The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • NLC Vows To Proceed On Nationwide Strike Over Increase In Petrol Pump Price And Electricity Tariff

     

    The Nigeria Labour Congress NLC has said that come Monday, September 28, it will be embarking on a nationwide protest over the increment in fuel and electricity prices.

    The organised labour on September 16 gave the Federal government two weeks ultimatum to reverse the increase on both commodities or face a nationwide protest from September 28. Read here.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, September 22, NLC President, Ayuba Wabba said the protest action was inevitable since the federal government has refused to reverse the increase in electricity and fuel prices.

    According to Wabba, the privatization of the electricity sub-sector, seven years down the line, have not yielded any positive report.

    “Whereas the entire privatisation process, the entire sector was sold at about N400 billion. We are also surprised that government, within the last four years, injected N1.5 trillion over and above the amount that was used to sell these very important assets.

    And therefore NEC came to the conclusion that the entire privatisation process has failed and the electricity hike is actually a process of continued exploitation of Nigerians.”

    On the increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, Wabba said the move will only make life harder for the average Nigerian.

    “On the issue of the refineries and also the increase in the pump price of PMS, these have further eroded the gains of N30,000 minimum wage,” he said.

    In the light of all of these, NEC decided to endorse the two-week ultimatum given to the federal government to try to reverse those obnoxious decisions. And also pronounce that the action proposed by the Central Working Committee is hereby endorsed by the NEC that 28 of September will be a date that those actions will be challenged by Nigerian workers, our civil society allies and also other labour centres.” he added.

  • C’River Govt Supports The Association Of Deaf And Dumb To Send Representatives To Attend Their Convention in Kano

    C’River Govt Supports The Association Of Deaf And Dumb To Send Representatives To Attend Their Convention in Kano

    By Admin

    The Cross River state Ministry of Humanity and Social Welfare has donated the sum of Two hundred thousand naira (200,000) to enable the Deaf and Dumb association send their seven man representative to their Convention in Kano.

    The Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare, Hon. Blessing Egbara, disclosed this  as she received representatives of the Deaf and Dumb community in the state on a courtesy visit to her .

    Hon. Egbara explained that the purpose  of  the establishment of the Ministry by His Excellency, the governor was to enable his administration reach out to Cross Riverians especially people of their category, and expressed joy for having them in her office.

    The Commissioner stated , “when I got your letter about your visit, I was very pleased and looked forward to welcoming you guys, I must say I am very delighted to welcome you today, I have listened to all you have said and it’s with great Joy that His Excellency reaches out to you, the Governor has you at heart and will always support you”

    Hon. Egbara siad that she looks forward to working closely with the deaf and dumb community and called on the Chairman to get statistics of deaf and dumb in other parts of the state especially the rural areas, so they could get comprehensive data of Cross Riverians of this category, adding that she wished them well in their Convention and requested that from time to time the association should keep her up to date with their activities.

    The Commissioner explained that her Ministry may not be able to handle all of the association’ s challenges, but that she will do her best to those challenges she could.

    Speaking earlier, the 7-man representative from the deaf and dumb association of Cross River state led  by it Chairman, Ekeng Ekpeyong Henshaw, and an interpreter, revealed that the purpose of their visit was to Solicit for support towards their upcoming conference in Kano and also  to air out their challenges to the governor through the Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare.

    The Chairman stated “we the Deaf association are here today on behalf of our members to pay a courtesy visit to you, and also solicit for your support towards our forth coming conference in Kano and also to use this opportunity to discuss the challenges we the deaf community are facing”

    Mr. Henshaw Thanked the Commissioner for her Kind gesture and Governor Ben Ayade for his soft spot towards helping this in need and the physically challenged in the society.

  • C’River Govt Delivers Relief Materials, Cash To Inmates Of Afokang Correctional Centre In Calabar

    C’River Govt Delivers Relief Materials, Cash To Inmates Of Afokang Correctional Centre In Calabar

    By Admin

    As part of the policy direction of the Cross River State Government under the leadership of Sen Prof Ben Ayade to reach out to all citizens, relief materials have been delivered to inmates of the Afokang Correctional Centre, Calabar.

    Making the presentation on behalf of the Govermor Ayade at Afokang on Monday, the state Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare, Hon. Blessing Egbara said that the gesture was part of the effort of the administration of Ayade to show love and kindness to the inmates, and that it is on this basis that he has directed her to reach out to them.

    The Commissioner commended Professor Ben Ayade for being a selfless leader who reaches out to his People, irrespective of their circumstances, social status or offence that has been committed.

    Hon. Egbara revealed that the purpose of the visit was to let the inmates know that they may have broken the law, but doesn’t mean government has turn its back on them.

    “We are very happy to be here today to hand over relief materials to the inmates, we all know how the country is during this period, we are here to let them know that being here doesn’t make them less humans in the society. They are law offenders, and being here is to correct them and make them better citizens of the society, we have come to support the Correctional authority in Afokang in whatever they are doing for their welfare”

    Besides handing over food items, hand sanitizers, and nose mask to the inmates, the Hon Commissioner also make a Cash Donation of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (250,000) on behalf of the G. F. O Foundation, instituted by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon.. Martin Orim.

    “The chief of staff to the governor also partners with the Ministry through the G. F. O Foundation from time to time to help us take care of the less privileged in the society and for this visit, he has given us 250,000 to assist with the welfare of the inmates”

    Reacting to the Visit, the Deputy Controller of Corrections in the state, Mr Nickolas Obinna, thanked the state Governor, Sen Prof Ben Ayade for his kind heart at remembering the inmates, while also welcoming the Commissioner and her team to the Correction Center, stressing further that the visit is very timely and very thoughtful of the State Government to remember the inmates in a time like this.

    “I am overwhelmed with Joy, because they came at the right time, on behalf of the Controller, I want to thank God and also thank You for your visit because this will go a long way to reduce the sufferings of the inmates, honestly this shows that the Government has us at heart, I also want to appreciate His Excellency for reaching out to his people through this ministry I would love this synergy to go on,” Oninna maintained.

    The Deputy Controller also use the medium to appeal to the governor, Professor Ayade to come to their aid as the roof and buildings of some offices in the correctional centers needs fixing.

     

  • 2020 World Patients Day: The Akpanke Foundation Pays Patients’ Hospital Bills

    2020 World Patients Day: The Akpanke Foundation Pays Patients’ Hospital Bills

    By Elijah Ugani

    As part of the efforts to commemorate the 2020 world patient’s day, The Akpanke Foundation paid hospital bill worth 3M for indigent and vulnerable patients who could not afford their bills as well as donated over 150 crutches, 3000 alcohol based sanitizer and 5000 facemasks during this Covid-19 pandemic.

    In a statement made available to The Lumine News, and signed by the President/Founder of The Akpanke Foundation, Mr. Peter Akpanke, indicates that thousand of patients across the world suffer avoidable harm especially during this Covid-19 era or are put at risk of injury, while receiving healthcare every day.

    The release reads “The 72nd World Health Assembly adopted resolution WHA 72.6 ‘Global action on patient safety’ on 25 May 2019. The resolution recognizes patient safety as a global health priority and endorses the establishment of this day 17th September, to be observed annually as the World Patient Safety Day.

    “World Patient Safety Day calls for global solidarity and concerted action by all countries and international partners to improve patient safety. Furthermore, the Day brings together patients, families, caregivers, communities, health workers, health care leaders and policy-makers to show their commitment to patient safety.
    No one should be harmed in health care. Yet thousands of patients across the world suffer avoidable harm especially in this Covid-19 era, or are put at risk of injury, while receiving health care every single day.

    “The Akpanke Foundation in the virtue of prioritizing patients health and safety has donated over 3000 hand sanitizers, 150 crutches, 5000 face masks and paid hospital bills of patients under clinical care.

    “We shall continue to lend our supportive hands to the lees privileged and the needy”

  • CRSG Flags Off BHCPF Training For Enumerators, Targets 700,000 Vulnerable Persons To Be Enrolled As The State Access Funds.

    CRSG Flags Off BHCPF Training For Enumerators, Targets 700,000 Vulnerable Persons To Be Enrolled As The State Access Funds.

    By Simon Ushie

    The Cross River State Government has flagged off the training exercise for enumerators, who will go into the field for health facilities assessment, as the state gets ready to access the Basic Health Care Provision Funds BHCPF, aimed at capturing and enrolling 700,000 vulnerable persons across the 18 Local Government Areas, to access free quality health care services in the state.

    Flagging off the training exercise in Calabar the Cross River State Capital, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu urged participants to pay attention to the rules and guidelines surrounding enumerations, mapping and facility assessment.

    Dr. Edu said among other benefits, the scheme will help cushion the hardship faced by households when accessing Healthcare services.
    She further charged enumerators to be guided and perform their task with all sense of sincerity and a high level of integrity and said if proper information are not generated and laid down task accomplished, it could expose all Cross Riverians, irrespective of their social and political class to poor and ineffective healthcare supply.

    Speaking earlier, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong applauded the facilitators of the exercise, as she encouraged the participants to tap from their wealth of experience and technical expertise to ensure that Cross River State achieve maximum results in its quest to achieving Universal Health Coverage Status.

    Dr Ekpenyong further applauded the state Governor, Senator Ben Ayade for his huge investment in the health sector which she said has helped in reducing maternal and infant mortality and strengthening the believe system among Community members to seek supports for their health challenges in Government owned facilities.

    On his part, the Director General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme, Chief Goddy Iyala said his Agency is poised to support all Agencies of Government both within the state and outside the state to ensure that success is achieved.

    He further called on transparency in obtaining data from relevant bodies which will aid planning and implementation as he said the Cross River State Health Insurance is one of the pioneer Agencies in the country to start enrollment and as such a reliable gateway to obtaining results.

    Facilitators from the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency as well as the National Health Insurance Scheme applauded the State Government for prioritizing healthcare for it’s citizens as well as setting the template for other states to follow.

    Participants include Monitoring and Evaluation Officers drawn from the state Ministry of Health, the State Primary Healthcare Agency and the State Health Insurance Scheme are expected to be taught various methods of Facility rating using the Open Data Kit (ODK) to ascertain the quality of services being offered in each facility both in terms of client’s convenience, number of staff as well as a step down training for ward and Community leaders.

    The Basic Healthcare Provision Fund was borne out of the 2015 National Health Council meeting which stipulates that 1% of the Nation’s consolidated revenue should be earmarked to boost Healthcare services in states across the country.

    The program is aimed at providing succor to the Vulnerable including the Aged, Pregnant Women and children under the age of 5, poor Households and low income earners with the sole target of all states contributing to Nigeria attaining the universal Health Coverage Status.

    With the Government of Senator Ben Ayade meeting all the criteria for accessing the said funds, through the payment of counterpart funds and building standard health facilities, the training of enumerators and capacity building could just be the icing on the cake for the state to join other states in benefiting from the reserved funds which will not only help remodel some of our health facilities but as well help in drugs stocking and the hiring of health workers to meet the growing population.

  • Ekpenyong Charges Women To Stop Stigmatization Against Those Abused To Encourage Victims To Speak Out .

    Ekpenyong Charges Women To Stop Stigmatization Against Those Abused To Encourage Victims To Speak Out .

     

    With increasing figures of gender based violence in the society, and the discrimination that accompanies it, women across various professional bodies and interest groups are rising up in defense of those who do not have a voice to speak out for themselves.

    Some people have identified discrimination and “shaming” as some barriers hindering women from reporting cases of abuse both sexually, physically and even emotionally.

    It is on this premise that interest groups and individuals have risen to seek collaborative ways between themselves on how to support the female gender in expressing the deep pains they go through which may seem difficult for the society to understand.

    One of such forum organized to seek ways of helping these categories of oppressed people in the society, had the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong calling for an end to stigmatization of abused women to encourage them speak out.

    The DG was speaking at an advocacy meeting and training workshop organized by the “Gender And Development Action” which is aimed at creating political relevance to issues of gender based violence and violence against women and girls in calabar, the Cross River State Capital.

    Dr Ekpenyong said the need to tolerate women and victims who have suffered maltreatment has become imperative in order to encourage women speak out at various forums when molested either psychologically, emotionally or even physically.

    “If we don’t stigmatize women who have been abused or even those still being abused on a daily basis, I think more women will come out and speak out, they just need that acceptance, and that will surely be the beginning of their healing process”.

    She hailed the efforts of the Cross River State Governor to create a gender balanced society through his numerous appointments of women into key and sensitive positions which has proven that women too can be problem solvers and not just another burden to men.

    Dr. Ekpenyong further Enumerated efforts taken so far by her Agency(Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency) in assisting victims which she listed as, assisting victims to file complain with the law enforcement Agencies, free counselling, examination and treatment of victims with history of sexual violence as well as referrals for complicated cases.

    She therefore pledged her support and willingness to partner groups and bodies to ensure that cases of molestation are reduced to the barest possible points.

    Some other speakers who spoke called on the Cross River State House of Assembly to pass bills into law aimed at defending the female gender, sensitize women on their roles including ownership of properties ,improved education for the girl child as well as creating easy route for reporting and defending oppressed women in the society.

    In attendance were the Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Nigeria’s Former Ambassador to Ethiopia, Representative of Female Lawyers Association, Wives of Local Government Chairmen, Director of Community Health, CRSPHCDA, Director of Local Government Health Authority (Calabar Municipal and Calabar South), Heads of Gender based NGOs as well as some media practitioners.

  • Cross River Industrialization Drive Gets Major Boost; As UN Pledges Certification, Operations Support For CALAPHARM

    Cross River Industrialization Drive Gets Major Boost; As UN Pledges Certification, Operations Support For CALAPHARM

    By Admin

    The Cross River State Government and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have finalised modalities to provide technical support for the completion, equipping, certification and operation of the state-owned Pharmaceutical Company, CALAPHARM.

    Arising from a meeting between the state government representatives and UNIDO Nigeria team during its working visit to the State, sequel to a meeting with Governor Ayade in Abuja where issues of State interest were discussed, the Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong said the discussions among other things centred on how the UN industrial organization will provide technical assistance that will enable CALAPHARM oommence operations.

    Asibong assured the Team of the State Government’s readiness to provide the necessary support in their quest to give technical know-how for the state-owned pharmaceutical company.

    The Commissioner explained that CALAPHARM is near completion, and when it begins full operations, will contribute to the Federal Government’s policy reliance on locally produced and environmentally-friendly pharmaceutical products in Nigeria.

    She seized the opportunity of the visit to make a clarion call on the Federal Government, the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and other Donor organisations to take a cue from UNIDO by lending support to the industrialisation drive of Cross River State Government.

    Earlier in her remarks, the UNIDO Team Lead to Cross River, Mrs. Osaretin Jaiyeola, assured the State Government of the provision of the requisite technical assistance needed for the smooth takeoff of CALAPHARM.

    She lauded Prof. Ben Ayade’s initiative on the establishment of the CALAPHARM, adding that when it commences full operations would boost the economy of the state through the production of locally made drugs thereby strengthening the local content value-chain in the country.