The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • Post Covid-19: Cross River Partners UNFPA On 2021 Development Strategy

    Post Covid-19: Cross River Partners UNFPA On 2021 Development Strategy

     

    Cross River State Government has unveiled strategic plan 8! Partnership with the United Nations Fund and Population Agency (UNFPA) to achieve Global Program for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The Strategic Partnership was sealed during a two-day 2020 end of the Year review and 2021 annual work plan event held in Calabar.

    Declaring the meeting open, the State Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Inyang Asibong, called on all partners to assess the extent of UNFPA’s program implementation and results achieved in relations to the planned intervention in 2020 associated with COVID-19 pandemic.

    Asibong said the partnership will also unveil a 2021 strategy which would serve as post-COVID-19 recovery plan across board.

    She added that “The strategic plan should be in tandem with the State Government’s priority and the UNFPA key agenda on 2030 principles to achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, focusing on women, adolescents and youth,advising that the strategic plan should ensure everyone is carried along with premium concentration on reaching vulnerable people in the hinterlands as a key priority”.

    In his opening remarks, the Head of Office, UNFPA, Dr Polycarpe Takou, called on all partners to use the experience they have gotten over the year, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, to agree on high impact activities to be implemented in 2021.

    He also assured the state partners of continuous support to ensure no one is left behind, and that; “The strategic plan should focus on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Services, Gender Based Violence (GBV), prevention and response, risk communication and community engagement, and provision of life-saving supplies and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

     

  • Breaking News: Operation Akpakwu Clamps Notorious Kingpin, Bassey Bassey Etim.

    Breaking News: Operation Akpakwu Clamps Notorious Kingpin, Bassey Bassey Etim.

    By Admin

    Culled From Andrea Ekeng Inyang’s wall

    The Special Anti-kidnapping squard code named Operation Akpakwu, has napped a notorious kingpin suspected to have been terrorizing Calabar residents, Mr. Bassey Bassey Etim and his gang in Calabar, on the 7th December, 2020.

    According Andrea Ekeng Inyang, Special Assistant to Governor Ben Ayade on Strategic Communication, “Operation Op got intelligence by intelligent officers and swung into action. Bassey was said to have been spotted with his gang around the Anantigha axist of Calabar South.

    “Operation Akpakwu responded immediately and surrounded all escape perimeter, then clamped on the criminal suspect with his gang (check pictures)

    “Also confirmed is the presence of
    Operation Crocodile Smile which is now permanently stationed in Anantigha, Calabar South Local Government Area.

    “As at yesterday, OP CS invaded and combed the entire Anantigha and Jebbs creeks in search of kidnappers and notorious gang leaders.

    “Meanwhile the State Security Department has dismissed report making the rounds on social media that one person was shot dead at Ekpo Abasi junction, Calabar South in the early hours of yesterday, describing the report as false.

    “Speaking on the development, the Department said it received a distressed call from a shop owner of sporadic shooting around the environment which necessitated the prompt response of OP Akpakwu but on arrival it was discovered that the blaring sound from “knock-out” being thrown into a popular shop was mistaken for gunshots”

     

  • Catholic Diocese Of Ogoja Commends Sen. Sandy Onor For Project Facilitation

    Catholic Diocese Of Ogoja Commends Sen. Sandy Onor For Project Facilitation

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Catholic Diocese of Ogoja has commended the senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Sen. Prof. Sandy Onor, for facilitating the renovation of Holy Child Secondary School Ikom.

    The Diocese in a letter of appreciation signed by the Executive Secretary, Catholic Education Board, Rev. Fr. Justine B. Udie and sighted by The Lumine News, indicates that the diocese prayed God to bless the senator abundantly and continue to sustain and grant him success in his political carrier.

    The letter reads in parts “I am directed by the bishop of Ogoja, His Excellency, Most Rev. Donatus Edet Akpan, to write and express our deep and sincere sentiments of gratitude to you for your kind gesture towards one of our catholic schools (Holy Child Secondary School) Ikom. The school is one of the beneficiaries of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) 2109 SKC project.

    “We just discovered lately that this project was facilitated by you. This appreciation though belated, is an expression of our deep thanks to you. We cannot quantify the great benefits this kind gesture of yours will bring to our educational system in the entire diocese.

    “We pray that the good Lord bless you abundantly and continue to sustain and grant you success in your political carrier. We remain united with you in prayers always”

  • 50 Youths Of Cross River Central Senatorial District To Benefit From HiiT Scholarship For Online ICT Training, Facilitated By Sen. Sandy Ojang Onor.

    50 Youths Of Cross River Central Senatorial District To Benefit From HiiT Scholarship For Online ICT Training, Facilitated By Sen. Sandy Ojang Onor.

    By Admin

    Human development is basically about expanding the richness of human life. It focuses on creating opportunities and equipping people with the prerequisite knowledge, skills and talents to grab opportunities. It centers on developing people’s abilities and giving them a chance to use them.

    Today’s digital world offers a plethora of opportunities for our youths, that is why our youth friendly, focused and proactive Principal Senator Professor Sandy Ojong Onor in collaboration with HiiT PLC has offered 50 youths of the Senatorial district, an all expense paid scholarship for a one month online ICT training starting from Monday 7th December, 2020.

    The 50 beneficiaries were drawn from the six LGAs and shall be equipped with knowledge in either

    Digital Literacy,
    Digital marketing,
    Ethical hacking,
    Graphic design,
    Web design,
    Project management,
    Python programming,
    PHP programming or Java programming.
    CRSCSD.

    The youths of Central Senatorial District have been afforded the opportunity to partake and break the ceiling in the advancement of global technology.

  • Anambra Commissioner For Women Affairs Rescues Brutalized Toddler In Abagana Accused Of Witchcraft

    Anambra Commissioner For Women Affairs Rescues Brutalized Toddler In Abagana Accused Of Witchcraft

     

    The Commissioner of Women and Children Affairs, Lady Ndidi Mezue, has come to the rescue of a 6 years old child, brutalized by her foster mother in Abagana, IgbereTV reports.

    The child whose name is Amanda was spotted by a good Samaritan, Miss Loritha Ebere Obelue from Akpu Village, Abagana, who noticed the burnt and severe scars all over body and raised alarm.

    The Ministry through the Child’s department swung into action immediately and the culprit, 39 years old, Agatha Uba, from Imo State was picked and brought to the Ministry for questioning.

    Seeing the the wrenching mutilated body of the child, drove Lady Ndidi Mezue to tears, as she demanded from the mother why she subjected the child to such inhuman treatment.

    Releasing that nemesis has caught up with her and speaking from both sides of the mouth, Mrs Agatha said her pastor revealed to her that the child was a witch, after years of watching her misbehave and showing signs of witchcraft.

    And to deliver her, Amanda will be handcuffed, beaten and kept days indoors, some days without food until rescue came her way.

    From preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the woman, had other 3 children under her custody, and all were allegedly stolen, as she has no child of her own.

    Because Amanda was found in a delicate state, owing to the inhumane treatment, Lady Ndidi Mezue, who fed and clothe her, has promised the Ministry will follow up the case. She instructed that a team from the Ministry go to Abagana immediately and rescue the remaining kids and the case taken up by the appropriate authorities further investigation.

    The ministry stated that it will always uphold the protection of children from violence and harmful practices as it has been observed that thousands of children are accused of being witches in Nigeria, and the children are tortured, and even killed.

     

  • C’River Born Assistant Commissioner of Police Axed To Death In Calabar

    C’River Born Assistant Commissioner of Police Axed To Death In Calabar

    By Patrick Obia

    Culled from CrossRiverWatch

    Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP. Egbe Eko Edum, the Commanding Officer of No.73 PMF Squadron, Magumeri, Borno state, has been axed to death in Calabar, Cross River State Capital by unknown men.

    The attack which took place in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 2, at about 1: am along Murtala Mohammed Highway by Pepsi.

    The Assistant Police Commissioner who is serving in Borno State was said to be returning to Calabar to visit his family, when his vehicle broke down at the said Highway, while he tried calling his family to come pick him up, he was attacked and hacked to death with axe.

    When contacted by this reporter at first, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Irene Ugbo, said, “I got that same report I am about leaving the house, I don’t know how true it is let me get to the office and confirm, somebody just called and told me that something like that had happened. let me go to the office and confirm.”

    An hour 38 minutes later when contacted again, the PPRO confirmed.
    “That unfortunate incident is true, I just confirmed it now. He is an Assistant Commissioner of Police who serves in Borno State; he is not serving here. I think he was coming to see his family here in Cross River, he arrived Calabar as at about 1:am when the incident happened.”

    When asked of his name she said “I learnt that they used axe on him. I don’t know his name; investigations will be launched.” She said.

    Meanwhile, residents of the area woke up in shock with the break down vehicle still park on the middle of the road with blood stains.

    At the time of filing this report, his corpse has been deposited at the mortuary.

     

  • Christmas Bonanza: Ogoja Foods Offers You Mayzi Rice

    Christmas Bonanza: Ogoja Foods Offers You Mayzi Rice

    By Elijah Ugani

    In order to bridge the gap of shortage of rice supply, the management Ogoja Foods has taken the gun let to supply you with stone free rice for this Christmas period and even beyond.

    “Mayzi Rice” is processed, Packaged & Marketed by OGOJA FOODS, and offers you affordable native rice for Xmas & New Year as gift or palliatives to your esteemed supporters, customers, staff, associates & stakeholders.

    The products are in;
    – 50kg = #25,000
    – 25kg =#13,000
    – 10kg = #5,500
    – 5kg = #3,000
    -2kg + = #1,700(tomato &spices) .
    -1kg + = #850 (tomatoes).

    Also note that;
    1. Prevailing market prices at the time of payment shall apply.
    2. Discount on bulk purchases of a least 50 bags of 50kg.
    3. Delivery begins from 8th December, 2020.
    4. At least 80% deposit required.
    5. Delivery within 2 weeks of payment.
    6. Payment of balance on delivery.
    7. Other matters are negotiable.

    Finally for payments;

    Name: Ogoja Foods
    First Bank Acct
    2032758908
    For payment of order for “Mayzi Rice”
    Rich Stone Free Local Rice.

    For inquiries, rice order and investment, please contact; 08062359970
    08167704843

    Or theluminenews on
    08121032474

    The Management of Ogoja Foods wish it esteemed and independent Marketers, Investors and Prospective investors the best of December, as Rice orders and investment is open.

  • Constituents Eulogizes Sandy Onor As Work Begins On Mile 2 And State Housing Roads In Ikom.

    Constituents Eulogizes Sandy Onor As Work Begins On Mile 2 And State Housing Roads In Ikom.

    By Elijah Ugani

    As work commenced on the rehabilitation of the Mile 2 and State Housing roads in Ikom main town when equipments were brought to site as well as the space at which the work is handled, Constituents of the Central Senatorial district continue to eulogize sen. Sandy Onor for his astute representation.

    The constituents from across the six local governments area that made up the central senatorial district separately thanked the gesture of the lawmaker and pleaded that the gesture be extended to other local governments in the central senatorial district, especially the Borum road that seemed impassable.

    Their views were expressed on the timeline of the Director General of the Caterpillar Movement, Obi Joe Ability, when he intimated the public of the commencement of work on the Mile 2 road.

    This comes as the drilling and installation of motorized boreholes is ongoing at the Ikom main market to ease the quest for water supply which has in the recent past been very scared.

    According to the DG, Caterpillar Movement when contacted “the projects will be undertaken in phases, the senator is very conscious of the plight of his constituents. A lots of projects are captured for intervention, we will undertake these projects systematically. As far as we are concerned, no project will be abandoned. When the senator completes his term in the senate, central senatorial district will sure celebrate his stewardship”

    Some of the constituents who expressed their views had this to say;

    Ogar Manyo: Great feet, God bless our distinguished Senator Prof that road was an eye saw that last I was in Ikom.

    Ogar Agbor: Good news, let him remember Kakwagom Ogoja road, God bless him.

    George Odok Jnr: Keep up the good work Senator.

    Effiom Atteo: Senator Sandy Onor is out to serve his people and he has the capacity to do that. May God grant him more grace to do more.

    Joseph Agbor: Strategic leadership, feeling the people’s pulse. Giant strides.

    Bukie Okangbe: Abeg make una no forget una Borum oo.

  • GFO Orim Foundation Fulfills Promise To Widow, Renovates House And Provides Solar Light

    GFO Orim Foundation Fulfills Promise To Widow, Renovates House And Provides Solar Light

    By Elijah Ugani

    In fulfilling the earlier promise made by GFO Orim Foundation on Saturday October 7th, 2020 to renovate the house of Mrs. Agnes Godwin Afo, a widow with four kids at Anyikang, Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State, the foundation has kept to its words by renovating the building.

    Speaking to The Lumine News, the elated Mrs. Agnes Godwin Afo, thanked the Founder of GFO Orim Foundation, Hon. Martin Orim, who is also the Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor.

    Her words “My name is Agnes Godwin from Anyikang, as my husband died, I have no place to stay, I was here with my children, I had no place to stay, Hon. Martin Orim came and renovated this house for me. Kindly help me thank God for him. I had no light, he provided solar light for me, I had no toilet, he provided me with toilet, kindly help thank God for him”

    On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on International Donor Development Cooperation and immediate past leader of Obudu legislative council, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, noted that “GFO Foundation has never met this widow before, all we do is to ensure that we put a smile on her face. GFO Orim Foundation has paid so many persons school fees, provided wheel chairs to the disabled, trained youth on different skills.

    “Thank God you are here, you have heard from her, pictures don’t lie. The Chief of Staff is poised to alleviate the plight of the less privileged in the society”

    Recall that the Chairman/Founder of GFO Orim Foundation had pledged to plaster the entire building, install doors and windows in the building, install solar light in her house, providing her with a grinding machine to enable her start a business, and to supply food items at regular intervals to enable her provide for the children.

    Barely two weeks from the time of the visit, the foundation has completed the renovation work and the widow has packed into the building.

    When contacted, the Chairman/Founder, GFO Orim Foundation told The Lumine News that “I’m shocked that you could find your way to Bekwarra to see things for yourself. I don’t believe in making a show with my intervention. My late father was very passionate about the less privileged. He was generous and he handed over these virtues to me. I have decided that the only I can sustain this virtue is to reach out to those in need. I wish I have enough to reach out to more.

    “As a foundation, we will continue to do the little we can to help the vulnerable, according to the resources in our disposal”

  • Ebonyi Youths Beats Up Catholic Priest For Flogging Nkomoro Ward Councillor’s Son

    Ebonyi Youths Beats Up Catholic Priest For Flogging Nkomoro Ward Councillor’s Son

    Culled From Vanguard

    Report reaching Vanguard has it that the Catholic Priest in charge of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Nkomoro in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Rev. Fr. Ejike, has been attacked by some irate youths of the area.

    Father Ejike was said to have flogged and held the son of the Councilor of Nkomoro Ward, Mrs Ngozika Onele, for allegedly destroying his cassava farm, which led to his attack.

    A source from the community told Vanguard that Fr. Ejike had vowed not to release the child without seeing the parents, having warned him several times, against destroying his farm produce.

    But Fr. Ejike’s refusal to release the child, angered his family members who went and reported the matter to the Chairman of the Parish Council.

    The source said: “When the Chairman of the Parish Council arrived Father’s house, alongside Kelechi Nwali and Chika Nwali, who are the brothers to the Ward Councillor, he sought to know what happened.
    “But Fr. Ejike asked him to ask the people who brought him into the matter. It was in the process that a quarrel ensued.

    “Then, Chika Nwali insisted Father must release the boy to them without further delay. His outburst angered Father who ordered that he should leave his compound. But he refused.
    “Chika said he would not leave without Father releasing the boy. In anger, Father brought a cane and started flogging him to leave his compound. The Rev. Father who could not bear the assault, left the community, and is currently at Bishop’s quarters in Abakaliki, where he is also receiving treatment.

    The Bishop of Abakaliki Dioceses, Michael Nnachi Okoro and the entire Catholic community are said to be very furious over the development.

    When contacted through his GSM line, Fr. Ejike said he was not stable to talk on the matter.
    The Catholic priest said: “I’m not stable to talk to you now.”

    Asked whether it was as a result of the attack that caused him not to be stable, he said: “Allow me be for now, please,” and he hung up the phone.