The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • Dr Janet Ekpenyong Emerges Vice Chairman, Forum of Executive Secreties/CEOs Of State Primary Healthcare Agencies/Boards In Nigeria

     

    The Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency,
    Dr Janet Ekpenyong has emerged as the vice chairman of the forum of Executive Secretaries/Chief Executive Officers of State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and boards of the 36 states of the Federation.

    Dr Ekpenyong who was unanimously voted for at the ongoing stakeholders meeting and policy framework implementation meeting in Abuja the nation’s capital is said to have been considered due to her leadership style and the sterling performance of her state on Primary and Community Health initiatives .

    Recalled that the Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade had in early 2020 appointed Dr Janet Ekpenyong to oversee the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency after her selfless contributory services as Technical expert, consultant and member of various committees for the actualization of the nation’s “Universal Health Coverage” status.

    In the past years in Office, Dr Janet Ekpenyong has been able to ensure implementation of health policies that is transforming the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and Cross River State Health landscape into one of the most realistic enterprise in the Ayade’s administration, attracting tens of supports/collaborations from local , national and international organizations especially on child and maternal healthcare.

    Within this period of her selfless service to the state, Cross River State has been recognized on national and global stages with honours among which is the latest award as the best and most effective immunization compliant state in the South South region of Nigeria.

    It is during her tenure that the state joined other states of the federation in the certification of Nigeria as a “Poliomyelitis free Nation”, with many admiring and acknowledging her contributions at the national health sphere, and in “pushing” and joining health workers on Community outreaches , mobilization and sensitization of Cross Riverians on the dangers and effects of Poliomyelitis on this generation and the next.

    It is worthy of note that, the Cross River State Community engagement strategies has now found the nation’s admiration with many states seeking to adopt it’s methods of service delivery, this is manifested in the partnership it has enjoyed with many states and international organizations.

    In her acceptance speech, Dr Ekpenyong thanked her colleagues for finding her worthy to represent them and for the confidence bestowed on her as she promised to work harmoniously with the team to bridge the numerous gaps suffered by the Primary Healthcare Agencies across the country.

    She urged her colleagues to continue to mobilize resources for the Health sector and seek more collaborations in order to help curtail deaths especially for illnesses that are preventable.

  • Sandy Onor Trains Central Senatorial District Farmers On Cassava Value Chain

     

    Occasioned by dwindling oil prices in the international market, rapid population growth, crude oil theft, as well as the ban on importation of certain food products into the country, agriculture is fast becoming the main stay of our economy and a major source of food production.

    Worried about the spade of hunger and the growing need for food to meet the population demand, Cross River State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate and Senator representing Central Senatorial District, Sen. Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor has organized a three – day training for farmers in Cassava Value Chain in Cross River Central Senatorial District.

    The training which had participants from across the sixty – six (66) wards that make up the senatorial district in attendance, threw more light on the MANIHOT species.

    The farmers who before this time didn’t know much about the various species of Cassava have now been introduced to other varieties, their uses, mode of production and how they can achieve maximum yield.

    Responding on behalf of the participants, Mrs. Linda Oyira from Ofumbongha in Obubra Local Government Area said: “From the beginning, i never thought this training was going to bring out something good like this. But when we started, we heard things we didn’t know even as practicing cassava farmers. I am really impressed because the training has been worthwhile. I am going home fulfilled and loaded and will not fail to transfer the knowledge to people in my community. These are the kind of things we need from our representatives. May God bless Senator Onor”.

    The training came to an end with participants smiling as they returned home.

    caterpillar Movement Media.

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom’s Score Card, After One Year In Office

    September 15th, 2021, is an auspicious day for Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, the Senator Representing Cross River North Senatorial District and the good people of Cross River North.

    His first year in the Nigerian Senate was the greatest year of Infrastructural and human capital development in the history of Cross River North Senatorial District. Lives were changed, cries were heard, and prayers were answered. Indeed, his emergence as Senator last year was a fitting denouement to an episodic political journey which began two decades ago.

    In fact, at a time when it was generally believed that one has to be lowbrow, an incorrigible liar and a bit a murderer to be a politician, Senator Jarigbe ventured into politics to improve lives yet, bucked at seeing people sacrificed or slaughtered for the sake of his ambition. It is a reason his life offers interminable lessons on the beauty and benefits of resolve, compassion, unpretentious generosity, humility as well as political and family values.

    Below, but not limited are some of Senator Jarigbe’s legislative giant strides in his first year in the Nigerian Senate;

    1. Solar street lights across all 5 LGAs in the North.

    2. Sensitization on COVID-19 pandemic in Cross River North.

    3. Construction of school building at St. Peters Primary School, Akwurinyi, Bekwarra LGA.

    4. Empowerment of constituents to mark 1 month in office.

    5. Training of Widows in Cross River North on Animal Husbandry by National Productivity Centre (NPC).

    6. Construction of a 3 classroom block at Community Primary School, Kutiang 2, Obudu LGA.

    7. Animal Husbandry Training for Farmers in Cross River North.

    8. Ongoing Road Construction at Igodor, Nkum, Ogoja LGA.

    8. Construction/Rehabilitation of 1.3km Prince Akwaji Offiono Road, Yala LGA.

    9. Renovation of Government Primary School Ukpirinye, Utugwang, Obudu LGA.

    10. Renovation of Community Primary School Ashikpe-Ukpe in Obudu LGA.

    11. Renovation of Primary School Estong Busi, Obanliku LGA.

    12. Installation of Solar Powered Street lights in Bekwarra and Ogoja LGAs.

    13. Facilitated the construction of Monaya-Ikaptang Road in Ogoja LGA.

    14. Facilitated drilling of Solar powered borehole at Image Central Mosque, Okuku, Yala LGA.

    15. Facilitated drilling of Solar powered borehole in Ukpah Community, Bekwarra LGA.

    16. Drilling of Solar powered boreholes in Gakem, Bewo, Abuagbor, Ukpada, and Agida Communities in Bekwarra LGA.

    17. Drilling of Solar powered boreholes in Begiaba, Ukwel, Utugwang North, Utugwang South and Utugwang Central Communities in Obudu LGA.

    18. Drilling of Solar powered boreholes in Ketting, Bayaga, Bagga, Sankwala, Akorshi-Owhe Belinge and Bukemaya Communities in Obanliku LGA.

    19. Renovation of Community Primary School Ilagos Ikhor, Ochagbe, Afrike 2, Bekwarra LGA.

    20. Installation of Solar powered street lights in Belinge, Belegete, Ketting, Busanfong, and Sankwala Communities of Obanliku LGA.

    21. Installation of Solar powered street lights in Begiaba, Alege Ubang, Kakum, Ukwel Obudu and Utugwang North Communities in Obudu LGA.

    22. Installation of Solar powered street lights in Ugboro, Anyikang, Alumonye, Akpakpa, Otukpuru and Ukpah communities of Bekwarra LGA.

    23. Facilitated the Construction of Mini Stadium in Ogoja LGA.

    24. Facilitated the construction of Recreational Center in Ogoja.

    25. Facilitated the construction of 65 km road in Aliforkpa, Yala LGA.

    26. Facilitated the construction of Ikaptang – Afrike Road, Ogoja LGA.

    27. Distribution of relief materials to victims of Itega/Oba communal disputes, Yala LGA.

    28. Distribution of foodstuffs to Hausa Communities in Cross River North.

    29. Renovation of Government Primary School, Estong, Busi, Obanliku LGA.

    30. Renovation of Community Primary School Ada, Itega-Okpame in Yala LGA.

    31. Construction of Ukpagada-Aladim road in Ogoja LGA.

    32.Construction of a 3 classrooms block at Community Primary School, Adigbo, Mfom, Ogoja LGA.

    33. Drilling of solar powered borehole in Nwang/Nyake, Mfom 1, Ogoja LGA.

    34. Cash empowerment/grant for farmers/Artisans in Cross River North.

    35. Facilitated grants for rural vulnerables in Cross River North.

    36. Construction of class room blocks at Ekajuk Comprehensive Secondary School in Bansara, Ekajuk, Ogoja LGA.

    37. Facilitated Training/Cash empowerment of graduates/Youths under the platform of National Film and Sensors Board of Nigeria.

    38. Facilitated Entrepreneurship Development Training under SMEDAN in Cross River North.

    39. Installation of Solar powered borehole in Basan Community, Mbube West Ward 2, Ogoja LGA.

    40. Facilitated job placement for youths in The Nigerian Immigration Service and Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corp.

    41. Sponsored Free 2022 JAMB Registration for constituents.

    42. Provided Financial support for Northern Cross Riverians who are members of ASUU Unical Chapter.

    His bill seeking the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre, Ogoja has been passed by the Nigerian Senate, awaiting Mr President’s assent, while his bill seeking the establishment of Federal College of Agriculture awaits third reading.

    Senator Jarigbe is poised to continue his legislative stride in the Senatorial District when re-elected come 2023.

    While we bask in the euphoria of the sterling achievements of Sen. Jarigbe, we are also taken aback by the memories of the untimely death of Charles Onwe, who lost his life on the eve of the Senate Bye-Election Primary and all others who sustained injuries during the primary election when the oppressor ordered the shooting of unarmed constituents.

    May the soul of Charles Onwe continue to Rest in Peace.

    Congratulations once more to a refined and quintessential Nigerian lawmaker and the good people of Cross North Senatorial District.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

     

     

  • FG Inaugurates N274m TETFUND Projects In FCE Obudu

     

    The Federal Government through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) has inaugurated projects worth over two hundred and seventy four million naira (N274,000 000) at the Federal College of Education, (FCE), Obudu.

    The projects include a Science Complex compromising of six laboratories, one auditorium, twenty nine offices, a gym hall as well as a storey building compromising four classroom blocks and ten offices.

    Inaugurating the projects located at the main campus of the college on Friday, the Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba commended the management of the institution for the judicious use of resources as exemplified in the timely completion of the projects.

    Jedy-Agba who said that aside giving face-lift to the institution, the projects will enhance teaching and learning amongst staff and students, urged the institution to maintain the projects appropriately to inspire government to do more.

    The Minister said that the feat was a testament to the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to improve infrastructural development in tertiary institutions in the country.

    According to him, “the President is very happy with these projects that’s why he sent me to personally come down to commission and hand them over to the college. As I go go back, I’ll report to the President that the funds have been properly utilized, and I’ll also pass the message that the school needs more investment in its internal roads. For power, I’ve heard the request”.

    While delivering his goodwill message, Cross River State Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade commended TETFUND for the projects as well as all the interventions done in the states owned institutions.

    Ayade who was represented by the State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Godwin Amanke said that “the framers of the TETFUND laws should be commended because they have brought so much development to public tertiary institutions in the country. We commend TETFUND for these projects and all the ones executed in our state owned institutions. We encourage them to continue to do more “.

    Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Arch. Sonny Echono on his part said that the projects were executed through the 2015/2018 merged normal intervention funds.

    Echono who was represented in the occasion by the Director, Monitoring and Evaluation of intervention agency, Arch. Babajide Olajide added that TETFUND have many other projects lined up for commissioning in about twelve different locations across the country.

    He said that “in the seven to eight years of the President Buhari’s administration, we’ve witnessed a lot of developments in the tertiary education subsector which have been made possible not just through statutory funding but intervention agencies like TETFUND. These iconic projects were completed this year and we’re delighted that the funds provided were properly utilized. We’re happy and hope that the institution will benefit more “.

    Earlier, provost of the college, Dr. Richard Ugbaha while delivering his welcome address said that “I want to categorically state that the best thing to happen to tertiary education in Nigeria is the establishment of TETFUND. This bold step has helped to provide institutions with basic infrastructure and educational needs that are required for effective teaching and learning, and our college has benefitted immensely “.

    Ugbaha who commended the President and other key stakeholders for the projects executed in the main and satellite campuses of the college, however, appealed to the federal government to also look into providing the institution with Solar Power farm, hostel accommodation, furnishing of the 2012/2013 Theatre Arts auditorium as well as fencing of the Bebi campus.

  • Jedy-Agba Tours Electricity Project Sites In Cross River North

    Over the weekend, after commissioning two complexes in the Federal College of Education, Obudu on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Honourable Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR, embarked on a confirmation tour to some locations where he facilitated electricity projects in Cross River North.

    The Minister had facilitated the installation of six (6) 500kva distribution transformers to his Senatorial district; three in Obanliku, two in Obudu and one in Ogoja local government. A single 500kva transformer can connect more than 103 homes.

    Those in Obanliku are located in Bayaga,
    Busi Road and Busan fong while the ones for Obudu have been installed in Ukwutia and Ngbenege. The one for Ogoja is in Muniaya, just by the Hospital in Ogoli.

    Part of the project also involves replacement of electricity poles and cables. Already, the first phase of the the project which is installation of the transformers in the six locations and replacement of poles and cables in some parts of Ukwutia is at advanced stage of completion.

    The second phase which is commencing soon will also see to the installation of distribution transformers and replacement of cables and poles in some parts of Bekwarra, some LGAs in central and South Senatorial districts including Obubra, Etung, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, etc.

     

  • Jarigbe Agom Embarks On Massive Rural Water Supply To 21 Communities In Cross River North

     

    No fewer than Twenty one (21) communities in Cross River North Senatorial District are set to benefit from Senator Jarigbe Agom’s rural water supply to the Senatorial District.

    The communities who have previously decried the perennial water shortage and lack of access to safe drinking water which has been one of the most complex challenges said, they have been abandoned to their fate by the government of the state.

    Senator Jarigbe while mobilizing contractors to site stated that, the Rural Water Project is primarily meant to fulfill the basic needs of the people, as well as to ensure rights of access to safe domestic water, good health hygiene and other basic amenities by the affected communities.

    According to the lawmaker, access to clean, affordable and drinkable water is a fundamental human rights recognized by the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

    The Communities which cut across the 5 Local Government Areas of the Senatorial District include; Nyake/Nwang (Mfom 1, Ogoja), Central Mosque (Imaje Okuku, Yala), Akaraba (Gakem Ward, Bekwarra), Bewo (Otukpuru Ward, Bekwarra) Abuagbor (Abouchiche Ward, Bekwarra), Ukpada (Ugboro Ward, Bekwarra), Nwa Gba (Ukpah Ward, Bekwarra) Agida (Afrike Okpeche, Bekwarra) Ketting (Bendi Ward 1, Obanliku), Bagga (Utanga Ward, Obanliku), Bayaga (Bisu Ward, Obanliku), Sankwala (Bebi Ward, Obanliku).

    Others include, Akorshi Owhe (Ketting 1, Obanliku), Bukemanya (Bisu Ward, Obanliku), Belinge (Becheve Ward, Obanliku), Begiaba (Obudu), Ukwel (Obudu), Kakum, (Ipong Ward, Obudu), Utugwang North (Obudu), Utugwang Central (Obudu) and Utugwang South (Obudu).

    The projects after completion will be handed over to members of the respective communities.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

     

  • Governors Ben Ayade, Ganduje, Sule, And Others Honoured As Nigeria Mark Africa Immunization Week

     

    Cross River State Grovernor, Ben Ayade, has been honoured along side other Governors as Cross River State is said to be one of the top performing states in the Nation for distinguishing themselves and recording improved scorecards in all vaccination actives as well as setting standards in the operations of Primary Healthcare Activities in the country.

    This is part of the week long activities to mark the 2022 Africa Immunization Week organized by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency in collaboration with health care partners to encourage states meet their immunization benchmark in all Local Government Areas.

    Speaking after the presentation of the awards, His Excellency Sen Prof Ben Ayade, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, represented by the National Women Leader of the All Progressive Congress, Dr Betta Edu said it was a thing of honour to distinguish Cross River State from every other states in the South South region , noting that, the state has always been a formidable force to be reckoned with in Primary and Secondary health care service delivery since the early days of the Senator Ben Ayade’s administration.

    She congratulated and appreciated the Governor for always prioritizing health and for all the investment and innovations which are yield results.

    She thanked the Federal Government for its supports and contributions to the evolving health status of the country, noting that, in the nearest future, Nigeria will become the leading health providing nation in Africa and major player in the global health policy framework.

    She praised the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong and the entire health team , for always being result oriented.

    In her response, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Dr Iwara Iwara and the Director of Immunization Services, Mrs Joy Chabo expressed their appreciation for the honour as she appreciated His Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade and his dear wife, Dr Linda Ayade for their continued support to the health sector. She also appreciated the Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu for leadership as the Chairman Task team on Immunization.

    The DG outlined the numerous parameters for the success attained and how the state ascertained it’s top spot.

    She noted that the collective contributions of health workers in the state and their selfless disposition to duties are some of the cardinal factors which has driven immunization campaign messages to all regions irrespective of physical and environmental barriers in the state. She thanked them profusely for their sacrifice.

    She also noted and appreciated the contributions of religious and traditional leaders, cso, and stakeholders from all sectors who played a huge role to this success.

    She promised that the state will continue to do it’s best to ensure Nigeria’s certification of a vaccine compliant state eradicate vaccine preventable deaths in the country.

  • UNICAL Security Nabs Prof’s Son, Two Others For Allegedly Stealing 2M Car Engine

    Culled From Daily post

    The University of Calabar (UNICAL) internal security team has arrested a Professor’s son whose name was given only as Jerry for allegedly stealing a Hilux engine, estimated to worth two million naira. The incident is said to have happened inside the UNICAL Staff quarters on Saturday but the ‘Belgium’ engine was stolen from the mechanic workshop inside the staff quarters. The suspect was picked up alongside two other accomplices, also simply named as David and Paul.

    Chief Security Officer of the University, Capt Augustine Bisong (rtd) headed the investigation which led to the arrest after two weeks. Explaining to Journalists, Bisong said the engine was bought to replace a bad one in a vehicle that belongs to a principal officer of the school.

    “The engine is reported to cost some two million naira. We had to mount surveillance immediately we got the information.”

    According to him, the suspects stole and sold the engine, “From our investigation, we confirmed that the suspects stole the engine. We have identified the buyer and other accomplices who took the engine out from the University. “The buyer of the “tokunbo Toyota Hilux engine at Bogobri and the vehicle/driver’s used in moving the engine out from the University have been identified.”

    The chief security officer alleged that those arrested had terrorised the University community. He said they had been stealing car batteries, armoured cables and vandalizing street lights. He said they will hand them over to the police for prosecution.

    David, one of the suspects, disclosed that he is from Benue State but resides in the University staff Quarters with his mother. He confessed that they sold the engine at Bogobiri community in Calabar for N30,000 only.

    “We took the engine to Bogobiri where we sold it for N30,000 because we thought it was scrap metal, I am sorry because I will never get involved in such again, ” he said.

     

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom Lit Up Government Primary School Ashikpe-Ukpe

     

    The senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has lit up Government Primary School Ashikpe-Ukpe, Obudu Local Government Area.

    The senator decided to step up teaching and learning environment of the school for the pupils with the electrification and installation of ceiling fans in the school.

    The people’s senator and Jari wonders as commonly called had just renovated the longest building in the last month.

    The electrification and installation of fans in the school is to be completed within the shortest possible time.

  • Inibehe Effiong Vs CJ, Akwa Ibom State; Why Are Judges Against Recording Of Court Proceedings? BY FIRST BABA ISA

     

    This case of Inibehe Effiong is bringing a lot of things to the fore, a lot of things wrong with our justice system. Today, I will point out one:

    Why do judges always take offense when court proceedings are being recorded? I challenge any lawyer, judge or scholar to point me to a provision of the law or rule that prohibits litigants, lawyers, journalists or members of the public from videoing or recording court proceedings in Nigeria. (Apart from juvenile proceedings and maybe those consented to by parties).

    In fact, the Constitution provides that all court proceedings must be in public. Why do judges try to keep secret what is meant for the public?

    Inibehe’s purported contempt case might tell us why.

    The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State has released the records of proceedings in the case where she jailed the lawyer for contempt of court. Have you seen the irony this situation presents: this contempt case is between Inibehe and the CJ, and the only record the public and the Court of Appeal can rely on to determine what really transpired is the record produced by the CJ!

    Yes, I know the record of proceedings can be legally challenged and impugned, but all this drama wouldn’t be necessary if the proceedings were recorded by journalists and members of the public. How can we know the truth of what transpired in court by depending solely on the record of the judge, who is now a party in the whole saga?

    This continuous barring of members of the public from recording court proceedings has absolutely no positive side. Those who argue that allowing anyone who wants to record court proceedings to do so will lead to transparency and stem corruption and abuse of office on the bench have a salient point.

    I have read the records of proceedings and the judge wants me to believe that INIBEHE or any lawyer for that matter, will bang the table, shout and point and at a judge and say ”I will not continue…”? Hmmmm. Maybe it’s true. Maybe, Ini smoked something that day; but now that the CJ is both the offended and the judge, forgive me if I refused to take her word alone, on that record of proceedings, as final. Again, you see, this is where it would have been great to allow that Premium Times journalist she sent out to record the proceedings. But she sent him out and now wants us to believe her story as contained in the records of proceedings.

    As I said earlier, I know certainly that the records of proceedings will be challenged, but even as it is, the records of proceedings shows manifest irregularities and patent vacancies. The proper procedure for contempt in facie curia was not carried out. From where I stand the conviction for contempt is void.

    In closing we have to go back to the initial question: why are judges so uncomfortable with court proceedings being recorded? What’s going on?

    – By Firsts Baba Isa
    First Baba Isa – Page