The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

Just In: Governor Ayade Assents To Legislative And Judiciary Autonomy Bills

The Cross River State Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade has signed two bills passed by the state house of Assembly that grant autonomy to both the state legislature and the state judicial arms of government.

The two bills, Legislative Fund Management and Other Matters and Judicial Fund Management and Other Matters, were signed into law in the government house council chambers.

According to the bills, all moneys due to the House of Assembly and Judiciary for capital and recurrent expenditure shall be paid by the Accountant-General into the their accounts in monthly instalments, in accordance with provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

While signing the bill into law, Governor Ayade stated that the bills were very important in the life of his administration, explaining that it is a win for the APC led government.

He thanked the lawmakers for their cooperation and collaboration, noting that his administration had achieved a lot because of the cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature.

The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams, in his remark applauded his colleagues of the 9th Assembly, saying under his leadership they have recorded giant strides in the quality of bills passed and assented to by the Governor.

“We have made history with this signing into law today, it is my strong conviction that we will continue to work as partners for the growth and progress of our dear state and the good people of Cross River,” he noted.

September 3, 2021
Parents Of C’River State Students In UNIJOS, NACRISS World Wide Commends Gov Ben Ayade

By Admin

The leadership of the National Association of Cross River State Students NACRISS WW, has expressed appreciation to the state governor, Sen Ben Ayade for the timely provision of buses to rescue students that were trapped in the University of Jos hostel on hostilities that recently rocked Jos the Platue capital which led to a 24 hrs curfew.

In release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to NACRISS WW President, Comr Tobe Stephen, and made available to TheLumineNews, indicates that parents have continued to call to express their appreciation to the Governor.

The release Reade’s in full;

OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CROSS RIVER STATE STUDENTS, WORLDWIDE .

Press Release

NACRISS WW Thank the Governor of Cross River State Sen. Prof. Sir Ben Ayade KSJI Over Swift Intervention

The president of National Association Of Cross River State Students Worldwide (NACRISS WW) Snr. Comr. Ovat Peter, the entire Students in the state and in Diaspora expressed unalloyed appreciations to the State Governor Of Cross River State, His Excellency Sen.(Prof.) Ben Ayade over his intervention in evacuating Students from University of Jos, Pleatau State owing to insecurity and hooliganism which resulted to the closure of the University Of Jos, the development that was unhealthy to Students.

The president has also received several calls from the parents and guardians of the students, thanking the governor for his quick intervention and swift response to the dastardly situation.

The parents of the students also acknowledged that the governor has always put the interest and welfare of Cross Riverians as top priority.

As soon as the Governor was briefed about the situation, provisions to Bring-Back-Home students of Cross River Origin became the Governor’s utmost focus, as palatable environment was created to ensure Cross Riverians where brought home without unprepared circumstances as seen in provision of
Vehicles,

Heavy security,

Disbursement for refreshments/Feeding,

Hotel Accommodation,

Provision of financial support for students who had traveled before the evacuation and for Cross River State Students based in Jos plateau state
as well as other necessary provisions.

It’s worthy to note that the Exercise was carried out by the NACRISS WW president Snr. Comr. Ovat Peter alongside the Special Assistant to the governor on student’s affairs, Comr. Abang Ogon. Also in the team was the chief of staff to the NACRISS WW Comr. Michael Effiong and the Deputy Chief press secretary to the NACRISS WW Comr. Charles Ajap jr.

Not forgetting the leadership of NACRISS UNIJOS chapter, especially the vice president Sen. Odey,

The NACRISS WW president who used the opportunity to thank and appreciate the Permanent Secretary to the governor on special Duties Dr. Alfred Mboto for facilitating and supervising the whole process.

Indeed, the Governor, as always been doing, fulfilled his unchanged commitment to the oath of office during his swearing in.

Lastly, The NACRISS WW president Snr. Comr. Ovat Peter appeals to our Digital Governor to grant the leadership of NACRISS WW Audience which is very necessary, maintaining that the leadership and students of the state are totally loyal and are in support of the Governor who is the Grand Patron(GP) of the Association.

The entire Students in the state and indeed, NACRISS WW thank the Governor and pray God to bless him abundantly.

Signed:
Comr. Tobe Stephen
Chief Press Secretary
NACRISS WW.

August 30, 2021
UPDATED: C’River Civil Service Bow To NLC Picketing, Begins Refund Of N25,000 Extorted From Directors

By Patrick Obia In CrossRiverWatch

Our newsroom can confirmed that, following the picketing and shutdown of the Cross River State Secretariat by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the office of Head of Service has began refunding the ₦25,000 extorted from Directors.

Sources from the NLC disclosed this to CrossRiverWatch saying, the “HOS led by Mrs. Geraldine Akpet-Ekanem succumbed to the pressure and began refunds, calling on those who are not around to come get their money in cash.”

NLC had swore to employ all its arsenal to ensure the ₦25,000 extorted from 275 Directors were refunded.

Earlier today (Monday), the Nigeria Labour in Cross River State barricaded the State Secretariat, demanding refund of illegal promotion examination charges for Directors.

The NLC with their members locked the gate restricting both human and vehicular movement in, out and within the premises.

Placards with different inscriptions such as; “labour say no to #25,000 before exams for Directors,” “Head of Service, Geraldine Akpet-Ekanem must go,” “Ayade payroll workers employed since 2018,” “Ayade don’t kill the Civil service,” “HOS implement Civil servants promotion you inherited,” among others.

As at press time, Police were still at the scene but the NLC remains resolute to ensure all extorted money is refunded. Even though the Government has successfully accepted it’s fault and is refunding the extorted money, the NLC has not opened the gate to the premises.

The State NLC had issued a warning to the Government asking that no fee should be collected for the promotion examination threatening to act if not refunded.

August 30, 2021
ONGOING: C’River NLC Shut State Secretariat, Demands Refund Of N25,000 Extorted From Directors

By Patrick Obia In CrossRiverWatch

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Cross River State Council in an ongoing protest has shut down the State Secretariat, demanding refund of illegal promotion examination charges for Directors.

The NLC with their members locked the gate restricting both human and vehicular movement in, out and within the premises.

Placards with different inscriptions such as; “labour say no to #25,000 before exams for Directors,” “Head of Service, Geraldine Akpet-Ekanem must go,” “Ayade payroll workers employed since 2018,” “Ayade don’t kill the Civil service,” “HOS implement Civil servants promotion you inherited,” among others

As at press time, Police has arrived the scene but the NLC remains resolute.

Earlier, the State NLC had issued a warning to the Government asking that no fee should be collected for the promotion examination threatening to act if not refunded.

See pictures below.

August 30, 2021
C’River Receives Spotlight Initiative Monitoring Team Report From UN, Fed Govt, Records Huge Success

Following the launch of the Spotlight Initiative on July 12th, 2019 by Cross River State Governor, Senator Prof Ben Ayade to tackle Gender Based Violence (GBV) mitigated against women and girls
in the state, the joint mission team of the United Nations (UN) and the federal government embarked on a 3-day monitoring visit to the state from August 16th – 19th, 2021 to meet with the implementing partners and Civil Society Organizations (CSO).

The delegation assessed level of progress and presented her joint mission report to the state government with many positive impacts. The joint monitoring team’s visit sought to enhance ownership, transparency and to achieve better results backed by evidence-based data for progress monitoring and to provide recommendations to be used in effective delivery.

According to the Commissioner for International Development Coporation, Dr Inyang Asibong, the Spotlight Initiative is currently being implemented in three pilot LGAs in the state with high prevalence rate of GBV, which are Calabar Municipality, Calabar South and Obanliku. The key implementing partners are the government and Civil Society Reference groups with intervention focus on six mutually-reinforcing pillars which include laws and policies, institutions, prevention, services, data, and CSOs/Women’s Movement.

Spotlight Initiative, the world’s largest human rights movement is a multi-year partnership between the European Union and United Nations targeted at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls with a particular focus on domestic and family violence, sexual violence and harmful practices, femicide, woman trafficking and economic exploitation by 2030.

Spotlight Initiative is administered by the Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office with support from five core UN mission Agencies which include UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN-WOMEN and UNESCO along with the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning, the state Ministry of International Development Corporation, Ministry of Women Affairs and the UN Regional Coordinator’s Office.

Some of the sites toured during the 3-day working visit are the Gender Department of the Force Police Headquarters Calabar,
Ministry of International Development Coporation, Ministry of Women Affairs,
Ancestral Clan in Uwanse Calabar, Ikpai Community in Big Qua Calabar, Vesicovaginal Fistula Unit of the General Hospital Calabar, FIDA Office Calabar, Ministry of Justice Calabar, Ministry of Humanities and Social Welfare Calabar, Safe Space, WAPI Secondary School Calabar, Girls Power Initiative, Agency for Adults and Non Formal Education among others.

August 23, 2021
Twenty And Counting : Celebrating Jedy-Agba’s Two Years Of Excellence As Minister

By Inyali Peter

Addressing Nigeria’s epileptic power supply was one of the cardinal campaign promises of President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, (APC), during the 2015 and 2019 electioneering processes.

Past administrations had expended so much resources in the power sector but with little results. Despite the county’s existing power plants having the potential to generate up to 12,522 megawatts of electricity, the highest the highest it has attained was the 5,552.8MW announced on the 6th of January, 2021 by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

Besides, the country’s overdependent on thermal and hydro power sources that other countries are walking away from is a major part of the issues facing the power sector. The decision of the Buhari’s administration to invest massively in renewable energy development is not however, unconnected to this.

During his first tenure, the President merged the Ministry of Power with that of Works and Housing. But in his second term, he decided to unbundle the Ministries, with the Ministry of Power assuming a pivotal role in the process of driving the nation’s economy in line with the administration’s diversification agenda.

To underscore the importance his administration attached to solving Nigeria’s power problem, the President deployed two Ministers; Engr. Saleh Mamman as Honourable Minister of Power, and Dr. Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, as Honourable Minister of State, Power.

For effective and efficient service delivery and harmonious working relationship, the President, through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha shared responsibilities in the power Ministry between the two Ministers, with each having equal and independent supervisory role over agencies under them.

While Engr. Mamman was asked to suprivise the activities of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO), Dr. Agba on the other hand, was saddled with the responsibility of executing his mandatory work as Minister through the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN).

Two years down the line, the two Ministers have left no stone unturned in ensuring improved electricity supply in Nigeria. For instance, the Minister of State alone has supervised the completion of twenty (20) major projects within this period, all geared towards solving the shortage of electricity supply in the country.

These projects are spread across the six geopolitical zones of the country. There’s no single geopolitical zone in Nigeria today that Jedy-Agba has not completed, commissioned and handed over economically viable electricity projects to benefitting communities and institutions.

In NAPTIN, for example, he has ensured drastic reformation in the agency which has enhanced its capacity to train more Nigerians in different electricity value chain including generation, transmission, installation and maintenance of electricity infrastructure. More than five thousand (5,000) young Nigerians have been trained, equipped and empowerred since he assumed office.

Similarly, for NEMSA, the agency responsible for maintaining technical standards in the power sector , he has supervised the completion of its state-of-the-art Meter Testing Station. The ultramodern facility is the first ever building started and completed by the agency since its establishment eight years ago.

Located in Enugu State to cover the entire Southern Nigeria, the station amongst other things, is handling all metering services in the region as well as testing and certification of energy meters. Plans are on ground to build similar facility in Northern Nigeria to reduce the amount of money expended in rent in some of its rented facilities.

Nevertheless, where the Minister has shone the most is in the Rural Electrification Agency. To his credit, the agency has completed and commissioned not fewer than nineteen (19) major projects since he assumed office. Several other projects have been completed and awaiting commissioning while some are at different stages of completion.

These projects include, 100KWP Isolated hybrid mini-grid at Eka-Awoke community in Ikwo local government, Ebonyi State, 8.25MW Solar hybrid mini-grid at Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, two 7.5KWP Mini-grid at Nnewi and a 1.12MW Solar mini-grid at Abubakar Tafewa Balewa University, Bauchi.

Others are, 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Adebayo Community, Ovia South local government, Edo State, 1.35MW at Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, 60KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Obudu Ranch Resort in Obanliku Local government area of Cross River State, 60KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Okangha-Mpkansi community in Ikom local government area of Cross River State, Grid Extension project in Malumfashi local government, Katsina, and 30KWP solar mini-grid at Bambami also in Katsina.

The REA under his supervision has also completed Grid Extension Electrification Project in Ifesowapo in Ajilola, Ede South local government, Osun state, 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Olooji community in Ijebu East, Ogun State, 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Budo-are community, Ifesiwaju local government, Oyo State, provision of 65KWP solar hybrid mini-grid system in 250 bed cottages hospital in Ukpogo community in Okene local government, Kogi State.

Under his watch, the agency has also completed a 334KWP isolated PV solar hybrid mini-grid in Shimankar Community in Shendam local government area in Plateau State, provided and installed 5.4KPW solar hybrid mini-grid at Adavi-Eba, Adayi local government, Kogi State, 40KW solar mini-grid at Goto Sarki community in Paikoro local government, Niger State, 85KW isolated solar mini-grid at Dakitti community in Akko local government area of Gombe State as well as provision of 30KW solar mini-grid at Mbela Town, Yulde, Gubudo, Mayo Belwa in Adamawa State.

There are also several other solar power streets lights projects across the country that have been completed under his watch in the past two years that are not included in this list.

Indeed, when President Buhari assured the United Nations General Assembly during its 74th session held in New York on September 24, 2019 that Nigeria is working to have at least 30 per cent of its total electricity supply from renewable sources by 2030, he knew he had a capable hand in Jedy-Agba to steer the country’s renewable energy revolution.

Nigeria may not have completely overcome the challenge of inadequate power supply, but with the guts, passion, commitment shown, as evidenced in the achievements of Jedy-Agba as Minister and the overall performance of the Buhari’s government in the power sector, the country is undoubtedly moving stoutly in the right path.

August 22, 2021
GFO Orim Foundation Partners ITF, Set To Empower 40 Youth In Obudu

By Elijah Ugani

The management of GFO Orim Foundation has unveiled its plan to train and empower 40 youths drawn from the 10 political wards of Obudu Local Government Council.

Addressing the trainees at the skill acquisition centre Obudu, the Coordinator of GFO Orim Foundation, Hon Peter Okaba, hinted that “this program is part of our numerous interventions to improve the livelihood of our people. At GFO Orim Foundation, we are poised to ensure that we better the lives of our people. You were nominated from your various wards by your leaders, and we want to restate our commitment to providing the needed services to the society”

Hon. Peter Okaba maintained that “We have decided to partner with the Industrial Trust Fund, to give credibility to the training. GFO Orim Foundation will ensure that at the end of this training, you will have a good start to do you business”

On her part, the Area Manager of ITF, Mrs Evelyn Irabor, who was represented by the Training Development Officer, Mr Illo Chukuemeka Fredrick, stated that “this is no longer an era of giving fish, it is the era of teaching people how to fish. I urge you to open your hearts to welcome this program.

“As ITF, we have committed to the delivery of our mandate. We are trying to rewrite our stories”

In another development, the Chief Audio Visual Assistant, Mr Innocent Animpuye, averred that “GFO Orim is offering you a rare privilege, after this training, comes the empowerment. We will pay you a monthly stipends of #5,000.00 for your transport. I want to urge you to take this project very seriously. Misconduct will meet equal disciplinary sanction.

“I want to thank GFO Orim Foundation for this initiative. We must ensure that you have 80 percent attendance before you will be qualified to be provided with start up pack. This is a certified program, a federal government project. When we come for supervision and found out that you miss the program consecutively, for two weeks, you will be replace. The best and only way we will go is to forgo the links and connections that nominated you this program, so that you will acquire the needed skill for self reliance”

Animpuye cited the Obi Cubana philosophy of lifting others and likened it the magnanimity of the Chairman of GFO Orim Foundation, who is the Chief of Staff to the Cross River State. He urged the participants to take advantage of this opportunity and ensure that the program has a positive effect on you.

The program that is designed for three months will take place in the Calabar office of the Industrial Trust Fund for participants who are resident in Calabar. The skills to be learned in Calabar include; poultry, fisheries and crop farming while residents in Obudu will undergo training on plumbing, catering and event management.

August 22, 2021
NSIP: C’River Flags Off Government Enterprise Empowerment Program, GEEP 2.0

In a bid to better the welfare of Cross Riverians, the governor, Sen Ben Ayade has brought in yet another Program under the National Social Investment Programme NSIP, christened Government Enterprise Empowerment Program to Cross River state.

The Program GEEP 2.0 is one of the four programs under the NSIP targeted at empowering Cross Riverians who are already into business enterprises such as Traders, Artisans, famers, agricultural workers, and other categories of Micro, small and medium enterprises in furtherance to poverty eradication, employment generation, growth and development of MSMes in the state.

Speaking during the Flag off and Training of Community Orientation and Mobilization Officers (C.O.M.O.S), the Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare services Mrs Blessing Egbara, who doubles as the Focal person to the NSIP in Cross River State, hailed Governor Ben Ayade for his wisdom in creating the state Ministry of Humanity and Social Welfare services which has so far drawn lots of federal government programs to the state.

Mrs Egbara disclosed that the GEEP 2.0 program is a program that will elevate thousands of Cross Riverians, adding that “since the commencement of the NSIP in Cross River state, Millions of Cross Riverians have benefited from the NSIP, thanks to the wisdom and systematic structure of His Excellency Senator Prof Benedict Ayade towards to the well being of Cross Riverians”.

Mrs Egbara urged all Community Orientation and Mobilization Officers to go out and deliver on the task given to them, stressing that there will be no room for indiscipline and fowl play.

“I call on you all today to take the task ahead very serious, the master trainer will put you through on what needs to be done, i hope and believe that you will not bring bad name to Cross River state as we are known nationally as a state without bad records when it comes to the NSIP, so I want to urge you all to take this task very seriously” – She Maintained

Speaking on behalf of the Minster for Humanitarian Affairs Mr Sunday Oko, applauded Governor Ben Ayade for creating a safe environment for the operation of the NSIP in the State, he thanked the Governor for his continuous support and efforts in ensuring that Cross River State gains from Federal government Humanitarian Programs.

Mr Oko further revealed that after the training of C.O.M.Os, the next phase is sensitization and Enumeration of the targeted beneficiaries, adding that the loan structure ranges from 10,000 to 300,000 for beneficiaries that will cut across the 18 Local Government Areas.

August 18, 2021
President Buhari Signs Petroleum Industry Bill Into Law

By Femi Adesina

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the Petroleum Industry Bill 2021 into law.

Working from home in five days quarantine as required by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 after returning from London on Friday August 13, the President assented to the Bill Monday August 16, in his determination to fulfill his constitutional duty.

The ceremonial part of the new legislation will be done on Wednesday, after the days of mandatory isolation would have been fulfilled.

The Petroleum Industry Act provides legal, governance, regulatory and fiscal framework for the Nigerian petroleum industry, the development of host communities, and related matters.

The Senate had passed the Bill on July 15, 2021, while the House of Representatives did same on July 16, thus ending a long wait since early 2000s, and notching another high for the Buhari administration.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
August 16, 2021

August 16, 2021
Sandy Onor Condemns The Abduction Of Ubi Itam, Calls For His Immediate Release

By Caterpillar Media

The senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Senator Sandy Ojang Onor has described the abduction of Mr Ubi Itam, one of his constituents who was abducted early this week by suspected kidnappers at his country home, Ugep in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State as barbaric, disgusting, insane and capable of traumatizing the family.

Sen. Onor charged government agencies and security apparatus within the state and country to rise to the challenge of the moment and ensure the immediate release of Mr Ubi Itam.

Sen. Onor Who spoke through the DG of Caterpillar Movement, Hon Joe Obi Bisong admonished the family of Ubi Itam during a solidarity visit to remain steadfast as government will do everything within it powers to ensure the safe release of their son.

In a statement issued and delivered to the Obol Lopon of Ugep, Obol, Ofem Ubana, at his Palace, Senator Onor said: “On Monday this week, I received with rude shock and great concern, the news of the kidnap of Obol Ubi Itam Etta, (my constituent) who was a two time Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council.

“Kidnapping has and will never have a place in civilized and sane societies. I therefore, condemn in the strongest possible terms, the kidnap of Obol Ubi Itam Etta (Bomboi) in his Ugep his hometown by unknown elements.”

He further called on law enforcement agencies to swing to action for the safe release of Obol Ubi as he said: “I call on relevant security agencies to do whatever it is within the confines of the law to not only ensure his safe release, but also see to it that all perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to face the wrath of the law accordingly.”

Onor used the opportunity to call on his constituents to remain calm as all known procedures will be deployed to ensure the release of Ubi Itam “I want to enjoin all my constituents to remain calm, and to have trust in the relevant authorities to fetch out those behind this unspeakable act. I also wish to assure the family of Obol Bomboi that all known contacts will be harnessed to fish out the criminals, and ensure that Obol Ubi Etta returns home safely to join his family. May God bless us all.”

Responding, the Royal Father thanked Senator Onor for being the first politician as well as public office holder to visit Ugep in solidarity during this trying time as he said: “At this time for somebody to come and say am in grief with you, the community is wonderfully happy. For him to have done this is enough reason for us to say even if he puts his head in fire we would go with him.”

Speaking on behalf of the family, Chief Solomon Etta who spoke on behalf of the family at the residence of Ubi Itam, maintained that “Senator Sandy Onor is my friend, tell him I appreciate him, I thank him for the solidarity and I thank all of you. I want to assure you that by the grace of God we ‘re ready to negotiate his life and he would be back. May God bless you as you go and may your journey be safe. Amen!”

August 13, 2021