The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • C’River House of Assembly Suspends Hon Dickson Ovat Agbor, Member Representing Obubra 1 State Constituency Indefinitely

    C’River House of Assembly Suspends Hon Dickson Ovat Agbor, Member Representing Obubra 1 State Constituency Indefinitely

     

    The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended Hon. Dickson Ovat Agbor, member representing Obubra I State Constituency, indefinitely over alleged violent conduct.

    The decision was reached during plenary following a motion moved by Rt. Hon. Davies Etta and seconded by Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo.

    In the motion, the Assembly strongly condemned the alleged violent behaviour involving Hon. Agbor, describing it as conduct unbecoming of a lawmaker and contrary to the ethical standards expected of members of the legislative arm of government.

    After deliberations, the House resolved that Hon. Agbor be placed on indefinite suspension from all legislative activities.

    The Assembly also approved the constitution of a committee to investigate the matter and report its findings back to the House for further legislative action.

    Following the resolution, Hon. Agbor was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms, in compliance with the directive of the House.

    In a remarked, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, stated that the House remains committed to upholding discipline, dignity, and the integrity of the legislature. He emphasized that members of the Assembly must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the trust reposed in them by the people.

    The suspension remains in force pending the outcome of the investigation by the committee set up by the House.

    Matthew Okache
    Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker

  • It’s Another Feather In Your Cap, Says Jarigbe as He Congratulates Governor Otu On His Silverbird Man Of The Year Award 2025

    It’s Another Feather In Your Cap, Says Jarigbe as He Congratulates Governor Otu On His Silverbird Man Of The Year Award 2025

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has congratulated His Excellency, Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu, on his emergence as the Silverbird Man of the Year 2025.

    Senator Jarigbe stated that the honor fittingly crowns a season of visionary leadership, steady courage, and compassionate governance that has rekindled hope across Cross River State. The Lawmaker further noted that the governor’s tireless devotion to people-centered development continues to inspire confidence, unity, and a renewed belief in the boundless promise of the state.

    “This prestigious recognition affirms what our people already know: that your administration is defined by integrity, inclusiveness, and purposeful action,” Senator Jarigbe added.

    The Silverbird Group earlier announced the 2025 edition of the Silverbird Man of the Year Awards, marking a milestone celebration of two decades of recognizing individuals whose leadership, innovation, service, and influence have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s development.

    The 2025 edition is scheduled to hold at the luxurious Eko Hotels & Suites Victoria Island Lagos, today, March 1, 2025.

    Congratulations, Your Excellency, Sir.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • We Are Not Afraid Being A Homily By His Lordship, Most Rev Donatus Akpan,At A Solidarity Mass In St Mary Quasi Parish Katchuan-Iruan, Boki LGA

    We Are Not Afraid Being A Homily By His Lordship, Most Rev Donatus Akpan,At A Solidarity Mass In St Mary Quasi Parish Katchuan-Iruan, Boki LGA

     

    (A homily by His Lordship Most Rev Donatus Akpan, Bishop of OGOJA at a Solidarity Mass in St Marys Quasi Parish Katchuan-irruan Boki, this 2nd Sunday of Lent, March 1st 2026.)

    The son of God had to suffer on the Cross and be mocked by men, yet he did not retaliate, because he had a greater mission ahead of him to accomplish: the cross and then his resurrection. Those who followed him were disappointed at his sudden defeat and wondered if God was still with them. But Christ said; don’t give up. There is more than this you will see. Our God will always manifest himself at the right time. We are not afraid.

    At the Transfiguration scene, Jesus proved to his disciples that he was not a failure. God himself bore witness to Jesus supreme nature by affirming him as “my beloved son in whom I am well pleased”. Don’t stop listening to God especially when what you are seeing appears contradicting. The Bible explains that the appearance of three men including Moses and Elijah tells the world that everything is fulfilled in Jesus and in God’s own time. We should Listen to him.

    We are the followers of Jesus. Sometimes when we see strange things happen, we should not think or say is God still alive?. God comes to assure us that we must not give up hope. Our God is alive. We are not afraid.

    Abraham was to prepare a people that were to come after him and God promised to give him a place he was to hold in perpetuity. Again God said to Abraham. Go! those who support you shall be blessed. Those who curse you shall be cursed. Abraham became a blessing to many. You are descendants of Abraham, those who bless you, God will bless. Those who derile you, God will derile. Those who make you cry, God will make them cry… And they will cry and cry.. AMEN

    We are following a God who said, no darkness is dark enough for him. He sees everything and will reveal everything at the appointed time. We are in this open space to declare to the enemy that we are not afraid
    They may be here, but we say to them: We are not afraid of you because you will die shamefully, unless you repent. Tell them that God is not happy with them. We are not shivering because you are powerless and we are not afraid of you.

    Thank you for coming you children of God. My priests who left their parishes to be in solidarity with us. May our efforts never be in vain and may God hear us and answer our prayers accordingly, through Christ our Lord
    Amen

  • Jarigbe Facilitates The Construction of Ugboro-Ukpah Road in Bekwarra LGA

    Jarigbe Facilitates The Construction of Ugboro-Ukpah Road in Bekwarra LGA

     

    In a move to revitalize rural communities, the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has facilitated the construction of Ugboro-Ukpah road in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    The road was formally handed over to JRB construction company represented by Engr. Tola T. J

    At the handover ceremony to JRB Construction today, Mr. Egar Mgbantul on behalf of the Senator, emphasized that the project is in fulfillment of the promises made to constituents by Senator Jarigbe to enhance living conditions through infrastructural development.

    He expressed gratitude to the people of Bekwarra for their patience, support and cooperation, highlighting that the project aims to facilitate easy access to constituents and improve their living conditions.

    Community Chiefs, Elders and constituents have also expressed deep appreciation to the Senator for facilitating the all important project which according to them is testament to his dedication to leadership, infrastructural and human capital champion of Cross River North Senatorial District.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • High Court Restrains Cross River State House of Assembly From Proceeding with Impeachment of Ogoja Vice Chairman

    High Court Restrains Cross River State House of Assembly From Proceeding with Impeachment of Ogoja Vice Chairman

     

    The High Court of Cross River State sitting in Ogoja has restrained the Cross River State House of Assembly and other defendants from taking further steps in the impeachment and suspension of Hon. Emmanuel Idi Yakubu, Vice Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council.

    The restraining order followed an Originating Summons filed by Hon. Yakubu, through his lawyers, First Baba Isa of FBI Legal, challenging the legality of the impeachment process initiated against him by the Ogoja Legislative Council and subsequently acted upon by the State House of Assembly.

    Background to the Suspension

    On February 3, 2026, the Cross River State House of Assembly announced the suspension of Hon. Yakubu for 90 days. The Assembly said the suspension followed an impeachment notice forwarded by the Ogoja Legislative Council.

    The House invoked Section 14(3) of the Cross River State Local Government Law and resolved to suspend the Vice Chairman pending investigation by its Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution.

    Court Challenge and Core Legal Issues

    In Suit No: HJ/11/2026, filed at the Ogoja Judicial Division of the High Court, Hon. Yakubu is seeking a judicial interpretation of Sections 12 (3, 4 & 5), 13, 14, 16 and 17 of the Cross River State Local Government Law, 2007, as well as Sections 7 and 6(6)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    In his court processes, the Claimant contends that the impeachment process has automatically terminated by effluxion of time, having failed to comply with the strict procedural requirements under Section 12(3), (4) and (5) of the Local Government Law.

    The originating summons raises critical questions, including:

    • Whether the Ogoja Legislative Council passed the mandatory resolution within 14 days of the notice of impeachment.
    • Whether the Leader of the Legislative Council informed the Chief Judge within 7 days as required for constitution of a seven-man investigative panel.
    • Whether the State House of Assembly has the constitutional power to suspend a duly elected Vice Chairman of a Local Government.

    Section 12(3)–(5) of the Law provides that:

    • Within 14 days of presenting an impeachment notice, the Legislative Council must resolve by two-thirds majority whether the allegation should be investigated.
    • Within 7 days of such resolution, the Leader must notify the Chief Judge to constitute a panel of seven persons to investigate.

    However, according to the affidavit and written address filed before the court, the Legislative Council allegedly failed to:

    1. Pass the required resolution within 14 days.
    2. Notify the Chief Judge within 7 days of such resolution.
    3. Follow the constitutionally prescribed investigative procedure.

    Instead, the impeachment notice was forwarded to the State House of Assembly, which then set up its own committee and proceeded to suspend the Vice Chairman.

    The Claimant argues that this action is ultra vires, null and void.

    Speaking on the matter, counsel to the Claimant, First Baba Isa, described the impeachment process as “legally dead.”

    According to him:

    “Section 12(3), (4) and (5) of the Cross River State Local Government Law is clear and unambiguous. Where the law prescribes a timeline and procedure, it must be strictly complied with. Failure to act within the statutory 14 days and subsequent 7 days means the impeachment process has automatically terminated by effluxion of time.”

    He further stated:

    “The Ogoja Legislative Council did not pass the mandatory resolution within 14 days, nor did it notify the Chief Judge within 7 days as required. Instead, they forwarded the notice to the House of Assembly, which set up its own committee. That procedure is unknown to the law.”

    On the suspension by the House of Assembly, he added:

    “The Cross River State House of Assembly has no constitutional authority to suspend or remove a democratically elected Vice Chairman of a Local Government. Section 7 of the Constitution guarantees the existence and autonomy of local governments. Any state law that purports to grant such power is unconstitutional to the extent of its inconsistency.”

    He emphasized:

    “You cannot abandon the statutory route provided under Section 12 and then invent a parallel process through the House of Assembly. The Supreme Court has consistently held that where a statute provides a method of doing a thing, it must be done in that manner or not at all.”

    The suit also challenges the constitutionality of Sections 13, 14, 16 and 17 of the Cross River State Local Government Law, which allegedly empower the Governor and the House of Assembly to suspend or remove elected local government officials.

    The Claimant argues that these provisions are inconsistent with Sections 1 and 7 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the supremacy of the Constitution and the system of democratically elected local governments.

    Pending the determination of the substantive issues, the High Court sitting in Ogoja has restrained the defendants from proceeding further with the impeachment process or taking steps that would culminate in the removal of the Vice Chairman.

  • Jarigbe Facilitates Construction of Ibil–Ekwaro Road in Ogoja LGA

    Jarigbe Facilitates Construction of Ibil–Ekwaro Road in Ogoja LGA

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has facilitated the construction of the Ibil–Ekwaro Road in Ogoja Local Government Area.

    The project was officially handed over to JRB Construction, the firm awarded the contract, by the Constituency Officer, Mr. Egar Mgbantul, on behalf of the Senator.

    Speaking during the handover ceremony, Mgbantul charged the contractor to ensure the delivery of a high-quality and durable project capable of standing the test of time. He emphasized the importance of adhering to specifications and completing the project within the stipulated timeframe.

    The Ibil–Ekwaro Road serves as a vital link between the Ibil and Ekajuk communities. Upon completion, it is expected to significantly improve access and mobility for residents, most of whom are engaged in agriculture. The road will enhance the transportation of farm produce to markets, stimulate local economic activities, and improve overall socio-economic development in the area.

    Constituents have expressed appreciation to the lawmaker for facilitating the project, offering prayers for continued wisdom, strength, and success in his service to the people.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Odey Applauds Councillors’ Support, Calls for Continued Collaboration with Council Chairmen

    Odey Applauds Councillors’ Support, Calls for Continued Collaboration with Council Chairmen

     

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, PhD, has commended local government legislators (councillors) for their steadfast support of the Senator Prince Bassey Otu-led administration.

    Dr. Odey gave the commendation on Tuesday while receiving in audience leaders of the Local Government Legislative Assemblies at the Deputy Governor’s Conference Room, Government House, Calabar.

    Rt. Hon. Odey called on them to continue supporting and praying for the Governor, while encouraging strong collaboration with their respective council chairmen to ensure effective governance at the local government and ward level.

    He reassured the leaders of the state government’s continued collaboration with local government councils to guarantee efficient service delivery and the successful implementation of the administration’s people first agenda.

    He also advised political office holders to remain humble and mindful of the transient nature of power. “When you are at the top, do not become carried away, because the table can turn,” he cautioned, stressing the importance of humility, respect for others, and responsible leadership across all levels.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Councillor representing Utugwang North and Leader of the Forum, Hon. Eneji Sam Ashibi, expressed appreciation to the Deputy Governor for the audience granted to them.

    Eneji, who also serves as Leader of the Obudu Legislative Assembly, reaffirmed the unwavering loyalty of the legislative leaders to the present administration and pledged their continued support in advancing the policies and programmes of the state government at the grassroots level. He noted that the forum remains committed to promoting unity, stability, and effective legislative oversight within their respective councils.

    In their separate remarks, the leaders of the Biase, Etung, and Ogoja Legislative Assemblies, Hon. Egwu Egeh Umet, Hon. ThankGod Ekupnse Ojong, and Hon. Dr. Elizabeth Mbim, respectively commended Governor Bassey Otu for embarking on grassroots-driven projects across the state. They also applauded the Deputy Governor for his leadership and supervisory role over local government affairs.

    The legislators, however, appealed for improved welfare packages for councillors, including the provision of mobility to enhance their effectiveness. They noted that the lack of adequate resources has limited their ability to execute constituency projects and called for greater support to strengthen legislative functions at the grassroots level.

    A highlight of the visit was the observance of a minute’s silence in honour of their departed colleagues and the presentation of a commemorative portrait to the Deputy Governor.

    Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Government House, Calabar

  • Cross River State Governor Launches 2025 WASH Policy, Calls For Collective Action To Deliver Safe Water And Sanitation For All

    Cross River State Governor Launches 2025 WASH Policy, Calls For Collective Action To Deliver Safe Water And Sanitation For All

     

    By TheInvestigator

    His Excellency, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, officially launched the State Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Policy 2025 at a well-attended ceremony held at Channel View Hotel, Calabar.

    The event brought together government officials, legislators, development partners, civil society organisations, private sector representatives, and community leaders to mark a major milestone in the state’s drive toward universal access to safe water, dignified sanitation, and improved hygiene.

    In his keynote address, Governor Otu described the launch as more than a ceremonial unveiling of a document. “Today is not just a ceremonial unveiling of a policy document; it is a celebration of shared vision, collective effort, and renewed commitment to improving the quality of life and health outcomes of our people,” he declared.

    The governor highlighted the inclusive and transformative process behind the policy, noting that over the past year, stakeholders. “From the visioning workshop held in August 2024 to the final stakeholder validation in August 2025, the entire process reflected our collective determination to build a policy that responds to present realities while preparing for future challenges,” he said.
    Governor Otu expressed profound gratitude to key contributors, particularly the State Executive Council, for providing the political will under the “People First” administration to prioritise WASH as an essential driver of human development.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Barrister Bassey Mensah, commended Self Help Africa (SHA) for its technical and financial support through the WASH Systems for Health Programme, which ensured the policy aligned with global best practices while remaining locally relevant.
    Emphasising that the policy’s true value lies in its implementation and impact, the governor stated: “This document represents a collective promise to our communities, to ensure safer water, dignified sanitation, improved hygiene practices and healthier lives.”

    He urged all stakeholders to sustain the spirit of collaboration: “I enjoin all stakeholders in this sector to sustain this spirit of collaboration as we work together to translate the policy into practice to achieve long-term and sustainable benefits for every citizen of Cross River State.”

    Concluding on an optimistic note, Governor Otu thanked everyone for their shared commitment and congratulated all present: “Thank you for your shared commitment, as I congratulate everyone of us for this great milestone.”
    The country director, Self Help Africa (SHA), Dr Joy Adelere, commended the state government for launching the WASH policy, reiterating that it is a significant step.

    “This policy is an inclusive and forward-looking framework that aligns with national and international standards,” she said. Aderele added that, “Good WASH governance involves making the right decisions and implementing them effectively by leveraging partnerships for sustainable change within the sector.”

    The 2025 WASH Policy establishes clear institutional reforms, including an independent WASH Regulatory Commission, commercialisation of the Cross River State Water Board Limited (CRSWBL), creation of a Small Towns Water and Sanitation Agency (STOWA), and strengthened rural systems under RUWATSSA. It sets minimum service standards (30-20 litres per capita per day depending on settlement type), mandates safety plans for water and sanitation, promotes inclusive financing through the “3Ts + R” model, and emphasises innovation, gender equity, disability inclusion, and real-time monitoring via a public WASH dashboard.

    The launch concluded with a symbolic handover of the policy document to selected stakeholders, signalling the start of decentralised implementation.
    Cross River is positioning itself as a frontrunner in Nigeria’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030, ensuring safe, managed water and sanitation for all, leaving no one behind.

  • UNICROSS Vice Chancellor Raises Concerns Over Absence of Campus Fencing

    UNICROSS Vice Chancellor Raises Concerns Over Absence of Campus Fencing

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Professor Francisca Bassey, has raised concerns over the absence of perimeter fencing to effectively secure the University’s campuses.

    Professor Bassey raised the concerns when the Director of the Homeland Security and Safety Agency (South), Chief Michael Nsan, and his team paid a courtesy visit to her office.

    Receiving the team, the Vice Chancellor explained that the lack of fencing has exposed the Calabar, Ogoja, and Okuku campuses to various security challenges, including vandalisation of properties, theft, attacks on students, flooding, and land encroachment.

    She noted that the University continues to lose critical infrastructure such as windows, doors, electrical installations, air-condition and cables.

    Prof. Bassey cited the University’s new auditorium, Okuku campus Store, the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Education, and the Staff School as facilities that have recently suffered vandalisation of valuable property.

    She added that offices of some Lecturers had also been ransacked by thieves.
    According to her, “It is painful that as we fix facilities, they are vandalized again. This cycle is unsustainable and poses risks to both our students and staff.”

    The Vice Chancellor further identified inadequate remuneration of outsourced security personnel, insufficient patrol vehicles, and the absence of modern surveillance systems as additional factors limiting efforts to effectively secure the three campuses of UNICROSS.

    She described the visit of the Homeland Security and Safety Agency as timely and appealed for assistance in addressing the challenges.

    Earlier in his address, Chief Michael Nsan, explained that the visit was in line with the Agency’s mandate to assess government-owned facilities and recommend practical ways of enhancing safety.

    He stated: “Our Governor takes security very seriously. We are here to understand the University’s specific challenges and work with Management to identify solutions that will strengthen its security architecture. We want to ensure that in the event of any emergency, the university and the state security architecture can work in sync to guarantee safety.”

    Also speaking, the Chief Security Officer of UNICROSS, Mr. Iwara Ibiang, called for stronger and more sustainable approaches to preventing criminal activities on campus. He emphasized that beyond routine security checks, there must be arrests and prosecution of offenders, adding that the development of a comprehensive security database would further help to deter criminal activities.

    The visit concluded with assurances of collaboration between UNICROSS and the Homeland Security and Safety Agency to ensure a safer and more conducive environment for teaching and learning across the University.

    The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Thomas Ojikpong; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Stella Maris-Okey; the Registrar, Dr. Catherine Osai; the University Librarian, Dr. Victoria Iyishu; the Bursar, Mr. Wilson Aniyom; the Chief Security Officer, Mr. Iwara Ibiang; and the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Onen Ebri Onen, joined the Vice Chancellor in receiving the Homeland Security and Safety Agency team.

  • Bishop Akpan Takes Over Jennifer Etuh Hospital, Tasks Alesi, Ochon Communities To Lay Down Arms

    Bishop Akpan Takes Over Jennifer Etuh Hospital, Tasks Alesi, Ochon Communities To Lay Down Arms

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, the Most Rev Donatus Edet Akpan has tasked the wearing communities of Ochon and Alesi to lay down theirs arms and embrace peace as there cannot be meaningful development without peace.

    The Bishop made the call on Friday February 6th 2026, at Ochon while delivering his sermon at the mass to mark the blessing and taking over the management of Jennifer Etuh Hospital.

    Find text of the Bishop’s sermon “Today is a very special day for us in this community and its environs. God has officially visited you today and has brought you the gift of peace.

    “When Jesus sent out His disciples, He instructed them: “Wherever you enter a house, say, ‘Peace be with this house.’ If a person of peace lives there, your peace will rest on him.” As I stepped into this land today, I proclaim: may the peace of Christ be with you all.

    “God knows what you are lacking. He knows your needs, and He will give you what you truly need. What this community needs now is peace. And so, I plead with God to grant you peace.

    “Our royal fathers are all present here today. Though I may not have the opportunity to meet each of you personally, God has asked me to speak to you. He has been watching as human lives, His own creation, has been toyed with. Like Herod, who even listened to a woman demanding a human head, God says He is tired of bloodshed.

    “He gave you this land so that you may cultivate it, eat from it, and pass it on to your children and your children’s children. God is calling you to rethink.

    “If your brother does wrong, go and speak with him privately. If he listens, you have won him over. If he does not, take another brother along. If he still refuses, bring the matter before the Church.

    “God is using this occasion, the blessing of this health facility to speak to everyone. He wants you to rethink your ways.

    “You cannot continue to toy with human life, killing and shedding blood and expect the land to prosper. When blood is spilled on the land, it becomes unproductive.

    “When you keep God’s commandments, as King David did, you will live securely in your land. But when you defile the land, the sword will eventually devour you.

    “This call is timely. God has been watching. He does not take pleasure in the death of a sinner. Though He remained silent amid atrocities, killing your brothers and stealing from them, today He makes a clarion call: come out of these crimes and become your brother’s keeper.

    “We no longer have pagans among us. We know the Scriptures, whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and no murderer will inherit the Kingdom of God.

    “When we destroy, we cannot progress. Let us give peace a chance in this community, and we will see that we will be happier.

    “I thank God for the generous family who donated this land for this health facility, especially their wife, Jennifer, whose vision made this possible. It brings me great joy to see a family think beyond themselves and care for the lives of others.

    “In memory of their wife and mother, they built this facility and entrusted it to the Church. You are all witnesses as it is handed over to the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, so that it may be managed for the benefit of everyone.

    “This Mass marks the beginning of the operation of this facility, so that what God desires for us may come to pass.

    “We pray that God bless the donors, all who come here seeking medical attention, the administrators, and everyone who will work in this place.

    “I charge you all to preserve this facility. If you destroy what belongs to God, there will be no peace. Protect this gift given to this community. Since my appointment as Bishop, it has been my desire to establish a hospital in Obubra. Though I did not have the means, God heard my groaning and made this possible. Let us put our hands together so that the donors may feel fulfilled.

    “May all who come here sick return home alive and healthy. Do not be like Herod, who heard of the power at work in Jesus but refused to submit to it, choosing instead the path of evil, leading to the beheading of John the Baptist.

    “What Jesus asks us to do, let us strive to do it, so that His power may abide in us. And what He tells us to avoid, let us avoid, so that we may live in peace”.

    On his part, the Chairman of Jennifer Etuh Foundation, Mr Thomas Etuh, represented by Mr Joseph Otu and Hon Nicholas Ahiwa, commended the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, the Most Rev Donatus Akpan, for the disposition to take over the health facility. He acknowledged the commitment of Rev Joemarcus Ogan and Rev Fr Anthony Ogah who made selfless commitment to ensure that the hospital is fully operational.

    He noted that even when the hospital was already been managed by the church, more development were underway as solar panels were mounted to generate light. He assured the bishop of the Jennifer Etuh Foundation’s commitment to sustain the hospital for the benefit of the rural communities.

    On his part, Hon Nicholas Ahiwa, noted that “When the late Mrs Jennifer Etuh was sick, she called her husband and told him that they are wealthy and can afford medication but that they are other people who cannot afford medication. She asked her husband to go to any rural community and build a hospital for the people.

    “When this hospital was completed, we needed to hand it over to a private organisation to manage it and the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja readily comes to mind. We are very pleased with the work the church is doing in hospital management and we comfortable that intention for which this hospital was built will be fulfilled”.

    In a vote of thanks, the Hospital Administrator, Rev Fr Anthony Ogah, thanked the Bishop for the support and encouragement and especially, for providing material and financial support for the Two day medical outreach which recorded 24 free surgeries.
    He thanked his predecessor, Rev Fr Joemarcus Ogan, for the work he started. He acknowledged the support of all priests who left their pastoral schedules to identify with him.

    Fr Anthony acknowledged the commitment of his staff and that of the Chiefs and community leaders who are always disposed to offer the needed support.
    He assured that the hospital will be opened 24 hours daily “Let me appeal to those who were not attended to during the outreach. Please come, I’m here for you. This is the apostolate that God has given to me and I am willing and ready to discharge my duties. Whenever you’re here even at midnight, call Fr Tony and I will come and attend to you”.

    Highlights of the event was the visiting and presenting gifts to patients by the bishop, laying of foundation stone for staff quarters and interactive session with Chiefs and leaders of Ochon community.