The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • Earthwheel Group Set To Mine Lithium In Cross River State

    Earthwheel Group Set To Mine Lithium In Cross River State

     

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, has assured the Earthwheel Group from China of Security and an enabling environment to conduct their mining and manufacturing business in Cross River State. The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor when the Earth Will Group paid him a visit on Monday, 17th July, 2023, told the group that Cross River State was happy to have them in the state and assured them of support while praising the group for making Corporate Social Responsibility a prominent part of their business plan. The Governor said the administration was very keen on the development of Cross River State, which was why the group received the Governor’s attention even on short notice.

    Addressing the Governor earlier, the leader of the Earthwheel delegation, Dr. Otu Archibong, said their group, which was already working in Tanzania, had been issued a license by the Federal Government to mine lithium in Cross River State. He assured the Governor that Earthwheel was not only interested in mining but in manufacturing and so the group was ready to set up a battery making factory in the state.

    Speaking later to Government House Press, the Regional Head of Earthwheel Group, Evangelist Ezekiel Usonguyo, said the group was going to produce batteries for phones, cars, computers and electric cars which were the future of automobile in Nigeria. He said the company was going to employ 90% of its workers from the host community and provide social amenities like roads and water for the people. He sued that insecurity has sent investors out of many regions and called on the Government to continue to keep the state safe for investors. He assured the State Government that their group will not engage in illegality by mining other products that they are not licensed to.

  • Deputy Governor Pledges Youth Inclusion In Government

    Deputy Governor Pledges Youth Inclusion In Government

    By Fred Abua

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has assured members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, of the administration’s commitment to youth inclusion in governance. During the visit which held in his office on Wednesday, July 12th, 2023, Hon. Odey emphasized that although the administration might not appoint a large number of individuals to office, its agricultural programs would positively impact a significant portion of the state’s population.

    Hon. Odey expressed the view that young people should position themselves for leadership as a good number of youths will take up key positions in the Government, stating that young people like Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and Dr. Betta Edu who both hold national positions were propelled into the limelight when they distinguished themselves while holding executive positions in Cross River State as youths.

    Expressing his commitment to the group, the Deputy Governor assured them that their constituency would receive due attention during the current administration. He also lamented the prevalence of election petitions and shared his personal experiences of facing defeat in previous elections. Each setback, he emphasized, became an opportunity to regroup and re-strategize.

    Hon. Odey revealed to the group that he gave early support for the “Back-To-South” campaign unaware at the time that he would eventually be chosen as the Deputy Governor. He assured the youths of his intention to extend similar support to other zones when their time comes.

    Speaking earlier, the State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Dan Obo, who led the delegation reiterated the support of his group, stating that the youths had supported the “Back to South” agenda and were now poised to support the “Back to Us” agenda which aims to place more young individuals in prominent government positions

    The Speaker of the Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Victor Kijuo, and the Chairman of the State Advisory Council, Comrade Ndiyo Ndiyo, expressed their satisfaction with having a youth serving as the Deputy Governor of Cross River State. They expressed their gratitude and pledged to continue seeking the Deputy Governor’s guidance. They emphasized that while election success is significant, the true measure of achievement lies in the actions and accomplishments during the government’s tenure.

    The event, which was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youths and Skills Acquisition, Dr. Sam Egbala, featured the singing of the solidarity song “Aluta” and the presentation of an award by the National Youth Council of Nigeria.

  • Hope Returns To Ukelle As Abandoned Road Facilitated By Jarigbe Reaches Advance Level

    Hope Returns To Ukelle As Abandoned Road Facilitated By Jarigbe Reaches Advance Level

     

    There was joy on the faces of the rural dwellers as the North Ukelle Road construction reaches advance level, courtesy of the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS.

    Senator Jarigbe took this steps in fulfilling his promise made to the good people of Ukelle North on the 13th of January, 2023 where he announced to residents of the affected communities that the sum of N10 billiion has been approved for the road construction in the 2022 Supplimentary budget.

    The lawmaker has expressed optimism that when all the roads under construction are fully completed, there would be greater access to the agrarian treasures of the Senatorial District and more opportunities would be open thereafter.

    He further noted that, his time in office is symbolically opening the entire Senatorial District for accelerated growth and development, as the road connects both Cross River and Benue States.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Goodwin Offiono Moves Motion To Stop Illegal Deductions By Commercial Banks 

    Goodwin Offiono Moves Motion To Stop Illegal Deductions By Commercial Banks 

     

    The Member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives today, sponsored a motion on the floor of the house on the need to stop excess charges and illegal deductions by commercial banks in Nigeria.

    In his motion, Offiono accused commercial banks of causing hardship to customers through excess charges and illegal deductions, adding that the banks also charge outrageous interest rates on loans.

    He noted that the banks violate the Central Bank /Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) guideline with the arbitrary charges.

    “The creation of charges not recognized in the Central Bank guide to Bank charges is a common practice by Commercial Banks,” he said.

    He also raised concerns about “the wrong application of maintenance fees, banks overcharging maintenance fees, the inclusion of transactions exempted from maintenance charge, loan liquidation and bank-induced transactions amongst others.”

    Following the motion by Hon. Offiono, the House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the practice of excess charges and illegal deductions by commercial banks in Nigeria.

    The lawmakers resolved to mandate the Committee on Banking and Currency (when constituted) to investigate the issue of excess charges and illegal deductions by commercial banks in Nigeria and report back within four (4) weeks for further action.

    The House also mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance (when constituted) to ensure implementation.

    GOFFIO MEDIA.

  • Odey Commends World Bank Funded APPEALS Project

    Odey Commends World Bank Funded APPEALS Project

    By Ukongikwen Adie

    The World Bank Agro Processing, Productivity, Enhancement and Livelihood improvement Support Project (APPEALS PROJECT) made up of the Task Team Leader, Mr. Manievel Sene, the National Project Coordinator, Mohammed Sani Jobdi, the State Project Coordinator Mr Marcel Agim and other high ranking officers called on the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Prince Bassey Otu, who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.

    Speaking during the visit, Hon Peter Odey first appreciated the APPEALS Project leader and his team for the support given Cross River State. He conveyed the Governor’s commitment towards the project while assuring the team that they will continue to get the needed support because part of their mission is to commission the projects within the administration’s 100 days in office.

    Odey stated that having worked at the United Nations Development Programme, he is conversant with how donor- funded projects work. He assured the team that he will strive to see that Cross Riverians are not left behind. He added that as head of the State Steering Committee, he will go further to identify those contractors delaying the projects in order to give them the needed push to ensure that they deliver.

    Earlier, the Task Team Leader, Mr. Manievel Sene, thanked the governor for the support the project has received, while appealing for more support so that the projects can be completed early in August otherwise the funds will have to be returned to the World Bank and the opportunity for more funding will be lost.

    Also speaking, the National Project Coordinator Mohammed Sani Jobdi, thanked Sen Bassey Otu, for his timely intervention which will go a long way to add value to the the lives of Cross Riverians.

    On his part, the State Coordinator, Mr. Marcel Agim, said the project has done well so far with the efforts of the National office and Directors from the respective Federal Ministries who have done a lot to support the project. He added that since the assumption of the present administration, there has been very significant improvement and plenty of jubilation since His Excellency, Senator Bassey Otu directed that the restrictions on the project accounts be removed. He solicited the that the zeal he has shown should be sustained in the few months left to enable the APPEALS Project finished strong.

    He said many Cross Riverians can now afford their daily meals and send their children to school because of farms and agric businesses that they have. They have also become entrepreneurs because the APPEALS Project assisted in registering their companies.

    Others present during the visit are: Chidozie Onyedikachi, Mrs Eucharia Nonye Osakwe (Financial Management Specialist)
    Dr. Salisu Garba (Project Operations Manager) Jummai Hashima (National Projects Accountant) and Alhaji Bukar Mussa (Director PCU-FMARD)

  • Abandoned Obudu Dam Project: Peter Akpanke Makes Case For His Constituency

    Abandoned Obudu Dam Project: Peter Akpanke Makes Case For His Constituency

     

    The Member representing Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwarra Federal Constituency, Hon. Peter Akpanke, has called on his colleagues to look into the abandoned delapidated Obudu Dam Project.

    According to the MP, the Obudu Dam resort is a facility that not only supplies water to over 60,000 people in its vicinity but also offers recreational activities. Unfortunately, the resort was flooded in 2005, prompting the Cross River State Government to secure funding from the International Development Agency (IDA) for its rehabilitation.

    Hon. Akpanke emphasized that restoring the dam would have multiple benefits, including facilitating irrigation on approximately 100 hectares of agricultural land, boosting fisheries, and promoting tourism in the northern part of the state.

    The motion which was sponsored by Hon. Akpanke, followed the recent assessment of the facility during a needs assessment tour of the federal constituency, and was seconded by Hon. Umar Usman Ajilo, representing Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency.

    The House mandated the committee on water resources (When constituted) to investigate why the contracts where abandoned and report back to the house within four weeks for further legislative actions.

    Awade Friday
    SSA Media and Publicity to Hon. Peter Akpanke.

  • Hope Francis Idika Challenges The Declaration Of Kichi-Akwo Godsgift As UNICAL SUG President Elect

    Hope Francis Idika Challenges The Declaration Of Kichi-Akwo Godsgift As UNICAL SUG President Elect

    Miss Idika, Hope Francis, 1st runner up in the just concluded SUG Presidential Election has written to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, UNICAL challenging the declaration of Sen. Kichi-Akwo God’sgift as President Elect of the Students’ Union Government, SUG by the Calabar University Electoral Commission, CUECO.

    According to her petition, the president elect at the time of election, was not qualified to contest the election based on the provision of section 49 (4) of the SUG constitution as his current CGPA falls below the 3.50 required by law.

    She prayed that;

    1. An order to the effect that a planned inauguration and swearing in ceremony of Sen. Kichi-Akwo Godsgift as the SUG president should be cancelled.

    2. That it be determined that all votes recorded for Sen. Kichi-Akwo Godsgift are wasted votes owing to his ineligibility. (which automatically makes her the winner of the presidential election for being the 1st runner up)

    3. That it be determined that in the basis of the above grounds, the petitioner scored the majority of lawful votes cast at the election and therefore satisfied the requirements to be declared the winner of the SUG Election.

    ALTERNATIVE TO 3 ABOVE

    An order cancelling the election and compelling the Calabar University Electoral Commission (CUECO) to conduct a fresh election at which Sen. Kichi-Akwo Godsgift shall not participate.

    Credit: Calabar Blog 

  • Peter Odey Pledges Government Response To The Needs Of Ukelle Nation

    Peter Odey Pledges Government Response To The Needs Of Ukelle Nation

    By Charity Ohotu

    The Cross River State Deputy Governor, Hon Peter Odey has pledged government’s commitment to respond to the needs of Ukelle Nation.

    The Deputy Governor made the pledge in his office when the leadership of Ukelle paid him a courtesy visit.

    Hon Odey acknowledge the concerns of the Ukelle people for infrastructural development in the area and sued for unity and cooperation.

    He pledged Sen Bassey Otu’s commitment to the plight of Ukelle Nation and will respond positively to their needs.

    Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Rt. Hon Ogana Lukpata, noted that it was necessary that Ukelle nation identifies with the Deputy Governor having been elevated to the position of Deputy Governor. He Reminisced on the long term relationship and bond that has existed between them and held that the time to strengthen the bond is now more than ever.

    Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr Julius Okputu, PhD, noted that Ukelle Nation had suffered infrastructural decay in the past and use the opportunity to call on the Deputy Governor to rise to the challenge to give hope to Ukelle Nation.

    Okputu held that the guiding light of righteousness, justice, truth and love should guide the decisions that this government will make for the benefit of the people.

  • Cross River Journalist Elected National Coordinator Of Leg’ACEs Community 

    Cross River Journalist Elected National Coordinator Of Leg’ACEs Community 

     

    Cross River Journalist, Efio-Ita Nyok is now the National Coordinator of the Active Citizens Engaging the Legislature (Leg’ACEs) Programme, NEGROIDHAVEN can report authoritatively.

    He assumed the leadership of the national caucus of the community in company of two others, namely, Deborah Obiabo (National Deputy Coordinator North/FCT Caucus Coodinator of the OPN Leg’ACEs) and Ukeme Anwan the National Deputy Coordinator South/Akwa Ibom Caucus Coodinator of OPN Leg’ACEs via an election which held on Friday the 30th of June 2023. Their tenures will last for one year.

    While notifying the community of Leg’ACEs, Temidayo Taiwo-Sidiq the
    Senior Programme Executive of OrderPaper Nigeria, said ‘As part of reform measures to infuse a breath of fresh ideas into the Active Citizens Engaging the Legislature (Leg’ACEs) Programme, we are pleased to formally announce the election of a national leadership for the National Caucus of the Leg’ACEs at a Special Meeting of the Zonal and State Caucus Leaders yesterday.

    ‘National Coordinator: Efio-Ita Nyok,
    Deputy National Coordinator (DNC) North: Deborah Obiabo, Deputy National Coordinator (DNC), South: Anwan Ukeme Archibong.

    ‘With great pleasure, OrderPaper congratulates these leaders on their well-deserved election and are confident that they will galvanise the Leg’ACEs Community towards greater heights.’

    The new national leadership also comprises Rabo Michael who is the
    National Chief Whip and Coordinator of the OPN Leg’ACEs in Nasarawa, and Effiong Innocent the Deputy National Chief Whip.

    In an address before the election, the Executive Director of Order Paper, Oke Epia said that two of the areas of concern for the Leg’ACEs is for the programme to aim at opening up the civic space in Nigeria view of facilitating engagement by the citizenry to demand quality public service from the national and state assemblies; as well as developing the best way to interact with the House of Assemblies.

    The Leg’ACEs initiative was created to fulfil the mandate of bridging the gap between citizens and parliament, the objectives of the community is to explore co-creation opportunities with stakeholders in furtherance of parliamentary reporting and education, and activate the agency of responsible citizenship to promote accountability from legislators.

    Order Paper is Nigeria’s leading policy think tank and media group aspires to bridges the gap between the citizenry and parliament. As a media body she has been dedicated to reporting, tracking, analysing and archiving activities of the Nigerian legislature in the digital age with a vision of being a parliamentary reporting, advocacy and public policy advisory in Africa, and vision of providing simple and ‘authoritative parliamentary data that empowers citizens to take action’.

  • CRSHOA Deputy Speaker Gets Seven Aides

    CRSHOA Deputy Speaker Gets Seven Aides

    The Deputy Speaker the of Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon Sylvester Agabi has gotten seven (7) staff appointed into in his office.

    The was contained in a release signed and made available by the Director of Legislative Matter – Edi. M,  for the Clerk of the House.

    It stated that all appointments are with immediate effect.

    Those appointed are:

    Joseph Odama – Chief of Staff

    Anakia John Akawu – Protocol Officer

    |Agbor Mathias Ogar – Press Secretary

    Orim Daniel Asu – Media Liaison Officer

    Akpanke David – Special Assistant

    Adung Odey – Personal Assistant I

    Ekawu Odey Sunday – Personal Assistant II