The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

The Unending Ordeal of Ntufam Maurice Omin Iso: A Case of Gross Human Rights Abuse BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

Those holding Ntufam Maurice Omin Iso since December 23, 2024, seem to have ulterior motives, aiming to eliminate him for advocating minority and land rights in Esuku Otu, Ikot Ansa community, Calabar Municipality. Interestingly, the Attorney General of Cross River State, Ededem Ani Esq., has denied involvement in Iso’s alleged arrest and detention, dismissing claims that Iso was arrested for obtaining judgments against the state as “fabrication”.

Iso was arraigned on February 10, 2025, on charges of forcible entry and attempted kidnapping, and remanded until April 18, 2025. However, Chief Magistrate Agbor Achere-Achere ordered his release on March 4, 2025, after his lawyers applied for his production and release. Despite this, Iso remains in custody, with authorities citing “orders from above” for his continued detention.

This blatant disregard for the judiciary and human rights is alarming, especially given Nigeria’s history of respecting the judiciary, even during military dictatorships.

@ Obol Okoi Obono-Obla
Counsel to Ntufam Maurice Omin Iso
6 March 2025

March 6, 2025
Know Your Constituency Projects In The 2025 Budget (3), Cross River North Senatorial District

Today is the turn of the Cross River North Senatorial district projects budgeted for in the 2025 appropriation law. The Senatorial District is represented by Senator Jarigbe Agom (leader of the unconquered generation.)

1.ERGP2026697
SUPPLY OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TO PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTERS IN YALA, OGOJA, OBUDU, BEKWARRA AND OBANLIKU LGAS, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N500,000,000

2.ERGP20259546
SUPPLY OF MOTORCYCLES TO YOUTHS IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N120,000,000

3.ERGP20260030
VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN WITH GRANTS IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N100,000,000

4.ERGP20260419
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION OF NKUM IREDE COMMUNITY, OGOJA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT, CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: 300,000,000

5.ERGP20260420
CONSTRUCTION OF RECREATION CENTER IN OGOJA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT, CROSS RIVER STATE.

Cost: N500,000,000

6.ERGP20260421
SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF TRANSFORMERS TO COMMUNITIES IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N300,000,000

7.ERGP20260422
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION OF BEKWARRA LGA IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT, CROSS RIVER STATE.

Cost: N500,000,000

8.ERGP20261156
SUPPLY OF LABORATORY EQUIPMENT TO GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL UKENDE, IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N100,000,000

9.ERGP20261157
CONSTRUCTION OF CLASSROOM BLOCKS AND FURNISHING IN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS ADAGOM AND UKENDE COMMUNITIES, IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT
Cost: N150,000,000

10.ERGP20261370
CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR STREETLIGHTS IN IGODOR, OGOJA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: 30,000,000

11.ERGP20262746
CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS IN IPONG, UKWEL-UGBUDU, ANGIABA-BEGIAKA, BETUKWEL, OTUGWANG ALEGEE, UKPE, BEBUABONG, NGORKPU AND UKPE COMMUNITIES IN OBUDU LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: 500,000,000.00

12.ERGP20262747
BUILDING OF TOWN HALL WITH SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLE AND STREET LIGHTS IN BETUKWEL COMMUNITY, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N500,000,000

13.ERGP20262754
AGRICULTUE, TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN WITH GRINDING MACHINES IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N400,000,000

14.ERGP20262760
CONSTRUCTION OF RING ROAD IN EGBE, OGOJA LGA, IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N250,000,000

15.ERGP20262761
CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR STREETLIGHTS IN BRIGADIER ALLY BARRACKS, OGOJA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N200,000,000

16.ERGP20262763
TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN WITH SEWING MACHINES, FABRICS AND GRANTS IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N350,000,000

17.ERGP20262758
CONSTRUCTION OF RECREATION CENTER IN IBIL COMMUNITY IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT.

Cost: N500,000,000

18.ERGP20262755
CONSTRUCTION OF UKELE ROAD IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N500,000,000

19.ERGP20262757
CONSTRUCTION OF ALIFORKPA ROAD IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N500,000,000

20.ERGP20262759
CONSTRUCTION OF CIVIC CENTRE IN WANOKOM IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N500,000,000

21.ERGP20262762
CONSTRUCTION OF POLICE POST IN BUFFER AREA OF IGBEKURIKOR AND UGAGA, YALA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N100,000,000

22.ERGP20263628
CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS IN OBUDU, BEKWARRA, OBANLIKU, OGOJA AND YALA LGAs, IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N200,000,000

23.ERGP20259788
TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF YOUNG GRADUATES ON INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N100,000,000

24.ERGP202502658
CONSTRUCTION OF IBIL ROAD, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT, CROSS RIVER STATE.

Cost: N425,000,000

25.ERGP20262748
CONSTRUCTION OF IGWO ROAD, OBUDU, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N500,000,000

26.ERGP20262749
CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLES IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES OF CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL

Cost: 500,000,000

27.ERGP20262750
SUPPLY OF TRICYCLES TO FARMERS IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N500,000,000

28.ERGP20262751
EMPOWERMENT OF YOUTH WITH CNG VEHICLES FOR MASS TRANSIT IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N500,000,000

29.ERGP20262752
SUPPLY AND EMPOWERMENT OF YOUTH WITH TILLERS FOR MECHANIZED FARMING IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N250,000,000

30.ERGP20262756
CONSTRUCTION OF GLADO SCHOOL ROAD, OKUKU- YALA LGA CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N500,000,000

31.ERGP20260423
CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS (LOT 1-10) IN BEKWARRA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N200,000,000

32.ERGP202503425
PROVISION AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR POWERED LIGHTS AT ABAKPA-JOSEDDY STREET OGOJA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N10,000,000

33.ERGP20259861
CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS IN IDUM-EKUMTAK, MBUBE OGOJA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N150,000,000

34.ERGP20259855
SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF ICT EQUIPMENT IN FCE OBUDU LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: 30,000,000

35.ERGP20259911
SUPPLY OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING OF HEALTH WORKERS ON CLINICAL GOVERNANCE IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N30,000,000

36.ERGP20229342
PROVISION AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR POWERED STREETLIGHTS IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N16,500,000

37.CONSTRUCTION OF BOREHOLES IN SELECTED LOCATIONS IN CROSS RIVER NORTHERN SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N200,000,000

38.SUPPLY OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TO HEALTH FACILITIES IN THE FIVE LGAs OF CROSS RIVER NORTHERN SENATORIAL DISTRICT.

Cost: N500,000,000

39.PROVISION OF AGRICULTURAL AND GARDENING EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING OF YOUTHS IN AGRICULTURE AND GARDENING IN THE FIVE LGAS OF CROSS RIVER NORTHERN SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Cost: N500,000,000

This comes to a total of 39 projects, amounting to N12,011,500,000 (Twelve billion, eleven million, five hundred thousand Naira.)

Kindly note that these projects do not include the ones budgeted separately in the SDGs and NDDC appropriations; and those that may come up in the supplementary budget. This is applicable to all members of the NASS. Both those I have written their projects and the ones I will still write.

Go ye and hold your Senator accountable. Monitor and make sure these projects are executed.

I am now done with the Northern Senatorial district, which is the smallest. Next is the Central Senatorial District. I will start with Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, represented by Honorable Victor Abang (aka Mature).

Yours sincerely,
Citizen Agba Jalingo.

March 5, 2025
Know Your Constituency Projects In The 2025 Budget (2) Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency BY AGBA JALINGO

Today, I move on to Ogoja Yala federal constituency projects budgeted for in the 2025 appropriate law. The Federal Constituency is ably represented by Honorable Godwin Offiono (Goffio).

1.ERGP20256884
SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT FOR SELECTED FARMERS AT OGOJA AND YALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: N100,000,000

2.ERGP20256885
CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF MOTORIZED BOREHOLES AT SOME SELECTED COMMUNITIES OF OGOJA AND YALA LGA’S IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: N100,000,000

3.ERGP20256886
MEDICAL OUTREACH TO HEALTH CHALLENGED CONSTITUENTS OF OGOJA AND YALA LGA’S IN OGOJA/ YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: N100,000,000

4.ERGP20257636
ESTABLISHMENT OF MEDICAL RESEARCH FARMS AND GRADING OF ADJOINING ACCESS ROADS AT OKUKU WARD IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: N150,000,000

5.ERGP20253935
TRAINING AND SCHOLARSHIP GRANT TO STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: N50,000,000

6.ERGP20256880
CONSTRUCTION OF 1.2KM FEEDER ROAD, AT OKUKU WARD, YALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: N300,000,000

7.ERGP20256881
CONSTRUCTION OF CLASSROOMS BLOCKS AND PROVISION OF FURNITURE AT SCHOOLS IN YALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: N200,000,000

8.ERGP20256882
CONSTRUCTION OF CLASSROOMS BLOCKS AND PROVISION OF FURNITURE AT SCHOOLS IN OGOJA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: N100,000,000

9.ERGP20256883
SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR POWERED STREET LIGHTS AT SOME SELECTED COMMUNITIES OF OGOJA AND YALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER

Cost: N100,000,000

10.ERGP20257637
SUPPLY OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS AND TRAINING ON MAINTENANCE OF SOLAR INSTALLATION, IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: N50,000,000

11.ERGP20257638
TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF YOUNG GRADUATES ON RENEWABLE ENERGY INSTALLATION IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: N50,000,000

12.ERGP20258081
INSTALLATION OF SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLE IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: 40,000,000

13.ERGP20258448
FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: N50,000,000

14.ERGP20223665
EROSION CONTROL WORKS IN SELECTED LOCATIONS IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: N40,000,000

15.ERGP20263202
CONSTRUCTION OF CULVERT IN IKURINU COMMUNITY (ECHUMOGA) YALA LGA, CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: N20,000,000

This is a total of 15 projects amounting to N1,450,000,000 (One billion four hundred and fifty million Naira.)

Now you know what to look out for.

Next will be Cross River North Senatorial District projects.

Yours sincerely,
Citizen Agba Jalingo.

March 4, 2025
Know Your Constituency Projects In The 2025 Budget (1)… Obanlikwu/Bekwarra/Obudu OBO, Federal Constituency BY AGBA JALINGO

The 2025 budget has been passed and signed into law. And as I promised, I will be extracting and serializing all the constituency projects of all the 8 members of the House of Representatives and all the three Senators from Cross River State.

Today, I begin with the constituency projects budget for my own Federal Constituency, Obudu/Obanlikwu/Bekwarra OBO, represented by Honorable Peter Akpanke (DeRock).

1.ERGP20256877
CONSTRUCTION OF UTUGWANG MAIN MARKET ROAD IN OBUDU LGA OF HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

Cost: N300,000,000.00

2.ERGP20258136
FURNISHING OF BLOCKS OF CLASSROOM ACROSS HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

Cost: N25,000,000.00

3.ERGP28222884
CONSTRUCTION OF WATER SCHEME AT NO 3 HOSPITAL LANE UPEL-WAGA COMMUNITY, OPPOSITE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OBUDU LGA, CROSS RIVER STATE.

Cost: N20,000,000.00

4.ERGP20263600
CONSTRUCTION OF THE OKAMBI-IGWO RING ROADS IN OBUDU, CROSS RIVER STATE.

Cost: N500,000,000.00

5.ERGP12231988
REHABILITATION OF IKOM-WULA-OBUDU ROAD PHASE II IN CROSS RIVER STATE.

Cost: N100,000,000.00

6.ERGP20263447
SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS IN BEGANG AND IBIARAGIDI COMMUNITIES OF OBUDU/OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: N50,000,000.00

7.ERGP20256878
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION OF SELECTED COMMUNITIES WITH SOLAR POWER STREET LIGHTS IN OBUDU, BEKWARRA AND OBANLIKWU LGA’S OF HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: N200,000,000.00

8.ERGP20256877
CONSTRUCTION OF UTUGWANG MAIN MARKET ROAD IN OBUDU LGA OF HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY.

Cost: N300,000,000.00

9.ERGP20256876
CONSTRUCTION OF ATULUM ROAD IN BEKWARRA LGA OF HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY CROSS RIVER STATE.

Cost: N300,000,000.00

10.ERGP20256675
CONSTRUCTION OF KAFA BRIDGE IN BISHIRI OBANLIKU LGA OF HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE.

Cost: N100,000,000.00

11.ERGP20256879
SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS TO FARMERS IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES IN OBUDU, BEKWARRA AND OBANLIKWU LGAS OF HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/ OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE.

Cost: N100,000,000.00

12.ERGP20254223
VOCATIONAL TRAINING OF UNEMPLOYED YOUTHS AND WOMEN IN OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU

Cost: N20,000,000.00

13.ERGP20253936
MEDICAL OUTREACH FOR WIDOWS AND VULNERABLES IN OBUDU/BEKWARRA/OBANLIKWU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: N50,000,000.00

14.ERGP5223868
NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DEVELOPMENT OF PROTOCOLS AND CAPACITY BUILDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DISEASE FREE ZONES AND COMPARTMENTS FOR EXPORTS OF LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY (CATTLE- MAMIBILLA PLATEAU IN TARABA STATE, OBUDU CATTLE RANCH IN CROSS RIVER STATE AND SHEEP AND GOAT-JIGAWA, POULTRY-OGUN STATE

Cost: N92,500,000.00

15.ERGP20263202
TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF YOUTHS IN OBANLIKWU/OBUDU/BEKWARRA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

Cost: N100,000,000.00

16.ERGP20263196
SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENTS AND FARM PRODUCE TO FARMERS AND WOMEN IN OBANLIKWU/ BEKWARRA/ OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY PAA CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: N150,000,000.00

17.ERGP20258869
SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR STREETLIGHTS IN OBUDU/BEKWARRA/OBANLIKWU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY OF CROSS RIVER STATE

Cost: N40,000,000.00

This makes a total of 17 projects amounting to N2,447,500,000 (Two Billion four hundred and forty seven million, five hundred thousand Naira.)

Excluding the N87,600,000 Mini stadium in Keting village which is supposed to have been completed by now, having been included in last year’s budget.

Next will be Ogoja/Yala federal Constituency.

Yours sincerely,
Citizen Agba Jalingo.

March 3, 2025
Senate Holds Public Hearing on Sen Jarigbe Agom’s Federal Medical Centre Ogoja Establishment Bill 2023

The Nigerian Senate’s Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) conducted a public hearing on Senator Jarigbe Agom’s Federal Medical Centre Ogoja Establishment Bill 2023 (SB 142) at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

The bill, which has undergone first and second readings at plenary sessions, was referred to the Senate Committee on Health for further public hearing and legislative actions.

Senator Jarigbe emphasized that the bill aims to establish quality healthcare services by developing necessary infrastructure, ensuring effective, efficient, and affordable healthcare delivery, and implementing a monitoring and evaluation mechanism.

He added that the proposed medical center is expected to be affiliated with a medical school and academic medical center, providing opportunities for youth to gain professional experience.

The bill is anticipated to undergo a third reading at plenary and, upon passage, will be forwarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.

TEAM JARI MEDIA

February 28, 2025
Stampede: No Life was Lost, says UNICAL VC

Following the recent stampede that occurred on Tuesday 25th February, 2025 involving students who were scheduled to write examination in the Department of Chemistry, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has confirmed that contrary to the information in circulation by some news merchants, claiming that two students: ‘a male and a female’ involved in the sad incident died, no student was actually dead.

The VC made the clarification while responding to concerns raised regarding the incident.

“Yes, we confirm that the was a stampede when some of our students were scheduled to write CHM 101 in the Department of Chemistry which is a general course for most students in sciences”.

“This sad and avoidable incident happened when those scheduled to write in the morning were unable to turned up for their examination and thereafter started struggling their ways with those scheduled for afternoon. Officials on ground struggled to manage the situation, but the students were obviously unruly, but none of them lost their lives either in the process or in the hospital. I visited those who were rushed to our medical center and I’ve been following up with every process and all of them have been discharged”, she added.

On the information making the round on different platforms that two of the students involved were already dead. The VC dismissed the information, adding that it is a handiwork of mischief makers and fake news purveyors while urging the public to disregard such information and contact only the relevant information unit of the university.

Earlier, the Head of Department, Pure and Applied Chemistry, Prof. Grace Iniama stated that the course is taking by 49 departments and more than 7,000 students registered for it.

“Everything was going smoothly until it started raining. The examination was scheduled for 8:00am to 6:00Pm. The students who were already writing were unable to come out of the hall and those outside started struggling to enter the hall without following the time they were scheduled for the exam”.

“This was the reason we employed CBT method which affords students a seamless opportunity to enter the examination hall and write at their scheduled time and leave, but the students became unruly and beyond the control of the officials on ground to handle. Some of them eventually sustained bruises because of the continued pushed and fall, but I thank God for the timely arrival of the university ambulance which conveyed them immediately to the medical facilities”, she said.

When contacted, the Director of the institution’s Medical Center, Dr. Etta Williams, said he got a call from the VC asking for an immediate dispatch of ambulance to convey the victims to the facility which he did and the students have been discharged from their facilities.

Dr. Etta however added that it is laughable to read from different social media handles that two of the victims died in their facilities.

“It is not true that two victims of the stampede in UNICAL died. It is even more laughable that it has been reported by some individuals and organizations without any finding. There’s no atom of truth in the news. We intervened immediately and conveyed them to our facilities. Some walked in here by themselves. Some had impending medical conditions which was prompted by the crowd”.

“One was an epileptic patient; two were referred to Unical Teaching Hospital for X-ray but have been discharged. Most of them got stabilized that day and were discharged, but those with impending medical conditions were kept behind for further examination and have been discharged”, he added.

February 27, 2025
Hon Yibala Inyang Organizes Skills Acquisition And Empowerment Program For Constituents

In a groundbreaking initiative to reduce unemployment and encourage entrepreneurship in Yakurr Local Government Area, the Executive Chairman Hon. Yibala Inyang, has launched a comprehensive skill acquisition training program accompanied by the distribution of empowerment materials to constituents. This program, among other initiatives, is part of his commitment to fostering economic growth and self-reliance within the Local Government.

In his opening remark, the Chairman noted that the program aims to empower and engage youths in meaningful ventures that will enhance their productivity, make them self-reliant, contribute meaningfully to the economic development of Yakurr, and reduce the impact of unemployment, cultism, drug abuse, and banditry, many of which result from idleness.

He further emphasized that, in line with the “People’s First” mantra of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, capacity building is a vital component of his administration.

The Chairman highlighted that participants of the transformative program will have the opportunity to acquire valuable skills in various areas, including:

● Fashion designing/upgrading with ICT applications
● Solar installation
● Professional barbing
● Content creation
● Logo, flyer, and banner designing
● Bulk SMS sending etc

At the end of the 2-week intensive training, participants will be empowered with starter kits such as sewing machines, solar kits, barbing equipment and tools, mobile phones and devices, thereby leveraging digital technology for legitimate income-generating and for upscaling in their respective skills.

February 7, 2025
Ogoja Council Chairman Inaugurates Asset Recovery Committee

By Sonnie Okem

The Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, Hon. Christopher Agbeh, has pledged to recover and secure all movable and immovable government properties under his administration, emphasizing that the era of mismanagement and waste must come to an end.

He made this commitment during the inauguration of the Assets Recovery Committee, urging its members to remain upright and diligent in carrying out their assignment, which he described as a call to service. Hon. Agbeh revealed that numerous council properties are currently unaccounted for, with some allegedly sold or taken away without due process. He assured the committee of his full support in recovering all council assets wrongfully acquired or held by individuals.

Hon. Agbeh stressed that Ogoja Local Government Council possesses sufficient landed properties which, if properly managed, could sustain the administration and alleviate financial constraints. He emphasized that reclaiming and utilizing these properties would enhance productivity, facilitate official assignments, and address the accommodation challenges currently faced by the council.

The Chairman also appealed to the public to cooperate with the committee by providing useful information to aid their efforts.

In his response, the Chairman of the Assets Recovery Committee, Mr. Ishoranne Ayim, pledged to adhere strictly to the committee’s terms of reference and ensure that members prioritize hard work over rhetoric. He urged the Ogoja Local Government Council not to treat the committee’s inauguration as a mere formality but to ensure its effective functioning and the implementation of its final report.

Mr. Ayim criticized the poor management of government properties in the past, stressing that officials should treat public assets with the same care as personal property, as these resources are essential for achieving desired outcomes. He assured that the committee would work diligently to complete its report within the stipulated timeframe.

The committee includes Hon. Julius Abue as Secretary, Chief Austin Egem as Director of Operations, and members such as Dr. Frank Matiki, Hon. Godwin Odey, Boniface Agboje, and the Council’s Legal Adviser, Barr. Leonard Egede.

February 5, 2025
ARD-UCTH Delegation Visits Honorable Minister Of State for Industry, Sen John Owan Enoh

The 35th President of the Association of Resident Doctors, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (ARD-UCTH), Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, led a delegation to meet with Senator John Owan Enoh, the Honorable Minister for Industry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, in Abuja. This strategic meeting aimed to explore potential partnership areas and inform the minister about Calabar hosting the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, National Executive Council Meeting in July 2025.

During the meeting, the association elaborated on the hosting plans, and Senator Owan Enoh pledged his support, demonstrating his commitment to the growth and development of the healthcare sector in Nigeria. As a token of appreciation, the association presented the minister with a congratulatory frame, acknowledging his new role as a minister from Cross River State. They also gifted him a copy of their journal, JOMA (Journal of Medicine in Africa).

The meeting was attended by notable figures, including the 14th President of the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Neuropsychiatry Hospital Calabar, Dr. David Bepeh, Past Presidents (33rd Dr. Caleb Ekuri and 34th Dr. Edim Egor) of ARD-UCTH, and delegates from Cross River State who traveled for the Abuja NEC meeting of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors.

This meeting marks a significant step towards fostering collaboration and partnership between the Association of Resident Doctors and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment. By working together, they aim to make the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital a more productive institution for healthcare delivery, ultimately benefiting the people of Nigeria.

Dr Ofem Ofem
General Secretary, ARD-UCTH
3:02:2025

February 4, 2025
Jarigbe Admonishes Gas Distribution License Operators To Prioritize Safety And Efficiency

The senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, and Chairman Senate Committee on Gas, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has admonished licensed operators to prioritize safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability, stressing that their role is vital in driving Nigeria’s gas sector growth and positioning the country as a global energy leader.

Sen Jarigbe Agom made the admonition during the Gas Distribution Licence Award.

The lawmaker commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for issuing the first batch of Gas Distribution Licences, as stipulated in section 148 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

Sen Jarigbe averred that “Gas Distribution Licence Award marks a significant milestone in enhancing domestic gas infrastructure, creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and delivering cleaner energy solutions to Nigerian households and industries. This development aligns with Nigeria’s vision of a prosperous, sustainable, and energy-secure future”.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, the lawmaker reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting the growth of the gas industry and fostering a legislative framework that encourages investment, innovation, and sustainable development.

Distinguished guests in attendance included the Honorable Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo; The Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed; Executive Director of MDGIF, Mr. Adama Oluwole; Senate Committee Chairman on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Senator Ismaila Kawu; Hon. Ugochinyere Ikenga; Hon. (Prince) Odianosen Okogie; and other stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.

TEAM JARI MEDIA

February 3, 2025