Category: Metro News

  • Hon. Maria Akwaji Makes List of 50 Most Influential Church Girls In Africa

    Hon. Maria Akwaji Makes List of 50 Most Influential Church Girls In Africa

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Member representing Obudu State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Mrs. Maria Godwin Akwaji, has made the list of 50 most influential Church Girls in Africa.

    Church Girl Africa is a leading Christian Magazine and has announced the publication of the 50 Most Influential Church Girls in Africa 2021 as part of activities to mark this year’s International Women’s Day 2021 with the theme #ChooseToChallenge.

    The list is curated to celebrate 50 influential Women, who are constantly challenging Church Girls to become a better version of themselves.

    In addition to Hon. Mrs. Godwin Akwaji, the list also features notable Cross River faces such as Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu, Dr. Nchewi Ani, Grace Ihejiamazu-Etuk, Mina Hope Obeten, Sandra Itu & Pauline Idemudia.

    Alongside celebrities such as Stella Damascus, TY Bello, Adesua Etome-Wellington, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Stephanie Linus, Khafi Ekpata & Tomike Adeoye.

    The criteria for selection included successful women, Ages 15-50, in any profession, any African Country, who are not ashamed to identify with Christianity.

    Reacting to the development, the lawmaker averred that “this is the best and most precious recognition I have received recently because I yearn and desire to be an ambassador of Christ.

    “This nomination and award came to me as a surprised pleasure, and I am humbled.

    “I want to specially dedicate this award to my late husband, Hon. Dr. Godwin Akwaji, I wish he was here to be part of this great honor”

    This is the Second award Hon. Mrs. Godwin Akwaji is receiving in two months. She was awarded the Peace Ambassador in February, 2021.

  • Son Donates Family House As Offering To Christ Embassy Church, As His Father Pleads For Reversal

    Son Donates Family House As Offering To Christ Embassy Church, As His Father Pleads For Reversal

    Culled from Citizens News

    A father has cried out for justice after his son donated the family house which they all dwell in as a seed to Christ Embassy in Warri, Delta state.

    It was gathered that their son, Shedrack, who resides abroad, returned to Nigeria last year and became very serious with religious activities which his family fully supported.

    It was revealed that in 2020, he sowed his car as a seed to the Church and his family members had no problem with it. Things, however, went out of hand when he recently decided to sow his family house to the church.

    Apparently, his family members were not aware that their home had been donated until the father noticed men going around to survey the property.

    When the father made enquiries, he was told the property now belongs to Christ Embassy and has been valued to be sold at 25 million Naira.

    The house was said to be built on the family’s land with every member contributing money to erect the building, however, it was learnt that Shedrack contributed the bulk sum.

    The family’s leader said he had written to the Senior Pastor of Christ Embassy who promised to take action, though nothing has changed since the notice was submitted over a month ago.

    Shedrack’s father, cousins and four tenants are said to be the occupants of the building.

    The father, in a statement, has called on the General Overseer of Christ Embassy, Chris Oyakhilome, to intervene because he has informed the police and gotten a lawyer, same as the church.”

  • Just In: Gunmen Attack Police In Obubra, Kill Six, Escape With Guns.

    Just In: Gunmen Attack Police In Obubra, Kill Six, Escape With Guns.

     

    By Admin

    Reports reaching The Lumine News say unknown gunmen “chanting IPOB songs”  attacked Policemen at two separate checkpoints in Obubra Local Government Area in Central Cross River state early hours of today, Wednesday March 3rd 2021.

    The attack occured at Ofatura where 2 officers were shot and killed while another 4 officers were also killed at Oyadama check point. All their arms were carted away by the criminals.

    One soldier was reportedly shot in the hand, he died shortly after the gun shut.

    Amb Iwasam Agbor also confirmed this to The Lumine News when he stated that his uncle was among the police officers who lost their lives to the criminals suspected to be IPOB members.

    This comes just as suspected terrorists killed four police officers in Calabar while on duty.

     

  • Director of Communication, Ogoja Diocese Gives Insight Into The Centenary Celebration.

    Director of Communication, Ogoja Diocese Gives Insight Into The Centenary Celebration.

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Director of Communication of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Eroh in this interview, gave insight into the much talked about centenary celebration of the diocese of Ogoja.

    Below is the except of the interview.

    Rev. Fr. Emma Eroh is the parish priest of St. Joseph parish, Okuku and the Director of Communication of the Catholic diocese of Ogoja.

    Fr. Eroh gave a run down of the growth of the church from 1921 to date with the impacts created by the Church to include schools, hospitals and parishes spread across the diocese of Ogoja.

    On the significant of the centenary celebration, Fr. Eroh held that “The Centenary is the commemoration of the arrival of the missionaries in Ogoja in 1921, when our ancestors first received the good news and provided a fertile ground for the planting of the Catholic Church, from which it has grown into a diocese and in fact it has given birth to diocese of Abakiliki in 1978. We are celebrating these great moments and achievements in the entire diocese.

    “There are series of activities streamlined to mark the centenary. It was kicked off on the 2nd of February, 2021 with the lighting of the centenary candle by His Excellency, Most Rev. Dr. Donatus Akpan, Bishop of Ogoja Diocese.
    March next month, we will have a diocesan and parish retreat. His Lordship will be visiting various parishes in the 10 deaneries that makes up the diocese.

    “The climax will be in May, where they will be baptism of 100 candidates and confirmation of 100 candidates all drawn from across the diocese.

    “On the 12th of May, His Lordship will visit the correctional centre, orphanages, the refugees settlements, old catholic schools and aged catholic members who can no longer come to church.

    “The 13th of May will feature the wedding of 100 couples, while the the 14th of May will be a centenary lecture by Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Ugorji, (Bishop of Umuahia Diocese) and Vice President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), lunching of a book that chronicled the achievement of the diocese as well the conferment of the tittle of Monsignori to deserving priests and papal and diocesan awards to some of the lay faithfuls who have contributed to the growth of the diocese.

    “The hallmark of the celebration will feature the ordination of Priests.

    On the growth of the church since inception, Fr. Eroh noted that “there have been a great transformation from that little seed sowed. St. Benedict Primary School, Igoli was established and parishes created, we have 89 parishes and 12 quasi parishes, what we call the Roman Catholic Mission (RCM).

    “The first indigenous priest was ordained in 1965, now His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Ukpo Rtd. (The Emeritus Archbishop of Calabar). Today, we have over 120 priests in the diocese.

    “The Bishop in his ingenuity in collaboration with the priests, is developing the land for the building of a new cathedral as unanimously agreed by priests and lay faithfuls. In terms of health and education, we have hospitals and schools spread across the diocese. In communication, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Ukpo, the pioneer priest of the diocese, berthed the Message Newspaper.

    “Bishop Donatus came in with the new vigor and his drive for agriculture has led to the formation of Ogoja Diocesan Agricultural Investment Programme (ODAIP)”.

    When asked to juxtaposed the disposition of our fore fathers to the gospel with today’s Christians.

    Fr. Eroh averred that “We must thank our fore fathers who received the message and gave away their traditions to imbibe it and passed it on to their children. We must commend Christians in Ogoja diocese, that this seed that was planted has grown and is still spreading like wild fire up till now. Though there exist some challenges of Pentecostalism, were some Christians are in dare need of instant miracles and prosperity and other traditional practices, but we are not where we used to be”.

    When asked what Monsignori means in the church.

    Fr. Eroh held that “Monsignori is a title of honor conferred on deserving senior priests who have live creditable and impacted positively in the lives of Christians, and must be at least 65 years of age. It is conferred by the Pope through the nomination of the Bishop. Some of our very senior priests will be conferred with the tittle”.

    When asked to comment on the allegation of using TTC Ogoja as a take off for the proposed state Polytechnic, the communications Director stated that “I can confirm to you that there is no dialogue between the state government and the diocese in terms of turning TTC into anything Polytechnic.

    “What I can categorically say is that TTC is about being turned into an Institute of Health Management and Technology, work has gone far, consultation has been made, Provost has been appointed along with an Acting Registrar.

    “A Post Graduate Diploma programme affiliated to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka is going on there at TTC.

    “We were going for a full flesh university, but when we checked our resources, we realized we were not going to be able to run a university, we were advised to begin an Institute that will later metaphors into a full flesh university”

    Fr. Eroh used the opportunity to call on Catholics especially and all Christians across the globe to join the diocese of Ogoja in this auspicious celebration. He assured that the celebration will be live streamed for those who will not make it to attend and in observance of the Covid-19 protocols.

  • Just In: Evang Margret Inde receives Governor Ben Ayade, As He Inspects Resort Project In Obanliku

    Just In: Evang Margret Inde receives Governor Ben Ayade, As He Inspects Resort Project In Obanliku

    By John Akpo

    The Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area, Evang. Mrs Margaret Inde today, February 26th, 2021 played host to  Sen. Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River State, as he inspects ongoing Ultramodern International Resort projects in Amunga and Busanfong Communities in Obanliku.

    Addressing the host communities, the Governor assured both communities that the project will have direct benefit to the people in job creation and aesthetic development for the area.

    He debunked insinuations that the project was for personal gains.

    On her part, the Executive Chairman of Obanliku LGA, Evang Mrs. Inde, thanked and appreciated the Governor for bringing such projects to Obanliku, which she noted that the LGA has played host as a Tourism destination, housing the well known Ranch Resort.

    Speaking separately, community leaders and Chiefs of both communities appreciated Governor Ayade and encouraged him through prayers for speedy completion of the project.

    They said the indigenes were already in full gear to protect both men and equipments for the project and conclude that even the Resort will be a life-changing opportunity for them.

    Highpoints of the occasion featured traditional dances, goodwill messages and appreciation from the governor.

     

  • Obanliku LGC Chairman Inaugurates Sankwala Model Town Development Committee

    Obanliku LGC Chairman Inaugurates Sankwala Model Town Development Committee

    By John Akpo

    The Chairman of Obanliku Local Government, Evang. Mrs Margaret Inde today inaugurated the Advisory Committee for the Development of Sankwala Model Town.

    The Committee is Chaired by Bar. Pius Awah, and has the following as members;

    1. Chief Sunny Ayang Jp

    2. Chief Linus Afen

    3. Rev. Dan Ushie

    4. Hon. Chris Ukekem

    5. Mr. Ashiebi Godwin

    6. Mrs. Maria Obor

    7. Sur. Ukama Justine

    8. Dr. M.T Ikwen

    9. Mr Godwin Anake

    10. Mr. Martin Igbol

    Akpo John U.
    Chief Press Secretary
    18/02/2021

  • Ogoja LGC Chairman Presents N8.342 Billion Proposed 2021 Budget

    Ogoja LGC Chairman Presents N8.342 Billion Proposed 2021 Budget

     

    The Executive Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Ishabor, had Monday 15th February, 2021 presented N8.342 Billion Proposed 2021 Budget Estimates to the Ogoja Legislative Council.

    Details of the breakdown is yet to be made available.

     

  • Convocation : Benson Idahosa University To Honour Power Minister

    Convocation : Benson Idahosa University To Honour Power Minister

     

    One of Nigeria’s leading universities, Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Benin, Edo State is set to honour the Honourable Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR with an Honourary Doctorate Degree.

    This was disclosed when a delegation from the University, led by the Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Sam Guobadia paid a courtesy call on the Minister in his office in Abuja on Tuesday, February 15th.

    The VC explained that the Minister was chosen having met the stringent conditions set up by the University for an award of an Honourary Doctorate Degree.

    According to him, “We have been watching you because we have stringent conditions on who to contact, meet and honour.

    As contained in our earlier letter to you and signed by the Chancellor of the University, Most Rev. Margaret E. Benson – Idahosa, we have taken notice of your personality even outside public office and observed your commitment to excellence and the fact that you are concerned about the upliftment and empowerment of the common man. This tallies with the aspiration of the founding Archbishop and Chancellor, Archbishop Benson Idahosa. We must state at this point that you are a pride to South-South.

    “It is with great pleasure that we will like to communicate to you that you have been nominated for the award of an Honourary Doctorate Degree during our next convocation”.

    Speaking about the challenges facing the University, Prof. Guobadia noted that “we are always creativite driven especially with the introduction of more private Universities and the problem of top teaching staff as well as infrastructural development, when we meet people like you, we crave for partnership.

    As a University, we play a critical role in training man power across different sectors of the economy. So, we want people like you to partner with us to help improve on these areas”.

    Responding, the Minister said that he was excited that his contribution to society was appreciated by a renowned University like BIU.

    While promising to look into the university’s area of needs to explore possibilities of partnership, he added that “I’m very interested in human capital development and when you were talking, I heard you mentioned Law. My wife is a Lawyer and I also have a son who is a Lawyer. So, law is also of interest to me.

    “My Ministry through the Rural Electrification Agency is running a programme called Energizing Education which is aimed at lightening up university as well as providing basic infrastructures for the training of students in solar energy technology. I would like us to work closely to conceptualize things like this to see what we can do together”.

    BIU, a privately owned university is the only university in Nigeria and Africa with international membership with the United States National Academy of Inventors.

  • Obanliku LGC Chairman Presents 2021 Budget Of 7.5b To The Legislature

    Obanliku LGC Chairman Presents 2021 Budget Of 7.5b To The Legislature

    By John Akpo

     

    The Chairman of Obanliku LGC, Evang Margaret Inde, today, February 16th 2021, presented the 2021 Appropriation Bill to the legislature

    Presenting the budget at the Obanliku legislative chambers, the Chairman reiterated that “our vision to be a leading Local Government Area in Cross River State in education and in the provision of a harmonious environment for tourism, commercial agriculture, and to develop into a vision-driven medium term plan as encapsulated in the Obanliku Local Government Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (LEEDS), clearly expresses our developmental needs.

    “Consequently, we have proposed a budget of Seven Billion, Five Hundred and Fifty four Million, One Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Twelve Naira (N7,544,172,612) only.

    “The objective of this budget which I christened ‘Budget of Hope and Light’ will rekindle the hope of our people for a better life, sustained by good governance and accountable leadership.

    “In our quest to bring development to Obanliku, the sum of Five Billion, Five Hundred and Eighty-eight Million, Ninety-eight Thousand, Four Hundred and Ninety-eight Naira (N5,588,098,498) only, which represents 74.07% of the total budgetary outlay is earmarked for capital development”

    The Chairman stressed that “it is the collective desire of our people to see the transformation of our Local Government Area through the provision of basic infrastructures, being the focus of this administration”

    She averred that “Based on this conviction, Projects that would satisfy the felt needs of our people and uplift the status of the Local Government Area in the various sectors would be accorded priority attention this fiscal year”

  • USAID Funded Organization Partners C’River To Scale Up Advocacy On Orphans And Vulnerable Children

    USAID Funded Organization Partners C’River To Scale Up Advocacy On Orphans And Vulnerable Children

    By Admin

    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded project under the Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Research (CCCRN) has expressed it’s readiness to partner with the Cross River State Government through its Ministry of International Development Cooperation (MIDC) to scale up care and protection for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC). This also includes children living with HIV, infants and lactating/ pregnant mothers exposed to HIV.

    Speaking during the meeting, the State Program Manager, Mrs. Grace Essien asserted that the CCCRN is an indigenous, non-profit organization with a mandate to promote global best practices in health care delivery, medical training and research using locally adopted models of system strengthening.

    She further explained that the CCCRN is a recipient of the integrated Child Health and Social Service Award (ICHSSA) funded by USAID to ensure Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) are catered to and given adequate protections by their households and host communities.

    In her response, the MIDC Commissioner, Dr. Inyang Asibong, acknowledged the CCCRN leadership for the initiative, whilst stressing on the need to scale down to Etung, Bekwarra and Obanliku as the only 3 LGAs yet to be captured, as it is in tandem with His Excellency, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade’s vision to ensure an improved livelihood for the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) across the State.

    She added that the initiative will provide an increased access to high quality and comprehensive medical services with capacity building of families and communities living in target communities to cater to and protect the children in their care.

    The MIDC Permanent Secretary, Mr. Timothy Ogbang Akwaji assured CCCRN of a continuous partnership and intermittent technical interfaces especially around policy formulation.

    The initiative currently runs across 15 LGAs of the State including; Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, Odukpani, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Biase, Abi, Yakurr, Obubura, Ikom, ogoja, Boki, Yala, Obudu and Akamkpa.