The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • Akpanke Celebrates Obudu New Yam Festival With Different Unions 

    Akpanke Celebrates Obudu New Yam Festival With Different Unions 

    By Awade Friday 

    The Member Representing Obanliku, Bekwarra and Obudu Federal Constituency, celebrates the Obudu New Yam festival with members of different union at the park in Obudu, Local Government.

    The Representatives of the Different Union from Drivers, Cyclist, Hunters, The Collabo Association, Hair Dressers, Phone Repairers, Technicians, Tailors, Mechanics etc who came out in their Numbers to receive Hon. Peter Akpanke expressed gratitude over his show of Support and interest towards the Celebration of Obudu New Yam.

    In his address, Hon Akpanke thanked the different Union for their support during the Elections and reassured them of his Continuous availability and show of interest towards their Growth and Development as his constituents.

    Hon Akpanke’s continuous participation in the Obudu New Yam festival over the years, Demonstrates his love and respect for the cultural heritage of his people. His willingness to celebrate with the people and support their cultural activities is a clear indication of his leadership style, which is grounded in empathy, humility, and service to the people.

     

  • Nigerian Army Dismisses Musa Adamu For Preaching The Gospel Of Jesus While In Service Uniform On Social Media

    Nigerian Army Dismisses Musa Adamu For Preaching The Gospel Of Jesus While In Service Uniform On Social Media

     

    A soldier identified as Musa Adamu has been dismissed by the Nigerian army authorities for preaching about Jesus Christ while in service uniform on social media.

    It would be recalled that in July, 2023, Adamu, a Lance Corporal with service number 13NA/70/6100 and attached to Amphibious Training School Personnel (ATSCalabar) unit in Calabar, Cross River State, was locked up for preaching while in the uniform.

    In some videos seen on his page, the soldier with the Facebook name “Aaron Abraham” is heard telling his followers to repent and turn from their evil ways as he prayed for them. It is reported that he was born a Muslim and recently converted to Christianity.

    The Benue state-born soldier is said to have been in detention for over 45 days while his salary was stopped over 6 months ago.

    However, in a video released by Adamu in August 2023, he revealed he had been dismissed from the army.

  • GFO Orim Foundation Empowers 60 Persons In Northern Senatorial District

    GFO Orim Foundation Empowers 60 Persons In Northern Senatorial District

    By Elijah Ugani 

    A non governmental organization GFO Orim Foundation in partnership with Industrial Training Fund ITF has empowered 60 persons drawn from the 54 political wards of Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State.

    Presenting the started kits to the beneficiaries, the Chairman/Founder of GFO Orim Foundation, Chief Hon Martin Orim, who was the Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor of Cross River State, congratulated the beneficiaries for their their patient through out the period of the training.

    In his words “Let me congratulate those of you who were painstakingly selected by your leaders for this training. You were taken out of your comfort to go to Calabar for this training where I provided accommodation and feeding for all of you for the period you stayed in Calabar. It was not easy that you left the comfort of your homes, some of you left your spouses just to attend this training.

    “This is the second batch of beneficiaries that we are partnering with ITF, the first batch was provided with starter kits here in the local government secretariat and the third batch is currently undergoing training.

    “Initially, we used to do our trainings and provide starter kits for the trainees until, a friend mentioned to me that I can partner with ITF that will train and provide starter kits for the trainees on payment of a counterpart fund.

    “I was shocked when I heard that some beneficiaries in the first batch sold the items they collected. I’m not doing this because I don’t know what to use the money for. To me, my philosophy about wealth is that you use the money you have to better the lives of those around you and not the amount in your bank account. For me, my wealth is all of you sitting here.

    “I want to appeal to all of you to please make good use of these items. We are making efforts to get grants from Bank of Industry for those who are serious about their business.

    “When I started this empowerment under the GFO Orim Foundation, many people said I was doing politics, I don’t know if we are still doing campaign. I want to say that I’m qualified to run any election. When I want to contest election, I will call politicians together and declare my intention to contest. You were all aware that I contested the senate primaries under the APC and won the ticket, and after a wider consultation, I withdrew for my boss. Prior to the primaries, I had said that I was not going to the senate to do motorcycle or Keke empowerment.

    “For me, these empowerment is a legacy for my family, I have told my son that he will take over from me and continue with it in memory of my late father”

    Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Spokesman Agogo stated that the program is all encompassing. The originator of this initiative is a humanity, as he congratulated the beneficiaries and held that the empowerment is qualitative.

    On his part, the Area Manager of Industrial Training Fund ITF, Mr Nwigboji Nwafagu, said that ITF is happy to be here. This collaboration started about three years ago. Last year we were here and today we are here are again
    We insisted that this must be done even though people fought against it. If you insist on the right thing, God has a way of lifting you.

    Nwafagu noted that the beneficiaries were trained in Calabar for three months and are ready to start their businesses.
    In his words “Some of these persons were transported from here to Calabar, lodge them in a hotel for three months. They have been trained, they have graduated and they are ready to start business. We are ready to continue this partnership”

    He charged the trainees not to sell the starter kits, and to make efforts to train others.

    In the same light, Mr Odey Adamade Esq, lauded the efforts of the Chairman/Founder of GFO Orim Foundation, Hon Martin Orim for the initiative and stressed the need for the beneficiaries to make good use of the items.

    In his goodwill message, the Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN, Obudu chapter, Mr Linus Abuokwen, thanked the Chairman/Founder of GFO Orim Foundation, Hon Martin Orim, for always thinking about the youths in his intervention. He charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the skills acquired and the items to better their lives.

    One of the beneficiaries Miss Vera Abue, from Mbube in Ogoja Local Government Area, who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries, thanked Chief Hon Martin Orim for finding them worthy of the gesture and prayed God to grant his heart desire and continue to bless him to enable him reach out to others.

    The event which was held today, September 1st 2023, at Obudu Local Government secretariat had dignitaries at the occasion to  include; Deputy Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon Sylvester Agabi, Mr Edu Peter, Dan Urumulam Esq, Engr Tomas Aruku, Mr Thomas Odama, Mr Alpha Ublibli, Mr Noel Ugbong, Mr Eric Akpo among others.

    Highlights of the occasion was presentation of starter kits to beneficiaries and group photographs.

  • Deputy Governor Opens Second Day Of Investment Summit In Calabar

    Deputy Governor Opens Second Day Of Investment Summit In Calabar

    By Fred Abua

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, took center stage on the second day of the International Cooperation & Investment Summit (ICIS) held at the prestigious Calabar International Conference Centre from August 30th to 31st, 2023. In his address, Rt. Hon. Odey echoed the state’s unwavering commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment by removing obstacles hindering seamless operations for investors in Cross River State.

    Drawing inspiration from the opening remarks made by the Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, on the inaugural day, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey reaffirmed the Cross River State Government’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of investments within the region. He highlighted the tangible demonstration of this commitment through the remarkable presence of high-ranking officials, including the Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, all commissioners, and all permanent secretaries, who collectively participated in the summit.

    Rt. Hon. Odey stated emphatically that the government’s pledge to safeguard investor interests was unequivocal and extends beyond mere rhetoric. Hon. Odey said: “This is not a political statement. We will ensure that whatever business you bring to Cross River State will have our protection.”

    The Deputy Governor further underscored the state’s determination to facilitate investor activities by providing security and land with Certificates of Occupancy for the investors. He proudly shared that Cross River State is the proprietor of 50% of Nigeria’s Carbon Credit reserves, boasting abundant forests, arable lands, valuable mineral resources, and an array of prospects spanning various sectors.

    Recalling his instrumental role in the enactment of the Cross River State Enterprise (Privatization) Law during the previous administration, Rt. Hon Peter Odey said this piece of legislation led to the establishment of the Privatization Council which sealed government’s departure from direct involvement in business operations. Odey cited instances of government-owned enterprises that have thrived after privatization, such as Lafarge Africa (formerly CALCEMCO), Flour Mills, and Transcorp Hotels (formerly Metropolitan Hotel). He said these ventures which now generate substantial profits for their owners are contributing taxes to the state, and providing employment opportunities for Cross Riverians, while surpassing their performance under government management.

    Distinguished speakers and luminaries from around the globe participated in the event, engaging in enlightening panel discussions, business-focused sessions, and pivotal business agreements with prospective investors on the sidelines. Notable figures present at the event included His Excellency, Cui Jianchun, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria; His Excellency, Kim Young Chae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria; Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, Country Representative of WHO; Dr. Iorwa Apera, Country Director of FHI360; Chief Diana Chen Emba, Vice Chairman of the China-Africa Investment Forum; Dr. Herbert Wigwe, Group CEO of Access Holding Plc; Mr. Lamin G. Barrow, Director-General of the African Development Bank, Nigeria Country Department; Dr. O. M. O. Ashimolowo, Vice President of Operations at ECOWAS Bank for Investment & Development; and Mr. Suren Abeywickkrema, Vice President of ARISE Industrial Integrated Platforms, among several other esteemed guests.

    The event was brought to a conclusion with an entertaining dinner and award night attended by the Deputy Governor, international investors, members of the State Executive Council and many other people.

  • Ikom-Obudu Highway: Akpanke Calls On Leophina Construction Limited And Other Companies To Return To Site

    Ikom-Obudu Highway: Akpanke Calls On Leophina Construction Limited And Other Companies To Return To Site

    By Awade Friday 

    The Member representing Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency, Chief Hon Peter Akpanke, has drawn the attention of both the federal government and other companies involved to the deplorable state of the Ikom-Obudu highway.

    Hon Akpanke made the call during a thanksgiving Ceremony in his honor held at his hometown, Keting, Obanliku Local Government Area, on Sunday, 27th August, 2023.

    The member of Parliament stressed the importance of the road being the only link between the central and northern part of the state which connects the Obudu Cattle Ranch, that serves as the most attractive tourist destination of Cross River State.

    Akpanke noted that Leophina Construction Limited, a company that belongs to former Gov Ben Ayade, was awarded the contract for the rehabilitation of the road and wondered why the company should abandon the road project considering the importance of the road to the economic development of his constituents.

    Hon. Akpanke averred that “It has become imperative for Leophina Works Limited and other companies that were awarded contracts for the rehabilitation of the road to return to site and work in compliance with the contracts that were awarded to them.

    “The Ikom-Obudu road is a crucial transportation and communication link between the north and south of Nigeria. It plays an important part in the prosperity of commerce, tourism, and social interactions among diverse ethnic and political groups in the Benue-Cross River region of Nigeria”.

    Speaking further, the lawmaker noted that the road has become impassable for motorists which makes commuters traveling from Calabar to Obudu and Obanliku to use Ikom-Ogoja-Obudu-Obanliku road.

    Akpanke noted that traveling through Ogoja to Obudu and back to Obanliku has had very negative effect on his constituents considering the cost of transportation in view of the subsidy removal.

    “Unfortunately, the road has deteriorated to the extent that it has become a death trap to motorists and pedestrians who are constrained by the lack of an alternative route to still use the road. Most often, commuters traveling from Calabar to Obudu and Obanliku, has to use the Ikom-Ogoja-Obudu-Obanliku road which makes them pay almost twice the transport fare they initially were supposed to have paid”. He added.

    Hon. Akpanke assured his constituents that he will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the contractors execute the contract to specification. “If this is the only thing I will do to ensure that we get the contractors back to site and fix the road, I wouldn’t mind. We will continue to call government attention to this project and ensure that the contractors return to site and execute the project to specification”.

  • Asu Okang Represents Cross River As Tinubu Constitutes Niger Delta Development Commission Board

    Asu Okang Represents Cross River As Tinubu Constitutes Niger Delta Development Commission Board

    STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

    PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW BOARD AND MANAGEMENT OF THE NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (NDDC)

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new Board and Management team of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), inclusive of the following Board and Management team members:

    Mr. Chiedu Ebie – Chairman – Delta

    Dr. Samuel Ogbuku – Managing Director / CEO – Bayelsa

    Mr. Boma Iyaye – Executive Director (Finance and Admin) – Rivers

    Mr. Victor Antai – Executive Director (Projects) – Akwa-Ibom

    Ifedayo Abegunde – Executive Director (Corporate Services) – Ondo

    Sen. Dimaro Denyanbofa – State Representative – Bayelsa

    Mr. Abasi Ndikan Nkono – State Representative – Akwa Ibom

    Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya – State Representative – Delta

    Chief Tony Okocha – State Representative – Rivers

    Hon Patrick Aisowieren – State Representative – Edo

    Mr. Kyrian Uchegbu – State Representative – Imo

    Victor Kolade Akinjo – State Representative – Ondo

    Chief Dimgba Eruba – State Representative – Abia

    Mr. Asu Oku Okang – State Representative – Cross River

    Hon. Nick Wende – Zonal Representative – North Central

    Hon. Namdas Abdulrazak – Zonal Representative – North East

    Sen. Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir – Zonal Representative – North West

    The President expects that the new Board and Management team will ensure a new era of successful administration in the NDDC, in line with his Renewed Hope agenda.

    All of the above listed appointments take immediate effect.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale
    Special Adviser to the President
    (Media & Publicity)
    August 29, 2023

  • Akpanke Set The Pace, Becomes First Reps Member To Commission Projects In 100 Days In Office

    Akpanke Set The Pace, Becomes First Reps Member To Commission Projects In 100 Days In Office

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku, Hon Peter Akpanke becomes the first reps member in the history of Cross River to commission projects for his constituents within his first 100 days in office being his first term in office.

    The lawmaker took to his verified Facebook page Peter Akpanke to announce that as part of activities to celebrate his thanksgiving, he commissioned two solar powered boreholes and ultra modern toilets in Obudu and Sankwala markets.

    The statement reads in parts “As part of the activities to celebrate my thanksgiving, My wife and I in company of a few friends, chiefs, Family and supporters commissioned two solar powered boreholes and ultra modern toilets in Obudu and Sankwala markets.

    “The solar powered boreholes and toilets were part of my campaign promises to our market women and I thank the Almighty God for giving me the enablement to see the projects to completion at such a short time”.

    Hon Akpanke commenced the projects at the two locations simultaneously before he was inaugurated.

    Recall also that Hon Peter Akpanke was the first lawmaker in the 10th National Assembly to undertake a needs assessment using the focus group discussion approach.

  • Cross River State Governor Attends Executive Leadership Retreat In Kigali

    Cross River State Governor Attends Executive Leadership Retreat In Kigali

    By Fred Abua

    The Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, has participated in a 3-day Executive Leadership Retreat for first- and second-term Nigerian Governors in Kigali, Rwanda, from 24 to 26 August 2023, at the invitation of His Excellency, Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda. The retreat was dedicated to fostering dialogue on reimagining leadership and leveraging innovative technology, drawing inspiration from Rwanda’s transformative journey.

    The event, tagged “Rethinking Leadership and Leading Systems” was organized by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The distinguished participants, representing 19 Nigerian States, engaged in sessions that explored Rwanda’s successful investment destination transformation in digital technology, urban planning and socio-economic transformation, ending with a candid private dialogue with President Kagame.

    Speaking shortly after his return from Rwanda, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, who attended the retreat in the place of the Governor said he had a wonderful discussion with the President of Rwanda, Mr. Paul Kagame whom he described as a refined leader that has transformed the East African nation. Hon. Peter Odey expressed faith that the transformation that has occurred in Rwanda is possible in Nigeria with determination, innovation and honest leadership.

    Addressing participants at the event, Matthias Z. Naab, Director of the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa, in his opening remarks said “Adaptive leaders possess the unique ability to not only acknowledge the challenges that come their way, but to also harness them as opportunities for growth and innovation.”

    The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, a non-partisan organization made up of Governors of all the states in the country has become a major link between government, development partners and private organizations while witnessing increased cooperation between the States and the Federal Government, particularly on collaborative pathways to overcoming commonly shared developmental challenges. It is hoped that the Executive Leadership Retreat will provide the new governors with new strategies to tackle development challenges within their States.

    On his return to the state on Tuesday, 29th August, 2023, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey was received at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport by Commissioners and other Government officials.

  • Peter Akpanke Goes To God In Thanksgiving, Reiterates Commitment To Serving His Constituents

    Peter Akpanke Goes To God In Thanksgiving, Reiterates Commitment To Serving His Constituents

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Chief Peter Akpanke has reiterated his commitment to offer effective representation to his constituents whose mandate he holds.

    Akpanke made the disclosure during a thanksgiving mass held in his honor on August 27th 2023 in home town, St Peter’s Catholic Church, Keting, Obanliku Local Government Area.

    The lawmaker noted that it was only very necessary to return to God in thanksgiving having used his constituents to raise and defended his course during the last general elections.

    In his words “I don’t know, belong or worship anything other than God. I say this in the alter of God. My party conducted primaries thrice and I won. Our first primaries was marred by violence where a police officer lost his life. We were subjected to thorough security checks at the entrance, but when one of the aspirants came in, violence erupted, one of the supporters of that my opponent, removed a gun and pointed at one of my supporters, how the bullets went the direction of the corps, remained a mystery. We were detained and statements obtained. The truth is in the public.

    “I was singled out by the government of Sen Ben Ayade. I was charged to court on a matter that confessional statements were obtained from a suspect that was never linked to me. The court struck out the matter for lack of merit. Trump up charges were brought against and I was declared wanted, and I never campaigned because I ran away. They sent thugs to attack my house, my state party Chairman was not spared, my elder brother’s house was vandalized. Most of my supporters were also attacked. In all of these, God found me worthy to represent my people and sent his Angels to the hearts of my constituents. I only sneaked in to vote the eve of the election. When results were turning in, every polling unit, De Rock. That is why I am here to say thank you God for all he has done for me.

    “One of the major things I promised to do is to ensure that the ministry of works compel the contractors that handled the Ikom – Obudu highway to return to site. The road is impassable.
    Former Gov Ben Ayade’s company, Leophina construction company was handling the project, we will stop at nothing to ensure that the road is done and I know that I have your mandate to demand that this road be done.

    “I want to assure you that I will deliver my campaign promises. Infact I have started already. I drilled a borehole at the Obudu main market, given five persons jobs at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA and two persons at the Federal College of Education, Obudu. I will give our youth jobs. Please wherever you see that they are giving jobs, go and apply, if they ask you who is your sponsor, tell that Hon Peter Akpanke is your sponsor.

    “I have no place in my heart to harbor grudges against anybody. All those that chastised me, I have forgiven them and I have also prayed that God should forgive them. Whether you supported me or not, elections are over, we will work together to better our federal constituency”.

    Hon Akpanke noted that his pet project, The Akpanke Foundation built the St Peter’s Catholic Church, Keting in his community and he had promised God that if he wins election, he was going to build more Churches. He used the opportunity to announce that he will complete the Church in the parish centre.

    Speaking further, Akpanke noted that his business for now is how to serve his people and not second term. “I hear people talk about second term. At the moment, I have a covenant with my constituents to deliver the dividends of democracy to them and I will do it to the best of my ability. When that time comes, if God and my people find me worthy to continue the representation, good, if they don’t, I will leave honorably”.

    On his part, the Chief celebrant of the mass, the most Rev Donatus Edet Akpan, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, urged Hon Peter Akpanke and other representatives at various level to deploy and use the aggression that made the Senate President, Sen Akpabio, to develop Akwa Ibom state when he was governor, to bring development to our dear country Nigeria.

    Bishop Akpan charged Hon Peter Akpanke to always remember his people and God since he has declared that his source of strength comes from God.

    Prominent dignitaries at the was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbass, Hon Mark Obeta, Hon Chijoke Okereke, Hon peter Anekwe, Hon Godwin Offiono and other members. The state party Chairman, Mr Vena Ikem Esq, led his party, the PDP to the event. The immediate past House of Representatives member for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku, Hon Legor Idagbo was represented, Members of the Cross River State House of Assembly, AIG Susan Hasfall, Chapter Chairmen and members of the All Progressive Congress APC, Chapter Chairmen of the People’s Democratic Party PDP and supporters as well as friends and well wishers of Hon Peter Akpanke.

    Highlights of the thanksgiving was the fundraising for the completion of the parish centre and group photographs.

  • Poverty Alleviation: FG To Partner Unical on Skills Acquisition, Wealth Creation – Betta Edu

    Poverty Alleviation: FG To Partner Unical on Skills Acquisition, Wealth Creation – Betta Edu

    The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to partner with the University of Calabar to train the trainers with skill acquisition-based knowledge to redistribute wealth and reduce poverty in the country.

    Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu stated this when she received the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Florence Obi, and her team in her office.

    Edu said her office has the mandate to create Wealth and reduce poverty in Nigeria and expressed delight that the Unical Skill Acquisition and Vocational Center would come in handy in training thousands of youths, thereby reducing unemployment and social tension.

    According to the Minister,
    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was committed to reducing poverty in Nigeria and has directed that her Ministry hit the ground running.

    “Thankfully, the University of Calabar Skills Acquisition and Vocational Centre is available for you; we are going to partner with your university and others across the country in realizing this set objectives by Mr. President”, she said.

    Recalling the role the University played in her career and political trajectory, the Minister said Unical prepared her early for a leadership role as the vice president of the Student Union Government (SUG), adding she is a proud ambassador of the institution and also proud to fly its flag anywhere in the world.

    Earlier, Professor Obi, said Dr. Edu is a valued alumni of the institution hence she and her team were in the Minister’s office to congratulate her on her well-deserved appointment and inauguration as Minister.

    The Vice-Chancellor described the Minister as a role model to the students of the University and commended President Tinubu for finding their alumni worthy of appointment as a minister and member of the Federal Executive Council.

    Professor Obi was accompanied to the Minister’s office by the University’s registrar, Gabriel Egbe, the Bursar, Joseph Udum, and the President of the Unical Alumni Association, Dr. Dorn Cklaimz Ename.