The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • UNICAL VC Dismisses Speculations Of Rift Between Her And The Registrar

    UNICAL VC Dismisses Speculations Of Rift Between Her And The Registrar

     

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi has exposed the destructive works of rumour mongers and mischief makers on Campus.

    In her birthday message to the University Registrar, Amb. Gabriel Egbe, the Vice Chancellor dismissed the trending social media news on the rift between her and the Registrar as the handiwork of idle minds who have little or nothing to offer the university. She recalled the long cordial working relationship that has existed between her and Amb. Egbe, dating back to 2011 when, as Chairman of the University Housing Loan Implementation Committee, she was lucky to have Gabriel Egbe as her Secretary, and where, together, they recorded a phenomenal and unprecedented achievements in that Committee. She equally recalled that, at some time in her career when she suffered persecution in the system, and when everyone seemed to avoid her, Mr. Gabriel Egbe stood by her and never turned her down in any way.

    Prof FBO said she was happy and considered it the “hand of God” having to work with Mr. Egbe again as Registrar and Secretary to Council. She said “I have a perfect working relationship with Mr. Egbe … I laugh at everybody who tells stories that the VC wants to remove Gabriel Egbe”. She described the birthday celebrant as humble, respectful, hardworking, loyal and responsive.

    In her remarks, the Pro-Chanceĺor, Dist. Sen. Nkechi Nwaogu, CON, also paid glowing tribute to the Registrar, describing him as a hardworking, quiet and unassuming person who was a member of Council, representing Congregation from 2017 when she assumed duty as Chairman of the 12th Governing Council of the University before his appointment as Registrar. They both wished Mr Egbe well, and urged him to maintain the good work that has continue to stand him out.

  • Estimated Billing Will Soon Become A Thing Of The Past – Minister

    Estimated Billing Will Soon Become A Thing Of The Past – Minister

     

    The federal government has vowed to end the issue of estimated billing before the end of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration in 2023.

    Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, gave the assurances on Friday when he paid the Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifenyi Ugwuanyi courtesy call in his office.

    Agba who has been on a tour of facilities in the state said that the conflict between customers and distribution companies over the issue of estimated billing is of great concern to the government hence, the initiative to distribute six million free meters to Nigerians.

    He said that “the constant disagreement between customers and distribution companies over estimated billing has become of great concern to government. This is why President Muhammadu Buhari has given us the mandate to distribute free six million meters by the first half of this year.

    If we’re able to complete that by June, we’ll buy more meters and distribute for free to Nigerians. The programme is designed to continue till next year because our thinking is that by the end of this administration, if not all, three quarter of Nigerians should be metered”.

    While discussing the Refuse-Derived-Fuel Electricity Gastification Plant developed by the University of Nigeria, NSUKA, (UNN), the Minister said that if government at all levels key into the technology, it has the potential of solving 70 percent of Nigeria electricity issues.

    Also speaking, the Governor on his part, thanked the Minister for his interest in the state even as he appealed to the federal government to urgently come to the state’s aide in addressing its power challenges.

    Ugwuanyi lamented that about 300 transformers connecting half of the state essentially the Enugu North are no longer working due to age, over load and other related issues.

    He also revealed that in terms of bulk sharing, what the state was getting was inadequate and cannot serve their electricity needs hence, there was need for increase.

    According to him, “We have serious electricity issues in Enugu State. Over 300 transformers that provides light for half of the population of the state are bad. We used to have a lot of industries in this state but many of them have left because of lack of electricity.

    “We want to appeal to the federal government to complete the 3.2kv New Heaven power line. The President has been very supportive, there’s nothing I’ve taken to him that he has not addressed” .

    Hammering on the issue of estimated billing, he said that “Some local governments in this state did not have light for up to 7 months because of estimated billing until I had to intervene. I was in the National Assembly for 12 years but I did not see nay law that supports estimated billing. When customers complain of the outrageous bills they get, the next thing they do is to cut them off thereby promoting crime because economic activities are halted when there’s no light.

    We want to beg the Honourable Minister to give us light because Enugu is expanding, most of our people are returning home. We’re building industries massively, land has become even more expensive here than Abuja so, we need light “.

  • State-of-the-art Enugu NEMSA Building Excites Minister

    State-of-the-art Enugu NEMSA Building Excites Minister

     

    The Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, has expressed satisfaction with the quality and progress of work in the soon-to-be commissioned building of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) in Enugu State.

    The Minister while addressing journalists after touring the facility said that he was pleased that one of the agencies under him is set to deliver on yet another huge project.

    Agba said that the state-of-the-art building which will be furnished with ultramodern modern facilities is a national asset that will directly improve the quality of work of the agency’s staff covering area.

    According to him, “as an agency responsible for maintaining statutory technical standard, it was necessary for its staff to be provided with conducive environment to work because when the environment is not conducive, the result will be poor.

    This is why this project is so important. It’s a national asset. I’m satisfied with the quality of work so far so I want to congratulate the MD and his team for their sacrifices and commitment to achieving this”.

    The Managing Director of NEMSA, Engr. Peter Enesor said that the building which is 99 percent complete and billed for commissioning in the coming days will house meter testing station, laboratory and the inspectorate unit.

    Enesor who thanked the Honourable Minister for his vision and support in seeing to the completion of the project, assured that when commissioned, the facility will be properly maintained.

    The Minister after inspecting the building, toured some power installations in the state.

  • FG Pledges Support For UNN Refuse-Derived Power Plant

    FG Pledges Support For UNN Refuse-Derived Power Plant

     

    The federal government has pledged to support the University of Nigeria, Nsuka (UNN) to develop its 100KVA
    Refuse-Derived-Fuel Gastification Plant for electricity generation to address electricity challenges in the institution and Nigeria at large.

    Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, stated this on Thursday while on inspection of the facility.

    He said that the government is very impressed with the development and would do everything to support the institution to develop the innovation even more.

    The Minister added that, with the government ‘s investment in renewable and alternative energy, it is great that Indigenous Engineers and Scientists were coming up with inventions and ideas to boost the efforts of government.

    “I was not trying to impress the Vice Chancellor when I said that I’m impressed with what I’ve seen here. UNN has always set the pace and I’m very happy with this innovation.

    When I was told of this, the team lead, Prof. Emineke Ejiogu said they wanted to come to my office in Abuja to present it on video but I said no, I want to come down here and see things for myself so that when I want to present it to the President during Federal Executive Council meeting, I will do it convincingly. I have come and I’ve seen for myself”, the Minister said.

    The Minister added that “We have concluded the first phase of the Energizing Education Programme. We’re about to start the second phase. I’ll do all my best to see that UNN is one of the very first universities that we’ll start the next phase of installation of solar power plant in Federal Universities”.

    Speaking, Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Charles Igwe commended the Minister for his commitment and willingness to support the University to develop the innovation.

    The Vice Chancellor however appealed to the federal government to design a special electricity billing regime for universities and other tertiary institutions in the country.

    “We want to appeal to the federal government to design a special billing system for us. In UNN, when we get funds from Abuja, what we get for overhead is N7 million but what we pay for electricity alone every month is N70 – N80 million”, he said.

    The Head of the research team, Prof. Emineke Ejiogu said that the plant was designed and facilitated by the University ‘s Laboratory of Industrial Electronics, Power Devices, and New Energy Systems (LIEPNES).

    While saying that the plant is capable of reducing diesel consumption by 60 percent, he disclosed that the team with the support of the University, was already working on expanding the plant from 100KVA to 500KVA.

  • Jarigbe Agom Donates 1.5M For The Renovation Of Ogoja Magistrate Court 2.

    Jarigbe Agom Donates 1.5M For The Renovation Of Ogoja Magistrate Court 2.

    By Elijah Ugani

    The member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency
    and Senator-elect for Cross River Northern senatorial district, Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom has donated the sum of 1.5M for the renovation of the abandoned Ogoja Magistrate Court 2.

    His donation follows that of Mr. Arthur Javis, Proprietor of the first privately owned university in cross river state, Arthur Javis University, who also donated the sum of 300k for same purpose.

    Recall that Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, member representing Ogoja state constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly opened the floor when he donated the sum of 250k this morning.

    Agba Jalingo who initiated the donation, had announced this morning that the sum of 1.5M was needed for the renovation.

    Jalingo wrote “From preliminary findings, N1,500,000 (One Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira), can return the courtroom to where the Magistrate can resume sitting and hear cases.

    “We can join forces and contribute to achieve this goal in no time. It will be a real test of our commitment to collectively grow democracy and our communities. I am sure it will be something we will be proud we did, when we finally see pictures and videos of the Magistrate sitting in the courtroom renovated by “we the people.”

    “If you are interested in contributing to raising N1.5million for the repairs and light furnishing of Ogoja Magistrate Court 2, kindly indicate your interest and a means of payment will be communicated. Be rest assured that all contributions, including the last penny shall be dedicated to this project only, through direct labour and account shall also be rendered publicly”.

  • Hon. Peter Odey Donates 250k For Operation Rescue And Repair Ogoja Magistrate Court 2

    Hon. Peter Odey Donates 250k For Operation Rescue And Repair Ogoja Magistrate Court 2

    By Elijah Ugani

    The member representing Ogoja State constituency and Leader of the 9th Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey has donated #250,000.00 for the repair of the abandoned Ogoja Magistrate Court 2.

    The Court according to a report by the publisher of CrossRiverWatch, Agba Jalingo, the court has been abandoned for 25 years.

    The abandoned court was allotted to Hon. Peter Odey to build a private house by the Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade through the Commissioner for Land, when he applied for land.

    Hon. Peter Odey however, washed his hands off the piece of land when he realized that the premises belong to the court.

    Agba Jalingo had commenced Operation Rescue And Repair Ogoja Magistrate Court 2.

    Hon. Peter Odey swiftly responded by donating #250.000.00 for the repair of the abandoned Court.

  • Agba Jalingo Commences Operation Rescue And Repair Ogoja Magistrate Court 2.

    Agba Jalingo Commences Operation Rescue And Repair Ogoja Magistrate Court 2.

    Following the turn of events that beclouds Ogoja Magistrate Court 2, Agba Jalingo has commenced mobilization for donation to repair the abandoned court, codenamed ‘Operation Rescue And Repair Ogoja Magistrate Court 2’.

    Agba asked a rhetoric question, ‘How Much Can You Donate?’

    “I wish to start by saying, I congratulate Hon. Peter Odey, for promptly cooperating with public outcry and stopping work at the premises of the Ogoja Magistrate Court 2. He did that even before the court injunction was issued by the High Court, Ogoja division. I think also that another piece of land should be allocated to Hon. Peter Odey to build his house.

    “Having said that, it is now public knowledge that the court room has been abandoned for over 25 years and anytime any court is closed, it is the common man that suffers the most. There is a reason courts are referred to as ‘the last hope of the common man.’ Courts provide a forum to resolve disputes and help to guarantee our rights to equal protection and due process under the law. Courts exist so that the equality of individuals and the state is reality rather than empty rhetoric. So closing a court room down for 25 years is a lot of disservice to the common man.

    “It is therefore, now time, to recover the Ogoja Magistrate 2 premises, in words and indeed, and return it to a habitable state so that the Magistrate in charge can resume sitting in his court and stop sharing the same court room with the Magistrate in court 1. It is the people’s court. Not government court. Like Police Stations, courts belong to the people. They are the temples of Justice.

    “From preliminary findings, N1,500,000 (One Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira), can return the courtroom to where the Magistrate can resume sitting and hear cases.

    “We can join forces and contribute to achieve this goal in no time. It will be a real test of our commitment to collectively grow democracy and our communities. I am sure it will be something we will be proud we did, when we finally see pictures and videos of the Magistrate sitting in the courtroom renovated by “we the people.”

    “If you are interested in contributing to raising N1.5million for the repairs and light furnishing of Ogoja Magistrate Court 2, kindly indicate your interest and a means of payment will be communicated. Be rest assured that all contributions, including the last penny shall be dedicated to this project only, through direct labour and account shall also be rendered publicly”.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

     

    To donate, kindly click here https://dashboard.flutterwave.com/donate/eihzcj7vun0c

  • Over 1,000 Corps Members Takes Oath Of Allegiance In Cross River

    Over 1,000 Corps Members Takes Oath Of Allegiance In Cross River

    By Admin

    A total of 1, 100 Corps Members deployed to Cross River state for the 2021 Batch ‘A’, Stream 1 Service year have been sworn in.

    Declaring the ceremony open, NYSC State Coordinator for Cross River, Alhaji Mohammed Nakamba who presided over the event charged them to be good ambassadors of the scheme and the nation at large. He stressed the need for the corps members to uphold the tenets of the scheme which is geared towards promoting national unity and integration.

    The Coordinator further explained that the NYSC is a tool for promoting national unity and integration. He therefore admonished the Corps Members to interact freely across all cultural backgrounds, adding that they should see themselves as one and do away with every prejudice held against any tribe.

    He also urged them to maintain all COVID-19 protocols as stipulated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC.

    His words “Most Nigerians believe that the coronavirus is a scam but you must understand that we are talking about your safety. COVID-19 is real and you must adhere strictly to the protocols that’s why you were all tested before you were allowed into the camp. You must wear your nose mask at all times, maintain social distancing and wash your hands regularly.

    “Let me also inform you that the NYSC scheme does not condone any form of misconduct. You must be responsible at all times and ensure that you contribute towards the the developmental strides of the nation”.

    He commended the federal and state governments for the ongoing erosion control works and renovation of some facilities at the orientation camp.

    The oath of allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice Akon Ikpeme who was represented by the Judge of Obubra High Court, Justice Emmanuel Ubua.

    Speaking with newsmen after the event, the Corps Members promised to be good ambassadors of the scheme. They were excited to have been inducted into the NYSC after the long break caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Man Arrested, Arraigned For Refusing To Return N2m Wrongly Paid Into His Bank Account

    Man Arrested, Arraigned For Refusing To Return N2m Wrongly Paid Into His Bank Account

     

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, arraigned Odejobi Temitope Michael, before Justice E. N. Alukwu of the State High Court in Enugu.

    Michael was charged for failing to return N2,000,000 wrongly sent to his account. The money was inadvertently paid in February 2019, by Chikezie Chukuma, who thought the account belonged to an auto dealer. It was when Chukuma went to take delivery of the car he realized the error in payment.

    But the defendant failed to refund the money, forcing the owner to report the matter. Michael pleaded “not guilty” when the charge was read to him. His lawyer, B. J. Adigwe filed a motion for bail pending the determination of the case. The prosecution counsel, S. C. Anyanwu, opposed.

    Anyanwu argued that Michael might not return to face trial if he goes back to Benin Republic where he resides. Justice Alukwu ordered the remand of the defendant in EFCC custody and adjourned the case until April 25, 2021.

     

  • IWD 2021: Linda Ayade Identifies Poverty As The Main Challenge That Women In Africa Face Today

    IWD 2021: Linda Ayade Identifies Poverty As The Main Challenge That Women In Africa Face Today

    By Fred Abua

    The Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Linda Ayade has identified poverty as the main challenge that women in Africa face today. She said most of the other challenges like access to education, gender-based violence, right to inheritance and choice of who and when to marry would easily be surmounted or brought down to a minimum if women were not limited by lack of financial muscle.

    The Governor’s wife who was a guest on Galaxy TV on the eve of the 2021 International Women’s Day said reasonable progress has been made since the struggle for women emancipation started, and vowed that women will not allow their voices to be drowned by the masculine majority that already occupy the leadership and political space.

    Dr. Linda Ayade recalled her growing up years and praised her secondary school principal, Rev. Sister Eunice Atsu and other women whose integrity and focus left an early impression on her mind that she could achieve her goals. While congratulating the new Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the newly elected Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, Dr. Ayade posited that even if equality is not achieved soon, women will continually break the glass ceiling and find their way to the front row of every human endeavour.

    To mark the 2021 IWD theme of Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 World Dr. Linda Ayade’s NGO, the Cross River Women Emancipation Initiative, CROWEI, presented cash gifts to selected less privileged women across the state and launched a new mentorship programme tagged “Urban-Rural Support Initiative”. While calling on women to love one another and shun the unhealthy trend of pulling others down, Dr. Ayade identified the mentorship of achievers as one effective way of changing the lot of rural women. The Urban-Rural Support Initiative will pair outstanding urban members of CROWEI with members in the rural areas for a mentor-mentee relationship with the aim of improving the socio-economic worldview of the rural women.