saying the initiatives would enhance the capacity of emergency responders and improve the state’s preparedness for flood-related emergencies.

    Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Labaran Ahman, said NEMA was in Cross River on three strategic assignments aimed at deepening collaboration with the state government and enhancing disaster management efforts.

    According to him, the agency has completed an assessment of flood-affected communities in the Southern Senatorial District and has extended the exercise to Abi, Etung, Ikom and Obubra Local Government Areas to evaluate the extent of damage and identify appropriate intervention measures.

    Ahman further disclosed that NEMA, in partnership with CR-SEMA and other stakeholders, will next week conduct a flood disaster response simulation exercise at Marina Beach in Calabar South. He explained that the exercise is intended to test the operational readiness of emergency responders, improve inter-agency coordination and strengthen community preparedness ahead of the peak of the 2026 flood season.

    He also announced that Cross River State will host the South-South Zonal Workshop on the Review of the National Policy on Relief and Rehabilitation the following week. The workshop, he said, will bring together emergency management stakeholders from across the region to review existing policies, share best practices and strengthen Nigeria’s disaster management framework.

    The NEMA delegation included the Assistant Chief Accountant, NEMA Uyo Operations Office, Mr. Awoji Augustine, and the Director General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA), Mr. Efa Nyong.

  • Jarileaque Coalition Celebrates Six Members on LL.B Graduation from UNICAL

    Jarileaque Coalition Celebrates Six Members on LL.B Graduation from UNICAL

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Jarileaque Coalition has celebrated six of its members who successfully graduated with Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degrees from the University of Calabar (UNICAL), in a gathering marked by joy, appreciation, and camaraderie.

    The celebratory event was hosted by the Convener of the Jarileaque Coalition, Prof. Patrick Egaga, who described the occasion as a recognition of the graduates’ resilience, determination, and commitment to academic excellence.

    Speaking during the event, Prof. Egaga said the reception was organized to honour the six graduates for their perseverance in earning their law degrees while also acknowledging their outstanding contributions to the activities and growth of the Jarileaque Coalition.

    He commended the graduates for their dedication and encouraged them to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, and service as they embark on their legal careers.

    Responding on behalf of the graduates, Dr. Jacob Owan expressed heartfelt appreciation to Senator Jarigbe Agom, whose leadership, he noted, gave birth to the Jarileaque Coalition. He also thanked Prof. Patrick Egaga for organizing the celebration and acknowledged the unwavering support of members of the coalition.

    Dr. Owan further expressed gratitude to everyone who attended the event despite the short notice, describing the outpouring of love and solidarity as deeply encouraging and a testament to the unity that exists within the coalition.

    The event featured moments of celebration, goodwill messages, and photographs as members of the coalition joined the graduates in commemorating the significant academic milestone.

  • UNICROSS ASUU Suspends Strike After Gov Otu’s Intervention

    UNICROSS ASUU Suspends Strike After Gov Otu’s Intervention

    By Elijah Ugani 

    Academic activities are set to resume at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) following the suspension of the nearly two-month-old strike by the institution’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) after the intervention of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.

    The suspension was announced on Monday afternoon by the Chairman of ASUU-UNICROSS, Dr. Patrick Ushie, shortly after a meeting with the state government. He directed lecturers to return to work and asked students to resume academic activities on Tuesday.

    The development brings relief to thousands of students who have been out of classrooms since the union embarked on a total and indefinite strike on May 19, 2026.

    ASUU had declared the strike over 11 demands bordering on lecturers’ welfare, salary arrears, and the implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government.

    Among the union’s demands were the implementation of the 2025 FG-ASUU renegotiated agreement, payment of Continuous Academic Training Allowance, Earned Academic Allowance and other professional allowances, prompt payment of salaries not later than the third day of every month, improved government funding for the university, payment of arrears arising from the 35 and 25 per cent wage awards dating back to January 2023, outstanding promotion arrears and earned academic allowances from 2011, remittance of ₦11.9 million in check-off dues owed since 2017, payment of ₦69 million in cooperative deductions, and remittance of National Housing Fund deductions withheld since 2018.

    At the onset of the strike, Dr. Ushie said negotiations with the university management had broken down after management attributed its inability to meet the demands to inadequate funding.

    According to him, the university receives about ₦300 million monthly as government subvention but requires an additional ₦200 million to meet its financial obligations to staff.

    As the industrial action entered its seventh week, the Cross River State Government initiated fresh negotiations with the union, leading to the establishment of a technical committee to review the issues raised by ASUU and recommend lasting solutions.

    Governor Otu subsequently inaugurated a seven-member Technical Committee chaired by Prof. Uduak Effiong to undertake a comprehensive assessment of staff welfare, governance, and the university’s operating environment.

    On July 14, the Governor met separately with the university management and student leaders, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and addressing welfare concerns. He pledged to provide additional operational vehicles for the institution, upgrade the university’s medical centre, and improve the internal road network.

    The UNICROSS dispute had also drawn national attention after the ASUU Calabar Zone threatened to extend industrial action to state-owned universities in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Cross River states over the failure of state governments to implement the 2025 FG-ASUU agreement.

    The zonal leadership described the welfare situation at UNICROSS as particularly severe, alleging that lecturers had received only half salaries for years and that one member had died amid the prolonged hardship.

    With the suspension of the strike, lecturers are expected to return to classrooms immediately, while students have been directed to resume on Tuesday, bringing an end to nearly two months of disruption to academic activities.