Category: Metro News

  • Sen Jarigbe Inspects Ongoing School Projects In Obanliku LGA

    Sen Jarigbe Inspects Ongoing School Projects In Obanliku LGA

     

    As part of measures to ensure quality and value for resources spent on projects, the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has undertaken inspection of some ongoing school building constructions in parts of Obanliku Local Government Area.

    Senator Jarigbe Agom, facilitated the construction of six classroom blocks with staff rooms and modern toilets in five (5) Primary Schools in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    The Constituency Officer, Mr. Egar Mgbantul, who represented the Senator said the inspection visit was meant to assess progress of work and ensure adherence to best standards as agreed in the contractual agreements.

    Mr. Egar stated that the school projects, which include Government Primary School; Bukumaya-Bisu Ward, Blukonu Migrant School Bebi, St. Peter’s Primary School; Begitiatsu-Bendigie, Bendi 1 Ward, Governnment Primary School; Belinge-Becheve Ward and Government Primary School; Bishiri North, were facilitated by the Distinguished Senator, as part of the fulfillment of his campaign promises to the benefitting communities.

    “These are projects that have direct impact on the lives of our people and as such, we have to make sure that they are executed according to specification“ he added.

    Egar while inspecting the school project in Bebi Ward also, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work. He commended the contractor handling the project for a job well done and further directed that efforts be redoubled and work be completed before the commencement of the new academic session in mid-September.

    He was accompanied in the inspection tour by Mr. Isaac Okpokpo, Atiteh John, Julius Ellah and Manus Ogboji.

  • Governor Otu Commends President Tinubu, Assures NELFUND Management Team of Cross River’s Support

    Governor Otu Commends President Tinubu, Assures NELFUND Management Team of Cross River’s Support

     

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive leadership in establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and ensuring its successful launch.

    Governor Otu made this commendation on Tuesday, when the Managing Director and CEO of NELFUND, alongside other top officials of the fund, paid him a courtesy call in Government House, Calabar.

    Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Governor Otu stated that his administration views NELFUND as a critical platform created by the Federal Government to provide financial support for students of Cross River State in tertiary institutions nationwide, helping them pursue their education with ease.

    He emphasized that education remains a priority for his administration, reaffirming its unwavering support for the NELFUND management team in fulfilling their mandate, which aims to benefit many students across the state and the nation at large.

    In his remarks, the Managing Director and CEO of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, highlighted that the fund was established as part of President Tinubu’s commitment to alleviating the financial challenges faced by students and enhancing their educational experience.

    He commended Governor Otu for implementing policies that contribute to the intellectual and social development of the country.

    Mr. Sawyerr also informed that the disbursement process has begun and encouraged students to take advantage of the federal government’s initiative to ease the financial difficulties they face.

    In attendance at the visit were the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Comr. Kelvin Eyam, President and the Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, among others.

    ©Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Calabar
    10/09/2024

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom Lits Up Ogon & Sariki Audu Streets In Ogoja LGA

    Sen Jarigbe Agom Lits Up Ogon & Sariki Audu Streets In Ogoja LGA

     

    In a remarkable display of commitment to community development, the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has illuminated Ogon & Sariki Audu Streets, in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    This electrifying project, executed by the Senator, aims to enhance the quality of life for residents, improve security, and boost economic activities in the area.

    The lawmaker has emphasized his dedication to improving the welfare of his constituents. “As your representative, I am committed to making a positive impact in our communities. This street lighting project is just the beginning of my efforts to transform Cross River North Senatorial District”, Sen. Jarigbe reiterated.

    Community leaders and residents expressed gratitude to the Senator for his unwavering commitment to their well-being.

    “This is a dream come true for us, we can now move freely at night, and our businesses will thrive” they added.

    The initiative is a testament to Senator Jarigbe’s dedication to community development and his promise to deliver meaningful projects to his constituents.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Odere Empowers 100 Bekwarra Farmers With Soft Grant, Fertilizer, Sewing Machines, Grinding Engines

    Odere Empowers 100 Bekwarra Farmers With Soft Grant, Fertilizer, Sewing Machines, Grinding Engines

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Cross River State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Mike Odere, has provided soft grant for 100 beneseed (sesame) farmers in Bekwarra Local Government Area.

    Speaking during the presentation of the soft grant on Saturday 7th September 2024 at the ground reception of the 2024 Bekwarra New Yam festival, (Ipem Ihihe), Mr Odere, noted that “I have done this for the past eight years. Beneseed is very expensive outside of the country. Today, we support you with soft grant, fertilizer to enable you cultivate beneseed, when you harvest it, we will buy it off from you. And when you do well, we will add you more grant to enable you expand the farm.

    “We are supporting 100 beneseed farmers drawn from the 10 wards of Bekwarra Local Government Area. In few years from now, I want you to export beneseed. Please I encourage you to make good use of this little resources that we are supporting you with”.

    According to the Coordinator of the initiative, Mr Tom Alims, the 100 beneseed (sesame) farmers got a Two Million Naira only (2M) and 20 bags of fertilizer to assist them in land preparation and cultivation.

    Alims noted “We were very particular about the selection process, as only those interested in beneseed farming were identified and captured. This is so because we don’t want to write names of people that will collect the money and put into other businesses”.

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Odey Veronica Akpana, who hail from Ukpah ward commended Mr Mike Odere for the initiative and for thinking about them. She pledged that the beneficiaries will do everything humanly possible to sustain the gains of the beneseed farming to ensure that his dreams of exporting beneseed from Bekwarra comes true.

    Similarly, Sir Augustine Agbor Odere’s Foundation distributed 10 sewing machines and 20 grinding engines to beneficiaries drawn from the Ten wards of Bekwarra.

    Sir Augustine Agbor Odere Foundation, is an initiative of Mr Mike Odere and his siblings to honor their late father.

  • Bekwerra New Yam Festival: We’ll continue To Prioritize The Welfare Of Traditional Rulers – Gov. Otu

    Bekwerra New Yam Festival: We’ll continue To Prioritize The Welfare Of Traditional Rulers – Gov. Otu

     

    Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has pledged government support to traditional rulers across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas, with a focus on improving the socioeconomic well-being of Cross Riverians.

    The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, gave this assurance during a visit to the Paramount Rulers of the Northern Senatorial District at the Bekwarra Local Government Council Headquarters on Saturday.

    He emphasized the vital role that traditional institutions play in maintaining peace and order and assured that the government remains committed to prioritizing the welfare of chiefs in line with the administration’s “People First” mantra.

    Governor Otu also outlined the government’s interventions in key areas such as road rehabilitation, healthcare, security, education, and agriculture across the five LGAs in the North. He assured the completion of ongoing projects and the initiation of new ones. He further encouraged the people of Bekwarra to embrace the Governor’s agricultural policies, aimed at boosting food production and security.

    Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers from Northern Cross River, HRM Linus Ogbeche Odey, Paramount Ruler and Chairman of Bekwerra Traditional Rulers Council praised Governor Otu and Deputy Governor Odey for their leadership and foresight in implementing people-centered policies, particularly the ongoing road projects and the provision of farm inputs to farmers not just in the senatorial district but across the state.

    He assured the deputy governor that traditional rulers would continue to support government policies and program which he described as “grassroots and people-oriented”

    In his vote of thanks, the Paramount Ruler and Chairman of Obanliku Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Uchua Amos Uyimulam appealed to the Governor to restore the Northern Festival (Northfest), which serves as a rallying point for the five LGAs, and also to ensure the timely completion of the ongoing road project projects and initiation of new ones for the overall interest of the Northern Senatorial District and the state at large.

    The Deputy Governor was accompanied on the visit by the member representing Boki I in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, former House of Representatives member for the Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbor, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Michael Odere; and the Chapter Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the five LGAs in the North, among others.

  • Bekwarra Traditional Rulers Council Confers Chieftaincy Tittles On KJay Jedy-Agba, Godwin Nyiam

    Bekwarra Traditional Rulers Council Confers Chieftaincy Tittles On KJay Jedy-Agba, Godwin Nyiam

     

    The duo of reverred Prince KJay Jedy-Agba popularly refered as “Distinguished” by his associates, and Comrade Godwin Nyiam, were yesterday 7th September 2024, honored and conferred with Chieftaincy titles, USHI’ INUNG 1 of Bekwarra, and USHI KPERE 1 by the Bekwarra Traditional Rulers Council.

    Their nomination, selection and conferment of the titles on them was largely due to their commitment to the ideals of the society at large.

    Speaking during the conferment of the Chieftaincy titles, the Paramount Ruler and Chairman of Bekwarra Traditional Rulers Council, HRM, Ushie Ebeshe’ka Akpa, noted that the council refused to politicize the selection process and instead, insisted on the best and those deserving of the titles be given.

    He averred that “We have painstakingly selected only the two of you for these titles. This recognition is a call for you to come to assist us develop Bekwarra nation. From today, you are now part of us. We will sit together, discuss as a family and find lasting solutions to the challenges that face us.

    “We are not giving you these titles to put in your boxes or your libraries. You must be up and doing and ensure that Bekwarra nation benefit from your wealth of experience and contacts that necessitated your selection.

    “Prince K J Jedy-Agba, I know you are fully aware of your responsibility as a member of the traditional ruler’s council, having been a revered prince and son of the immediate past Paramount Ruler of Obudu.

    Responding, Prince K J Jedy-Agba, USHI’ INUNG 1 of Bekwarra, thanked the council for having honored him with such a great tittle, and he remarked “when the committee visited me in Abuja and informed me that the paramount ruler, has a message for me, I couldn’t have opted out because, being the son of the late Obudu Paramount Ruler, I cannot refuse anything demanded of me by the paramount ruler, provided that it is within my powers to do.

    “Today, I have come to acknowledge my second father who is the paramount ruler of Bekwarra. I want to assure you all that I will do my best to ensure that I serve in the capacity for which you have honored me with this tittle. And, I will continue to do good as the title of my recognition entails”.

    The conferment of the titles was part of the activities to mark the 2024 Bekwarra New Yam festival known as Ipem Ihihe 2024

    Dignitaries at the occasion were, the Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Peter Odey, Hon. Legor Idagbo Esq, former member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Deputy Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly and member representing Obudu State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi Jr, Member representing Boki ii State Constituency, Hon.Hillary Bisong, Mr Mike Odere, Cross River State Commissioner for Finance, Rev Father Nicodemus Aji, Mr Esidene Akpo, Mr Tony Ulayi, Hon Rose Abua, among many other personalities.

  • Chief John Ugbe Foundation To Hold Grand Finale Football Competition Today

    Chief John Ugbe Foundation To Hold Grand Finale Football Competition Today

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Chief John Ugbe Foundation is set for the grand finale of her second edition of the football tournament in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    The foundation is in honor the late Patriarch and father of Hon Emmanuel Ugbe, former Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council and Mr Patrick Ugbe, CEO & MD, Hit 95 FM, has impacted positively on the lives of the people.

    A release signed by the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of the competition, Dr Abu Undiyaundeye indicates that Obudu Urban 1 and Ipong wards are to lock horns during the final match, which is billed for 3pm today September 7th 2024 at the Chief J A Agba memorial stadium, Obudu.

    Speaking to TheLumineNews, Hon Emmanuel Ugbe, noted that as parts 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 unite people from different backgrounds. He keeps the youth busy and prevents them from indulging in so many illicit behaviors”.

  • Hon Emma Akwagiobe Felicitates Obudu On The Occasion Of The 2024 New Yam Festival

    Hon Emma Akwagiobe Felicitates Obudu On The Occasion Of The 2024 New Yam Festival

    Dear Friends,

    As we celebrate the Bi pam bififeh, I wish you all a joyous and bountiful harvest season. May this occasion bring us closer and remind us of the rich cultural heritage that binds us as one great people.

    As we mark this significant event, I am reminded of the importance of hard work and gratitude we are known for. These values are essential for our collective progress and prosperity as people of Obudu.

    As an aspirant for the Office of Chairman, I am committed to serving our LGA and working tirelessly to ensure that our LGA succeeds. I believe that by working together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves and children.

    Once again, I wish you all a happy New Yam Festival. May it be a time of feasting and merriment.

    Wolololo, wolololo!

    Sincerely,

    Hon. Emma Akwagiobe

  • Beyond Limits FC Beats Central Stars FC To Win Comrade Odey Adamade Football Tournament

    Beyond Limits FC Beats Central Stars FC To Win Comrade Odey Adamade Football Tournament

    By Elijah Ugani 

    There was excitement in Obudu town today September 6th 2024, as Beyond Limits FC of Obudu defeated the Central Stars of Utugwang in the final tournament to win the 2024 and the 11th edition of Comrade Odey Adamade football tournament.

    The tournament which ended in a four goals to one in favor of Beyond Limits FC of Obudu amidst cheers witnessed a large turnout of supporters.

    The tournament had two groups where Beyond Limits FC was rated best team among 12 teams that registered and participated in the tournament and qualified for the final.

    Central Stars FC of Utugwang came first among 10 teams from group 2 and qualified for the final.

    The third place position was played by Adida FC of Obanliku and Achiibi FC Kigbor of Ukpe, in a three goals to nill, that ended in favor of Adida FC.

    The novelty foot ball match was played by ex-students of Government Secondary School, Obudu of 1994 and 1995 set code named G’95 and G’94, that ended a goalless draw.

    The event was chaired by a former Obudu Local Government Council Chairman, Hon Emmanuel Ugbe, who used the opportunity to commend the organizer of the tournament, Comrade Odey Adamade, for the initiative and tasked the winners and other teams that participated in the tournament to see their involvement as a stepping stone in the football career.

    The following awards were presented to deserving players and teams.

    Best goalkeeper – Joe Heart
    Second Best goalkeeper – Abraham Adamade
    Best Referee – Elias Adie
    Highest Goal scorer – Bobo Jude (16 goals)
    Second highest scorer – Christian Ekunke (11 goals)

    Third runner-up – Achibi FC Kigbor of Ukpe, medals, trophy and a cash of #200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) only.

    Second runner-up – Adidas FC of Obanliku, medals, trophy and cash of #300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) only.

    First runner-up – Central Stars of Utugwang, medals, trophy and a cash of #500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) only.

    Winer – Beyond Limits FC of Obudu, medals, trophy and a cash of #600,000.00 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira) only.

    Speaking to TheLumineNews, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Mr David Undeshi, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of over 22 teams that registered and participated in the 11th edition of the tournament and pledged a better outing in the next edition. He commended the cooperation and support of members of the local organizing committee.

    He used the opportunity to restate the commitment of the organizer, Comrade Odey Adamade, to harnessing the potentials of the youths of Obudu using football.
    He thanked the contribution of the G’95 class of Government Secondary School, Obudu for their outstanding support and wished everyone a happy 2024 Obudu new yam festival.

     

  • Excitement In Obanliku As Senator Jarigbe Initiates Busangfong Road Project

    Excitement In Obanliku As Senator Jarigbe Initiates Busangfong Road Project

     

    In a move to revitalize rural communities, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North Senatorial District, has kickstarted the Busangfong-Ikom Road Project in Obanliku LGA by handing it over to the Contractor.

    At the handover ceremony, the Constituency Officer Mr. Egar Mgbantul, representing the Senator, emphasized that the project fulfills the lawmaker’s commitment to enhancing living conditions through infrastructural development. He expressed gratitude to the people of Busangfong for their patience, support and cooperation, highlighting that the project aims to facilitate easy access of farm produce to major markets in Cross River North and Central Senatorial Districts.

    “Senator Jarigbe had promised to rebuild roads across the Senatorial District, and the Busangfong-Ikom road is one of them,” Egar explained to the enthusiastic community.

    Community Chiefs, Elders and Constituents hailed the project as a symbol of progress, a testament to Senator Jarigbe’s dedication to infrastructural development, and a beacon of hope for a brighter future in Cross River North Senatorial District.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA