The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • UNICAL Suspends All Final Year Engineering Students

    UNICAL Suspends All Final Year Engineering Students

     

    The University of Calabar Vice Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi has directed the suspension of all final year students of the Faculty of Engineering, over flagrant violation of extant policy on ban on reckless driving, flying of colors and wild jubilation in the guise of celebrating the completion of final examination.

    The suspension was conveyed by the institution Registrar, Mr Egbe Gabriel and dated September 25th 2024.

    The directives reads in full : “The Vice Chancellor is dismayed by the report she received concerning students of the Faculty of Engineering who, today September 25, 2024 who engaged in acts of lawlessness by flouting management directives as contained in our circular Ref. UC/REC/DISC.45A` dated August 7th 2024, on the ban on ‘Reckless Driving, Flying of Colors and Wild Jubilation after Examination‘ These students in fragrant violation of this extant policy, embark on actions that threatened the peace of the university. These students were seen engaging in reckless, lawless and noisy convoys in the guise of celebrating the completion of their final examination.

    “The Vice Chancellor is saddened by this development and has directed that all final year students of the Faculty of Engineering should be placed on suspension. Accordingly, the students concerned are hereby suspended with effect from Wednesday September 25th, 2024.

    “By this decision, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) is to ensure that all actions relating to the processing of results of the affected students are put on hold pending the investigation by the special committee put in place for the purpose.

    “The Dean Faculty of Engineering and all Heads of Department in the Faculty of Engineering are to ensure full compliance with this directives please”.

  • SUKI Facilitates $400,000 Foreign Scholarship For 10 C’Riverians

    SUKI Facilitates $400,000 Foreign Scholarship For 10 C’Riverians

     

    In yet another groundbreaking achievement by the Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial district, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, ten young scholars from the state are set to receive $400,000 to pursue different postgraduate degrees in some European and American Universities. The scholarship which is part of the second batch of the NDDC postgraduate scholarship programme will enable each scholar to receive $40,000, equivalent to N64 million, to support their academic endeavours.

    Recall that in the first batch, the Senator fondly called ‘SUKI’ facilitated $280,000 for seven young Cross River scholars who are currently pursuing degrees in several foreign universities.

    The second batch beneficiaries include Ernest Edim, who will study Msc. Data Science at the University of Salford, UK; Juliet Edem, Msc. Biomedical Science at the University of Salford, UK; Inde Immanuella Sikile, LLM Artificial Intelligence, Digital and Cyberlaw at Edge Hill University, UK; Egwu Sonia, Msc. Project Management at Northampton University, UK; and Umoh Anthony Effiong, Msc. Sustainable Transitions at the University of Aberdeen, UK.

    Others are Egwu Florence-Sarah Arong, MSC. Computer Science at Maharashi International University, USA; Eyo Victor Effiom, Msc. Public Health at the University of Wolverhampton, UK; Iyam Solomon, MRes (MPhil) Tropical Health and Infectious Disease Research at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK; Asuquo Utang Edet, LLM International Business and Commercial Law at Anglia Ruskin University, UK; and Edem Umoh Bassey, MSC. Renewable Energy Engineering at Kingston University, London.

    As Nelson Mandela aptly stated, “Education is the most powerful tool you can use to change the world”. There’s nothing more valuable than education, and Sen. Ekpenyong is empowering a lot of Cross Riverians with the viable tools to excel in their respective fields. Indeed, he is deliberate about supporting young people to build their capacities in contemporary and future-oriented fields. On graduation, these youths will be empowered to become thought leaders in their respective domains.

    I’m particularly impressed with the quality of most of the courses. We don’t have many Cross Riverians who have delved into some of these fields which are some of the the most in-demand fields in the labour market, both locally and internationally today.

    In the Journalism profession, most media house owners in Nigeria will tell you that when they offer you appointment letter even without pay, they’re giving you meal ticket. In like manner, I commend the Senator for his vision and commitment in supporting the next generation of leaders in our state with the solid meal tickets.

    Congratulations to all the deserving beneficiaries. May God guide and protect them throughout the duration of their programmes.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D.

  • Bakor Traditional Rulers Council Confers Title “Irana Mfam Bakor” On Sen Jarigbe Agom

    Bakor Traditional Rulers Council Confers Title “Irana Mfam Bakor” On Sen Jarigbe Agom

     

    The Bakor Traditional Rulers Council conferred Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, a traditional title of “Irana Mfam Bakor” (The Light of Bakor Nation), during the 2024 Bakor New Yam Festival.

    Dr. Ikani Wogar, who spoke on behalf of Bakor nation, thanked Senator Jarigbe for honoring the festival and acknowledged his impactful work across the Senatorial District.

    On his part, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, encouraged Senator Jarigbe to continue his bipartisan approach to politics.

    In appreciation of Senator Jarigbe’s exceptional performance and generosity, Bakor nation presented him with a well decorated portrait himself, native cow and tubers of yams.

    Responding, Sen Jarigbe expressed gratitude to the people of Bakor for the warm reception, and the honor of the title conferred on him.

    The lawmaker said the title honored him is a call to do more and he accepts the challenge with all amount of seriousness. He prayed God to grant him the grace to continue to shine the require light foe the Bakor Nation.

    He reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on his promises, emphasizing his social contract with his constituents, when he said “Charity begins at home, and I will prioritize Bakor land while ensuring equitable distribution of projects across Cross River North Senatorial District,” he stated

    Notable dignitaries in attendance include; Alhaji Hassan Abba, Chief Austin Edibe, Hon. (Chief) Rita Agbo Ayim, Hon. Charles Eneji, and others. Senator Jarigbe was also honored as the Chief Harvester of the new yam in Bakor nation for 2024.

    Congratulations to Bakor Nation!

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Don’t Allow Weaklings Drag You Into Unnecessary Battles, You Are A Peaceful Man, Sen Jarigbe To Gov Otu

    Don’t Allow Weaklings Drag You Into Unnecessary Battles, You Are A Peaceful Man, Sen Jarigbe To Gov Otu

     

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North at the National Assembly, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has implored his state governor, Senator Bassey Otu to guard against being dragged into unnecessary political battles by political weaklings.

    Jarigbe stated this in Ogoja during the 2024 Bakor New Yam Festival held today Sunday, September 15, at Alladim, Nkum Clan in Ogoja local government area.

    Jarigbe applauded Governor Otu for his steady developmental strides and robust collaboration with political class irrespective of party affiliations noting that the peaceful disposition of the governor has checkmated the divisiveness which was gradually creeping into the state before the new new administration.

    According to Jarigbe,Our governor has proven beyond any doubt that he is a man of peace.

    I am appealing to him to be on guard perpetually to avoid being dragged into unnecessary battles by political weaklings who have since lost touch with trending political realities in the state, especially in Cross River North where glaring performance speaks louder than inducements or intimidations during elections.

    “After almost a decade, we now have a governor who is disposed to robust synergy with other political stakeholders, especially members of the opposition.

    This laudable gesture signpost the trademarks of a servant leader who has a listening ear,one who accord priority attention to peace and development of his people”

    Speaking, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, extolled the developmental strides recorded by Senator Jarigbe across Cross River North Senatorial District.

    Ayambem who spoke in dual capacity as a Bakor prominent son as well as the representative of Governor Otu said the present administration is poised to pursue the development of the state as a top agenda with a view of spreading the dividends of democracy across the nooks and crannies of the state.

    In his words” I am delighted to be here as a Bakor son to celebrate our rich cultural heritage.

    The Bakor nation boast of rich cultural antecedents emanating from our common ancestry. Politics is merely a vehicle to accelerate economic development and improve the well-being of our people.

    We must never allow politics to break our common bond as a people with historical affinities.

    “Bakor sons and daughters across the globe must unite to pursue a common blueprint to harness our vast potential and accelerate grassroot development.

    We need to add value to the lives of our people and communities. Let’s guard against enemies breaking our boundaries and instigating us against ourselves.

    The pull him down syndrome must be stopped” Earlier in his welcome remarks, a former Chairman of the Cross River state Forestry Commission, Dr Ikani Wogar applauded the prevailing peace in the state attributable to the cordial relationship between Governor Bassey Otu and members of political class.

    “I want to appeal to our amiable governor, Senator Bassey Otu to sustain the current momentum of collaboration so as to create enabling environment for peace and progress. We are impressed with his peaceful disposed and interest in the overall development of the state”

    Dr Wogar who is also the Chairman of the occasion applauded Senator Jarigbe for his effective representation and the various people- oriented projects across the senatorial district, assuring him of unflinching support in his quest to bring Cross River North at par with other part of the state with regard to socio economic development.

  • Bakor New Yam Festival: Gov Otu, Sen Jarigbe Calls For Unity

    Bakor New Yam Festival: Gov Otu, Sen Jarigbe Calls For Unity

    Culled From Sun

    The governor of Cross River State Prince Bassey Otu and the Senator representing Cross River North in the National assembly Jarigbe Agom have called for unity among the Bakor people of the State.

    The governor who spoke through the Speaker of the 10th Assembly Elvert Ayambem disclosed this at Alladim Nkum Clan in Ogoja during this year’s Bakor New Yam Festival.

    Governor Otu said political parties should be seen as a ladder and that the Bakor people should know the strength they have is the unity they portray.

    “I stand here of the APC extraction and Senator Jarigbe is of the PDP but when it comes to the unity of Bakor parties are seen as a ladder for development.

    “I came here to honour Senator Jarigbe in solidarity and let our people know that the strength we have as Bakor people is the unity we portray.

    “Senator Jarigbe is the pride of Bakor Nation, has empowered so many people and there is no better humanity than what he is doing”, he said.

    Also speaking, Senator Jarigbe who was honoured by the Bakor Nation said he seeks for unity and the Bakor people can only get better as a people.

    “We have come here as a people and what we seek for is unity among ourselves.

    “There is nothing that can stop us when we are together as a people and we can only get better as a people”, he said.

    He promised to deliver on his promises not just to the Bakor Nation where he had the highest number of votes but the entire northern senatorial district.

    He added that in the 2024 budget there are a number of projects for the the senatorial district which will commence shortly.

    Earlier, Engr. Robert Obeye, the president of the Bakor Nation said the New Yam Festival remains the flagship of their cultural heritage.

    “Bakor New Yam celebration on the 15th of September remains sacrosanct, deeply entrenched and provides indelible platform for our contact.

    ” It is the rallying point of our rich culture and the re-enactment of our communality as well as the resilience and undying spirit of our farmers”, he said.

    He added that it’s also a veritable platform to retrospect on the ensuring legacy of love, unity, team spirit and brotherhood.

    This year’s Bakor New Yam Festival had as theme “If politics divide us, culture should unite us”, and was graced by all the nine clans .

  • Why I Floated Educational Support Grant Initiative in Yala II State Constituency – Achadu

    Why I Floated Educational Support Grant Initiative in Yala II State Constituency – Achadu

     

    Ugo Solomon, Calabar

    Honourable Dr Martins Achadu, the House Committee Chairman on Education and the member representing Yala II State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly has advanced reasons for floating an Educational Support Grant Empowerment Scheme for constituents.

    Flanked by his colleagues; Hon Samuel Neji Abeng the Minority Leader and member Ikom 1 as well as Hon Kingsley Ntui: member Etung and Chairman committee on water resources during the presentation of cash gifts to beneficiaries at the Assembly Complex yesterday in Calabar, Dr Achadu who had lectured at the University of Calabar said the initiative was propelled by an understanding that education can bring community development across Ukelle .

    “If communities must develop, you start with education especially in professional courses. We are doing this to ensure that people are not just encouraged only by words of mouth but financially too”.

    According to Dr Achadu whose benevolence is a watershed in the history of representation in the constituency opined that the financial support kick-starts the first phase of his benevolence to the community and had chosen to focus on the PhDs and those in special courses such as Medicine and Law.

    ” It is a drive to push those who have pushed further to even have a master’s degree and I have indicated interest in supporting their Doctoral Programmes especially sharing my philosophy with them just to encourage them so that they would know that someone is also praying for them”.

    Refuting insinuations about possible political undertone of his Educational Support Grant Empowerment, he emphasised that “the foundation of what I am doing is not for any political goal otherwise I would not go for the PhDs that are few, I would have gone for secondary schools and other areas”.

    “My reason is that when you have a PhD, it opens you up to endless opportunities and added you a unique intelligent quotient to reason in a perspective that can bring solutions to societal problems.This also helps in ensuring adequate contribution to the development of Ukelle.

    ” The second phase would focus on master’s degree students and my decision to encourage law and medicine students in the first phase is that Ukelle is academically disadvantaged and our people rarely get admission into these special programmes.However, we are consciously taking steps to address the challenge by interfacing with key stakeholders because there is always a quota for university admission and the competition is stringent. Consciously,we are making efforts that our students are adequately prepared to beat the competition”.

    In an earlier address by the Committee that articulated the success of Dr Achadu’s Educational Support Grant Empowerment Scheme comprising Dr Innocent Chigbe, Mr Pius Udeh and Ebri. The committee described those in attendance as just an extract because other beneficiaries are scattered all over the country some beneficiaries where selected from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Benin and University of Ibadan.

    Specifically, Dr Innocent Chigbe stated that yesterday’s presentation was “just a test run and the real ceremony would be at the village where empowerment would take place for excellent indigent students billed for Ukelle”

    The committee affirmed that it is a combination of PhD students and those reading special courses like; Medicine and law are being encouraged through financial support in their academic pursuit by the member representing Yala II state Constituency.

    While reacting to the succour given to them, some of the beneficiaries eulogised Dr Achadu’s resilience and passion towards tackling the development of constituents through education. Other Cross Riverians have taken turns on social media to commend Honourable Achadu who has kept a famous pact with the Ukelle people through a meticulous approach to leadership have rode on a popular mandate elected by the people in admiration of his sterling qualities.

     

  • Obudu Urban 1 Beats Ipong Ward To Win Chief John Ugbe Foundation Football Tournament

    Obudu Urban 1 Beats Ipong Ward To Win Chief John Ugbe Foundation Football Tournament

    By Elijah Ugani 

    Obudu Urban 1 ward football team defeated Ipong Ward in a one goal to nill final encounter which held on September 7th 2024, at the Obudu Township Stadium to win the 2024 Chief John Ugbe Foundation Football Tournament.

    The foundation which is in honor the late Patriarch and father of Hon Emmanuel Ugbe, former Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Mr Patrick Ugbe, CEO & MD, Hit 95 FM, Mr John Ugbe Jr, Managing Director, MultiChoice and other siblings to impact positively on the lives of the people, is poised to identify talents in Obudu youths.

    Speaking to TheLumineNews, Hon Emmanuel Ugbe, who spoke on behalf of the entire family noted that as part of efforts to remember the good legacies of their father, they have decided to come together to impact the people with the view of making lives better.

    He stated that “we decided to initiate the football tournament because football unites people from different backgrounds. It keeps the youth busy and prevents them from indulging in so many illicit behaviors”.

    The following were the prizes won by teams and individuals during the tournament.

    Winners: Obudu URBAN 1 ward
    Prize – 1 Million Naira, a set of jerseys, 24 pieces of Gold medals.

    First runners up- IPONG-
    Prize – N300,000.00
    10 pairs of boots, a set of jersey , 24 pieces of silver medals.

    Second runner up – Utugwang Central Ward
    Prize – N200,000.00, ten pairs of boots, 24 bronze medals.

    Third runner up – Angiaba/ Begiaka ward
    Prize- Ten pairs of boots.

    Best player – Gabriel Alikpang- Utugwang Central

    Best goalkeeper – Onungo Sute – Urban 1

    Highest goal scorer – Bor bor – Urban 1

    The Special Guest of honor, Chief Tony Undiandeye, commended the family of late Chief John Ugbe for founding a foundation in honor of their late Patriarch. He used the opportunity to encourage other persons to consider putting up ideas and initiatives that will add value to the society.

    This is the second edition of the tournament as the first commenced last year. It is also the only tournament that gives out a million Naira as prize for the winners.

    The goal of the tournament is to unite the ten wards of Obudu using football competitions.
    The tournament will also identify talents with the view to harness them for excellence.

  • Omang Holds Town Hall Meeting, Presents Scorecard, Institutes Scholarship

    Omang Holds Town Hall Meeting, Presents Scorecard, Institutes Scholarship

     

    The Minority Whip of the Cross River State House of Assembly and the member representing Bekwarra State Constituency, Congressman Omang Charles Omang Esq, on Thursday the 5th of September, 2024 held a town hall meeting with his Constituents at the council hall of Bekwarra LGA secretariat in Abuochiche.

    The lawmaker while addressing the Constituents who came out in large numbers, thanked them for the support they gave to him by electing him to represent them in the Cross River State House of Assembly.

    Omang enumerated his achievements so far as a member representing Bekwarra for the past one year such as;
    1. Sponsoring a motion under matters of urgent public importance urging the State government to facilitate the release of a Professor in the university of Calabar who was kidnapped.
    2. Sponsoring a motion for the re-establishment of the boundary between Ijibor community and General Godwin Ally Cantonment in Ogoja.
    3. Sponsoring a motion for the payment of gratuity to retirees who have retired since 2009 without their benefits.
    4. Sponsoring a bill for the amendment of the customary court law which has passed second reading in the State Assembly.
    5. Sponsoring a bill for the protection of public property.
    6. ⁠Sponsoring a bill for the reform of the public service in Cross River State.

    He also noted that he has facilitated the recruitment of a Constituent into the Nigerian Police Force who is currently undergoing training, recruitment of two Bekwarra sons into the Cross River State Forestry Commission.

    The Congressman used the occasion to announce the inclusion of Ugboro, Ukpah, Okpeche road into the 2024 budget for reconstruction which has been approved by the governor, and the award of scholarship to 20 secondary school students from their SS1 to SS3 including payment of their WAEC fees drawn across the 10 political wards of Bekwarra.

    In attendance at the meeting were the Traditional Rulers Council led by the paramount Ruler of Bekwarra HRM Linus Ogbeche Odey; “Ushie Ebeshe kakpa 2”, the DPO of Bekwarra, Commandant of the NSCDC, Head of DSS, Head of SIB and other security agencies, as well as the State Chairman of NYCN.

    Also in attendance were NURTW Bekwarra chapter, Bekwarra cyclist Association, Widows association, Association of Artisans in Bekwarra, Christian Association Nigeria (CAN) Muslim community in Bekwarra, Ibo community, National Youth Council of Nigeria Bekwarra chapter.

    Barr Omang in his usual calm way took time to listen to questions and contributions as well as criticisms and responded to them appropriately.

    The high point of the event was the unveiling of the beneficiaries of the scholarship program which received accolade from the people.

  • Obono-Obla Donates Books to Apostolic Secondary Grammar School Ugep

    Obono-Obla Donates Books to Apostolic Secondary Grammar School Ugep

     

    By Odey Xavier Ojeka

    A Renowned author, scholar and Former President Muhammadu Buhari Aide, Chief Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla, has donated a collection of books to the Apostolic Secondary Grammar School Ugep Management. The donation aims to enrich the school library and encourage students to develop love for reading and learning.

    During the presentation, Chief Obono-Obla emphasized the importance of reading and knowledge, stating that “knowledge is power.” He highlighted the significance of the donated books, particularly “Grammar of Lokaa” by Onun Ewa Ubi, which he provides insight into the Bantus and a brief history and explanation of the Lokaa language .

    The donated books include:

    – “Grammar of Lokaa” by Onun Ewa Ubi
    – “No More Secrets” written by Chief Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla
    – “Nigeria, My Country” also written by Chief Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla
    – “Civics for Nigeria Schools” by Patrick Ubi Mni

    Mr. Sampson Eno, a literature tutor, expressed gratitude on behalf of the school, thanking Chief Obono-Obla for his generous donation and commitment to empowering students through education.

    Chief Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla is a seasoned communicator, historian, activist, and erudite scholar who holds an LLM in International Business Law.

    His donation demonstrates his dedication to fostering a
    love for reading and learning among young minds.

  • Omang Calls On CRS Govt To Intervene In Ugboro -Abuochiche – Gakem Federal Highway

    Omang Calls On CRS Govt To Intervene In Ugboro -Abuochiche – Gakem Federal Highway

     

    The Minority Whip of the Cross River State House of Assembly and Member representing Bekwarra State Constituency, Congressman Omang Charles Omang Esq , on Tuesday 11th of September 2024, moved a motion under matters of urgent public importance calling on the Cross River State Government to immediately commence intervention works on the Ugboro -Abuochiche -Gakem axis of the Ogoja -Katsina Ala Highway.

    The lawmaker noted that the Ugboro -Abuochiche -Gakem axis of the Ogoja -Katsina Ala federal highway which is the only road linking the northern part of the country has become impassible for the past three months, and has forced commuters to divert through the already dilapidated internal road in Ugboro village, which has caused more hardship to the villagers.

    Omang stated that the situation has led to several clash between the frustrated commuters who are stuck in traffic and villagers in the area.

    In his prayers, Barr Omang, noted that

    1.  They were informed that the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has awarded the contract and thanked them for awarding the contract for the reconstruction of the Ugboro -Abuochiche -Gakem axis of the Ogoja -Katsina Ala federal highway.

    2. Urge the contractor to quickly move to site and start the reconstruction of the road.
    3. Called on the Cross River State Government through the ministry of works and infrastructure to immediately begin an intervention and palliative works on the road to ameliorate the sufferings of the people, while awaiting the reconstruction of the road.