The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • 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

    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

    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

    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

    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.

  • Jarigbe Attends International Conference On Women In Governance, Makes Case For Women Inclusion

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District and Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS, earlier today attended the International Conference On Women In Governance (WIG).

    The conference was organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), at NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.

    The lawmaker was in company of the President of the Senate, H. E, Senator Godswill Akpabio-CON and Deputy Senate President, Senator Jubril Barau.

    Speaking at the event, Jarigbe said: “Women have played significant roles in the build-up of Nigeria’s modern state and as such deserve proper commendation, recommendation and appreciation in our socio-political and organisational structures as a nation.

    “I appreciate the WIG for holding such a conference, which seeks to draw the attention of the executive and legislative arm of government on the need to acknowledge and encourage women on issues of politics and development.”

    Dignatories at the event include the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs, Barrister Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, the Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, and DG of the group, Prof. Abubarkar Suleiman.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Sexual Harassment: Women Voice Calls For Thorough Investigation, Commends UNICAL VC

     

    Women networks under the ‘Women Voice and Leadership Project’ of ActionAid Nigeria, funded by Global Affairs Canada, have condemned in strong terms the alleged scandal with regards to the unwarranted intimidation and sexual harassment at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) where the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, over alleged sexual harassment.

    The Women group said that the alleged sexual harassment which is the second so far reported against Prof. Ndifon was not only appalling, disgusting but, unacceptable to put it mildly.

    It is in the light of these anomalies that we not only call but strongly demand for stringent measures against Prof. Ndifon.

    “While we commend the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, and the management team of the institution for the swift action taken by suspending Prof. Ndifon over the violations of the well laid rules and regulations of the institution, we however insist and demand for a full and comprehensive investigation into the condemnable matter as well as ensure proper prosecution of Prof. Ndifon to serve as deterrent to others with similar behavioural pattern or intentions.

    Towards this end, we urge heads of educational institutions in the country to as a matter of public importance, burrow a leaf from the Vice Chancellor of UNICAL by creating a safe space for girls to voice out against sexual and gender based violence in schools.

    They said they such proactive measures will go a long way to create the environment such as the type that empowered the law students of UNICAL to staged a protest and opened up on the constant sexual harassment and abuse of their bodies by lecturers of the institution.

    The group said that if the ugly trend if not urgently addressed, it is capable of truncating the educational and self development of girls and women.

    It is in this respect that we passionately appeal to Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to as a matter of national concern and interest, kindly assent to the Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational institutions Bill passed by the 9th National Assembly.

    Similarly, we strongly recommend that educational institutions in Nigeria should as a matter of necessity, develop sexual and gender harassment policy to safeguard the dignity of girls with a view to providing safe environment for learning.

    Lastly, we wish to applaud the boldness and forthrightness of the female laws students of UNICAL for standing up and speaking against injustice. We therefore appeal to other students facing similar abuses and intimidation to speak up so that the educational system can be cleansed of bad elements.

    The Women Voice group promised to work with the gender department of UNICAL to provide pyscho social support to survivors of sexual harassment in the school with a view to giving them hope of a better future.

    The team had earlier paid a visit to the VC to identify with her efforts and actions so far and to encourage her to allow justice, equity and fairplay on the matter.

    They however, demanded for the security protection of the girls and students who had come out to speak.

    In her remarks, the VC said students are speaking out today because she has created an enabling and safe environment for students since assumption of office through the numerous students programs and projects like youth friendly hub and Gender Development Centre geared towards building their confidence level that encourage them to be vocal and speak out in addition to being accessible to all students.

  • 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

     

    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

     

    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”.