The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • Jarigbe Agom Commences Five Days Mega Medical Outreach For Constituents

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has commenced a five-day medical outreach for constituents in Northern Senatorial District.

    Declaring the outreach opened, at the Maternity Hospital, Monaya, Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, Sen Jarigbe Agom reiterated his commitment to providing the needed representation his constituents yearn for and posited that there is no other way to prove to his constituents of his readiness to serve them other than providing the basic things like education, health care system and supporting them to boost agriculture.

    Represented at the ceremony by his Constituency Officer, Mr Egar Mgbantul, the lawmaker held that “this outreach is basically to render health services to the rural populace who may have limitations to take proper care of their health”

    Egar noted that “my boss who facilitated the programme, Senator Jarigbe Agom, is passionate about the well-being of his people, especially their healthcare because he believes that only a healthy populace could keep the society going and guarantee a sustainable socioeconomic life”.

    The team lead of the medical outreach, Comr Josephine Bassey said the patients are being screened for Blood Sugar test, Hepatitis, Blood Pressure, RVD, Malaria, Kidney Function test, Liver Function test, Lipid Profile among other health conditions, pointing out that treatment is free while cases requiring surgery are being handled simultaneously.

    She further revealed that the first day (today) was set aside for only patients from Bekwarra Local Government Area while other LGAs have been properly scheduled to cover for the remaining days of the programme.

    Speaking to TheLumineNews, at the Catholic Maternity Hospital Monaya, some of the beneficiaries commended the magnanimity of the lawmaker as he continued to deliver on his promises to his constituents, putting the people at the forefront of every of his programmes and policies.

    They asked God to strengthen him and provide him with the necessary contacts, finances and support to enable him support his constituents and used the opportunity to call on all leaders, elected or appointed from Northern Senatorial District to emulate Sen Jarigbe Agom in service to humanity.

    The schedule of the outreach indicates that Ogoja and Yala local government areas have been scheduled to hold simultaneously between Tuesday and Wednesday, March 26th and 27th respectively while Obudu and Obanliku Local Government Areas are scheduled for Thursday and Friday March 28th and 29th.

     

  • Jarigbe Agom Receives Constituent Who Trekked From Obudu To Meet Him In Abuja

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has met with Aruku Richard Monkom aka Eze Nmo , a constituent who walked from Obudu to Abuja in 4 days, to appreciate the Senator’s remarkable performance and service to his people.

    Mr. Aruku (Eze Nmo) had embarked on a record 474.9km trekking from Obudu to Abuja to honor the Senator for his legislative giant strides and effective representation.

    He took off from Obudu on the 20th of March, 2024, trekked a distance of 474.9km, 294 miles, 255 nautical miles to Abuja, on a special visit to meet with his idol and role model.

    On meeting with the lawmaker, Richard presented a well decorated portrait of the Senator. He said, “I made a promise because of the love I have for Senator Jarigbe that I will trek from Obudu to Abuja which I have done. I thank God that my promise was fulfilled.

    “I m not bothered about what people think. It is a promise between me and my God. I left Obudu because I made a promise to honour my Senator by trekking to visit him right from Obudu. I met people on the way some of which are very much aware of my journey” he added.


    Responding, Senator Jarigbe thanked him for his support and for embarking on the journey saying “I want to congratulate you for making it and I also thank God that your health did not fail you.

    “You have demonstrated total love and passion towards me and I do not take it for granted. This will only spur me to continue the good works I have been doing for my people”.

    The lawmaker was joined by his dear wife, Mrs Offiong Jarigbe, Prince Kjay Agba, Mr. Igbaji Sunday Ibol, Mr. Joe Ulom amongst others who gathered to receive Mr. Richard Aruku

    Team Jari Media

     

  • Inter State Land Dispute: C’River & Ebonyi Resolve To End Age-Long Land Dispute

     

    In a bid to end protracted boundary disputes between Cross River and Ebonyi State, both states have resolved to embrace and work towards achieving peace along the border corridors of Ndiagu Amagu, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi and Adadama, Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    The resolution was contained in a 5-point communique issued after a meeting of officials of Cross River/Ebonyi State on interstate boundary held at Ebonyi State Deputy Governor’s office, Abakaliki on Tuesday, 19th March, 2024.

    In a communique adopted by officials from both parties and signed by the Deputy Governors of Cross River State and Ebonyi State, the meeting resolved to embark on sensitization of the affected communities to desist from all forms of encroachment while waiting for the delineation of the boundaries by the National Boundary Commission (NBC). It also adds that the two states put in place modalities for joint security teams to patrol the affected areas.

    The members agreed that the deputy governors of both states who are also Chairmen of State Boundary Committee are to reach out to the National Boundary Commission to expedite action on boundary delineation to restore peace and ensure that no further lives are lost and properties destroyed in these communities while the revitalization of Adadama-Amagu Development Association (ADAMADA), a group that had contributed immensely to peace in the region, is to be prioritized.

    The meeting, presided over by the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Her Excellency, Princess Patricia Obila, and attended by His Excellency, Rt Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, Deputy Governor of Cross River State and Chairman, State Boundary Committee, ably represented by the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Ededem Ani, Esq, was attended by a high profile delegation from Cross River State including the State Security Adviser, Major-General Okoi Ubi Obono (Rtd); Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr Chris Ojikpong; the Director-General of Border Communities Development Commission (BORDERCOM), Rt. Hon. Ngim Okpo; Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Relations, Hon. Chief Ada Charles Egwu, Head of Local Government Administration, Abi LGA , Mrs. Eke Ani; and, traditional rulers from the affected LGA of the State as well as other relevant government officials.

    The Ebonyi State delegation to the meeting had the Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor and Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area as well as traditional rulers and several top government officials in attendance

    Deputy Governor’s Press Unit,
    Calabar
    19/3/2024

  • 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

     

    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

    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

     

    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

     

    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

     

    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

     

    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.