The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

Sandy Onor, Two Businessmen Makes Huge Donations For The Repair Of Ogoja Magistrate Court 2

By Elijah Ugani

The senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Sen. Prof. Sandy Onor has donated half a million naira to the repair of Ogoja Magistrates Court 2.

In release made available to TheLumineNews signed by the Convener, Operation Rescue and Repair Ogoja Magistrate Court 2, Citizen Agba Jalingo indicates that “Senator Sandy Onor just contributed 500k for the repair of Ogoja Magistrates Court 2.

“Mr. John George, a businessman, who earlier donated 500k, has also offered to fix the aluminum windows at the Ogoja Magistrates Court 2. The window cost 615k.

“Mr. Chris Agbe, another businessman has also offered to give two new office tables and six chairs worth over 300k, from his furniture shop in Calabar to furnish two offices at the Ogoja Magistrates Court 2″.

The release further indicates that ” the Court still needs generator/Inverter, 2 laptops, wall fans, photocopier, air-conditioner, chairs, tiles and cement “.

The second phase of donation commenced when the committee for the repair had submitted the report for the first phase of the donation and was published by the Convener of the Operation Rescue and Repair Ogoja Magistrates Court 2, Citizen Agba Jalingo.

May 26, 2021
The Akpanke Foundation Commences Collation Of Data Of Cross Riverians For Grant Assistance

By Admin

The Peter Akpanke Foundation has announced its intention to collate data of Cross Riverians for free financial grant.

This was disclosed through a release signed by the Chairman of the Akpanke Foundation, Mr. Peter Akpanke.

The release eads;

The management of The Akpanke Foundation (TAF), a non profit organization designed to provide succor to the needy and less privileged through empowerment, programs and other Humanitarian services in her relentless fight against Poverty has commenced the collation of data for free financial Grants for the people of Cross River State.

Stand a chance of benefiting from this rare opportunity by filling the form in the link below.

Note; All processes are free of charge and you can fill for those who don’t have internet access.

Kindly fill the form below by clicking the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZLZ54oeZ8xM6Z_x_DTIwJKxJn_RsglrfvrYvfDoYS3swnvg/viewform?usp=sf_linkAkpanke Foundation Grant- Click here to register.

May 21, 2021
Showcasing Ticha Ogbu E-Library, One Of Sen. Sonni Ogbuoji Constituency Projects

By Admin

The over 250 capacity Ticha Ogbu E-Library that is housed in Ebunwana Civic Centre, Afikpo South Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, furnished with ultra modern and state of the art equipment is ready for use by the general public.

The Techa Ogbu E-Library has over 250 computers with functional internet facilities, a generating plant and solar power, is one of the 2016 constituency projects facilitated by Sen. Sonni Ogbuoji, who represented Ebonyi South Senatorial District, between 2015 to 2019.

The impact created by the E-Library cannot be overemphasized as the Ebunwana Business Services Limited is set to offer various services to the public which include but not limited to; UTME registration, Remitta, O’Level uploading, WAEC, NECO and GCE registration, NYSC, TRCN, NABTEB, Army, Civil Defence, Police, Air force application amongst others.

When contacted, Mr. Ibiam Azu Agwu, a Development Consultant who hails from the community commended the foresight of Sen. Sonni Ogbuoji to have initiated such a constituency project that meets the demands of the moment.

Agwu noted that “this project is set to provide solutions to some of our challenges as majority of our youths needs to take advantage of the E-Library for research and knowledge acquisition.

“The E-Library has also provided opportunity for those registering JAMB and writing the Computer Based Test exams not travel long distances for the test”

He used the opportunity to call on the general public to take advantage of the opportunity created by the E-Library to acquire knowledge and get the services provided by the Ebunwana Business Services.

May 15, 2021
Obudu Council Vice Chairperson Declares Open One Month Training Of 20 Youths By Hon. Maria Akwaji

By Elijah Ugani

The Vice Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Mrs. Asabe Ugbe declared opened a one month training for 20 youths as make-up artists organized by Hon. Maria Akwaji as part of activities streamlined to mark her late husband’s one year funeral anniversary.

Recall that the lawmaker had inaugurated a committee last month to assist in the planning of the event.

Declaring the training opened, Mrs. Asabe commended the resilience of the lawmaker to undertake the programme, and urged the trainees to be grateful to the State House Member who availed them the opportunity to be nominated for the training.

She averred that “my daughter was charged (#80,000.00) eighty thousand naira to be trained for this makeup. She is now in Abuja, and so if you are selected to trained, you have to be grateful to her and ensure that you use this opportunity very productively”.

Mrs. Asabe charged the participants to ensure that the develop interest in the training which is likely going to put food on their table and assured them that when they show interest, they are sure to come out successful.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the
Planning Committee, Hon. Peter Okaba, stated that the one month training was part of the activities streamlined to mark one year funeral anniversary of late Hon. Dr. Godwin Akwaji and a thank you session by Hon. Mrs. Maria Akwaji as she marks six months in office.

Hon. Peter Okaba was represented by the Secretary of the Planning Committee, Hon. Emmanuel Akwagiobe.

Okaba further stated that “this selection was done in consultation with ward leaders, as two persons were sent from each ward in the Local Government Area. This will be followed by providing a support fund for 20 widows to be nominated from the 10 wards and distribution of fertilizer to our farmers during the thanksgiving service slated for 20th June, 2021.

“This training will last for one month. We understand you may some challenges like transportation, but we want to appeal to you to bear with us, at the end of the training, we bet you, you will smile”

On his part, the Leader of Obudu Legislative Council, Hon. Peter Ishoja, appreciated very sincerely, Hon. Maria Akwaji to have deemed it necessary to train the youths.

Ishoja noted that “it is one thing to have and it is another thing to give. If some of us had envisaged the future, we would have acquired skills.

“I want to encourage you to take this training very seriously, so that at the end of the training, the sky will be your starting point”

Responding on behalf of others trainees, Miss Paulina Udie, thanked Hon. Maria Akwaji for the opportunity given them to be trained as make-up artists.

She held that “We want to say a very big thank you to our State House Member, Hon. Maria Akwaji. We are seriously grateful.

“When we go out there, we know what it cost to acquire this skill, but here we are having this training at the plater of gold. Wherever she gets this money from, we say God should bless her more and more”

May 10, 2021
Mob Action Against Bekwarra Son: Council Chairman Calls For Calm Among Youths

By Admin

The Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Dr. Josephat Emeka, has called on the youths to exercise calm and orderliness as government and security operatives are top gear to bring to justice the perpetrators and killer of one of their sons in gruesome manner.

The Chairman was made the called while reacting to the mob action against Bekwarra son along Vandekyia-Gboko highway, last week.

The call was contained in a release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the Chairman.

The release reads in full “Jungle justice has added another negative dimension to our peaceful coexistence as a people living together bound with a common heritage, culture and tradition.

“Jungle justice is one of the very many banes Nigeria is plagued with, despite efforts by the government, the media and other non-governmental organisations to discourage people from participating in this unjustified public execution of people, this effort only seems unproductive and not yielding any result.

“Even though section 33 of the Nigerian constitution clearly provides that no citizen shall be deprived of his/her right except in a manner excused by law, sad episodes of extrajudicial killings still persist in the Nigerian society.

“Different people have been killed in unjustified circumstances, while some have survived to tell their stories others have being lynched and burnt to death immediately.

“This brings to bear the information and posts making the rounds on social media on the unfortunate incident that claimed the lives of some persons including an illustrious son of Bekwarra origin in the hands of hoodlums along the Vandekyia-Gboko highway recently.

“After a very objective and careful investigation, I have been reliably informed that the remote cause of the circumstances leading to the unfortunate and gruesome death of the victims; a Bekwarra son and another was a case of a mistaken identity.

“Preliminary and secondary on the spot investigation has proven to the fact the Okada rider; a Tiv man in possession of some amount of money mistook them for robbers. He, the Okada man thought they ( the commercial driver and passengers) were trailing him, and so raised a false alarm which led to the attack by hoodlums and miscreants. This attack was what led to the unfortunate death of our dear Bekwarra son (Commercial Driver) who was going about his lawful business to earn a living.

“It is regrettable that the sad incident which took place in Benue State; around Gbem Community claimed the life of the driver who is Bekwarra origin. So the spurious allegations that four Bekwarra youth were victims of the mob action is totally false and misleading.

“Even though I was unavoidably absent at the time of the sad incident, relevant security agencies and apparatus, the youth council, concerned citizens etc were immediately mobilized to avert retaliation which may trigger a breakdown of law and order

“It is quite unfortunate that jungle justice, which is the unlawful killing of suspects in the most brutal manner, has become so common in Nigeria.

“It should be noted that those who commit this barbaric act which is spreading like wildfire are no respecter of age, sex, religion, ethnicity, geographical location, gender or societal status. Men, women and children from various backgrounds have been victims of this criminal act. Cases of jungle justice have resulted in the death of many individuals; some properly documented and others not.

“Victims of these barbaric acts are believed to have committed crimes that are as silly as mere suspicion, stealing pepper or salt from a roadside shop or at a supermarket before then being killed.

“May I use this medium to appeal for calm and orderliness on the part of the Bekwarra Youth as the government, security agencies and other relevant authorities are on top of the situation. We shall leave no stone unturned to get to the root of the matter and perpetrators brought to book ensure justice prevails.

“I therefore express my deepest condolences to the family, loved ones and relatives of this illustrious son of Bekwarra whose life has been caught short. I urge them to bear the unfortunate incident and irreplaceable loss”.

May 10, 2021
Linda Ayade Inaugurates Mentorship Programme

The wife of the Cross River State Governor, Dr. Linda Ayade has Inaugurated the State Exco for her new programme, CROWEI Urban To Rural Women Support Initiative Programme (CRU2RWI).

The programme which has Hon. Agnes Atsu (JP) as State Coordinator is to commence the pilot phase at Obanliku Local Government Area immediately.

The inauguration held on the 7th of May, 2021 at the conference room of the the office of the wife of the governor, had aides of Dr. Linda Ayade in attendance.

Speaking during the event, the Governor’s wife shared her vision of economic empowerment and emancipation for rural women through mentorship by their peers in the urban areas who have excelled and succeeded in their various chosen fields. She opined that women empowerment is critical because the woman serves as a critical pivot in the home as the woman bears the burden of training and caring for the young ones. She lauded women as key agents for development because research shows that most thriving nations have women in their power rooms making decisions for their growth.

Dr. Linda Ayade charged the team to work swiftly and commence the program to identify, train, empower and mentor widows, farmers, entrepreneurs and younger women/girls in Obanliku Local Government Area immediately. The pilot phase will see to the training and mentoring of 200 women selected from the 10 political wards of the LGA.

Responding on behalf of the committee, the State Coordinator, Hon. Agnes Atsu, thanked Her Excellency for the opportunity provided for the members of the team to contribute to the betterment of the lives of the rural women and girls. She pledged her commitment and dedication to her duties and sued for unity among the team members.

Other members of the Exco are Deaconness Abasioffiong Offiong – Assistant Coordinator; Pastor Dr. Bong Duke – Director, Research/Planning; Miss Benyin Adie – Director, Media Services; Hon. Mrs. Justina J. Edem – Mobilizer, South; Mrs. Lovina Etim Eteng – Mobilizer, Central; Madam Elizabeth U. Adie Mobilizer, North; and, Mr. Fred Abua – Secretary

The event was attended by the President of CROWEI, Hon. Mrs. Lawrencia Ita, JP and other CROWEI officials.

May 8, 2021
Ayade Committed To Actualizing An Open Defecation Free State – Ekpenyong

By Simon Ushie

The Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong has disclosed that the state Governor, Senator Ben Ayade is committed to achieving an Open Defecation Free State in the nearest possible time through the provision of basic infrastructures across the state.

The DG made this known at the conference hall of the National Orientation Agency, Calabar, during the flag off ceremony of the one day sensitization and capacity building exercise for Community Mobilization Officers towards Achieving an open defecation free status.

Dr Ekpenyong, pointed out that, achieving maximum results in areas related to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene could drastically reduce cases like diahorea, cholera and other common diseases which accounts for more than half of clinical cases in health Facilities.

Ekpenyong further stated that deliberate measures are being put in place by the state government in actualizing an open defecation free state which include, construction of toilets in rural Communities, sinking of boreholes, sensitization and awareness creation on the importance of maintaining good and personal hygiene.

In her word “For us in the Primary Healthcare Agency, we are committed to achieving a healthy society and that is why we try to incorporate Water , Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) messages in our routine outreaches in Communities.
The state Governor, Senator Ben Ayade has shown commitment to end open defecation in both rural and urban Communities by sinking boreholes, improving on infrastructures as well as creating an enabling environment for WASH actions to be implemented.

“We are keen to putting an end to open defecation because it results to more than half of all the clinical cases attended to in health facilities, that is why we urge people to always wash their hands with soap under running water, maintain personal and environmental hygiene”

On his part, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Dr Garba Abari, stated that all hands must be on deck to ensure that Nigeria obtain an Open Defecation Free Status by 2025 with aggressive sensitization.

The DG was represented by the Cross River State Director, Mr Amissine Ogban, expressed displeasure with Cross River’s progress in getting more LGAs certified ODF after making history as the first state with an open defecation free Local Government Area in the country.

“57 Local Government Areas in the Country have been certified Open defecation free with Cross River accounting for 6, a move which necessitated the launch of the “Operation Keep Nigeria Clean” campaign. Said he.

He charged the Community Mobilization Officers to continue to raise awareness and teach residents the importance of actualizing an open Defecation free status.

The representative of the Minister for water resources, reiterated the Minister’s commitment to support the state and the nation to achieve open Defecation free status.

Other speakers include representative of UNICEF, amongst others.

The six Open Defecation Free Local Government Areas in Cross River State include , Obanliku, Bekwarra, Boki, Yakurr, Ikom and Yala.

May 5, 2021
Councillor Links Two Communities With Monies Meant For Her Official Car

By Admin

The social has been inundated lately with photographs of a bridge constructed by Hon. Onem Tyna Miracle, the Deputy Majority Leader and Councillor representing Ward 2 in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State, who has reduced the age long suffering of her people as she used the money meant for her official car to build a bridge linking two communities in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State.

Before embarking on the project, The Lumine News gathered that, she met with the Chiefs of the two communities and informed them of her planned project, but they advised her to do something else as the bridge will be too much for her to execute.

Bent on denying herself official luxury for the good of her people, the lawmaker insisted and completed the project.

The good news of her benevolence and exceptional leadership reached the ears of the state Governor, Sen. Douyi Dori, invited her to the Bayelsa State Government House.

The outcome of the meeting is yet to be disclosed as all efforts made to reach the lawmaker yielded no result as at the time of filing this report.

She’s currently the talk of the town in Bayelsa State as many are still shocked at her zeal to better the life of her people, with many wondering what could be her drive and motivation.

May 5, 2021
Over 200 Households Receives CRSG Erosion Remediation Compensation In CRS

In line with the development of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) designed to compensate people affected by the civil works of ongoing intervention across the State, the State Government has commenced the presentation of cheques to Project Affected Persons (PAPs) across the State. The event was flagged off at Igaba in Obudu LGA and Itate in Yala LGA.

The Commissioner for International Development Cooperation and Acting Project Coordinator CRS-NEWMAP, Dr Inyang Asibong, earlier this week presented cheques to beneficiaries.

In her remarks during the cheque presentation, the Commissioner urged the beneficiaries to be very judicious in the use of the money to better their lives. Adding that a key objective of the CRS-NEWMAP is to improve the livelihood of affected persons and lessen the devastating effect of the gully erosion menace.

The exercise benefited 200 households whose structures fall within the circumference of the civil works for the NEWMAP interventions.

CRSG carried out this process of compensation without the Assistance of the World Bank, as part of the required counterpart funding for the project by the State.

May 3, 2021
UNFPA Partners CRSG, Holds Training On Gender Based Violence In Emergencies

By Izukah Favour

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Cross River State, organized a 4-day training programme on Gender based Based violence Violence in Emergencies (GBViE), to cushion the effects of the increasing number of people affected by gender based violence in the world, particularly in Cross River State.

The training which was held at Danic Hotels, Calabar for four days, (April 26th, 2021 to April 29th, 2021) had in attendance major stakeholders and service providers responding to cases of GBV in the state.

According to UNFPA, the aim of the training was “to increase the knowledge, skills and professional competencies of state and non- state actors to provide effective services to GBV survivors in humanitarian settings”.

During the training, selected facilitators addressed participants on Gender gender based violence, approaches to gender based violence as well as effective ways to handle cases of gender based violence in the field.

Speaking during the training, the UNFPA FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) Analyst Ms. Theresa Adah, reiterated the need for cases of GBV to be treated as urgent.

According to her, Gender gender based violence is a life threatening, global health and human issue that violates international law and the principles of gender equality.

She stressed that failure to address cases of GBV with urgency will lead to a continuous cycle of violence.

Ms. Adah hinted on the major factors contributing to the increasing cases of Gender gender based violence which she listed as; the make-up of the community/ communities and family systems, Gender gender inequality and discrimination.

Participants were advised at the training that in delivering humanitarian services to cases of Gender gender based violence survivors, “it is important that protection of survivors is central”.

Participants were also educated on their primary objective as humanitarian workers and service providers while handling cases of GBV, which is to “alleviate suffering, save lives and maintain human dignity.”

The training however highlighted the community approach as a strategic way to reduce Gender gender based violence to its barest minimum.

Speaking on the event and its partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Commissioner, Ministry of Women affairs, Mrs Rita Agbo Ayim, stated that the partnership between UNFPA and the ministry was very important especially as the number of gender based violence cases is on the increase in the state.

She averred that the ministry is a mother umbrella and as such, collaborations and partnerships like this training, are always welcomed as they help the ministry to effectively carry out its function especially in addressing cases of gender based violence.

“The Ministry of Women Affairs is the mother umbrella and we are expected to collaborate and work with all partners to ensure that the result is achieved”.

Ayim advised perpetrators of Gender gender based violence to desist from the act as the law would not compromise in dealing with perpetrators.

The Commissioner thanked UNFPA for the training as she maintained that the knowledge acquired would be used by participants to scale up their services in the field.

She urged participants to ensure that they make use of the information learnt to effectively carry provide their services.

“Let us ensure that the impact of this training is felt while we are at the field”. She added.

Speaking during the training, The Head of Office, UNFPA Cross River Sub-office, Calabar, Dr. Omolaso Omosehin, stated that the reason for the training was due to increase in the cases of Gender based violence in the state.

According to him, “one in 3 women have been assaulted globally by a close intimate partner”.

Speaking further, he stressed that in Nigeria, the situation has increased due to the crisis in Cameron.

“Particularly in Cross River State, we have a high number of survivors who have migrated from Cameron. Humanitarian workers and service providers in the field are facing so many challenges, hence, the need for the training.

“We know that humanitarian workers face a lot of challenges trying to see to the needs of the refugees.

“We decided that it was necessary for those who manage GBV survivors as well as refugees are well trained and that is why the training is very important”.

He maintained that the training would help strengthen the capacities of humanitarian workers and GBV service providers in the state.

He disclosed that UNFPA expects participants to train others who were not able to attend the training and put to practice what has been learnt.

May 3, 2021