The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • OWAN-ENOH MSME Support, A N500m Chance To Leap… BY AGBA JALINGO 

     

    Barring any last minute changes, on Thursday August 28, 2025, (next tomorrow), the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh-JOE, will be unveiling the OWAN-MSME Support Initiative for Cross Riverians and non Cross Riverians living in Cross River, who are actively running their small businesses or intending to start a viable new small business idea in or outside the State.

    This is actually a private intervention by the Minister, aimed at seeing how people who have no real active interest in day-to-day politics can be assisted to create an alternative economy in Cross River state in particular. The program scope is targeting both people in the formal and informal sectors of the economy who are truly doing business or want to run small businesses and a total of 500 million Naira will be up for grabs by 1000 enterpreneurs in four different phases.

    Details of how to apply and how beneficiaries will be selected will be made public after the Minister has done the unveiling on Thursday in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. But I will give you some heads up to prepare you:

    Yours sincerely, will be fully involved in this project from beginning to end for two reasons; namely, everything that sounds progressive has a special appeal and a magnetic effect over me. I have always and all the time, felt that until Cross River State moves towards creating an alternative economy outside politics, where young people can have another chance to earn a meaningful living and get a sense of worth and importance, then everyone will graduate from school and continue to seek to be SSA or SA or PA to a politician, because at the moment, that is the only economy our State has and that is the only arena where people think they can find their self worth.

    Secondly, over time, we have been able to develop tech processes that bring transparency, fairness and accountability to these kind of ideas and projects. This speaks to the inefficiencies that have characterized these laudable interventions and ripped them of their benefits and impacts in the medium and long term. These processes that we bring to the table aren’t perfect, but they stand shoulders above what obtains and are poised to improve as we continue to be availed of the opportunity to test them.

    The confidence of State and non State actors in us to give us the privilege to try these ideas is also posing a massive challenge to our long standing advocacy for sanity, good governance and fight against corruption, and we hope that results will continue to inspire others.

    The bane of these interventions has primarily been the corruption and sleeze associated with the processes and the misapplication of the proceeds of the interventions by the beneficiaries, who mostly emerge by cronyism and not by merit. And this has to be cleaned up or bypassed.

    This time, amongst other roles, yours sincerely will be leading a panel of six seasoned technocrats and enterprise development specialists that will assess and select beneficiaries via a transparent, accountable and verifiable process.

    Members of the team and everyone on board this project has committed to ensuring this effort will be handled differently to maximize the success rate remarkably and the Minister has also promised the team a free hand and breathing space to undertake this task without any form of political encumbrance and beyond political divides.

    So watch this space for more and avoid going into my inbox to lobby or start any conversation on this topic.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Asphalting Begins on Busangfong Road Facilitated BySen Jarigbe Agom

     

    Excitement filled Busangfong community yesterday as contractors commenced asphalting on a key road project facilitated by Senator Jarigbe Agom.

    The road, which connects Busangfong in Obanliku Local Government Area to Ikom Local Government Area, is expected to unlock significant economic opportunities for the community. Sectors such as markets, schools, and other businesses are expected to benefit from the enhanced connectivity the road will provide.

    The community has expressed appreciation for Senator Jarigbe’s efforts, describing him as a politician whose commitments are reliably fulfilled. According to them, Senator Jarigbe is notable for turning his promises into tangible outcomes.

    Commenting on the development, Senator Jarigbe has emphasized the importance of durability in the construction work, instructing the contractor to ensure the road withstands the test of time. The senator has also pledged to continue working on infrastructural projects across the five Local Government Areas of his Senatorial District.

    The commencement of asphalting on this project marks a significant step forward in improving infrastructure in Obanliku, aligning with Senator Jarigbe’s broader goals of enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth in every part of Cross River North Senatorial District.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Eyoanwan Clears Backlog Of Allowances For OUDA Workers, Donates OPS Devices

    BY Sonnie Okem

    In a show of compassion and commitment to grassroots empowerment, the Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Her Excellency Bishop (Dr.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has cleared the backlog of allowances owed to workers of the Ogoja Urban Development Authority (OUDA) by the previous administration.

    Addressing the gathering during her visit to Ogoja Local Government Area, the First Lady stated that the current administration had put mechanisms in place to ensure regular and timely payment of staff benefits. She emphasized that the gesture was aimed at boosting worker morale and productivity, urging the workforce to reciprocate government’s goodwill by remaining dedicated and efficient in service delivery.

    In addition to the cleared allowances, Bishop Otu distributed Point of Sale (POS) devices to OUDA workers, persons living with disabilities, and local women entrepreneurs. She also donated food items, wrappers, and cash palliatives worth Millions of Naira, aimed at cushioning the prevailing economic hardship and stimulating small-scale economic activities in the area.

    Her Excellency encouraged the beneficiaries to use the POS machines and seed capital responsibly as a means of livelihood, thereby supporting local economic growth. She reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Sen. (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu to uplifting the less privileged and empowering communities through sustainable initiatives.

    Welcoming the First Lady and her entourage, the Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, Chief Hon. Christopher Agbeh, expressed heartfelt appreciation for her continued support to the people of Ogoja. Describing her as a “dedicated mother of the state,” the Chairman lauded her relentless efforts in bringing hope and meaningful interventions to rural dwellers.

    In a gesture of appreciation, Chief Agbeh pledged parcels of land to Her Excellency for the establishment of a private residence and cassava farm in the area. He also requested that she convey the community’s deep gratitude to the Governor for his selfless and people-oriented leadership.

    The highpoint of the event was the distribution of POS devices with starter capital, food items, wrappers, and cash donations, alongside the physical disbursement of monthly stipends to OUDA workers.

  • Just In: National Association of Nigeria Nurses And Midwives Embarks On Warning Strike

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The National Association of Nigeria Nurses And Midwives NANNM, has had announced the commencement of a seven days warning strike with effect from 18th August 2025.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the Secretary, Cross River State chapter, Ijeoma Njoku, the association is pressing for a five points demand.

    The release reads in full “Arising from the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held on 16th August 2025, the SEC – session agreed that all nurses (State and LGA) should proceed to 7 days warning strike, following the expiration of a 7 days – ultimatum given to the state government by the Joint Action Committee of Health Sector Unions in Cross River State, begining from 12:00am of Monday 18th August, 2025.

    “Reasons for the strike

    1. Payment of 100% CONHESS (2024 review) for nurses

    2. Proper implementation of the new national minimum wage for nurses

    3. Review of hazard allowances

    4. Employment of more nurses in the state

    5. Promotion and release of promotion letters”.

    The release further mandated unit heads to ensure that all members under their supervision comply with the directives “You are therefore mandated to ensure total compliance by all members in your various units”

  • #JariBurs Beneficiaries, Obanliku LGA See Your List

    #JariBurs beneficiaries….

    Obanlikwu LGA.

    The winners will be published by LGAs.

    No single name here lobbied or was recommended or planted by anyone. Everybody won because the system was blind.

    Same thing with all the other LGAs.

    TF

  • Jarigbe Flags Off Rural Water Project In 22 Communities Benefit From Water Supply 

     

    No fewer than twenty-two (22) communities in Cross River North Senatorial District are set to benefit from Senator Jarigbe Agom’s rural water supply project, as the lawmaker flags off the project in the Senatorial District.

    During the 2024 Christmas celebration, Senator Jarigbe had directed all affected communities to contact the constituency officer and report if they lacked access to clean and affordable water.

    The communities, which had previously decried perennial water scarcity and lack of access to drinking water, noted that Senator Jarigbe kept his word.

    Representing Senator Jarigbe Agom at the flag-off ceremony in Ogoja, Constituency Officer Mr. Egar Mgbantul stated that the rural water project, which has become an annual initiative, aims to fulfill the basic needs of the people. It ensures access to safe domestic water, good hygiene, and other basic amenities in the affected communities.

    According to Mr. Egar, access to potable water is a fundamental human right. He also assured constituents that communities not captured in this phase will benefit from the next phase.

    The benefiting communities, spread across the five Local Government Areas of the Senatorial District, include:

    OBANLIKU LGA
    1. Bebuenkayang-Bisu

    2. Bessenge-Utanga

    3. Busi 4 – Busi ward

    4. Ablesang-Bishiri South

    BEKWARRA LGA

    5. Customary Court-Okpeche Afrike

    6. Ugboro-Ugboro Ward

    OGOJA LGA
    7. Bansan-Mbube West

    8. Ishibori Urban 1

    9. Mbock 1-Ekajuk 2

    10. Ukpe-Nkum Iborr

    OBUDU LGA
    11. Alege/Ubang Ward – Biwhe

    12. Begiading Ward – Ohong

    13. Ipong Ward – Bebuatsuan

    14. Ukpe Ward – Karu

    15. Utugwang South Ward – Ukpada

    16. Urban I Ward – Indiabeb

    YALA LGA

    17. Echumoga – Echumofana Ward

    18. Yahe – Yahe Ward

    19. Mfuma/Ntrigom ward- Ntrigom

    20. Ijiraga ward- Ijiraga 1

    21. Ezekwe – Igede Ward

    22. Aliforkpa – Yache

    Igede and Aliforkpa will be drilled after the rainy season.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Lady Petitions Embattled Ursula Agbor For Alleged Cyberstalking, Criminal Defamation

    Culled from CrossRiverWatch 

    By Kelvin Ololo

    Loveth Bissong has petitioned Miss. Ursula Agbor over alleged cyberstalking, criminal defamation and harassment to the Nigeria Police Force, Cross River State Command.

    Miss. Loveth Bissong, petitioned the embattled Ursula, through Basic Rights Partners – a law firm fighting human rights in the state and the South-South region of the country.

    The petition signed by Kehole Enya, Esq. for the Basic Rights Law Partners and addressed to the Commissioner of Police, dated 4th August, 2025 and received 5th August, 2025, noted that their client has been subjected to a series of deliberate and harmful communications by Ursula through WhatsApp. These they stated, included unsolicited messages, voice notes, and calls that were defamatory, offensive, and psychologically disturbing and clearly intend to harass, embarrass and provoke Loveth.

    They held that the actions of Ms. Agbor amounts to cyberstalking and criminal defamation, and have caused their client emotional distress, public embarrassment and genuine concern for her safety.

    The petition reads: “We are Solicitors to Miss Loveth Bissong (hereinafter referred to as “our client”), and We write upon her firm instructions to petition your office against one Ursula Agbor for acts of cyberstalking, criminal defamation, and harassment via the WhatsApp messaging platform.

    “Our client is a law-abiding Nigerian citizen. However, she has recently been subjected to a series of deliberate and harmful communications by the said Ursula Agbor through WhatsApp. These included unsolicited messages, voice notes, and calls that were defamatory, offensive, and psychologically disturbing were clearly intended to harass, embarrass and provoke our client.

    “The actions of Ms. Agbor amounts to cyberstalking and criminal defamation, and have caused our client emotional distress, public embarrassment and genuine concern for her safety.

    “In light of the foregoing, we respectfully urge your office to conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into this matter and also take appropriate steps to address the malicious and criminal use of digital media to stalk and harass our client.

    “We trust in your swift and firm intervention to address this growing menace and to restore our client’s peace of mind. Thank you for your attention.”

    As of news time, source hinted CrossRiverWatch that Miss Ursula Agbor is in the police net at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Calabar

  • Otu Declares CIBN Zonal Conference Open, Charges South-South States To Harness Agriculture

     

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet has called on South-South states to urgently harness their vast agricultural and extractive resources to drive regional economic transformation and resilience.

    The Governor, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey made this call on Wednesday, while declaring open the South-South Zonal Banking and Finance Conference organized by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), held at the Calabar International Convention Center.

    In his address, Governor Otu emphasized the urgent need for states within the region to leverage their comparative advantages, particularly in agriculture, oil and gas, and solid minerals, to diversify their economies and reduce over dependence on federal allocations.

    “The South-South zone as a region must now act with urgency to diversify its economy, leveraging our shared natural endowments
    in agriculture and extractive resources,” the deputy governor stated. “The fertile land across our zone gives us a comparative advantage that we must convert into prosperity through agriculture and its value chain.”

    He described the conference as timely, given the growing global economic uncertainties and trade tensions, as well as the need for sub national governments to develop sustainable economic frameworks.

    While highlighting that Cross River State has taken bold steps in key sectors such as agriculture, aviation, maritime, tourism, and infrastructure, he urged participants at the conference to explore investment opportunities both within the state and across the South-South region. He commended the CIBN for its foresight in organizing the conference and for choosing Cross River as host and expressed hope that the conference deliberations would chart a bold and strategic path toward the region’s economic transformation

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Dr. Michael Odere, emphasized the importance of decentralizing the hosting of the CIBN conference to foster inclusivity and regional engagement. He urged stakeholders to leverage ongoing economic reforms to drive socioeconomic development across the South-South region. Dr. Odere also encouraged participants to actively contribute to the discourse and offer meaningful input that would shape actionable outcomes.

    In a special remarks, the President and Chairman in Council of the CIBN, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, praised Cross River State for its hospitality and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to deepening financial inclusion, institutional capacity, and economic policy advocacy across the geopolitical zones.

    He highlighted the vast untapped potential of the South-South region and stressed the need for coordinated support across financial, technological, and policy spheres to reposition the region for sustainable growth. He noted that financial institutions must be leveraged as catalysts for innovation, investment, and inclusive development.

    The event featured goodwill messages from Hon. Okon Owuna, Member representing Akamkpa I in the Cross River State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, as well as from the representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Branch Controller. The conference also included presentations by subject-matter experts, notably Professor Akpan Ekpo of the Centre for Public Policy, University of Uyo.

    Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Government House, Calabar
    17/0702025

  • Just In: C’River Police Command Confirms Arrest Of Nurse And Accomplice Involved In Child Trafficking In Ogoja

    CROSS RIVER STATE POLICE COMMAND
    PRESS RELEASE:
    17TH JULY, 202

    ARREST OF NURSE AND ACCOMPLICE INVOLVED IN CHILD TRAFFICKING – BABY RESCUED UNHARMED AT OGOJA LGA

    The Cross River State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, PSC, mnips, wishes to clarify the facts surrounding the recent incident involving a nurse arrested in connection with child trafficking.

    On the 15th of July 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM, operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in collaboration with an international NGO—Caritas International—and with the support of the Ogoja Divisional Police Headquarters, successfully apprehended two female suspects linked to a case of child trafficking reported on July 5th, 2025, at Okuku Market in Yala LGA.

    The suspects are:

    Paulina Banku Otu (female) – a nurse employed at Ogoja General Hospital the prime suspect, and

    Regina Abuashia (female) – a staff of Ogoja Local Government Council, identified as the buyer of the child.

    Following detailed investigation and intelligence gathering, the joint team, alongside the child’s biological mother, Mrs. Maria Ogar, located and arrested both suspects. The stolen child, Purity Lehi Sunday (female, age 2), was found unharmed and was reunited with her mother at the Ogoja Police Station.

    Both suspects confessed to the crime during interrogation and have since been transferred to the State NAPTIP Office in Calabar for further investigation and prosecution under relevant laws.

    The Command is aware of a misleading video circulating on social media platforms regarding this incident. We wish to categorically state that the video misrepresents the facts and appears to be a deliberate attempt to discredit the Police and incite public unrest.

    The Cross River State Police Command urges social media influencers, bloggers, and content creators to adhere to responsible journalism ethics and verify facts before publication. The spreading of false or sensational narratives carries serious legal consequences and can hinder the course of justice.

    The Command remains unwavering in its commitment to protect lives, uphold the law, and combat crimes such as child trafficking across the State.

    SP Ugbo Irene, ANIPR
    Police Public Relations Officer
    For: Commissioner of Police
    Cross River State Command

  • Humanity Without Borders, UNFPA Takes Inter School Debate To Northern Cross

    By Elijah Ugani 

    Humanity Without Boarders Empowerment Initiative (HUWIB), a pet project of the wife of the Cross River State governor, Bishop Eyo-Anwan Bassey Otu, with support from United Nations Population Fund UNFPA, has taken inter school debate competition to northern cross river state.

    The debate which was held June 5th 2025, at Holy Child Secondary School, Ogoja had four schools that took part in the competition.

    Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr Inyang Asibong, welcomed participants to the event and noted that “Humanity Without Boarders is a non-governmental organization founded by t Bishop Eyo-Anwan, Wife of the Governor of Cross River State.

    “The governor’s wife has goodwill, empathy and the desire to better the lives of our students through various interventions.

    “We have been to this school before. We have visited other schools and initiated agric clubs.

    “Today we have come for something else, debate on the topic ” Should Schools be Held responsible for School related gender based violence.

    “Other areas of her interventions include Social welfare, taking care of the environment and sporting activities.

    “We will keep coming because we want to make sure that all the schools get involved”.

    On his part, the Programme Manager, Mr Jeffery Adamade, welcomed the participants and teachers from the participating schools to the debate competition and noted that “The essence of the debate is not to look down on any school. The debate is to enable us know what gender-based violence is all about and get to socialize and familiarize with the different schools around here considering the short notice and invitation. We encourage you to feel free, enjoy yourselves and know that our boss, Bishop Eyo-Anwan Bassey Otu, wife of the governor loves you”.

    Earlier, the principal of Holy Child Secondary School, Mount Carmel, Ogoja, Rev Sr Anthonia Eze, welcomed guests and thanked the organizers for choosing the Mount Carmel.

    She noted that “Mount Carmel is an ancient school just like Mary knoll College Okuku. I want you to sit enjoy yourself and have fun while you are here”

    At the end of the debate, Holy Child Secondary School, Mount Carmel Ogoja, came first, Maryknoll College Okuku came second, St Catherine School, Igoli, came third and John Bosco Academy Adagom, came fourth.

    Highlight of the event was presentation of trophy to the overall best school and plaque award to second to the fourth school and group photograph.

    UNFPA’s key areas of focus are organized around three transformative results and four core priority areas. Here’s an overview:

    Transformative Results

    Zero Unmet Need for Family Planning: Providing access to family planning information and services to empower individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health.

    Zero Preventable Maternal Deaths: Strengthening health systems, training health workers, and improving access to maternal health services to reduce maternal mortality.

    Zero Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices: Working to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, and eliminating harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage.

    Core Priority Areas

    Sexual and Reproductive Health: Providing access to quality sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, maternal health, and HIV/AIDS prevention: Adolescent and Youth Empowerment: Empowering young people to make informed choices about their reproductive health, and providing them with comprehensive sexuality education and opportunities for leadership and participation.

    Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: Promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls to exercise their reproductive rights, free from coercion, discrimination, and violence.
    Population Data and Analysis: Strengthening national population data systems, and providing technical assistance to countries to improve their data collection and analysis capabilities.