The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • Jarigbe, Akpanke, Offiono Doles Out 54M To Constituents For Christmas

    Jarigbe, Akpanke, Offiono Doles Out 54M To Constituents For Christmas

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, the member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke and his counterpart of Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Hon Godwin Offiono have distributed the sum of fifty four million naira (N54m) and 1620 bags of 50kg rice to constituents in Northern Senatorial District for Christmas celebration.

    Senator Jarigbe made the pronouncement when he led the duo of Hon Peter Akpanke and Hon Godwin Offiono, as they visited the five Local Government Areas of Cross River North Senatorial District to mark the Christmas celebration, with each ward getting the sum of N1m and 30 bags of 50kg rice.

    He re-emphasized the reason for the season, adding that Christmas is a season of love, unity and peaceful coexistence irrespective of ethnic, social and religious differences.

    Hon. Akpanke in his remark encouraged constituents to always remain united because in it lies the strength of the umbrella.

    Hon. Godwin Offiono while speaking at various locations appreciated constituents for the maximum support and cooperation which himself and his colleagues have enjoyed so far. He extolled Senator Jarigbe Agom for his sterling leadership qualities that has helped to build and reform the PDP in Cross River North and promised to continue giving his best to ensure the growth and progress of the party in Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency & Cross River State.

    Constituents and stakeholders of the party were full of appreciation to the lawmakers for their constant support and impactful leadership. They prayed for them, that God should continue to strengthen them and grant them the enablement to achieve their respective set goals.

     

    Jari Media

  • Jarigbe Attends Thanksgiving Mass In Honor Of Brigadier General Sylvester Anyogo

    Jarigbe Attends Thanksgiving Mass In Honor Of Brigadier General Sylvester Anyogo

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has joined the family and friends of Brigadier General Sylvester Anyogo during a thanksgiving mass at Matter Ecclesiae Catholic Church Alifokpa-Yache.

    The event was held to celebrate and thank God for the life achievements and promotion of the Commandant of the Nigerian Army College of Medical Sciences, Brigadier General Sylvester Anyogo in Yache.

    Senator Jarigbe commended the Brigadier General for his outstanding contribution to the nation Nigeria. He encouraged him to continue to be a good ambassador of Cross River North Senatorial and Yache, while serving the nation.

    The lawmaker also supported an ongoing project in the church with the sum of N5m and promised to continue to do his best especially as it concerns the Yache road project.

    Notable dignitaries in attendance include, the Director of Operations, Army Headquarters, Major General Emmanuel Ejim-Emeka, Air Vice Marshall Emmanuel Wonah, Major B. E Alfred, Barr. Leonard Anyogo, Mr. John Ben Onah, Hon. Egar Mgbantul, Mr. Sunday Igbaji, Mr. Joe Ulom, Mr. Boniface Ishamali amongst others.

    Congratulations Brigadier General Sylvester Anyogo.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Jarigbe, Odey, Others Honored During Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja Diamond Jubilee Celebration

    Jarigbe, Odey, Others Honored During Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja Diamond Jubilee Celebration

     

    The senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and the Cross River State Deputy Governor, Hon Peter Odey, were among the prominent personalities that were honored during the rededication of Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja-Ogoja as parts of activities to mark the 60th anniversary celebration of the parish.

    Sen Jarigbe who represented at the event by his Constituency Officer, Mr Egar Mgbantul, noted that “I am marveled at the space of work that is done in this church. When I came and I saw the building, I felt I was in a different world. The senator asked me to congratulate the bishop, our father, all the priests and the entire parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish, Abakpa on your diamond jubilee celebration”.

    Sen Jarigbe supported the church with the sum of Two Million Naira (#2,000.000.00) which was transferred to the church account right in the church.

    On his part, the Deputy Governor who was unavoidably absent had his Chief Protocol Officer Mr Modey Ugbuji, represented him.

    The deputy governor promised to see the parish priest once his back to the country.

    Others who were honored during the event include: Eno Bitrus Mbum, Col Ben Ugbuji, Brigadier John Bulus, Chief/Capt Modey Magnus Hart, Dr Christopher Lukpata, Joseph Ntol Igbodor, Edmund Briate Okafa, Sen Stephen Odey, First Baba Isa Esq.

  • Bishop Akpan Charges Priests To Prioritize Building Befitting Place Of Worship Over Rectories, As He Rededicate Holy Trinity Parish

    Bishop Akpan Charges Priests To Prioritize Building Befitting Place Of Worship Over Rectories, As He Rededicate Holy Trinity Parish

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The local ordinary and Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, the Most Rev Donatus Edet Akpan, has charged shepherds of the flock to prioritize building of God’s temple over R
    rectories where they live.

    Bishop Akpan made the charge during the rededication of Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja-Ogoja, today December 13th 2024.

    The Bishop commended the Parish Priest, Very Rev Fr Felix Ekpe, for leading the christain faithfuls to remodel the beautiful place of worship, congratulated him and noted that the temple is made decent and sacred.

    In his words “With what Fr Felix has done here, it is a great challenge thrown to us, the shepherd of the flocks begining with me. We should not build rectories as mansions and abandon the temple of God, build a good place of worship and ensure that what is dedicated to God accommodate God”.

    He admonished christains to support priests who wants to build a place of worship, when he said “When any priest demands that we build a place of worship for your use, please don’t hesitate to do so, so that a beautiful place of worship will be put up”

    The Bishop reiterated the sacredness of the temple and assured that “If anyone enters this temple to pray, God will hear the person.
    We must be careful how we handle this temple, it is holy.

    “Two things in this celebration are brought together. One is earthly and the other is spiritual. The physical, we see, the spiritual we can not see. God uses the teachings of St Paul talking about our bodies. If we realize that God talks to us both physical and spiritual, we have become one with God.
    We have to see and use this physical structure in a way that God is happy with us. If we do not have regards for God, you will not have regards to what is dedicated to him. If we desecrate what is dedicated to him, we destroy our very foundation.

    When we visit traditional rulers, we pay homage to them. Some people when they visit the Bishop, including some clergies, they pull their shoes and walk bare footed.

    “They have shown regards towards the person they believe have some authority over them. But if you come to the house of God and walk carelessly, you must try to remember that this place you’re going to is not like every other place. God lives here.

    “When you regard and believe that God is in this temple, when you ask, you must get results for what you ask for. Some people don’t believe, they run into the church, the kind of things they do, they eat chewing gum inside the church during mass, and sometimes their phone rings, you see a faithful Catholic brings out a phone and talking in low tune during mass. They don’t have time to dedicate few hours for God. You have to develop faith in you”.

    He further charges priests to ensure that God’s temple remains sacred”What the pastor does is to ensure that the place of worship looks sacred” he added.

    Commenting on the beautiful edifice, Bishop Akpan said “If you enter a place of worship and it looks like this, surely you will believe that God is there.

    “I congratulate Fr Felix Ekpe for leading you to put this place of worship to look like this. May all who contributed to make this place look like this experience joy and fulfillment. May God reward you all. Like David, who said I live in a mansion and God house looks like a tent. I will build a temple for the Lord, you have done what David did, may God reward you abundantly.

    “This place is made decent and sacred, Fr Felix congratulations. Some human beings are careless. Anything goes.

    “Jesus beats some people who misused the temple. You may not see Jesus physically when you misuse this temple. The beating may follow you to wherever you go. Show regards to what is Holy and dedicated to God. Some people may be reluctant to sweep the temple. Nobody should see him/herself too big to clean the church, make efforts to preserve this temple”.

    He encouraged christains to see God in the temple noted “In places where we have chapel of adoration, a lot of people do not go to the main church to seek God. The chapel is an emergency place for the priest”.

    He admonished christains to see their bodies as the temple of the holy spirit and treat it same as the temple that is rededicated today said “Some people believe that they can do what they like with themselves. As you regard the sacredness of this temple, that is how you should regards your bodies, because it is the temple of God. You cannot do what you like with your body because you will give an account of what you do with your body. Do you realize that you’re God’s temple and the spirit of God dwells in you? You have children, will you not just wake up and kill your child. Your child is part of your body. I commend your efforts and may God reward you”.

    The mass was attended by priests numbering 40, religious, guests and parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja-Ogoja.

  • Ongoing: Bishop Akpan Receives Keys Of Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja-Ogoja

    Ongoing: Bishop Akpan Receives Keys Of Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja-Ogoja

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, the Most Rev Donatus Edet Akpan, has been presented with keys to the edifice of Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja-Ogoja.

    The temple keys were presented by Mr Felix Ibu, who noted that the foundation stone was laid on March 1st, 1964 and when Fr Felix Ekpe, the pastor of the church decided in January 2024, that the church be remodeled, the christain welcomed the idea and today we are here.

    “As the Chief shepherd, I present this key to you”. He said.

    Receiving the keys, the bishop thanked the very Rev Fr Felix Ekpe, for his abstute commitment and handed over the keys to the parish priest to open the church for the worship of Christian faithfuls.

  • Sen Jarigbe, Akpanke, Others To Be Honored At The Diamond Jubilee Celebration Of Holy Trinity Parish

    Sen Jarigbe, Akpanke, Others To Be Honored At The Diamond Jubilee Celebration Of Holy Trinity Parish

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe as well as Hon Peter Akpanke, Member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency and his colleague, Hon Godwin Offiono, member representing Ogoja/Yala federal constituency, are among the dignitaries that will be honored during the rededication of Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja-Ogoja, to mark 60th anniversary of the parish.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the Parish, Rev Fr Felix Ekpe, indicates that the mass which will be presided by the local ordinary and Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, the Most Rev Donatus Edet Akpan, will begin at 10:00 am and will be followed closely with the rededication of the parish.

    The mass will be followed closely with a reception where notable personalities who have contributed to the development of the society and the church will be honored with different awards.

    Others to be honored during the Diamond Jubilee Celebration are: The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Sen Stephen Odey Esq, Engr Ebo Bitru Mbum, Col Ben Ugbuji, Brig Gen Deda Bulus, CP Gabriel Achong Rtd, Amb Capt Modey Magnus – Hart, Dr Christopher Lukpata, Mr Joseph Ntol Igbodor, Mr Okafa Edmund Briate, First Ferdinand Baba Isa

    The release further indicates that the Diamond Jubilee Celebration is a three day celebration with rededication, reception and award presentation slated for Friday 13th December 2024, while group wedding is slated for Saturday 14th December 2024 and Harvest Thanksgiving Mass is slated for Sunday 15th 2024.

  • Akpanke Identifies With Orphanage, Attends St Patrick Chaplaincy Moniaya’s Harvest Thanksgiving

    Akpanke Identifies With Orphanage, Attends St Patrick Chaplaincy Moniaya’s Harvest Thanksgiving

     

    In a remarkable show of love for Children, Hon Akpanke honoured the invitation of the leadership and members of St Patrick Chaplaincy Moniaya in Ogoja on the 1st of December 2024 to harvest with pupils of Divine Providence Orphanage Ogoja.

    The Member of Parliament who is renowned for his philanthropy, took time off his schedule to worship at St. Patrick’s Chaplaincy Ogoja while identifying with the children of the aforementioned orphanage.

    Hon Akpanke in his usual manner of supporting the church, made financial donation and pledged to power the church surroundings with ten solar lights which will further electrify the environment and provide adequate security for spiritual activities.

    Recognising the place of little children in the work of God, the MP pledged to support the orphanage with basic facilities that will make life worthwhile for the kids and encourage them to become great men and women in the society.

    De Rock Media…

  • GOV Otu Set To Undertake Renovation Of NYSC Orientation Camp

    GOV Otu Set To Undertake Renovation Of NYSC Orientation Camp

     

    The Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu, is set to change the face of the Orientation camp with total renovation project for the betterment of Corps members deployed to the State.

    The governor made the disclosure during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch C stream 1 Corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Obubra Cross River State.

    Sen Bassey Otu who represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr Ijom Ukam, undertook a thorough camp inspection to access the dilapidated nature of the camp facilities.

    He however charged Corps members to carry out laudable community projects in the state that will stand them out for state and National honours award.

    The Chief judge of Cross River State, Hon Justice Akon Ikpeme who was represented by His Worship, Magistrate Eno Iyamba, of the Cross River state Judiciary, administered the oath of Allegiance on the Corps members.

    Earlier in her opening address, the state Coordinator of NYSC Cross River state, Mrs Onyenuga Mojisola Joke, Congratulated Corps members on their successful completion of their various academic programmes that have earned them the status of Corps members. She also used the avenue to appreciate the Government of Cross River State for the previous support to the scheme and appealed for more welfare packages to Corps members deployed to the state as well as their personal security.

    Also speaking at the occasion, the Council Chairman of Obubra local Government Area, Hon Kingsley Arikpo assured Corps members of their safety and promised a good working relationship with the NYSC management.

    The event also featured side attraction such as man O war display by Corps members to thrill the guests.

  • Calabar-Itu Road: Long Awaited Solution In Sight? BY INYALI PETER

    Calabar-Itu Road: Long Awaited Solution In Sight? BY INYALI PETER

     

    In 2016, I wrote an article titled “A Good Friend is Better Than A Bad Brother,” where I commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his swift remedial work on the dilapidated Calabar-Itu road, just eighteen months into his administration. I aptly described him as a good friend, drawing a contrast with former President Jonathan, whom I labeled a bad brother due to his administration’s lack of meaningful infrastructure development in the state, including the neglect of the same road during his six-year presidency.

    The remedial work, undertaken by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at the time which earned President Buhari my commendation, unfortunately, did not yield lasting results. Like many roads in Southern Nigeria, it deteriorated rapidly, becoming worse than its original state within a year or even less. Although the administration subsequently awarded contracts for the road’s total reconstitution and expansion, progress has been slow, giving the impression that the project was neglected.

    Contractors had all but abandoned the site and the people who were supposed to put pressure on government to ensure work continues seemd distracted by the high-profile Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project. A senior citizen recently joked during interaction that it appeared the coastal highway has diverted attention and resources away from the Calabar-Itu road. However, this is changing after Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, moved a motion of urgent national importance, urging the Senate to investigate the project’s slow progress. This audacious motion is gradually bringing the much-needed attention back to the road.

    Yesterday’s investigative hearing by the Senate’s special committee was truly satisfying to watch. The attention given to the deplorable condition of the major road which connects Nigeria’s paradise city, Calabar, to other southern parts of the country is unprecedented, except perhaps when the Buhari administration initiated remedial work and mobilized contractors to commence reconstruction.

    The senate investigation won’t magically fix the road overnight, but it will uncover the reasons behind the project’s delay and pave the way for solutions. Given the caliber of the person leading the federal ministry of works and with the support of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio who hails from Akwa Ibom State, it’s likely that the committee’s recommendations will be swiftly implemented to ensure the project’s speedy completion.

    I commend Sen. Ekpenyong for his zeal, enthusiasm and passion for the development of the state. His drive has not only yielded tangible results in attraction of projects and empowerment programmes for Cross RiverSouth, he has been a strong advocate for the people, effectively drawing the federal government’s attention to critical development issues in the state through impactful motions and bills

    It’s also worth acknowledging the vital roles played by the state’s other two senators, Sen. Eteng Jones and Sen. Jarigbe Agom. Their collective efforts have ensured that the Senate and indeed the government is giving attention to this road and other deplorable federal roads infrastructure the state. The desire of most Cross Riverians have always been to see our leaders collaborate beyond partisan politics in the interests of the masses and there couldn’t be a better example than what’s happening with this project.

    Similarly, the efforts of the Senators is coming on the hills of the news that Governor Bassey Otu has approved N400 million for compensation payments to Cross Riverians affected by the reconstruction process. Contrary to longstanding rumour that a previous administration had rejected a request from neighbouring Akwa Ibom state to reconstruct the road and seek reimbursement from the state, this development shows the Otu administration’s commitment to supporting the project’s successful completion.

    As we await the outcome of the Senate’s investigation and the subsequent implementation of the recommended solutions, I fervently pray that the collective efforts of our leaders at all levels will yield a better result this time around. It is my heartfelt desire that the notorious road, which has become death trap, will finally be fixed to unlock the state’s economic potential and bringing relief to commuters.

    Also, I prepare this efforts will also extended to the almost impassable Calabar-Ikom-Ogoja road. Undoubtedly, a functional road network will not only boost trade and commerce within and outside the state but also improve the overall quality of life for the people of Cross River State.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Inyali Peter, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom Eulogizes Wayas as Senate Holds Valedictory Session In His Honour

    Sen Jarigbe Agom Eulogizes Wayas as Senate Holds Valedictory Session In His Honour

     

    In a heartfelt tribute, the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has eulogized the late former President of the Senate, Senator Dr. Joseph Wayas, as the Nigerian Senate holds Valedictory Session in his honour today, November 28, 2024.

    In a solemn event where Lawmakers paid their last respect to their departed colleague, Senator Jarigbe praised Wayas’ remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and development, describing him as a “Statesman in his own class”.

    Dr. Wayas, a respected politician and former President of the Senate, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service to the Nation. The Senate’s Valedictory Session is a befitting tribute to his memory and a celebration of his achievements as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Senator Jarigbe’s eulogy highlighted Wayas’ commitment to the well-being of Nigerians and his tireless efforts to promote peace, stability, and progress in the country. The Senator’s heartfelt words reflected the high esteem in which Wayas is held by his Colleagues, Constituents and the Nation at large, while he appreciated the Cross River State Government for honoring the icon with a State Funeral.

    As the Senate pays its respect to Wayas, Nigerians are reminded of the importance of honouring the memories of their leaders and celebrating their contributions to the Nation’s growth and development.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA.