The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • UN, CRSG Signs 2021/2022 United Nations ‘Delivery As One’ Work Plan

    By Elijah Ugani

    The United Nations and the Cross River State government has jointly signed the 2021/2022 Work Plan.

    The Country Rep of the United Nations Population Agency UNFPA, Ms Ulla Elisabeth Mueller thanked Governor Ben Ayade for the opportunity and time created for the signing of the work plan and commended the collaboration from the Cross River State Government for the development of the work plan.

    Mueller noted that “Cross River State is one of the leading states in the implementation of the Delivery as One project in Nigeria. It has been an interesting journey working with Cross River State in the past years.

    “Cross River State has dynamic youths who want to contribute to the building of this country despite the challenges confronting them.

    “The UN has moved to support you to overcome these seemingly myriad of challenges. During implementation, your team and the UN team will prioritize and ensure that every body gets the services that will be rendered”

    On his part, Governor Ben Ayade commended the UN for the passion shown to Nigeria, particularly the challenges of Covid19 and the security within the Niger Delta region.

    Ayade noted that “the choice of Cross River State for implementing all of these programs is not a surprise to us. Our concern is that we need to find time to sit on a table to share our concerns and find a sustainable way to addressing these concerns.

    “I am particularly grateful because you are here to assist me deliver on my core mandate as Governor because your areas of delivery speaks to my core mandate. Our youths come out of school without job placement and that is why we line up industries to address unemployment in the state as well as expanded government to accommodate the interest of the youths.

    “We started the Welding and Fabrication Academy, we will graduate our first batch in a couple of weeks from now, let’s see how we can incorporate them into this plan and see how we can provide basic start up kits for them.

    “While I commend your dexterity to assist our state, I hope to see the change that will be associated with this humanitarian intervention”

    The Governor seized the opportunity to commend the Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong for her resilience and commitment to ensuring the coordination of UN activities in the State.

    Earlier, the Commissioner, MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong commended efforts made by the UN Agencies working in Cross River State with UNFPA as the lead agency for the various interventions under the Delivery as One.

    Asibong mentioned key result areas for the intervention to include:
    a) Governance, Human Right, Peace and Security
    b) Equitable Quality Basic Services and
    c) Sustainable and Inclusive Growth and Development.

    The Cross River State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr Tanko Ashang signed the work plan on behalf of the Cross River State Government while the UNFPA Country Rep, Mrs Ulla Elisabeth Mueller signed for the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon.

    The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Martins Orim led other government functionaries to witness the signing, while the Head of Calabar Office of UNFPA, Dr Aliyu Yakubu led other UN agencies in Cross River State.

  • UNICEF Partners Cross River Government To Provide Nutritional Services For Children And The Vulnerable

     

    The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund,(UNICEF) has renewed its commitment to partner with Cross River State Government in providing nutritional services to vulnerable persons in the State.

    Head of UNICEF, Enugu Field office who oversees Cross River , Ibrahim Conteh, made the disclosure during his visit to the Ministry of International Development Cooperation in Calabar.

    Conteh who was accompanied by the
    UNICEF Nutrition Officer, Ngozi Anora and the Head of Planning and Monitoring Services, Maureen Okolo, explained that the UN Agency is determined to reach the most disadvantaged children and vulnerable adolescents in a bid to protect the rights of every child, everywhere in Nigeria.

    He said providing nutritional services will help children to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for International Development Corporation, Inyang Asibong assured the UNICEF representatives that the State is set to roll out it’s Social Protection Policy and multi-sectoral plan for Nutrition .

    According to Asibong, the policy will cater for the nutritional needs of children, educational needs, and support the less privileged in communities.

    The launch of the social protection policy is slated to hold in October, 2021 following activity meetings with line Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government as well as stakeholders and clusters across the State with the Ministry of International Development Cooperation (MIDC) as the cordinating partner.

    Those who joined Commissioner Asibong during the meeting were, Mr Ogbang Akwaji, Permanent Secretary MIDC, Mrs Mbong Ausaji , Director of Admin., MIDC, amongst others.

  • Cross River: UNHCR Pledges To Strengthen Humanitarian Support To Thousands Of Refugees From Cameroon.

     

    By Admin

    The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has promised strengthening of humanitarian support services to thousands of refugees from Cameroon residing in various parts of communities across Cross River State.

    Statistics made available to our correspondent reveal that there are over 38,000 Cameroonian refugees living at Etung, Akamkpa, Obanliku, Bakassi, Calabar, Ikom, Boki, Ogoja and Obudu communities and are facing various challenges. These refugees fled from Southern Cameroon following in-fighting between the Cameroonian government and some freedom fighters from Southern Cameroon.
    Since then, the UN Refugee Agency has supported the Cross River government by rehabilitating and upgrading public facilities including health, education and WASH as well as distributing non-food items, food, medicine, tools, and farm implements to the refugees and host communities.
    Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for International Development Corporation, MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong, in her office in Calabar at the weekend, the UNHCR Head of Sub-Office Ogoja, Mr Tesfaye Bekele, commended the State government for their commitment towards providing humanitarian services to the refugees and advocated for continuous support.
    Bekele promised to work in synergy with the coordinating ministry and other MDAs to deliver their mandate in line with the vision and mission of the organization to the people of Cross River.
    In her response, the Commissioner for International Development Corporation, MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong, said the State government is committed to providing succour to the refugees residing across the communities in the State.
    She explained that the population of the refugees have been overwhelming and assured the team of the government’s readiness to partner with them in playing a role in humanitarian services and other areas as requested by MIDC as the coordinating partner.

  • Thanksgiving: Prof. Obi Dedicates Appointment As UNICAL VC To God

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has held a thanksgiving mass in her honour to dedicate her emergence as the first female and 11th substantive VC of the institution to God.

    The thanksgiving mass was held in her home town of Bansan community, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Boki local government area, Cross River State.

    The VC, who led her family, friends, colleagues and well wishers to thank God for her emergence, said that her educational career towards attaining the highest rank of a Professor wasn’t a smooth one, hence it came with challenges, but she was determined towards achieving success.

    She told the congregation that as a young child from a humble background, she was focused on becoming great through her educational pursuits in spite of the challenges.

    Prof. Obi noted that her emergence as the 11th VC of UNICAL was divine.

    The VC encouraged women to always have a positive outlook towards life, adding that success does not come easily, but with determination and perseverance.

    She solicited the support of management staff, workers and students of the University towards achieving her mission and vision for the institution.

    The VC explained that her choice for the thanksgiving in her home town was to also honour the church and her community for their separate contributions in her life from childhood.

    Prof. Obi, who was filled with joy, donated 150 long pews to the church, 100 medium ones, lighting of the church and others, while her friends and colleagues also made financial donations to the church

    She explained that the donation was one of the ways of giving back to the church that played a significant role in her life and upbringing.

    The colourful event attracted the presence of politicians, captain of industries, the academia, religious and traditional leaders, students, Youth Council amongst others.

  • Nigeria is a great country with abundance of untapped natural resources – Ajagbo Tells Corps members

     

    A Rtd Director , ministry of foreign affairs , Abuja Dr. Walter Ajogbor, mni has Charged the 2021 Batch ‘B’ Stream 2 Corps Members currently undergoing Orientation Course in Obubra Camp to avoid nursing any idea of risking their lives in an attempt to seek Greener pastures abroad and look inward to explore the unexploited opportunities in the country.

    The retired deplomat stated this,
    during a sensitization Lecture titled “Stemming the Tides of lrregular Migration” in fulfilment of the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Youth Service Corps and the Pan African Institute for Global Affairs and Strategy, PAIGAS.

    Dr Ajogbo hinted that there were many reasons to avoid being second class citizens outside when we have a country of our own. In his words “many Nigerians of your age are making it big in Nigeria . All you need to do is to believe in Nigeria and believe in yourself. What we have is a country with unlimited possibilities and opportunities ” He opined.

    He defined lrregular migration to involve the movement of persons from one country to another without respecting the laws of originating country and country of destination.
    The Rtd Director advised Corps Members to used Basic requirements to obtained international travel documents which includes: passport documents, Air tickets, and proof of Accomdation bookings, travel itinerary details among others.

    He further Enumerated the Dangers of lrregular migration to include: smuggling of migrants, kidnapping, Rejection of irregular migrants, trafficking and abuse of & exploitation of children and women among others.

    Ajogbor advised Corps Members to take their destiny in their hands and discover their potentials as their peers have succeeded here in Nigeria. ” Remember in the school of success there is no age of graduation ” Age is not a hindrance to your success.

    In his welcoming remarks, the state Coordinator of NYSC Cross River State Mr Zemoh Andrew who welcomed the guest Lecturer to Obubra orientation camp, noted that the Lecture is very apt as Nigeria youth are noted for leaving the country to Europe in search of unknown greener pastures.

    He further collaborated efforts made by the NYSC to reduce the menace of irregular migration, saying the NYSC management strategically came up with skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme ( SAED) to help Corps members become employers of Labour thereby engaging themselves in Legimate and productive Enterprise .

    Zemoh added that “over the years, thousands of Corps members have made good living by starting small and growing big ‘ He opined.
    Zemoh Charged the Corps members to consider the Lecture as a golden opportunity emanating from the memorandum of understanding (MOU). between NYSC and Pan Africa institute for Global affiara and strategy (PAIGAS).

    In a vote of thanks, Corps Camp Director Mr Ugoya Theophilus who represented the Corps members appreciated the Guest Lecturer for awakening their consciousness and for being objective and practical in his presentation and pledge to put information received to proper use.

    Highlights of the occasion include volunteering by Corps Members to help fight against irregular Migration through sensitisation campigns to schools, market place as well as the Mass Media.

  • Just In: Governor Ayade Assents To Legislative And Judiciary Autonomy Bills

     

    The Cross River State Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade has signed two bills passed by the state house of Assembly that grant autonomy to both the state legislature and the state judicial arms of government.

    The two bills, Legislative Fund Management and Other Matters and Judicial Fund Management and Other Matters, were signed into law in the government house council chambers.

    According to the bills, all moneys due to the House of Assembly and Judiciary for capital and recurrent expenditure shall be paid by the Accountant-General into the their accounts in monthly instalments, in accordance with provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    While signing the bill into law, Governor Ayade stated that the bills were very important in the life of his administration, explaining that it is a win for the APC led government.

    He thanked the lawmakers for their cooperation and collaboration, noting that his administration had achieved a lot because of the cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature.

    The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams, in his remark applauded his colleagues of the 9th Assembly, saying under his leadership they have recorded giant strides in the quality of bills passed and assented to by the Governor.

    “We have made history with this signing into law today, it is my strong conviction that we will continue to work as partners for the growth and progress of our dear state and the good people of Cross River,” he noted.

  • Parents Of C’River State Students In UNIJOS, NACRISS World Wide Commends Gov Ben Ayade

    By Admin

    The leadership of the National Association of Cross River State Students NACRISS WW, has expressed appreciation to the state governor, Sen Ben Ayade for the timely provision of buses to rescue students that were trapped in the University of Jos hostel on hostilities that recently rocked Jos the Platue capital which led to a 24 hrs curfew.

    In release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to NACRISS WW President, Comr Tobe Stephen, and made available to TheLumineNews, indicates that parents have continued to call to express their appreciation to the Governor.

    The release Reade’s in full;

    OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CROSS RIVER STATE STUDENTS, WORLDWIDE .

    Press Release

    NACRISS WW Thank the Governor of Cross River State Sen. Prof. Sir Ben Ayade KSJI Over Swift Intervention

    The president of National Association Of Cross River State Students Worldwide (NACRISS WW) Snr. Comr. Ovat Peter, the entire Students in the state and in Diaspora expressed unalloyed appreciations to the State Governor Of Cross River State, His Excellency Sen.(Prof.) Ben Ayade over his intervention in evacuating Students from University of Jos, Pleatau State owing to insecurity and hooliganism which resulted to the closure of the University Of Jos, the development that was unhealthy to Students.

    The president has also received several calls from the parents and guardians of the students, thanking the governor for his quick intervention and swift response to the dastardly situation.

    The parents of the students also acknowledged that the governor has always put the interest and welfare of Cross Riverians as top priority.

    As soon as the Governor was briefed about the situation, provisions to Bring-Back-Home students of Cross River Origin became the Governor’s utmost focus, as palatable environment was created to ensure Cross Riverians where brought home without unprepared circumstances as seen in provision of
    Vehicles,

    Heavy security,

    Disbursement for refreshments/Feeding,

    Hotel Accommodation,

    Provision of financial support for students who had traveled before the evacuation and for Cross River State Students based in Jos plateau state
    as well as other necessary provisions.

    It’s worthy to note that the Exercise was carried out by the NACRISS WW president Snr. Comr. Ovat Peter alongside the Special Assistant to the governor on student’s affairs, Comr. Abang Ogon. Also in the team was the chief of staff to the NACRISS WW Comr. Michael Effiong and the Deputy Chief press secretary to the NACRISS WW Comr. Charles Ajap jr.

    Not forgetting the leadership of NACRISS UNIJOS chapter, especially the vice president Sen. Odey,

    The NACRISS WW president who used the opportunity to thank and appreciate the Permanent Secretary to the governor on special Duties Dr. Alfred Mboto for facilitating and supervising the whole process.

    Indeed, the Governor, as always been doing, fulfilled his unchanged commitment to the oath of office during his swearing in.

    Lastly, The NACRISS WW president Snr. Comr. Ovat Peter appeals to our Digital Governor to grant the leadership of NACRISS WW Audience which is very necessary, maintaining that the leadership and students of the state are totally loyal and are in support of the Governor who is the Grand Patron(GP) of the Association.

    The entire Students in the state and indeed, NACRISS WW thank the Governor and pray God to bless him abundantly.

    Signed:
    Comr. Tobe Stephen
    Chief Press Secretary
    NACRISS WW.

  • UPDATED: C’River Civil Service Bow To NLC Picketing, Begins Refund Of N25,000 Extorted From Directors

    By Patrick Obia In CrossRiverWatch

    Our newsroom can confirmed that, following the picketing and shutdown of the Cross River State Secretariat by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the office of Head of Service has began refunding the ₦25,000 extorted from Directors.

    Sources from the NLC disclosed this to CrossRiverWatch saying, the “HOS led by Mrs. Geraldine Akpet-Ekanem succumbed to the pressure and began refunds, calling on those who are not around to come get their money in cash.”

    NLC had swore to employ all its arsenal to ensure the ₦25,000 extorted from 275 Directors were refunded.

    Earlier today (Monday), the Nigeria Labour in Cross River State barricaded the State Secretariat, demanding refund of illegal promotion examination charges for Directors.

    The NLC with their members locked the gate restricting both human and vehicular movement in, out and within the premises.

    Placards with different inscriptions such as; “labour say no to #25,000 before exams for Directors,” “Head of Service, Geraldine Akpet-Ekanem must go,” “Ayade payroll workers employed since 2018,” “Ayade don’t kill the Civil service,” “HOS implement Civil servants promotion you inherited,” among others.

    As at press time, Police were still at the scene but the NLC remains resolute to ensure all extorted money is refunded. Even though the Government has successfully accepted it’s fault and is refunding the extorted money, the NLC has not opened the gate to the premises.

    The State NLC had issued a warning to the Government asking that no fee should be collected for the promotion examination threatening to act if not refunded.

  • ONGOING: C’River NLC Shut State Secretariat, Demands Refund Of N25,000 Extorted From Directors

    By Patrick Obia In CrossRiverWatch

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Cross River State Council in an ongoing protest has shut down the State Secretariat, demanding refund of illegal promotion examination charges for Directors.

    The NLC with their members locked the gate restricting both human and vehicular movement in, out and within the premises.

    Placards with different inscriptions such as; “labour say no to #25,000 before exams for Directors,” “Head of Service, Geraldine Akpet-Ekanem must go,” “Ayade payroll workers employed since 2018,” “Ayade don’t kill the Civil service,” “HOS implement Civil servants promotion you inherited,” among others

    As at press time, Police has arrived the scene but the NLC remains resolute.

    Earlier, the State NLC had issued a warning to the Government asking that no fee should be collected for the promotion examination threatening to act if not refunded.

    See pictures below.

  • C’River Receives Spotlight Initiative Monitoring Team Report From UN, Fed Govt, Records Huge Success

     

    Following the launch of the Spotlight Initiative on July 12th, 2019 by Cross River State Governor, Senator Prof Ben Ayade to tackle Gender Based Violence (GBV) mitigated against women and girls
    in the state, the joint mission team of the United Nations (UN) and the federal government embarked on a 3-day monitoring visit to the state from August 16th – 19th, 2021 to meet with the implementing partners and Civil Society Organizations (CSO).

    The delegation assessed level of progress and presented her joint mission report to the state government with many positive impacts. The joint monitoring team’s visit sought to enhance ownership, transparency and to achieve better results backed by evidence-based data for progress monitoring and to provide recommendations to be used in effective delivery.

    According to the Commissioner for International Development Coporation, Dr Inyang Asibong, the Spotlight Initiative is currently being implemented in three pilot LGAs in the state with high prevalence rate of GBV, which are Calabar Municipality, Calabar South and Obanliku. The key implementing partners are the government and Civil Society Reference groups with intervention focus on six mutually-reinforcing pillars which include laws and policies, institutions, prevention, services, data, and CSOs/Women’s Movement.

    Spotlight Initiative, the world’s largest human rights movement is a multi-year partnership between the European Union and United Nations targeted at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls with a particular focus on domestic and family violence, sexual violence and harmful practices, femicide, woman trafficking and economic exploitation by 2030.

    Spotlight Initiative is administered by the Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office with support from five core UN mission Agencies which include UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN-WOMEN and UNESCO along with the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning, the state Ministry of International Development Corporation, Ministry of Women Affairs and the UN Regional Coordinator’s Office.

    Some of the sites toured during the 3-day working visit are the Gender Department of the Force Police Headquarters Calabar,
    Ministry of International Development Coporation, Ministry of Women Affairs,
    Ancestral Clan in Uwanse Calabar, Ikpai Community in Big Qua Calabar, Vesicovaginal Fistula Unit of the General Hospital Calabar, FIDA Office Calabar, Ministry of Justice Calabar, Ministry of Humanities and Social Welfare Calabar, Safe Space, WAPI Secondary School Calabar, Girls Power Initiative, Agency for Adults and Non Formal Education among others.