The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • UNICAL Blazes The Trail Of Induction In The South-South Zone

     

    The Department of History and International Studies at the University of Calabar became the first to conduct the induction of her graduating students into the Historical Society of Nigeria in the South-South Zone of Nigeria.

    The colourful ceremony which was held on Tuesday, 5th December 2023 at the Senate Chamber of the institution attracted friends and well-wishers of the inductees from within and outside the University of Calabar. A total of one hundred and twenty three students were inducted.

    The highpoint of the event was the administration of the oath of allegiance by the President of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Professor Samuel Aghalino on the inductees. The Council members from the South-South Zone, including Prof. Grace Brown (Council Member), Dr. Dave Imbua (VP) and Dr Obar Irom (Assistant Secretary) attended the ceremony.

    Distinguished service awards were conferred on several persons including the President, Prof. Aghalino and the Vice President (South-South), Dr. Dave Imbua.

    Various categories of awards were also presented to Rt Hon Sylvester Agabi (Deputy Speaker, CRHA), Professor Tony Eyang (Dean of Students Affairs, Unical), Dr Patrick Ene Okon (Sub-Dean, Faculty of Arts, Unical) and several other persons.

    It is hoped that the event will open a floodgate for inductions in other member institutions in the Zone.

  • CORAfrica Pays School Charges For 40 Pupils In Northern Cross River

    By Elijah Ugani 

    CORAfrica Nigeria as part of its mission to librate the most vulnerable children in the society has under its HELP-A-KID Programme, paid school charges for 40 pupils drawn from four local government areas in Cross River State.

    CORAfrica is a nonprofit and nongovernmental organization, founded by Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue PhD. Over the years, CORAfrica has founded schools, supported students at various categories, provided livelihood intervention and support for women and Cameroonian Refugees in Cross River and Benue states, among other interventions.

    40 most vulnerable pupils in five primary schools in Ogoja, Yala, Bekwarra and Obudu Local Government Area, were reached.

    CORAfrica paid three terms school charges for all the 40 pupils

    See schools and pictures with the pupils attached.

    1. Sacred Heart Primary, School – Bekwarra LGA (10 pupils)

    2. Holy Child Convent Primary School, Ugaga Yala LGA (10 pupils)

    3. St John’s Primary School, Ukwortung – Obudu LGA (5 pupils)

    4. Government Nomadic Primary School, Ukwortung – Obudu LGA (5 pupils)

    5. Christ the king Primary School, Nwaranty – Ogoja LGA (10 pupils)

    CORAfrica is committed to providing and assisting the most vulnerable African children assess quality education.
    #Anticipatethesecondedition

    At CORAfrica, we are open to donations to sustain the gains of our interventions

    For donations and partnership, kindly contact:

    Founder/Chief Strategist, Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue PhD, contact on request
    Programme Manager, Elijah Ugani – 08121032474

  • C’River Deputy Governor Departs Ogoja For Calabar, Stops At Ochong- Obubra For Sunday Service

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, and his entourage, on Sunday, 10th December, 2023, made a stop at the St. Eugene Roman Catholic Parish in Ochon (Obubra LGA) where he joined other worshippers to thank God for a new week.

    Rt. Hon. Odey, who was on his way back from the funeral of Mrs. Janet Ateb (Née Ayade), used the opportunity to support his old friend, the parish priest, Rev. Fr Christian Ihemase.

    Hon. Odey was accompanied on the visit by the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr. Alphonsus Eba, member representing Ogoja State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Thomas Aruku, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu, former Commissioner for Industries, Mr. Peter Egba, the Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Chris Ojikpong, amongst other dignitaries.

  • UNICROSS Graduate Excels in NYSC Camp, Wins One Million Naira

    Okpo Chibueze, a graduate of Department of Animal Science in Obubra campus of UNICROSS has excelled in Port Harcourt camp of National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) by clinching the top position in the Accesspreneur business pitch contest held in camp.

    His success came by delivering a compelling defense of his Pig Farming business pitch, aimed at addressing food insecurity.
    Sponsors of the competition rewarded him with the sum of one million naira.
    Kudos to UNICROSS and congratulations to Okpo on this well-deserved achievement.

    – UNICROSS Media Team

  • Ogoja Diocese Welcomes V.C. For Development From USA

    The Catholic diocese of Ogoja recently hosted the Vice Chancellor for Development of one of America’s famous Catholic Universities, The Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio State, Mr. Stephen Rasche.

    Mr. Rasche was in Ogoja following another recent visit to the USA by the Vicar General of Ogoja diocese and Chairman of the Further studies Commission, Fr. Peter Abue.

    In August 2023, in his travels, Fr Abue had appealed to Franciscan University of Steubenville Ohio, USA through Mr. John Stilley to enable a partnership that would enable the upgrade of The diocesan Thomas McGettrick Institute of Technology (TMIT) possible and faster.

    In his interaction with the University Council headed by Fr David Pivonka TOR and his Council, Fr Abue discussed the Partnership, which would attract funding towards this initiative and open more doors for other project areas in the diocese.

    Both Franciscan University of Steubenville (FUS), Ohio and the proposed Thomas McGettrick University (TMU), Ogoja would have missions to educate Nigerian priests/seminarians through a rolling mentorship programme with FUS personnel. The topics for the programme would include: Building financial reporting processes, Designing Budgets and Projections, Admissions and Enrollment Modeling, Campus Master Planning as well as Legal and Compliance Matters. The concept would be for the Priests to spend time in each functional area and learn how FUS operates in order to come back and build up TMU.

    The Thomas McGettrick University Project was a mandate by the Bishop of Ogoja diocese Most Rev Donatus Akpan to the Further studies Commission of the diocese headed by Fr Peter Abue to oversea modalities that would ensure among other things, the upgrade of the present TMIT to the status of a university by raising funds to meet the requirements of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    In his response to the Bishop and the team of selected Priests who welcomed the august visitor, he emphasized the willingness of the Franciscan University of Steubenville to support the initiative of the diocese and mentioned one of the key stakeholders John Stilley who is particularly interested in this partnership.

    He thanked the Bishop for receiving him and promised to set to work to make this vision possible in the nearest future.

  • Commissioner For Humanitarian Affairs Pledges More Support For Refugees In Cross River State

     

    In a significant move towards supporting refugees and host communities, the Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs in Cross River State, Mrs. Helen Isamoh-Egodo, PhD, actively participated in a conference organized by the UNHCR in collaboration with the Global Refugees Forum, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and other key partners, during which she pledged the Cross River State Government’s support for refugees, IDPs and other vulnerable individuals in the state. The event focused on the ‘Global Compact on Refugees).

    Expressing gratitude towards UNHCR, the Commissioner emphasized the crucial role of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in refugee management. She explained that since its establishment in August this year, the ministry has prioritized safeguarding, protection, and social assistance for vulnerable individuals, including refugees and IDPs in the state.

    She highlighted the ministry’s commitment to alleviating the burdens faced by refugees and ensuring their well-being. The commissioner stressed the importance of addressing refugees’ basic needs through sustainable engagement, including livelihoods, food, and financial assistance. She urged collective efforts to embrace and provide for refugees, emphasizing the significance of human comfort and the need for a united approach to replace their current challenges with relief and support.

    ” …I want to commend the UNCHR for organizing this workshop on Global Compact on Refugees.Our ministry, is assigned with the responsibility of providing protection and social assistance to all vulnerable people, including the refugees and the IDPs and I am particularly excited about his Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu’s commitment to the welfare of refugees in the state. Apart from the fact that he has provided palliative for refugees, their welfare has also been captured in the state budget.”

    The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Helen I. Egodo, Commissioner for International Development and other government Functionaries, Directors, and other stakeholders.

    Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs,
    Cross River State

  • C’River Deputy Governor Flags Off Global Compact Refugees Meeting In Calabar

     

    By Ukongikwen Adie

    Cross River Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, today, declared open the Global Compact On Refugees high level meeting holding at Transcorp Hotel in Calabar.

    The Global Compact On Refugees is a United Nations High Commission programme to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard refugee rights and their well-being, ensure also that everyone can exercise the right to return home voluntarily, intergrate locally or to resettle in a third country.

    Rt. Hon. Odey, in his opening remarks, extended the sincere gratitude of the state governor, Sen. Bassey Otu for convening the gathering which offers a platform for dialogue and collaboration.

    “As a State, our commitment to the principles of the GCR aligns with our national ethos of unity in diversity. We believe that together, we can address the challenges faced by refugees or forcibly displaced persons. This is why Cross River State is happy to play host to 52, 000 out of the over 84, 000 registered Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria. Our administration will not only continue to provide land in various host communities; we are also committed to improving security and social infrastructure within these communities to promote peaceful co-existence and integration between the host communities and persons concerned,” the Deputy Governor remarked.

    Odey commended the UNHCR for their role in providing technical expertise to guide nations on the path of GCR implementation, while urging them to strive to build a future where the rights and dignity of refugees are protected.

    Earlier, the Head of Sub Office, Ogoja-UNHCR, lrene Omondi, said the primary objective of the meeting is to take stock and discuss practical ways to support the Cross River state government in the implementation of the pledges and objectives of the GCR through a comprehensive refugee framework approach in Nigeria ahead of Global Compact on Refugees Conference holding in Geneva later this month.

    She seized the occasion to recognize the tremendous leadership Nigeria and Cross River State has shown in responding to the refugee crises by ensuring that refugees have access to essential life saving services, including livehood opportunities where possible. She added that despite her own challenges, including the additional strain of hosting a large number of refugees, Cross River state continues to support refugees.

    On behalf of the Nigerian representative of UNHCR, Chansa Kapaya, she affirmed the full support of UNHCR in Nigeria for the GCR and their continued commitment to working closely with the Cross River State government under the able leadership of Governor Otu to implement the GCR on refugees by ensuring that the needed national systems and structures are in place.

    The meeting which had the Commissioner for International Development Corporation and that of Humanitarian Affairs in attendance, drew stakeholders and participants from CUSO International, Ministry Of Women Affairs (MOWA), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian Police Force and representatives of Commissioners of Finance and Information.

  • UNICAL Students Protests Hike In School Charges

    Students of the University of Calabar have taken to the streets to protest a hike in the charges levied by Varsity’s management.

    The students gathered at the Malabor Square which houses the Students Union Government secretariat and moved to the female hostels bearing placards.

    They marched from the areas where hostels are situated, popularly referred to as ‘Malabor Republik’ as their numbers increased via the Senate building and currently occupy the roundabout next to the main gate which connects Etta Agbor Street and Mary Slessor Avenue.

    Some of the placards with various inscriptions read: “Florence Obia, UNICAL is not a private university, which one is ‘slight increment’, say no to billing”, “UNICAL VC, stop forcing girls into prostitution”, “this is a federal university, not a business center,” among others.

    Meanwhile, there were alleged sporadic gunshots within the school environment on Sunday 3rd December 2023 at about 8:30 pm.

    While our reporters keep tabs on the situation, vehicles have diverted to other routes as the Etta Agbor Road and Mary Slessor routes have been blocked.

    The versity management had over the weekend reached the decision to increase tuition fees.

    In the statement by the University’s Information Officer, Mr Effiong Eyo, the upward review of the tuition fees was taken at an emergency meeting of the University Senate on Friday.

    The release stated that the implementation of the upward review takes effect from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions.

    Findings showed that with the increase fresher’s, returning students and the final year students for the non science courses are expected to pay N111,000, N91,500 and N114,000 respectively.

    They are also required to pay N36,500, N21,500 and N21,500 respectively as third parties dues.

    Students in the science courses are expected to pay N155,000, N125,000 and N148,000 respectively for fresher’s, returning students and final year students. They are also to pay N38,500, N21,500 and N21,500 respectively as third parties dues.

    However, in the early hours of Monday, Student’s of the institution took placards with various inscription to protest the hike of tuition fees as well as other charges asking the management to rescind its decision.

    Some of the inscriptions include, return to the old fees, bring back our old fees/ charges , We can’t afford the news fees, UNICAL SUG , wake up ” amongst others.

    Findings reveled that previously, tuition fees for an average student, depending on the department, was N64, 050 for fresher’s, N52,050 for final year and N49,500 for the returning students.

    The management explained that the increment was necessitated by the current economic realities and the need to maintain the academic standard which the University was known for.

  • Gov Otu Charges Newly Sworn-in Corps Members To Embark On Laudable Community Projects

     

    The Governor of Cross River State Senator Prince Bassey Otu has enjoined the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream II Corps Members deployed to Cross River State to embark on laudable Community Projects which will stand them out at the end of their service year.

    The Governor stated this today, 28th November 2023 during the official opening /swearing-in ceremony of Prospective Corps Members for the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream II Orientation Course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp Obubra.

    His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu whom Justice Emmanuel Ubua, the representative of Chief Judge of Cross River State also stood in for, while delivering His Excellency’s address said, ” l charge you to carry out laudable community projects which will stand you out at the end of the service year”, he opined.

    He reminded the newly sworn-in Corps Members that this is a period for them to make personal sacrifices and prepare themselves for the enormous challenges of nation building.

    The Governor said, his administration is people-driven, that will create a conducive atmosphere for Corps Members to operate, assuring them that their welfare will be given top priority.

    The Governor used the occasion to high light the importance of the NYSC in contemporary Nigeria and emphasized that against all odds the Scheme has remained a tool for national unity and integration.

    Earlier, while delivering his welcome address, the State Coordinator NYSC Cross River, Mr Zemoh Andrew said that the three (3) weeks Orientation Course is structured to prepare Corps Members for the compulsory one year national service.

    Mr Zemoh said Corps Members will be exposed to various Camp activities such as Leadership training, Drills, Lectures , Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training programme etc to prepare them ahead for the future, encouraging them to be patriotic in their service to their fatherland.

    High point of the event was the administration of Oath of Allegiance on the Corps Members by the Chief Judge of Cross River State Her Lordship, Justice Akon lkpeme who was represented by the Judge of the State High Court Obubra Cross River State Hon. Justice Emmanuel Ubua.

  • C’Rive Humanitarian Commissioner Commends UNHCR For Protection And Empowerment Of Cameroonian Refugees

     

    The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Mrs Helen Isamoh- Egodo has commended the untiring efforts to the High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR, for the protection and provision of empowerment programmes for the Cameroonian refugees who have been forced to flee their homes.

    Egodo made the commendation while she paid an unscheduled Visit to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Sub Office in Ogoja LGA, Cross River State.

    Dr Egodo expressed gratitude to the UN Initiative to carter for the need of the refugees.

    She used the opportunity to call for more robust support from other UN agencies, organizations and individuals to upscale the services currently rendered.

    During the visit, she interfaced with the Head of Ogoja Sub Office, Mrs Irene Omoni, and the Head of Health Unit, Dr Ernest Ochang.

    The Head of Ogoja Sub Office,Mrs Irene appreciated the Commissioner for her visit and her unwavering commitment to assisting refugees, displaced persons and the vulnerable, promising to visit the Commissioner and her Team in the Ministry to further interact and strengthen a working relationship that will ensure collaborative efforts and support for the refugees.

    Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, CRS.