The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • 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.

  • 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

     

    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

    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.

  • Akpabio Calls For Collaboration, Exchange Of Ideas To Unlock Potentials Of Nigeria’s Renewable Energy

     

    President of the Nigerian Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has hosted the first annual Legislative Summit on Renewable Energy, with a call for collaboration, regular engagement and exchange to unlock the potentials of the sector in Nigeria.

    At the submit held on Monday in Abuja, Senator Akpabio enjoined stakeholders from public and private sectors to drive necessary innovations and advancements in renewable energy.

    Represented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, the Senate President said the hosting of the submit brings attention to the fact that renewable energy is not just a passing trend or an optional path, but the future and key to sustainable development, economic growth, cleaner and healthier planet.

    According to him, “by fully exploiting the legal and institutional framework, we can increase access to energy for all Nigerian citizens and industries while reducing our reliance on fossil fuels thereby mitigating the impact of climate change.”

    He further enjoined the stakeholders to come together with the belief that a new country where clean, affordable and accessible energy is not just a dream, but a reality.

    Some dignatories present at the event include the Director General NILDS, Prof. Abubakar O. Suleiman, Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Rt. Hon. Victor Afam Ogene.

    The event was hosted by the National Institute for Legislative Studies, in collaboration with ASOLAR Systems Nigeria Limited.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Payment Of January Salaries Ongoing – Odey

    15th February, 2024

    PRESS STATEMENT
    SUBJECT: PAYMENT OF JANUARY SALARIES ONGOING

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, wishes to clarify that over 80% of January salaries for workers in the state have already been paid.

    The seeming delay for some employees in the State Civil Service and Local Government, though regrettable, is informed by the painstaking effort to weed out duplicate entries following the reconciliation of cleared names from the relevant pay-rolling offices with the nominal roll.

    It will be recalled that the state government had embarked on staff audit and verification for all MDAs and employees in the local government system owing to the enormous wage bill despite large number of retirements from the service.

    The state government has made significant progress in that regard and will in no distant time makes its findings public.

    In the interim, the government appeals to the labour force to see this exercise as birth pangs of a glorious future if we must have a state that we all desire.

    The Senator Bassey Otu-led administration remains committed to its People First Agenda and this can only be realised when all segments of the state make sacrifices and support the drive for a transparent and accountable system.

    The State Government notes the difficult times and assures that all those whose salaries have been delayed genuinely will be paid in no distant time.

    E-Signed:

    Fred Abua, Esq., JP
    Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor

  • NEPZA MD Visits C’River Deputy Governor, Lauds Gov Otu’s Achievements In The State

     

    The Managing Director (MD) of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi and his team, on Thursday, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, in Government House, Calabar.

    During his opening statements, Dr. Ogunyemi conveyed the warm regards of the Honourable Minister of Trade and Investment. He expressed satisfaction with the significant progress achieved by Governor Bassey Otu’s administration in various development sectors within just a few months in office, emphasizing that “Governor Otu has performed admirably.”

    He listed the prompt payments of salaries of civil servants and pensioners, approve use of concrete for road construction, installation of solar powered street lights across the three Senatorial District of the State, lifting bans on wood logging, which according to him has revitalized the wood industry, ongoing building of fruit arcade and hosting the biggest street party in Africa and much more. According to the MD, “All these achievements and more are possible because your adminstration undertook bold steps to reduce the customary problems and mobilize resources to achieve the ‘Peoples First’ projects in line with the ‘Renewed Hope’ Mantra of Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”

    Ogunyemi, speaking further, said NEPZA and the Calabar Free Trade Zone are determined to give this government the needed support within the ambit of the law that established Free Trade Zones in Nigeria to ensure a prosperous tenure for the present administration.

    In the area of Corporate Social Responsibility, Dr. Ogunyemi said NEPZA had built and donated several equipment to University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Police Station, Technical Schools, donation of satellite communication equipment, installation of 33KVA transformer in their host Community, award of scholarships to indigent students in the state amongst others.

    While appealing to state government to take advantage of their tax incentives to set up enterprises or groups of enterprises to harness viable economic benefits to boost the revenue generating base of the State, he reiterated NEPZA’s commitment to partner and support the state.

    Responding, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, who welcomed the team on behalf of the Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, assured the NEPZA boss and his team of state government’s readiness to partner and give NEPZA the needed support to carry out their operations in the state without any hitch, noting that if EPZ works, it is also to the state’s benefit because it will make other state owned facilities like Tinapa to work

    Odey called on EPZ to intensify its marketing efforts for Tinapa by directing potential investors to the business resort. He commended their unrelenting efforts in regards to their Corporate Social Responsibility to their host community and the people of the State.

    The NEPZA boss was accompanied on the visit by officials of the Calabar Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and Tinapa Business Resort Trade Zone.

    Other participants present during the visit included the Secretary to State Government, Prof Anthony Owan Enoh, several members of the State Exco, including the Commissioner for Industries, Dr. Mathias Angioha, Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. Mrs. Abigail Duke-Orok, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Development, Hon. Abuvakar Ewa, and Commissioner for Transport, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham as well as the Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Mr. Patrick Egbede.

  • C’River Deputy Governor Bids E I Okoro Farewell, Welcomes New Commander Of The 13th Brigade Army

     

    The Cross River State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey has commended the services of the former Commander of the 13th Brigade Army, who has been promoted to the rank of Major General and has been transferred.

    Odey bid the former Commander farewell and wished him success in his new assignment.

    The deputy governor used the opportunity and welcomed the new commander, Brig-Gen. I M Ibrahim to Cross River State
    He assured him of maximum support by the government as he carries out his duties.

    Earlier, Maj. Gen. Okoro, noted that he has come to bid the deputy governor farewell and to introduce his successor, Brig-Gen. I M Ibrahim.