Category: Metro News

  • CORAfrica Founder, Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue Congratulates Dr Betta Edu On Her Appointment As Minister for Humanitarian Affairs

    CORAfrica Founder, Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue Congratulates Dr Betta Edu On Her Appointment As Minister for Humanitarian Affairs

    The Founder/Chief Strategist of Children of Rural Africa CORAfrica Nigeria, a non governmental and humanitarian organization, Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue PhD, had congratulated the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu.

    In a congratulatory message made available to TheLumineNews, the founder noted that “Your appointment signals a new dawn for our beloved country as we look forward to seeing you bring to bear your expertise in public service to reposition the nation in the path of sustainable development”

    The message reads in parts “I write on behalf of the board, management, and staff of Children of Rural Africa, (CORAfrica), to congratulate you on your meritorious appointment as the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    “Your appointment signals a new dawn for our beloved country as we look forward to seeing you bring to bear your expertise in public service to reposition the nation in the path of sustainable development.

    “As a nonprofit and nongovernmental organization, with the mandate in humanitarian services, CORAfrica is poised and passionately disposed to partner with your ministry to deliver people oriented services especially for the poor indigent children at the rural levels of Cross River State.

    “It is our belief and prayer that the good Lord will surround you with the right people in the discharge of your duties as Minister of the federal republic of Nigeria, in the light of the enormous responsibility associated with your office.

    “I want to assure you of our goodwill, support, and prayers as you settle down to undertake this most delicate and onerous task of delivering service to our numerous vulnerable and underrepresented minorities.

    Once again, congratulations, and God bless you.

    “Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue PhD
    Founder/Chief Strategist”

  • You Have The Right To Access Public Information, Comrade Ogban Tells Corps Members

    You Have The Right To Access Public Information, Comrade Ogban Tells Corps Members

     

    Schedule Officer for Freedom of Information, FOI vanguard, comrade Ogban Ogban has stressed that public information can be obtained freely by any citizen of the federal republic of Nigeria under the FOI Act.

    He said this during the ongoing lecture series for the 2023 Batch B stream ll orientation course.
    Comrade Ogban stressed that the Freedom of Information Act was enacted to make public records and information more freely available, provide for public access to public records and information, protect public records and information to the extent of protection of personal privacy for serving public officers from adverse consequences and establish procedures for the achievement of those objectives.

    Comrade Ogban further spelt out ways of getting access to records by Court, materials and documents under the security classification.

  • CR NYSC Coordinator Flags -Off Lectures, Urges Corps members To Embrace SAED Training

    CR NYSC Coordinator Flags -Off Lectures, Urges Corps members To Embrace SAED Training

     

    The Cross River State NYSC Coordinator has today 21st, August,2023 declared open the lecture series on camp with a charge for Corps members to pay rapt attention during the lectures as they will be of great benefits to them throughout the service year and beyond.

    He emphasized that it is needful for Corps members to remain disciplined and coordinated during the lecture period.
    In a related development, the state coordinator NYSC Cross River State Mr Zemoh Andrew has call on the members of the national youth service corps under going orientation course in Obubra camp to embrace SAED training and become self employed as the rate of unemployment in the nation keep increasing.

    The State Coordinator stated this during the official Flagg off of SAED programme at the NYSC permanent orientation camp Obubra.
    He said the training is meant prepare corps members for self employed and wealth creation through vocational and entrepreneurship training as well as linkage with financial institutions and other finding source for business start up financially.
    “I am convinced that you possess the intelligence, creativity and irrepressible Spirits to excel. If non- college graduates in different climes could re- invent themselves and become the richest men and women in the world today through Entrepreneurship, then I have no doubt about your abilities to succeed”.

  • Gov Otu Lauds Hon Victor Abang ‘Mature’

    Gov Otu Lauds Hon Victor Abang ‘Mature’

    By Fred Abua

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu has congratulated the Member Representing Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. (Chief) Victor Bisong Abang, on his election victory and successful commencement of his term at the House.

    Speaking at the Thanksgiving Mass/Reception held at Akwagom, the Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, described Hon. Victor Abang as an example of a man who loved God. He praised Hon. Abang’s sacrifices for the work of God, particularly the Catholic Church. The Governor disclosed that it was when Hon. Abang stepped down from the APC primaries for the sake of peace that God chose to give it to him. He called on those who were in court to challenge Hon. Abang’s mandate to have a rethink because it was already ordained that he will complete the term. The Governor praised Hon. Abang’s work in the House of Representatives as the work of a man who thinks about the people.

    The Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, Bishop Donatus Etim, who was not physically present sent words of congratulations assuring the Member of Parliament that he will continue to uplift the Member in prayers. In his words, ‘by entrusting you with their votes, the people have expressed their belief in your ability to bring about positive change, uplift their social well being and champion their interests. Do not disappoint them.’

    The Chief of Staff, Hon Emmanuel Ironbar, said Hon. Victor Abang, popularly called ‘Mature’ by his fans and friends, was a man to be emulated to get the kind of results the Member was getting in his life. Ironbar said the man worked for God and God is working for him.

    ‘Mature’ who was moved to tears by the massive support of priests, politicians, community leaders, family and friends, pledged that he will give his people quality representation at the House of Representatives. He said he had already sponsored 2 bills for the siting of federal educational institutions in Okunde and Ikom within only 67 days in office adding that within a short time, the constituency will be heard across the nation.

    Hon. Victor Abang who presented a car to each of the APC Chapter Chairmen of Ikom and Boki also gave several motorcycles to his constituents and led his friends and guests to make donations towards the building of a school within the church premises.

    Dignitaries who attended the ceremony included MP, Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Mike Odere, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Abubakar Ewa, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Erasmus Ekpang, Member Representing Boki 1 in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Bette Obi, Gen. Moses Obi (Rtd), Prof. Zana Akpagu, amongst others.

  • UNICAL Suspends Dean Faculty Of Law, Prof Cyril Ndifon

    UNICAL Suspends Dean Faculty Of Law, Prof Cyril Ndifon

     

    The Management of the University of Calabar( Unical) has suspended the Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon for alleged violation of the provisions of the extant laws and policies of the institution.

    The suspension conveyed in a letter signed by the University Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe takes effect from August 17, 2023.

    According to the letter, the suspension came on the heels of the Dean’s response to a query earlier issued to him by the University Management which the Vice Chancellor was dissatisfied with.

    Dissatisfied with his response, the Vice Chancellor, according to the letter, has relieved Prof. Ndifon of his position as Dean and placed him on suspension while the matter is refered to a panel that will be set-up to investigate the allegations levelled against him.

    The letter reads this; ” Please refer to our letter Ref UC/REG/DISC.45A dated August 14, 2023 on your alleged violation of the provisions of the extant laws and policies of the University and your response to the said letter which was dated 16th August, 2023.

    “The Vice Chancellor has gone through your written representations and is not satisfied with your explanations. She has therefore directed that you should be relieved of your position as Dean, Faculty of Law and placed on suspension while the matter is refered to a panel that will be set-up to investigate these allegations.

    “The relief of position as Dean, Faculty of Law and suspension from official duties takes effect from August 17, 2023. You are to hand over all University property in your possession including all official responsibilities presently handled by you to the Sub-Dean of the Faculty before vacating office.

    “You are to stay away from the University premises except while responding to invitation from the panel investigating these allegations”.

  • Mother Dumps Baby In Refuse In Calabar

    Mother Dumps Baby In Refuse In Calabar

    BY Sylvia Akpan – CrossRiverWatch 

    An unknown mother has dumped her infant child in a refuse dump in Calabar, Cross River State.

    In the wee hours of Wednesday,  August 16, an unknown baby was found dead by the dustbin at Palm Street by Atakpa close to Pin Margaret Commercial School, Calabar South LGA.

    The baby whose gender is female was wrapped in an Ankara wrapper with flies perching on her.

    Eyewitnesses said that the baby was still alive before giving up the ghost.

    As of the time of filing this report, details surrounding the woman who dumped her are yet unknown.

  • MARCO Alumni Global Association Announces Death Of The First And Oldest Non Teaching Staff

    MARCO Alumni Global Association Announces Death Of The First And Oldest Non Teaching Staff

    Pa Moses Njadani , aka Pa Moz Passes On

    Marco Alumni Global Association is deeply saddened to announce the death of Mr Moses Njadani, aka Pa Moz, the first and oldest non-teaching staff of Mary Knoll College, Okuku-Yala.

    Pa Moses, who was Marco Chief Cook passed on at the early hours of today 31st July, 2023.

    Joining Mary Knoll College in 1953, he carved a niche for himself and was recognized as a legendary cook. He was a treasured and beloved staff, colleague and friend to so very many who crossed his paths at Mary Knoll College.

    As Chief Cook, no one prayed to miss his charming, sumptuous and most delicious meals at the refectory. He fed the students beginning from 1953 till when he left the services of our Alma Mata due to old age.

    Burial arrangements will be announced by the immediate family.

    He will be greatly missed.

    May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.

    Ogar Solomon Ogar
    National Publicity Secretary.
    Marco Alumni Global Association

  • Alifokpa, Yache Road Facilitated By Sen Jarigbe Agom Reaches Advance Stage

    Alifokpa, Yache Road Facilitated By Sen Jarigbe Agom Reaches Advance Stage

     

    Progress report on the ongoing construction of Alifokpa, Yache road in Yala LGA, Cross River State, facilitated by senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS, has reached advance stage.

    The lawmaker who is poised to see that the project is completed within the time frame insists that the job must be done according to specifications.

  • Akpanke Calls For End To Conflict Arising From OBO Federal Constituency Election

    Akpanke Calls For End To Conflict Arising From OBO Federal Constituency Election

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke has called on both his supporters and that of his friend, Hon Legor Idagbo, his predecessor to let go the conflict that arose from the election that gave him the opportunity to serve.

    Akpanke made the call during a thanksgiving mass organized by the Idagbo family at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ikot Ansa, Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

    Speaking during the event, Akpanke noted that
    “Legor has always been there for me, even when I call him at midnight, he still takes my calls and puts me through. If you are my Supporter and you are having issues with Legor or his supporters I will advise that you let it go because I and Legor are not quarrelling. On the other hand, if you are Legor’s supporter and you have issues with me or any of my supporters, please let it die because me and Legor are not fighting, we are brothers, and party affiliation will not separate us”

    Akpanke expressed deep admiration for his predecessor, Hon Legor Idagbo, and lauded him for his maturity and display of affection.

    He extolled Idagbo’s noteworthy contributions to the political landscape of Cross River State, and recounted unprecedented approach he brought to politics. “My friend graciously called to congratulate me after the election results were announced, pledging not to pursue legal action, a promise he kept”.

    Akpanke used the opportunity to express appreciation for Idagbo’s unwavering support since assumption of office as the new Member of Parliament for the Federal Constituency, noting that Legor Idagbo has consistently offered guidance and assistance whenever needed.

    On his part, Hon Legor Idagbo, reflected on his political journey, and expressed gratitude to God having provided him with numerous opportunities to serve the people. The Idagbo’s used the thanksgiving to acknowledge God’s blessings for his younger brother, who marks 18th priestly anniversary in the Lord’s vineyard.

    The homilist, Rev. Father Bob Emmanuel urged the congregation to practice forgiveness, as God continually forgives their own trespasses.

  • We Will Double Efforts To Ensure Prof Ekanem’s Release – Odey

    We Will Double Efforts To Ensure Prof Ekanem’s Release – Odey

    By Fred Abua, Press Secretary to Deputy Governor 

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has provided reassurance to members of the Nigerian Medical Association that the government is fully committed to securing the release of Prof. Ekanen Philip-Ephraim from her abductors. Rt. Hon. Odey expressed the Governor’s and the security agencies’ unwavering dedication since the news of the abduction emerged, acknowledging the pain and psychological trauma experienced by the kidnapped doctor’s family.

    In response to the concerns raised by the Nigerian Medical Association, the Deputy Governor pleaded for patience, assuring them that the government is exerting every effort to ensure the safe return of the victim. He emphasized that security holds a prominent position in the administration’s agenda, as highlighted in the Governor’s inaugural address.

    The Chairman of the Cross River State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Felix Archibong, who led the delegation to express their deep concern over the abduction of their colleague appreciated the Governor and Deputy Governor’s prompt response to the association. Dr. Archibong also expressed worry that it had been over 72 hours since the doctor’s kidnapping and appealed to the government to expedite the response of the state’s security agencies to secure Prof. Ekanem’s swift release.

    Brig. Gen. E. I. Okoro, Commander of the 13th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, urged the doctors to reconsider their plan to proceed on strike. He highlighted that Dr. Archibong had already acknowledged the government’s proactive approach to security. Brig. Gen. Okoro emphasized that a strike would only embolden criminals and make doctors vulnerable targets in the future.

    The meeting was attended by Commissioner of Police, CP Gyonon Grimah, Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. John Sokoya, and the State Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Okoi Ubi Obono (Rtd).