The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • Wife of Obudu Local Government Chairman, Celebrates New Year With New Born Babies, Pays Hospital Bill For Vulnerable

    Wife of Obudu Local Government Chairman, Celebrates New Year With New Born Babies, Pays Hospital Bill For Vulnerable

    By Elijah Ugani

    As parts of her ingenuity and disposition to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged, the wife of the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Mrs. Angela Eraye Ewhe has decided to pay hospital bill for all babies born today, January 1st, as part of her celebration to Mark the 2021 new year.

    Mrs. Eraye Ewhe said “I decided to identify with the babies born today, as part of my celebration of the 2021 new year. Today is a very unique day in my life as part of my dreams is fulfilled. I’m delighted not because I have reached some persons, my joy is that I have put smiles on the faces of the vulnerable.

    “One of the patients spent the Christmas at the hospital just because he couldn’t afford to pay the bills. If I had remained in my house to cook, eat and drink when these patients are left at the hospital without any form of aid, I would not have been a happy person.

    “With the smiles on their faces, I can now go home and celebrate because, God has used me to cause celebration in the homes of these patients and especially the new born babies”

    No fewer than ten new babies were put to birth at Sacred Heart Hospital, Obudu on January 1st, 2021 and 15 indigent patients were discharged from the hospital as Mrs. Eraye Ewhe pays off their bills.

    When contacted, one of the beneficiaries of the Chairman’s wife benevolence, who gave his name as Peter, said “the year 2021 is already a year of hope and expectations. I have long been discharged, but I have no money to pay the bill. God who knew my situation, came at the time he has programmed.
    For him to have chosen to come through the Chairman’s wife on this new year day, he certainly have something in stock for me.

    “I can’t thank her enough, if you know her, please help me thank her. She has really taught me a lot, I wish I will have money some day, I will reach out to others who are in need. May God bless her abundantly and continue to provide for her to enable her bless others”

  • Operation Akpakwu Averts A Robbery Incident In Calabar, Arrests Two Thieves

    Operation Akpakwu Averts A Robbery Incident In Calabar, Arrests Two Thieves

    By Admin

    Operation Akpakwu averted a robbery incident in Satellite town in Calabar, and arrested two thieves.

    The incident happened when the thieves broke into the Presbyterian church, grace land, Satellite town, to cart away chairs, musical instruments and other valuables belonging to the church.

    Unfortunately, luck ran out of them when concerned members of the church saw when they broke into the church and alerted Operation Akpakwu, and in their swift response to crime, the team caught these two thieves.

    One of the defining moments of 2020 was the setting up of the Operation Akpakwu by Gov. Ayade. The team has recorded unprecedented success in the fight against crime.

    Interestingly, the ancient city of Calabar is beginning to witness relative peace.

     

  • Bonny Ewhe Presents N5.9Billion 2021 Appropriation Bill, Christened Budget Of Consolidation

    Bonny Ewhe Presents N5.9Billion 2021 Appropriation Bill, Christened Budget Of Consolidation

    By Richard Abu

    The Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Boniface Eraye Ewhe today, Thursday December 29th, 2020 presented the 2021 appropriation bill christened Budget of Consolidation to the Obudu Legislative Council.

    Drawing from the total estimate, N3,158,951,201 representing 53% is set aside for capital expenditure while N2,760,185,585 representing 43% of the budget is earmarked for recurrent expenditure.

    Hon. Ewhe explained that, with his adminstration coming halfway 2020, taking over from bureaucrats, he is consolidating on their collective gains to bring democratic dividends to his people in 2021.

    The Chairman further stated that “drawing from the 2020 experience, council shall in 2021 introduce measures to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to help finance the budget”.

    Ewhe implored the honourable members to educate their constituents on the need to pay revenue to Council as at when due to enable him deliver democratic dividends to his people in line with his campaign promises.

    On his part, the Leader of the Obudu Legislative Council, Hon. Peter Ishoja thanked the Chairman for acting promptly by presenting the 2021 appropriation bill for proper planning and diligence management of council’s income and expenditure for the overall development of the Obudu and assured the Chairman of the house’s willingness to ensure quick passage of the bill into law.

     

  • Bonny Ewhe Inspects Construction Of Garden Roundabouts, Directs Roadside Hawkers To Vacate Cyclist Park

    Bonny Ewhe Inspects Construction Of Garden Roundabouts, Directs Roadside Hawkers To Vacate Cyclist Park

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Mr. Boniface Ewhe inspected the ongoing construction of four roundabouts in Obudu metropolis.

    The Chairman undertook the inspection tour in the company of the Executive Secretary, Obudu Urban Development Authority, Ms. Elizabeth Adie, Chairman, Obudu Commercial Cyclists Union.

    The Chairman expressed satisfaction with the quality of work going on at the Ogoja road/Ranch road point, but however queried the delay in the commencement of work at the Cyclist park, T Boy and Animal junctions site of the project.

    At the Cyclist park, the chairman expressed concern over the traffic jam caused by roadside hawkers who have turned part of the road to selling, as well as commercial drivers who pack their cars and motorcycles indiscriminately.

    Mr. Ewhe held that the continuous use of the road for the wrong reason is an eye sore and directed that all hawkers who are currently using the road at the cyclists park relocate to the market to avoid defacement of the roundabouts when completed. He also directed commercial drivers who have turned the roundabout at the cyclist park into their motor park to desist from the act.

    Reacting to the use of the roundabout by hawkers, the Chairman of Obudu Commercial Cyclists Union, Mr. Michael Esor assured the Chairman of council that the hawkers will relocate to prevent traffic jam at the cyclist park as well as give the roundabout the beauty it deserves at the completion of work.

    Speaking with the contractor handling the project, Engr. Peter Yuguda Kumbo of YRK Global Ventures Ltd, stated that the roundabout the cyclist park and former Microfinance Bank will have water to water the flowers while the roundabouts at T Boy junction and Animal junction will have artificial grasses and materials which will be easier for council to maintain, because the Governor made it clear that it was supposed to be water fountain, as a water fountain, it will be beautiful and expensive, but we thought of the maintenance culture when the governor leaves office.

    On when the project is expected to be completed, Kumbo maintained that “all the materials are on ground, and like I said, give and take, before the end of January if God keeps us alive, we will complete the project”

    The four roundabouts are to be located at T Boy Junction, former Microfinance Bank, cyclist park and Animal junction.

    The project if completed is expected to add beauty to Obudu metropolis.

  • 35th Priestly Ordination Anniversary: Fr. Peter Obele Abue Launches 3 Books, Celebrates Survival Of Accident

    35th Priestly Ordination Anniversary: Fr. Peter Obele Abue Launches 3 Books, Celebrates Survival Of Accident

    By Elijah Ugani

    It was a boisterous celebration as priests, religious, and catholic faithfuls converged at St. Columba Parish, Idum-Mbube to celebrate the Vicar General (Administration) of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja and Parish Priest of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Ogoja, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Obele Abue as he marks 35th anniversary of his priestly ordination.

    The event was a tripartite celebration for Fr. Obele as he marks 35th priestly ordination anniversary, launching of his three books and thanking God for surviving a ghastly motor accident alongside his sister Ms. Monica Abue.

    The homilist, Very Rev. Fr. Bob Etta extolled the virtues of the celebrant and reminded him of the common denominator among the prophet.
    According to Fr. Bob, “the common denominator among the prophets is that all prophets regretted their call.
    The only person who never regretted his call was Abraham”

    Fr. Etta posited that “Every prophet must go through a difficult time. He listed prophets who at one point or the other regretted the essence of their existence on account of the trails and persecution they faced to include but not limited to; Jeremiah, Job, Jonah and Elijah.

    “As priests, there are going to be very difficult moments and those moments are part of our calling.

    “I want to remind father that whatever he is going through, be it frustration, rejection, false accusation or backstabbing, it is not extraordinarily, it is part of our calling.

    “Non of us priest is worthy of our calling. Everyone of us sitting at the alter has our negatives and God called us in spite of our negatives”

    He admonished the celebrant to be strong in the Lord and that God Almighty is with him till the end of time, and that as he enters the year 2021, he should forgive every person who offends him, and stressed that forgiveness has no limit.

    On the apostolic mandate, Fr. Etta called on the Vicar General (Administration) to assist the Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Donatus Akpan steer the ship of the diocese “The Lord gave you the responsibility to help the bishop, you must do it with every sense of commitment, but remember that the Lord is with you till the end of time”

    Fr. Peter Obele Abue was born in the village of Idum-Mbube, Ogoja LGA of Cross River State, Nigeria on April 27th 1958 to the family of Butro Peter Muan Abue (Paramount Ruler of Ogoja) and Ma Clara Elejie Abue, both of blessed memory.

    He was ordained a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja on December 28th, 1985.

    Fr. Obele Abue obtained a Diploma in Radio Broadcasting, Media Centre, Kaduna, Nigeria (1988), Diploma in Video Editing and Production, School of Telecommunication, Dallas, Texas, USA (1991), B. A. Philosophy from Urban University, Rome (1979), B. D. in Theology from Pontifical Urban University, Rome (1985), M. A. Mass Communication from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA (1994) and a Ph. D. in Development Studies from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA (2006).

    He is vested with both pastoral and Development strides with numerous success stories to his credit. He was honoured by the Cross River State with a special award for humanitarian services during the state jubilee celebration, Cross River State @50 in June 2017.

    In partnership with Abode for Children, Inc, USA, he founded the St. Joseph Primary/Secondary Schools and a Medical Clinic in Idum-Mbube, Ogoja. Now a property of his home diocese, managed in collaboration with Abode for Children Inc. USA, a nonprofit organization.

    He is presently the Vicar General (Administration) of Ogoja Diocese, Parish Priest of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Igoli-Ogoja, Chaplain of the Catholic Women Organization, Ogoja Diocese, Vice Chairman of the Ogoja Diocesan Agric Commission (ODAIP), Chairman of the 3rd Synod of Ogoja Diocese and Chairman of the New University Commission, Ogoja Diocese.

    Highlight of the event was the launching of the three books; 1. Remove the stone: Obeying God’s Command to Break your poverty Cycle.
    2. Give Them Something To Eat: Essays on Community Empowerment.
    3. Light For Our Path: Sunday Homilies. A, B, C, Feasts and Solemnity.

    In his vote of thanks, the cerebral Fr. Peter Obele Abue thanked God for the gift of his life and all those who have been instrumental to his apostolate and especially those who have found time from their crowded schedules to identify with him on this auspicious day of his tripartite celebration, and prayed God to grant everyone safe journey back home.

    Proceeds from the book launch was to be channelled into St. Columba Idum-Mbube church building project.

  • Ayade’s Chief Of Staff, Martin Orim To Empower Bedia Youth As The Community Honours Him

    Ayade’s Chief Of Staff, Martin Orim To Empower Bedia Youth As The Community Honours Him

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Hon. Martin Orim has been honored by Bedia Community in Obudu Local Government Area.

    The event was held at Sacred Heart Primary School, Bedia today, the 27th December, 2020.

    In an address of welcome presented by the community Secretary, Mr. A. U. Alawa, the community maintained that their sons and daughters in government appointment in the state was facilitated by the Chief of Staff. “May we use this opportunity to appreciate your generosity towards Bedia community. Our sons and daughters who are now on government appointment wouldn’t have been so easy without your concern”

    “Let us sound it loud and clear that your recognition in Bedia is not just as a son in-law, but as an illustrious of Bedia. We pledge our solidarity and maximum support to you whenever the need arises”

     

    Bedia community used the opportunity to request the Chief of Staff to consider empowering its youth through skill acquisition. “This community will appreciate and celebrate you the more if you can help empower our teaming youth through skill acquisition; so that when trained, they will be of use to the development of the community and depend less on their parents.

    “We may not have enough to give you for all you’ve done for us but whatever we shall offer you, we pray you take it in good faith as a mark of honour and appreciation for you good works”

    In the same light, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of an emerging hospitality industry in Obudu, Valley of Barachy Hotel, Obudu, Uknandi George Utsu Imayi, presented a plaque award to Hon. Martin Orim for his magnanimity in both humanitarian services and empowering the teaming unemployed youth in Obudu.

    On his part, the Clan of Bedia Likwu, who is also the Chairman of Forestry Commission, Chief Tony Unianyandeye eulogized the Chief of Staff to the Governor. He maintained that “As much as I avoid talking about the Chief of Staff, I’m always compelled by his sterling performance to say a few things about him. The Chief has indeed touched the lives of so many persons positively and I can say is that I wish him the very best”

    Responding, the Chief of Staff thanked Bedia community to have honored and treated him to a sumptuous reception despite the fact that he has continuously turned down the invitation for a reception by his community.

    Hon. Orim stressed that the peace he enjoyed to effectively carry out his functions as the Chief of Staff is courtesy of the support of his dear wife who is a daughter of Bedia community, and so he has no reason to turn down the invitation for a reception from Bedia.

    The Chief of Staff assured the community that his pet project, GFO Orim Foundation, which he founded in memory of his late father will liaise with the community to enroll some youth for the skill acquisition.

    Hon. Orim had earlier joined in the thanksgiving mass of two sons of Bedia who recently ordained Deacons in the Catholic faith that was held at the Roman Catholic Mission (RCM), Bedia and pledged to undertake the fixing of rails in the church.

    Hon. Orim stressed that to be singled out from over 4 million Cross Riverians to be appointed Chief of Staff, remains a mystery.

    In a vote of thanks, Utsu Christopher Ugbe thanked the Chief of Staff to have found time to honor their invitation and prayed for God’s guidance and journey mercy for all those who came to identify with Bedia community.

    The event was attended by a litany of dignitaries as Mr. Boniface Ewhe, Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Victor Agwu, Commissioner for Power, Hon. Kenn Aklah, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Event Management, Governor’s Office, Hon. Edward Ajang, Member representing Bekwarra State constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Evangelist Margaret Inde, Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Council, Engr. Thomas Aruku, Director General, Road Maintenance Agency, Mr. Thomas Odama, PDP Chairman, Bekwarra Local Government Chapter.

  • Sen. Prof. Sandy Onor Calls For Peace And Love On Christmas. Showers Constituents With Cash, Rice And Gift Items

    Sen. Prof. Sandy Onor Calls For Peace And Love On Christmas. Showers Constituents With Cash, Rice And Gift Items

    By Caterpillar Media

    The senator representing Cross River State Central Senatorial District, Sen. Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor has called for peace and love among his constituents, the state and nation at large to reflect the true essence of Christmas.

    In a goodwill message to his constituents, the performing senator and Orator of the 9th Senate poured out his heart in appreciation to his constituents for always standing by him and with him, while admonishing them to continue to show love and care to one another, which is the core essence of the yuletide season.

    In his philanthropic disposition, the performing senator showered his constituents with cash, rice and other gift items for a fun-filled celebration while describing Christmas

    as a time to cherish peace, show love, goodwill and to be plenteous in generosity. He went further to say that peace, love, charity, and brotherliness can only come to stay when we live Christmas in our everyday lives.

  • Ayade Chief of Staff, Hon. Martin Orim Celebrates Christmas With UTUKALU, Extols Alege/Urban Traditional Rulers

    Ayade Chief of Staff, Hon. Martin Orim Celebrates Christmas With UTUKALU, Extols Alege/Urban Traditional Rulers

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Hon. Martin Orim has hosted his people, UTUKALU nation for the Christmas celebration.

    The reception was held at the resident of the political leader of UTUKALU, Ukani PJ Ekunke at Nkirira, Utugwang Central ward, Obudu local government area on the 24th of December, 2020.

    The astute political scientist, Ukani PJ Ekunke welcomed the people to the meeting and admonished everyone present to see the opportunity created by the circumstance of the meeting as call to the unity of UTUKALU.

    Hon. Martin Orim was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor, Political Affairs, Chief of Staff Office, Hon. Peter Okaba, craved the people’s indulgence to excuse the Chief of Staff absence from the meeting as he desire to be present in the meeting was scuttled by official exigencies.

    Orim held that “it is my desire that this meeting holds at intervals of four months to enable us consolidate the gains of our identity. We must realize the fact that political parties are fulcrums to achieving powers and we must not allow our political differences to truncate the development of our ideals”

    The people expressed satisfaction with the convener of the meeting and wished him the best in his endeavor.

    Earlier, the Chief of Staff had hosted the Alege/Ubang Traditional Rulers Council in his home town, Ukweriseng – Ubang for the Christmas celebration.

    Hon. Orim was represented by his wife, called on the traditional rulers to see the opportunity given to them to serve their subjects as a call to selfless service.

    He commended the role played the traditional rulers in maintaining peace and other in their various communities and charged them to continue to do more, for the reward of hard is more work.

    The council expressed gratitude to the Chief of staff for the show of love.

    The Chief of Staff had provided solar light for all the communities in Alege/Ubang and Ukpe wards including compounds of traditional rulers.

    The council used the opportunity to extend the felicitation of their various communities to the Governor Ayade Chief of Staff and prayed God to continue to sustain and enlarge his coast to enable him do more.

  • GFO Orim Foundation Hands Over Renovated Building To Widow At Bekwarra

    GFO Orim Foundation Hands Over Renovated Building To Widow At Bekwarra

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Chairman of GFO Orim Foundation, and the Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Hon. Martins Orim has handed over the renovated building to Mrs. Angelina …, mother of four kids.

    Dedicating the house, the Assistant Parish Priest of St. Benedict Cathedral, Rev. Fr. Peter Ibu, admonished the widow to take good care of the children as well as take the grinding business serious to enable her bring up the children.

    He commanded the founder of GFO Orim Foundation for the gesture of renovating the widow’s house and maintained that the gesture is very commendable.

    He prayed God to grant the Chairman good health of mind and body to enable reach out to those who are in dare need of his magnanimity.

    Speaking after the dedication, the Special Adviser to the Governor on International Donor and Development Commission, Hon. Sylvester Agabi maintained that this renovation project is one among various interventions designed by GFO Orim Foundation to reach out to the less privilege.

    Speaking to theluminenews, the Mrs. Angelina Afo thanked the management of GFO Orim Foundation for coming to her rescue.
    She maintained that “when my husband died, I had no place to stay, no light, no toilet, no bathroom, no source of livelihood. But today, this man ( referring to the Chairman of GFO Orim Foundation) came and renovated my house, provided doors, windows, ceiling, toilet. Please help me thank him. May God continue to bless him”

    The Leader of Bekwarra of Bekwarra Legislative Council, Hon. Thomas Emonshe Enyi thanked the Chairman of GFO Orim Foundation for extending the magnanimity to Bekwarra Local Government Area, he prayed God to continue to bless him.

    GFO Orim Foundation renovated the building, provided solar light, provided toilet and bathroom, provided a grinding engine, a bag of rice for Christmas, cash donation and promised continuous support for the upkeep of the children.

    Reacting to the development, the councillor representing Ibiaragidi ward, Hon. ….. noted that “I’m particularly grateful to God because, what GFO Orim Foundation has done, is to my advantage because two of this widow’s children are on my scholarship scheme, and I have been thinking of what to do because I’m from this community. I will ensure that she makes good use of this assistance to better her life and that of her children”

    The Clan Head of Anyikang thanked the Chief of Staff to the Governor for the kindness shown to one of his subjects, and prayed God Almighty to grant him (Hon. Martin Orim) his heart desire.

    The event was attended by councillors from Obudu, Bekwarra, Yala and Ogoja local government areas.

  • UN, CRSG Trains Cross River Key Sector Players On Budget Monitoring And Evaluation

    UN, CRSG Trains Cross River Key Sector Players On Budget Monitoring And Evaluation

     

    The United Nations has urged key players involved in budget planning, Monitoring and Evaluation in Cross River State to get themselves acquainted with the global best practices in an effort to meet the Sustainable Development Goals Target by 2030.

    This was disclosed during a three day training for key sector players in Budget, Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS) as well as Monitoring and Evacuation (M&E) staff across line Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

    The programme was facilitated by the Cross River State Government through the Ministry of International Development Cooperation in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) held at Transcorp Hotel, Calabar.

    Speaking at the opening session, the Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation (MIDC), Dr. Inyang Asibong said “the three- day meeting is to bring stakeholders involved in budgeting and the implementation of the SDGs to boost the capacity of the personnel, resources and institutional frameworks thereby strengthening and coordinating your efforts to achieve the set target”

    Asibong was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, MIDC, Mr Felix Ekpeyong Ita and the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, Barr Mark Obi, stated that the implementation and tracking of the Transformation agenda 2030 in the state is realisable.

    According to the Commissioner, the training of the line MDA staff in the state was timely due to their role in the development planning architecture across sectors including the Local Government Areas in Cross River State.

    Presenting the key note address,the representative of the UNDP, and the Senior Special Assistance to the President, President Muhammad Buhari, Dr Bala Yunusa, said that the office will focus on strategic direction and impetus to the National commitment to the SDGs.

    He emphasized that expertise and resources of all, both public and private sector, Scientific community and Donor community as well as the wider civil society are needed.

    The training session was conducted by consultants from the UNDP, office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria, Director of Administration, MIDC, Mrs Mbong Ausaji, CRS Statistician-General, Dr Josephat Ogar amongst other technical staff from the MIDC and State Planning Commission.