The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • Jarigbe Facilitates Bridge Construction In Amukwong, Obudu LGA

    Jarigbe Facilitates Bridge Construction In Amukwong, Obudu LGA

    In a bid to enhance connectivity and boost economic growth, the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has facilitated the construction of a bridge in Amukwong, Alege-Ubang, Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    The old bridge, which had become a source of concern for the communities, was not only a hazard to commuters but also a significant obstacle to the socio-economic development of the area. Its deplorable condition made life difficult for residents, commuters, and farmers, who struggled to access markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.

    The proposed bridge will serve as a vital link between Amukwong, Okikwor, Ngor-Kpu, and other agrarian communities in Obudu, as well as, improve residents’ access to essential amenities, boost economic activities, and enhance the overall quality of life.

    At the handover ceremony, Senator Jarigbe’s constituency officer, Mr. Egar Mgbantul, represented the Senator and tasked JRB Construction Company, the project’s contractors, to deliver a quality and durable job that meets the local communities’ expectations and demands.

    This project is part of Senator Jarigbe’s efforts to drive development and improve his constituents’ lives, building on his track record of facilitating infrastructural projects, including roads, bridges, classroom blocks, boreholes, sports and fitness facilities, amongst others.

    Residents and stakeholders had appealed to Senator Jarigbe to rebuild the collapsed bridge, and they appreciated his prompt response. They promised to support the contractor in ensuring quality service delivery.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Jarigbe Facilitates Installation of Six Solar Powered Boreholes in Obudu, Bekwarra & Yala LGAs

    Jarigbe Facilitates Installation of Six Solar Powered Boreholes in Obudu, Bekwarra & Yala LGAs

     

    In a bid to increase access to clean water and improve living standards, the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has facilitated the installation of six solar-powered boreholes in Obudu, Bekwarra, and Yala Local Government Areas of Cross River State.

    Located at Bebuagbong and Betukwel in Obudu, Ichogodo-Nyanya and Anyikang in Bekwarra, and Itega-Okpame and Nfuma Ntrigom in Yala LGA, these boreholes are expected to provide clean drinking water for thousands of residents, reducing the risk of water-borne diseases and improving overall health and wellbeing.

    According to Senator Jarigbe, this project is a direct response to his call for universal access to safe, clean, and drinkable water in Cross River North Senatorial District. “I urged constituents to report communities without access to drinkable water, and this project is a direct response,” he explained. “While not all listed communities will receive boreholes simultaneously, I remain committed to doing my best for our people”.

    Senator Jarigbe emphasized the need for a fast, durable, and quality project, particularly during the dry season. Upon completion, the projects will be handed over to the communities.

    This initiative aligns with the lawmaker’s efforts to enhance rural communities through human capital and infrastructural development projects in the Senatorial District.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Philanthropic Businessman, Mr. Egbudu Mathew Gives Back to the Community

    Philanthropic Businessman, Mr. Egbudu Mathew Gives Back to the Community

     

    In a world where kindness and generosity are often overlooked, Mr. Egbudu Mathew, a business leader and distinguished son of Yala, shines brightly as a beacon of hope. His selfless acts of philanthropy have touched the hearts of many, reminding us that humanity is fostered through benevolence, not broken.

    As the revered theologian Karl Rahner once said, “Man is a beneficiary of another man’s benevolence.” Mr. Egbudu’s remarkable display of corporate social responsibility is a testament to this profound truth. By subsidizing transportation costs for students commuting from Yala Local Government Area to Calabar, he has brought immense relief to numerous families, lifting the burdens of the harsh economy off their shoulders.

    What’s truly remarkable about Mr. Egbudu’s gesture is that he chose to forgo personal luxuries, denying himself and his family a well-deserved vacation, to put smiles on the faces of those in need. His selflessness is a shining example of the transformative power of kindness as the student-beneficiaries and their families continue to testify across various media channels.

    The impact of Mr. Egbudu’s generosity extends far beyond the individual beneficiaries. It inspires us to acknowledge and appreciate other notable Yala sons and daughters who have made significant contributions to our community, including: Distinguished Sen. Associate Prof. Stephen Adi Odey, Mr. Boni Okache, High Chief Higgins Peters, Hon. Barr. Godwin Offiono, and Hon. Brian Odey.

    As we lean on the Latin adage “Quid quid bonum, quid quid pulchrum, quid quid honestrum, dignum lauda est” (“Whatever is good, whatever is pleasant, whatever is honest, is worthy of praise”), we recognize that acknowledging and praising these individuals will only encourage them to continue their good work.

    To Mr. Egbudu Mathew, we offer our heartfelt gratitude and commendation for his remarkable gesture. May his selflessness inspire our young generation and everyone else to make a positive impact in our society, remembering that creating change is a collective effort that begins with our individual acts of kindness.

    Ogonyi Francis Ekaya
    (Program Facilitator)

  • Obudu Chairman Meets Kwande and Vandeikya Counterparts, Reaffirms Commitment To Peacebuilding

    Obudu Chairman Meets Kwande and Vandeikya Counterparts, Reaffirms Commitment To Peacebuilding

     

    In a bid to strengthen ties and foster peace between Cross River and Benue States, the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Hon. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, participated in a strategic meeting alongside the Chairmen of Kwande LGA, Hon. Neji Vitalis, and Vandeikya LGA, Hon. Denis Akura, at the Vandeikya Council Secretariat on Thursday.

    The meeting was convened following the tragic incident of January 5, 2025, in which three indigenes of Obudu traveling to Kwande for business were attacked, resulting in the death of one.

    Addressing journalists after the meeting, Hon. Undiandeye condemned the attack, criticizing the actions of some Kwande residents who, acting on hearsay, resorted to violence without considering the peace currently enjoyed by the neighboring LGAs. He stressed the need for restraint and collaboration to prevent further incidents.

    Speaking during the meeting, Obudu Chairman, Undiandeye Meets Kwande and Vandeikya Counterparts, Reaffirms Commitment to Peacebuilding

    In a bid to strengthen ties and foster peace between Cross River and Benue States, the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Hon. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, participated in a strategic meeting alongside the Chairmen of Kwande LGA, Hon. Neji Vitalis, and Vandeikya LGA, Hon. Denis Akura, at the Vandeikya Council Secretariat on Thursday.

    The meeting was convened following the tragic incident of January 5, 2025, in which three indigenes of Obudu traveling to Kwande for business were attacked, resulting in the death of one.

    Addressing journalists after the meeting, Hon. Undiandeye condemned the attack, criticizing the actions of some Kwande residents who, acting on hearsay, resorted to violence without considering the peace currently enjoyed by the neighboring LGAs. He stressed the need for restraint and collaboration to prevent further incidents.

    Speaking during the meeting, Undiandeye emphasized the importance of peace as a foundation for socioeconomic development, stating, “Communities can only prosper when harmony prevails.”

    Hon. Neji Vitalis, Chairman of Kwande Local Government Area in Benue State, strongly condemned the heinous act committed by members of his community, describing it as barbaric, inhumane, and criminal. He revealed that a condolence message has been sent to the family of the deceased and confirmed that the perpetrators have been apprehended by the police.

    Similarly, Hon. Denis Akura, Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Area, echoed these sentiments, urging residents of the affected communities to prioritize dialogue in resolving disputes. He appealed to them to collaborate closely with stakeholders to prevent future occurrences and assured that the perpetrators would face justice following thorough investigations by law enforcement agencies.

    The meeting, attended by paramount rulers of the affected Local Government Areas, critical stakeholders, and government officials, explored the root causes of the conflict on the said day and the circumstances surrounding the attack.

    In a joint communiqué, the chairmen reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence and pledged to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice with the assistance of the Nigeria Police Force. As part of the resolutions, a delegation from Kwande, led by Hon. Neji Vitalis, will visit the bereaved family in Obudu to offer condolences and oversee funeral rites.

  • “We Are Family” – C’River Deputy Governor Tells Council Leaders

    “We Are Family” – C’River Deputy Governor Tells Council Leaders

     

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, PhD, has called on the 18 Leaders of Councils across the state to foster unity and work together as a family.

    Odey made this call on Tuesday at a meeting with the council leaders at the Glass House, his temporary office in the Government House, Calabar.

    Odey, while assuring the Leaders that their official vehicles would be delivered within the month of January, urged them to always remember their role as “primus inter pares” (first among equals) and to treat their colleagues with respect and decorum.

    Rt. Hon. Odey emphasized the need for collaboration, reminding them of their shared mandate under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Drawing from his experience as a former Leader of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Odey shared insights on effective leadership, advising the council leaders to prioritize the interest of their people above personal interests, stressing that to achieve effective delivery of the dividends of democracy, they was need for sacrifice on their part.

    He also cautioned them against divisive practices such as gossip and hearsay, urging them to maintain a harmonious working relationship with their council chairmen. He intimated that his doors remains open and encouraged them to take advantage should they need his guidance and support.

    In anticipation of upcoming legislative training for all legislators in the 18 Local Government Areas, Rt. Hon. Odey highlighted the importance of building capacity for effective governance.

    In his vote of thanks on behalf of the group, Hon. ThankGod Ekupnse, Leader of the Etung Local Government Council, who commended the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey for his open-door policy, which facilitated the group’s visit on short notice, also praised the Deputy Governor’s collaboration with the ‘People First’ Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, in prioritizing the welfare of Cross Riverians, particularly the youth.

    The meeting was attended by the Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council and Chairman of Forum of Council Chairmen in Cross River State, Hon. Yibala Inyang.

    © Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Calabar

  • Mathias Amunde Ugwe, Who Killed His Mother, Still At Large

    Mathias Amunde Ugwe, Who Killed His Mother, Still At Large

    By Lumine Admin 

    A 29 years old Mathias Amunde Ugwe, is alleged to have decided to take the life of his biological mother, Mrs Justina Amunde, now late in the early hours of Christmas 25th December 2024.

    TheLumineNews learnt that the victim, late Mrs Justina Amunde who hails from Ohong in Obudu Local Government Area, attended the Christmas vigil on the 24th December, 2024 and came back very late. She then locked all the doors in the house without any knowledge that her own son had connived with his friend and hid themselves in the store, waiting to commit the crime.

    A source in the family who confided with our reporter disclosed that, “A few hours into the night, the house help who stays with late Mrs Justina Amunde, went to the kitchen to get drinking water, found out that the killer Mathias and his friend were hiding in the store.

    “The house help then raised alarm and the victim came to the rescue of the girl. Unfortunately for her, her own son, Mathias, started hitting her with a heavy hammer, after dispossessing her of cash.

    “When he noticed that his mother was no longer breathing, his friend assisted him to carry the corps and deposited inside the well beside our mum’s room.

    “Having deposited her corps in the well, they ran out of the house with the house help to Boki Local Government Area and threatened her not to disclose the incident to anyone. But the house help escaped to Utanga, Obanliku Local Government Area to meet her parents on the 27th of December, 2024. The girl then narrated her ordeal to her parents, who later contacted us. We then found the corps in the well on the 28th December, 2024”.

    Mathias Amunde Ugwe, is not a popular person. He has no social media accounts or handles. He is from a family of five, and he is the second to the last born.

    Mathias Amunde Ugwe, has a fractured leg that made him deformed after the accident he had a few years ago.

    At the time of writing this report, Mathias is still at large. Anybody with any useful information about him should alert the police.

  • Gov Otu, Donald Duke, Akpanke, Others Grace AJFIAJ Maiden Symposium, Lauds Initiative

    Gov Otu, Donald Duke, Akpanke, Others Grace AJFIAJ Maiden Symposium, Lauds Initiative

     

    By Godwin Otang, CrossRiverWatch

    Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, Former Governor Donald Duke, Honorable Peter Akpanke and among other dignitaries have welcomed the establishment of the Agba Jalingo Foundation for Investigative and Accountability Journalism (AJFIAJ).

    The dignitaries drawn from both private, and public sectors converged in Transcorp Hotel Calabar, Cross River, the venue of a one-day maiden symposium of (AJFIAJ), cum birthday anniversary of Human Rights Activist Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    The symposium had the theme, “Journalism and Crossing the Cyber Crimes and Legal Huddles”.

    Governor Bassey Otu, re-emphasized his administration’s commitment to journalism, media and information dissemination as a tool for development.

    The Governor represented by Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Beshel Justine, acknowledged the critical role journalism plays in a society.

    In an evolving world of information dissemination, he said Journalists must adopt modern cutting edge technologies for proper information dissemination.

    “All we try to do in Cross River State is to make public all our government practices, projects and programs public, inline with the roles of journalism. Today, journalism must pave a new way for information dissemination. The theme of this event has become very apt at this time. Journalist must also adopt cutting edge practices to fit into the present technologically advanced world.

    In an address during the event, ex-Cross River State Governor, Mr. Donald Duke encouraged media practitioners and Journalists to trade on correct and accurate information, noting that information disseminated attracts degrees of consequences – positive or negative which they must brace up for.

    He said “the rapidity in which the world is changing, even office spaces are changing. I can not comprehend what the world will look like in the next ten years, in terms of information communication technology (ICT). But, they’re consequences, you must be ready to face the consequences of whatever information we put out there.”

    “My message to all of us is; as we go into a new year, let’s take responsibility for all we do. Speak the truth and know that they’re consequences even for speaking the truth. For government officers here, do not get shy or upset when people call you. Don’t get too irritated when you get calls from people you don’t know because you’re a servant , the day you begin to feel very irritated, you’re no longer serving,” he said.

    The Member representing Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra Federal Constituency, Honorable Peter Akpanke, represented by his media aid, Awade Friday, commended the character of Mr. Agba Jalingo, noting that his activism has attracted positive results of public relevance and interest.

    “Jalingo is my constituent, your activism has produced good results. The theme of this symposium is timely considering the important role of Journalists in society,”Akpanke remarked.

    In his remarks, Citizen Jalingo Agba who is the Editor-In-Chief of CrossRiverWatch, reaffirmed his commitment to journalism practice, holding the government accountable and advocating for the voiceless in the society.

    Jalingo lauded Governor Otu for granting pardon to 45 inmates from Afokang correctional facility a few days ago, calling the action a good one.

    Other dignitaries in the event include wife of the immediate past Governor Ben Ayade; the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Otu Mr. Gill Nsa, lawyers, Journalists, government functionary and university students.

    Slide left for photos:

  • Special Adviser To Gov Otu On Local Content Recounts Benefits Of 13th Nigerian Content Forum

    Special Adviser To Gov Otu On Local Content Recounts Benefits Of 13th Nigerian Content Forum

     

    The Special Adviser to Cross River State Governor on Local Content, Ambassador Awatt Caleb has expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency, Senator Bassey Otu, the Executive Governor of Cross River State for facilitating the attendance to the just concluded 13th Annual Practical Nigerian Content Forum held in Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Headquarters, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

    The event which held from 2nd to 5th December, 2024 with the theme:  “Defining the next frontier for Nigerian Content implementation”, drew participants and critical stakeholders to the annual forum on Nigerian Content.

    According to him, the forum revealed opportunities in the entire industry value chain, deepen the Nigerian Content practices, and also present frontiers for Nigerian Content implementations.

  • Special Adviser on Local Content to the governor Ambassador Awatt Caleb Presents Award To First Female Leader Of Akamkpa Legislative Council

    Special Adviser on Local Content to the governor Ambassador Awatt Caleb Presents Award To First Female Leader Of Akamkpa Legislative Council

     

    Honourable Princess Magdalene Ekpe has made history as the first female leader of Akamkpa Local Government Council. To commemorate this remarkable achievement, Special Adviser on Local Content to the governor Ambassador Awatt Caleb presented her with a prestigious award from cross river live Media.

    This recognition not only celebrates Princess Magdalene Ekpe groundbreaking leadership but also acknowledges her dedication to empowering women in politics. As a trailblazer, she paves the way for future generations of female leaders in Akamkpa and beyond.

    This momentous occasion inspires and motivates others to strive for excellence in leadership and public service. Congratulations to Honourable Princess Magdalene Ekpe on this well-deserved recognition!

    Marcel Edem, chief editor cross river live report.

    © Cross River live

  • Sen Jarigbe Distributes Organic Liquid Fertilizer And Insecticides To Farmers

    Sen Jarigbe Distributes Organic Liquid Fertilizer And Insecticides To Farmers

     

    In a bid to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security in Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has distributed organic liquid fertilizers and insecticides to farmers in the Senatorial District.

    This initiative aims to tackle challenges of food crisis, promote sustainable agriculture and improve the livelihoods of rural dwellers, as improve seedlings of pepper, tomatoes, corn, cucumber and Okra were also distributed to the farmers.

    The distribution of these essential farm inputs is expected to increase crop yields, enhance food sufficiency and contribute to the country’s food security. Senator Jarigbe’s commitment to agriculture is evident in his quest to provide farmers with the necessary resources to succeed.

    Mr. Egar Mgbantul who represented the lawmaker noted that, ” The fertilizers and these seeds are basic ingredients that our farmers need to assist them on their farms. Our Senator has promised to continue to do this to assist our farmers in the rural areas”, Egar added.

    This initiative is timely, considering the challenges farmers face in accessing quality farm inputs. It will boost agricultural productivity, stimulate economic growth and develop Cross River State.

    Constituents expressed deep appreciation to Senator Jarigbe, praying for God’s continued blessings to enable him touch more lives.

    Happy New Year from TEAM JARI MEDIA.