The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • Ogoja Carnival Gains Traction, To Rival Calabar Carnival – Odey

     

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has indicated that the sterling performance of the carnival bands in the Ogoja Carnival are a clear indication that it could compete with and become better than the Calabar Carnival in the near future. Rt. Hon. Peter Odey made the statement during the maiden edition of the Ogoja Carnival today, Saturday, 23rd December, 2023, shortly after the 5 carnival bands displayed at the first adjudication centre along Mission Road, Igoli, Ogoja.

    Rt. Hon. Odey who envisioned a future where the Ogoja Carnival will not just be a local celebration but a renowned event that rivals the Calabar Carnival, appreciated the wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Rev. Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for ensuring that the Ogoja Carnival was a reality.

    Traditionally, the Calabar Carnival has been the epitome of celebratory events in the Nigeria, drawing crowds from far and wide. However, a shift has been witnessed in this year’s Festival Calendar with the introduction of the Ikom and Ogoja Carnivals by the Sen. Prince Bassey Otu administration, offering a local alternative that takes the essence of the festive season from the capital city to other parts of the state.

    According to an Elder Statesman from Northern Cross River, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, people from both the Northern and Central parts of the state have long yearned to experience the carnival spirit within their own communities. He thanked Rt. Hon. Peter Odey for his instrumental role in bringing the Ogoja Carnival to realization.

    The Ogoja Carnival which featured five competing bands (Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade’s Band, Hon. Peter Odey’s Band, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo’s Band, Sen. Steve Odey’s Band and Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbor’s Band) and one non-competing band, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu’s Band, witnessed the distinguished participation of Honourable Members of the House of Assembly, all State Executive Council Members from the north, political office holders, traditional rulers and residents who were all optimistic about the potential of the carnival becoming a cultural landmark that will draw participation from a broader audience.

  • Sports Minister, Senator John Enoh Extends Yuletide Greetings To Nigerians

     

    As the festive season dawns upon us, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, extends warm greetings and heartfelt wishes to the good people of our nation, celebrating the joyous occasion of Christmas and heralding the promising dawn of the New Year, 2024.

    In his message, Senator John Owan Enoh expressed his sincere gratitude to the people for their unwavering support and dedication towards the Renewed Hope mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ministry of Sports Development. He highlighted the unity and resilience showcased by athletes and sports enthusiasts, contributing significantly to the growth and recognition of our nation on the global sports stage.

    “As we gather with family and friends to celebrate this beautiful Christmas, let us cherish the values of love, compassion, and unity,” remarked Senator John Owan Enoh. “May this season bring joy and harmony to every household, fostering a sense of togetherness and solidarity among us all.”

    Looking ahead to the New Year, Senator John Owan Enoh emphasized the importance of setting new goals and aspirations, both in sports and personal endeavors. He said the Ministry of Sports Development will continue to promote excellence, inclusivity, and accessibility within the sporting community.

    “I extend my best wishes for a prosperous and fulfilling New Year to all Nigerians,” the Minister said. “2024 will be a year of remarkable achievements, where our athletes excel on the international stage, and our nation prospers in unity and progress.”

    The Minister of Sports Development concluded by urging everyone to celebrate responsibly and observe safety measures during the festive season, ensuring the well-being of all citizens.

    Senator John Owan Enoh, on behalf of the Ministry of Sports Development, wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, filled with happiness, success, and abundant blessings.

    SIGNED:

    The Media Office of the Minister of Sports Development.
    December 23, 2023.

  • Jarigbe Commences Another 1.5 kilometer Road Construction In Aladim Community, Ogoja LGA

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has Facilitated the construction of another 1.5 Kilometre road project in Aladim Community, Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State. The lawmaker who during his campaign, assured the people of better representation if voted for has started asphalting of the Aladim road project.

    One of the community members, Mr. Sunday Ugan appreciated the lawmaker for keeping to his promise and also prayed for continued God’s protection upon him.

    The constituency officer Mr. Egar Mgbantul assured the people of more benefits, as they all agreed to always support the lawmaker.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA.

  • Akpanke Visits Displaced Persons In Belegete, Donates Cash And Relief Materials

     

    The recent spate of violence in Belegete has left thousands of families and households displaced. Worried by these unfortunate eventualities in his Federal Constituency, The member representing Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku, Hon. Peter Akpanke, earlier today, visited the displaced people of Belegete Community who are currently seeking refuge at the Obudu Mountain Resort, to provide succor and render necessary assistance.

    Hon. Akpanke was in Becheve to commiserate with the victims. He encouraged them not to lose hope as he would continue to seek necessary government interventions to ensure peace is restored to their troubled communities.

    He expressed worry over the crisis that has bedeviled the community, explaining how concerned he is to learn about the destruction of lives and properties and the unfortunate death of the Clan Head.

    Mr. Nda Ferdinand On behalf of the displaced Community, commended Hon. Akpanke’s gesture. He described the Honorable Member as a compassionate leader who has a passion for humanity and promised fair sharing and disbursement among victims of the items provided by the lawmaker.

    The Rock is Solid.

  • Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Flags Off One-day Training On Enrollment Application For National Social Safety Nets Program

    The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Helen Isamoh-Egodo flagged off a one-day training on Enrollment Application for National Social Safety Nets Program – Scale Up (NASSP SU) for Local Government Cash Transfer Facilitators (CTFs) yesterday, December 2023. The training was organized by the National Cash Transfer Office: Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in collaboration with the Cross River State Cash Transfer Unit.

    Addressing the trainees, the Honourable Commissioner expressed her delight at the initiation of the exercise as the work of the Facilitators would go a long way to help members of the community. As an exercise designed to help the poor and the needy, she implored them to be compassionate and understanding in the course of carrying out their duties and to reflect the spirit of the current administration in every facet of their work.

    The Commissioner reminded them that the State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has coined a “People First” mantra as the hallmark of his administration and is laser-focused on ensuring that all Crossriverians must benefit from the work of his administration. She noted that the focus on helping Nigerians is also shared by the President, Mr. Tinubu, who is working with the various States of the federation to positively change the circumstances of every Nigerian.

    The Commissioner added that their work as Cash Transfer Facilitators is an amplification of the Governor’s mandate to work for the people and that they must honour Governor Otu’s commitment to the people by doing their work joyfully and diligently. As the face of the government’s goal, she urged the Facilitators to discharge their duties credibly, with passion, dedication and love.

    The CRS Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs: Ministry Of Humanitarian Affairs

  • Children Carnival Dry Run: Peter Odey Commends Onari Duke’s Contribution To Calabar Carnival

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has expressed his appreciation for Mrs. Onari Duke’s significant contribution to the development of Carnival Calabar. Hon. Odey, emphasizing the importance of giving credit where it is due, conveyed this sentiment on the 17th of December, 2023, during the flag-off of the dry run for the children’s carnival in Calabar.
    Rt. Hon. Odey also extended an invitation to the former First Lady to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

    Prior to the ribbon-cutting, Mrs. Onari Duke urged parents to encourage their children’s participation in the children’s carnival on the 27th of December, assuring them that the event would not promote negative habits. She expressed her delight in the revival of the children’s carnival after a pause of several years and highlighted the economic advantages that awaited Cross Riverians, with an influx of visitors to the city during the carnival.

    During the event, the Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, conveyed his invitation for everyone to witness the pure joy and innocence reflected in the children, stating “This is what Carnival Calabar is offering to the world, as the entire botanic garden has been taken over by this great colors, the color of warmth and the color of love. What is the color of love? Childhood.”
    He also welcomed the Deputy Governor to join the children for a walk, mentioning that the 6-kilometer dry run was conducted to test the system.

  • Duke, Imoke, Onor And Other Party Leaders Pays Last Tribute To Prof Stella Attoe

     

    In a poignant service held on Friday, December 15th, 2023 at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Hope Waddell Parish, Calabar, the Governorship Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor in company of his dear wife, Barr (Mrs) Gertrude-Manyo Sandy Onor, joined other prominent leaders of the party in a solemn Service of Songs, paying heartfelt tribute to the late Prof. Stella Effa-Attoe.

    The heart-rending gathering served as a reflection on the remarkable contributions of the departed academician to the church, party, academic community and society at large.

    The church resonated with shared grief and fond memories as those present were united in honouring the legacy of the amazon of beauty and excellence, while celebrating a life dedicated to service and knowledge.

    The service witnessed the presence of distinguished individuals, including former governors of Cross River State, HE Donald Duke and Sen. Liyel Imoke, as well as Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo. Among the notable attendees were the State Chairman of the Party and his deputy, Barr Vena Ikem and Hon. Denis Nkiri, respectively. Also in attendance were State Women Leader, Hon. (Mrs) Florence Inyang, and Members representing Ogoja/Yala and Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituencies, Barr Godwin Offiono and Hon. Peter Akpanke.

    The gathering further included Commissioner for Youths, Barr Ukam Charles Ijom, former Obudu Council Chairman, Hon. Emma Ugbe, and Dr Richard Omang Ntui, among others. Notably, representatives from the academic community, such as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Calabar, Prof. Stella Ekpe, and Dr Dave Imbua of the Department of History and International Studies, also paid their respects.

    Ndifon Joseph

  • Biase LGA Paramount Ruler Visits CRS Commissioner For Humanitarian Affairs

     

    The Paramount Ruler Of Biase LGA HRM. Onun Apostle Nicholas Odum (JP) visit the CRS commissioner for Humanitarian affairs Hon Dr Helen Isamoh Egodo

    It was with great pleasure and honour that the Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs received her LGA Paramount ruler in a surprise unscheduled visit.

    The Paramount ruler of Biase who is also the Clan Head of Agwugune, ONUN APOSTLE NICHOLAS ODUM (JP ), was accompanied on the courtesy visit by Pastor Dennis Ogbo Bassey and Professor David Iyam who is visiting from the United States.

    Arriving in her office, the Paramount ruler expressed his appreciation for the welcome accorded him and thanked the Commissioner for all the work she has been doing not only on behalf of Biase but also for the State.

    He mentioned in particular the tumultuous first 24hrs of the Commissioner’s day in office where she was confronted with 2 serious emergencies that had to do with two abandoned babies under the ages of 2yrs & a few hours old and commended the Commissioner for the magnanimous way she handled those emergencies.

    The Paramount ruler promised his total commitment to working with the Commissioner to ensure that her time in office is successful and will continue to produce the results expected by the Governor, HE. Sen Prince Bassey Otu .

    The Paramount ruler invited the Commissioner to his Palace in Agwugune in Biase LGA where he expects to bestow on her a recognition that is responsive to her dedication to the Biase people.

    The monarch added that he was happy to visit the youngest Commissioner in CRS and also to be able to share the knowledge that she has in every aspect of governance.

    He added that this is the first time he has ever had the opportunity to visit any Commissioner in the State and was thankful that he got this opportunity from the Honourable Commissioner and that he would ensure that the whole of Biase people continue to work with her to make her time in government in this dispensation and beyond successful.

    In her response, the Hon. Commissioner thanked the Paramount ruler for making time to visit her at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and she assured the Paramount ruler that the Government of HE. Sen Prince Bassey Otu is strongly situated to address the issues affecting every member of the state and also to respect the office of Traditional Rulers in the State.

    The Commissioner assured the Paramount ruler that she will continue in her capacity as a state Commissioner to understand every issue arising in the state and affecting the people across the 18 LGA in the state.

    © CRS Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs

  • Governor Sim Fubara And FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Sign Peace Pact.

     

    Consequently;

    1. ALL matters instituted in the courts by the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Fubara, and his team, in respect of the political crisis in Rivers State, shall be withdrawn IMMEDIATELY

    2. ALL impeachment proceedings initiated against the Governor of Rivers State by the Rivers State House of Assembly should be dropped immediately

    3. The leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly as led by the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule shall be recognized alongside the 27 members who resigned from the PDP

    4. The remunerations and benefits of ALL members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and their staff must be reinstated immediately and the Governor of Rivers State shall henceforth not interfere with the full funding of the Rivers State House of Assembly

    5. The Rivers State House of Assembly shall choose where they want to sit and conduct their legislative business without interference and/or hindrance from the Executive arm of government

    6. The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Fubara, shall re-present the state budget to a properly constituted Rivers State House of Assembly

    7. The names of ALL commissioners in the Rivers State Executive Council who resigned their appointments because of the political crisis in the state should be resubmitted to the House of Assembly for approval

    8. There should NOT be a caretaker committee for the local governments in Rivers State. The dissolution of the Local Government administration

  • Governor’s Cup Concludes In Flurry Of Thrills As Bakassi Emerges Triumphant

     

    The Cross River State Governor’s Cup competition, tagged the Sweet Prince Cup, culminated in a thrilling finale as the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, who represented the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, kicked off the match between the formidable Bakassi and Ikom teams.

    The U.J Esuene Sports Stadium in Calabar was abuzz with passionate sports fans and esteemed personalities from across the state who gathered to witness the highly anticipated match.

    The closely contested match saw Bakassi emerge victorious with a 2-1 score against Ikom, solidifying their position as the winners of the 2023 Governor’s Football Competition and taking home a cash prize of 2.5 million naira.

    Ikom secured the 2nd runner-up position, receiving a prize of 1.5 million naira, and Prince 7 Football Club of Calabar claimed the 1st runner-up title, earning a well-deserved 1 million naira for their dedication and hard work.

    Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, commended the State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for his commitment to sports and pledged to revamp and redevelop sports activities within the state and beyond.

    The SA General Duties, Barr. Akiba Ekpenyong, extended congratulations to all participants and emphasized a promising future for the sports sector in the state.

    The event concluded with a ceremonial presentation of medals and cash prizes to the deserving teams, among other honors.

    #Blessing Bassey.