The Lumine News

Category: Opinion

  • What If The Mirror Is Lying To You? BY AGBA JALINGO

    What If The Mirror Is Lying To You? BY AGBA JALINGO

    What If The Mirror Is Lying To You?

     

    The mirror has numerous uses but the most common use of a mirror is looking at it to view a reflection of our image while we are at personal grooming. So most human beings in the world including the remotest hamlets, possess mirrors. There are even other mammals that consciously enjoy and relish a reflection of their images in a mirror.

    Looking at our image in a mirror swells our confidence more than a perfect description of our look by someone looking at us. We trust the image in the mirror more than the one in another’s eye. That’s because we are erroneously used to thinking we are seeing ourselves in the mirror as others see us in real life.

    Human images are not exactly symmetrical and the mirror only serves the purpose of a surface for throwing back our image, being incapable of absorbing it. So our reflection from that surface has its left and right backwards. Our reflection from the mirror is inverted. Let me explain, if you stand in front of a mirror and carry up your right hand, it will appear on the left side in the mirror.

    Similarly, if you open a book now, you can read the prints just perfectly? Go stand in front of a mirror while holding that same book and let the pages reflect in the mirror; then it will become difficult to read the reflection of the prints fluently. That is how your reflection looks different from you.

    Technology has further empowered the will and means to tamper with reflection. With modern cameras, lenses and even AI, our reflection can be tampered with, to suit desire. These days, we hear statements like, “he or she does not look in real life like what I saw in the picture or video.”

    It is congenitally desirable for most humans to see ourselves through other eyes, be it a mirror, a camera lens or a human retina. We seek perpetually to know how we look and how we are perceived by others. Our panting about external opinion of us, is compulsive. Yet, not one person who ever lived was able to behold a true reflection of his or her image. At best, we have only approximated in order to satiate an innate desire. Seeing our true reflection will remain illusory and out of grasp, not because it is not attainable but because truly truly, we all are a reflection of one God, whose image none has ever or will ever see.

    In a nutshell, it is the mirrors, the lenses, the human eyes and all such surfaces that reflect us, that show us the differences, the divisions and the clefts in mankind. It is them that divide us. It is them that give us the “we and them” mentality. Yet we cannot abandon them. We cannot live without them. We cannot afford to be blind to the reflection in the mirror. No we can’t! But if only we look more keenly, we may see that the mirror has been lying to us. It has never shown us the full picture.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Prof Florence Obi Is The Reason More Women Should Given Higher Offices BY RAMSEY BASSEY

    Prof Florence Obi Is The Reason More Women Should Given Higher Offices BY RAMSEY BASSEY

     

    For years, managers of the University of Calabar continued to roll in their own putrescence, like pigs in a sty, luxiriating among the dirt very much in the manner of worms, while mixing illiterates in a cauldron of half baked broth which they served as graduates. No knock-need narrative can change this truth, because it is self evident. It is only now, after more than a decade, that the world is beginning to look at the institution with some measure of respect because quite a lot has changed since Professor Florence Obi became its Vice Chancellor. And I am in a position to know.

    Now things are beginning to look like old times again and students have returned to the classroom both to attend lectures and to study. It is always dreadful when I recall how examinations were written in hotel rooms and living quatres on Goldie Street and elsewhere in the city. Do we really forget so easily? To do so will be rank mischief. No, we have not forgotten. We are just prosecuting private wars for jaded kings, and dear old Unical will always be the worse for it.

    Are students required to register for courses, yes. Do they do so, most of the time, no. Before the last exams the portal for registration of courses was shutdown in good time, to enable departments plan for the exams with the correct numbers. The battle cry went, up. “Oh Professor Florence has no heart, how can she shut down the portal for registration”. And 24,000 many of who could not register sat for supplementary examinations. Yes, you read me right, 24,000 students!

    So this time she ordered that the portal be left open for a little longer to enable students register for all their courses, main, elective, et all. And until it is shut down as it was yesterday, no department will know the correct numbers and no concrete timetable could be drawn up. Boom, “exam timetables are not out and students have been made to stress too much.” Common now, who is ringing the bell and who is wagging the tail?

    For those whose minds are preset in a particular negative direction, Professor Florence Obi will always be guilty even before she is charged. But such is the way of the world. As a growing child in my village, I read an inscription on the tail board of the lorry ‘Gongoro’ that used to come on market days – SUCH IS LIFE. It was only when I grew up that I came to understand the true meaning of that cryptic phrase.

    Do you know that the integrity of the exams have been further enhanced by the addition of barcode on the answer sheets and the strict supervision of the process? Professor Florence Obi has done very well and because of her work ethic and achievements, many more women are likely to be given higher responsibilities in the coming days even if you eat your heart out or not.

    RAMSEY BASSEY writes from the University of Calabar.

  • Hon Bette Obi Tells State Government To Lift Embargo On Wood Logging

    Hon Bette Obi Tells State Government To Lift Embargo On Wood Logging

     

    The member representing Boki 1 in the Cross River House of Assembly, Hon. Bette Obi has appealed to the government of Senator Bassey Otu to lift the over twenty years old ban on wood logging in the state because it has brought adverse economic results and encourage massive forest degradation.

    Bette Obi who spoke on the floor of the House early in the week explained that the so called ban has over the years made the well trained forestry rangers and other officials idle since untrained government-empowered task forces, whose only interest is to make money for themselves, have taken over their statutory duties.

    Honourable Obi who is a former Chairman of Cross River State Forestry Commission, pointed out that despite the ban on logging, several trucks of wood are still harvested every day from the forest and taken to neighbouring states like Ebonyi thereby denying the state government of legitimate revenue.

    “Before the ban, the forests were managed with the cooperation of the local communities who were also paid royalties from the trees harvested. There was also sustainable management of the forest with critical species replanted in place of the ones harvested. But now armies of loggers just invade the forest, cut down every tree in sight after giving a pittance to the local chiefs.”

    He wants the government to make adequate use of the Forestry Commission Law which he believes will help in check mating the wanton forest exploitation going on now. “As a member of the State Assembly I know there is a law that has been passed by the State Assembly called Cross River State Forestry law and it is very rich. If you go through it, it does not include ban or moratorium but it has been kept aside so it is on that basis that I say we should remove the ban”. Bette stated.

    In their various contributions to the debate, Members observed that the motion was very timely and that the embargo should be lifted very soon so as to stop the huge loss of the State’s much-needed revenue to criminals.

    The Lawmakers observed that, the purpose for which the embargo was imposed has not been achieved rather the forest faces severe threats from the activities of illegal loggers. They added that the forest which has been the natural habitat of some rare animal species is fast being destroyed by rampart illegal logging and bush burning thus endangering the survival of such animals.

    They emphasized that, proper management of the forest will also lead to job creation for the teeming unemployed youths as well as boost the state’s economy.

    On his part, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem observed that the preponderance of opinion supported the lifting of the embargo.

    He directed the clerk to forward the motion to the State Governor for implementation

  • The Ministry Of Giving: For Christians, Giving Goes Far Beyond The Letting Go Of Possessions; We Give Our Hearts Too BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    The Ministry Of Giving: For Christians, Giving Goes Far Beyond The Letting Go Of Possessions; We Give Our Hearts Too BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    THE MINISTRY OF GIVING

    For Christians, giving goes far beyond the letting go of possessions; we give our hearts too. Christian giving is both a spiritual gift and a discipline of discipleship to our Lord Jesus Christ. It becomes yet more rewarding when the purpose of giving is geared towards the evangelization of the kingdom of God amongst men. Christ’s words in Matthew 25:40 hits home: “whatever you did to one of these least brothers of mine, you did it to me. So do not grudge when you are asked to donate for any project in the church. It is an exercise in the ministry of giving.

    Most people fear that giving of their prized possessions such as money, food, or other material things would deplete them of their resources. Others feel they have too little or even nothing to give. The good news is that everyone has something to offer, no matter how little for God did not create anyone empty. Do not feel bad when you give little in comparison to others, God looks at the heart of a cheerful giver not the size. Remember the widows mite and moreover, giving is not just about letting go of one’s treasured possessions; it is letting go of our heart ♥️ too.

    Most people only give when they have a strong assurance of recompense. They only give when they are sure they will be rewarded either by being praised or something given to them in return. This makes it nearly impossible to give the needy who have very little to pay back what they are given. Do not excel in giving, only when your donation is made public. Remember what Jesus said about not seeking to publicize our good deeds, for we have already had our reward. The good news for Christians is that our giving is an investment that cannot be destroyed, for the more we give to the work of God, the more blessed we are.

    We are told in 1 Corinthians 9:6-11 that; if we have given unto spiritual things, we shall reap of God’s kingdom. Christian giving is a management of God’s resources. The first thing we must know is that the money that is ours to manage is not ours, but God’s. Yes, we have been given it to use, but it remains His. We have it as a loan and in due course, we must give account to him of what we have done with it. Paul affirms this when he says that if we cannot see things differently as Christians, then we have not begun to live the Christian life (cf. Romans 6:3-4.8-11)

    Where would you rather want to be a partner if not in the service of God? Many complain when asked to donate in churches for any cause. They equate their giving to a human enterprise thinking they are giving to human beings instead of God. The ministry of giving has many goals; spreading the gospel, sustaining the church, providing care for distressed individuals (as the rich woman in the first reading) or providing for church workers who use such gifts to enhance their apostolate and more. The ministry of giving in all its forms aims to advance the kingdom of God. “Whoever gives to these little ones shall not lose his reward”(Matt. 10:42).

  • Two Pillars: A Lot Of Good Can Be Achieved If Leaders Work Together To Build Up Community, The Church And Society In Spite Of The Differences BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    Two Pillars: A Lot Of Good Can Be Achieved If Leaders Work Together To Build Up Community, The Church And Society In Spite Of The Differences BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    TWO PILLARS

    Two people (Pillars) with totally different upbringing and character patterns. One a cradle Christian with official authority and power of the keys to bind and loose (Matt. 16:19). The other a convert and former persecutor of the church turned apostle of pagans (Acts 22: 3-16). Both died a martyr’s death and today are revered as the two main pillars of the church.

    Why are they remembered together? Because both combined their efforts to lead the early church irrespective of their differences. No one put down the other. Both put aside any fear or suspicion of each other to champion the cause of leading the early church to maturity.

    A lot of good can be achieved if leaders work together to build up community, the church and society in spite of their differences. The problem is often that we see differences more than similarities in one another and so don’t make much progress.

    Today, whole communities have launched themselves into irrepressible blunders because of bad leadership that arose first and foremost from the inability of leaders to see themselves as brothers in the struggle.

    Why do you castigate your colleague who can contribute to the system because in your mind he does not belong to the inner class, he does not possess the mandate like you do, he was not there from the beginning when you formed the party. You are afraid your colleague will wield so much power if you let him in and so you are ready to malign him so only you will appear relevant. You are very well misled because your own time will soon expire. If Peter and Paul feared each other that much they would not been the pillars we are celebrating today.

    The greatest problem and most dominant emotion of leaders today is fear. Fear has a tendency to imprison us. Fear stops most people from doing something incredible with their lives than lack of ability, contacts, resources, or any other single variable. Fear paralyses the human spirit and because of fear, when talented leaders sometimes do emerge, we we make their paths almost impossible.

    For the Christian, part of your witness is never to allow yourself be suppressed by another or feel inferior no matter the intimidation to the extent that you withhold your proclamation of truth. Be a pillar wherever you find yourself, remember that “it is not flesh and blood that has revealed this to you but Your heavenly father ” (Matt 16:17).

  • Do Not Fear: What You Really Need Now Is The Fortitude To Carry On BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    Do Not Fear: What You Really Need Now Is The Fortitude To Carry On BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    DO NOT FEAR

    Some things in life instill fear in us: a bleak and unkown future, dwindling resources and increasing list of needs, those who are our backbone dissappearing and we feeling alone, everyone mocking us and friends deserting us, the list goes on. At times like this, we run helter skelter looking for protection, but what we really need is fortitude to carry on. Fortitude is not only needed when we loose a loved one, it is the strength of mind or character in times of adversity. It ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of virtue. In this odd world, we need to be strong and fearless or else we will lose it.

    Jeremiah was one such character imbued with fortitude. He was not afraid and was able to conquer the glaring obstacles he faced. He spoke the truth and his adversaries were after his life. His truth got him in trouble with the leading army officers who wanted him dead at all cost. But would God allow his innocent servant suffer humiliation? No! God intervened and Jeremiah won at the end because he did not give up in the face of trials (Jer. 38: 4-10 also read Jer. 20:10-13). At the end he was able to exclaim: “The Lord is with me as a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, they will not overcome me. They will be greatly shamed.”

    Like Jeremiah, Jesus pronounced the words “Do not fear” to his disciples several times in the scriptures to remind them that he cares for them and will defend them at every step of the way: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt.10:28). What Jesus means here is that we should not be scared of those who threaten our lives with demonic powers. You fear that if you go home your village people will end your life. You fear that if you terminate that occultic deal you got involved in, you will die. You fear that you must consult a soothsayer to fortify your life with charms for protection. Listen to this: no mortal being is capable of harming you who did not create you. What harms you is the fear in you. God assures you like he did to Jeremiah when he prayed “O Lord of hosts…, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause”

    The good news as says the book of Hebrews is that: we are not alone in the struggle. “We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses… and so we must persevere in running the race that lies before us, while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12: 1-4). Fear is not your portion. Any Christian who still lives in fear or doubt of God’s divine protection over witches and wizards should listen again to the words of the Psalmist: “Sing to the LORD; praise the LORD! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hand of evildoers.” May you be truly delivered from all your fears and anxieties

  • Introducing Pastor Fred Abua Esq (AIAGP)

    Introducing Pastor Fred Abua Esq (AIAGP)

     

    Barrister Fred Abua, JP, is a highly skilled professional with a diverse range of experiences in writing, communication, coaching, social work, and law. His career journey took a new turn in 2015 when he was appointed by Senator Professor Ben Ayade as Special Assistant (Media). Over time, Fred’s responsibilities expanded, and he assumed various designations including Senior Special Assistant (Media), Press Secretary to the First Lady, and ultimately Special Adviser (Corporate Communications) in the Office of the First Lady. Throughout these positions, he also served as the Speechwriter to the First Lady, crafting impactful messages on her behalf and managing her social media accounts.

    Fred is an esteemed member of the Board of Trustees of the Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF), an NGO founded by Dr. Linda Ayade. Within this role, he demonstrates exemplary human resource management skills by overseeing a team of about 30 staff. He also serves as the Secretary of the Board and, utilizing his expertise as a Media Advisor, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Mediatrix Magazine, a periodic publication that highlights the foundation’s initiatives, and he was instrumental in developing engaging content for the MDF website.

    Fred wrote a column for the Nigerian Chronicle called ‘Open Mystery’ in 2012 and hosted a music and talk radio show ‘Touch the Power’ on Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) before then. Beyond his contributions in the realm of media and communications, Fred is also an accomplished author and ghostwriter. He has penned numerous published and yet-to-be-published Christian and secular books, including works such as “Omale’s Dream”, “How the Devil Whips Us”, “Straight Talk to Jacqueline”, “The Whole Truth”, and “Finishing Strong”, a biographical sketch of his father, Rev. J.A.O. Abua, published by Arbi Press, USA, in 2012. Fred’s passion for writing extends to his involvement on the editorial board of various publications. Notably, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Mediatrix Magazine, an esteemed role he held during the tenure of former First Lady of Cross River State, Dr. Linda Ayade.

    Prior to his government service, Fred made a significant impact in the realm of ministry. He served as a Teacher and Nigerian Coordinator of Bible Training for Church Leaders (BTCL), a program designed to provide comprehensive seminary-standard training to church leaders who lacked formal biblical education prior to entering ministry. Additionally, he held pastoral positions, serving as a Pastor-Teacher at Rockhouse Bible Church in Calabar and Grace Bible Church in Port Harcourt. He also did stints in short-term missions to Ghana and many remote locations within Nigeria.

    With his rich background in communications, content creation, theatre arts, image management, pastoral ministry, humanitarian service, and law, Fred will bring value to any team. Currently, he serves as the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.

    Fred, an Associate of the International Academy for Gender and Peace (AIAGP), is happily married to Omaji, and they are blessed with four children – a girl and three boys.

  • Holy Communion: Body and Blood of Christ BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    Holy Communion: Body and Blood of Christ BY PETER OBELE ABUE

     

    Holy Communion is the spiritual food recommended for us by God especially in times of adversity to keep us in close union with him. Its Holy because its food for our souls and Communion because it unites us as we all come together as one body to receive. Our forefathers in faith received Holy Communion as they prepared to leave Egypt the land of their captivity into the promised land (read Exodus 12ff). They needed to be sustained in the journey ahead. Down in the desert, their difficulties were huge and they were physically hungry, thirsty and beset by poisonous snakes. Again God gave them Holy Communion; this time “Manna” from heaven that they had never seen before to refresh and even heal them. (Deut. 8: 3ff).

    Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour the day before he suffered, knowing fully well how much his disciples would need it, shared Holy Communion with his disciples and told them to always do this in his memory (Jn 6: 25ff, Matt. 26: 26ff). Later on in Corinth, the disciples of Jesus when they had a problem. When most of them were being converted from paganism, some still had relatives and friends who offered sacrifice to idols and this resulted to tensions. Paul used Holy Communion (also called the Eucharist) to convince them not only on how to respect others beliefs but also to unite themselves irrespective of their differences (1Cor 10: 16-17). “The fact that there is only one loaf means that, though there are many of us, we form a single body because we all have a share in this one loaf” (v. 17).

    Jesus meant every word of it when he said he gives us his body and blood to eat and drink as Holy Communion. He meant this to keep us in close together in union with him, irrespective of our differences. He also meant it to prevent us from branching off our own wayward ways; feeling we can detach ourselves from him at will. Our questioning of this doctrine does not change the fact. (read Jn. 6: 52). Our decision to participate or not, does not change the fact either. Truly God means to come down to our level. The food of angels has become the bread of life and the saving grace for sinners. What a marvel in our eyes!

    What happens when we eat this bread? It is assimilated by our bodies and becomes part of us. Jesus says he is the bread of life and it His Body (Corpus Christi) we receive at Holy Communion. It is his person that we are eating and assimilating and it is his existence that must become ours. It’s all a matter of faith.

  • Who Will Tell Former Governor Ben Ayade To Park And Go? BY DOMINIC KIDZU

    Who Will Tell Former Governor Ben Ayade To Park And Go? BY DOMINIC KIDZU

     

    At this point, all men of goodwill who still have the ear of former Governor Ben Ayade have a responsibility to whisper to him that his tenure is over, because the man himself doesn’t seem to realize the fact.

    After eight long years on the saddle, with the political calendar hanging everywhere like a signpost, the former Governor should have packed his personal belongings out of Perigrino House at least a week before the inauguration of the new Governor, to allow him redesign the place after his own taste.

    To still return to the official residence of the Governor of Cross River, to still hold unto the convoy of official cars and throw himself about as if he was still Governor belittles the office and offends the culture and tradition of that respected institution. It also unfortunately personalizes the office in a way that seems to suggest that Governor Ayade believes that he owns the place or does not understand the democratic transition of power.

    Only yesterday, there were unconfirmed rumours in Calabar that the former Governor and his Man Fridays were still haemoraging Cross River State bank accounts, still pillaging, still plundering the scanty bank balances that were still left there and the IGR instruments were still in the hands of the former Governor, three clear days after his tenure ended.

    It is shameful and pitifully disgraceful that we are talking about one of the most paper-learned governors Nigeria has ever had who should be counted among people like professor Ambrose Ali and professor Zulum who became governors from the apogee of the intellectual tree. To continue to act in the way that former Governor Ayade has done creates deep suspicions about the depth of his much vaunted intellect and sophistication.A word is enough for the wise.

  • Hilda’s Win Should Be A Source Of Motivation, Stop The Comparison, If You Should Compare, Then Compare The Women In Your Life And How You Can Help Them Get Better BY SANDRA MICHAEL

    Hilda’s Win Should Be A Source Of Motivation, Stop The Comparison, If You Should Compare, Then Compare The Women In Your Life And How You Can Help Them Get Better BY SANDRA MICHAEL

    Frankly, everyone needs a good support system and friend, this man right here emerged in almost all of Hilda’s pictures and videos, when she was tired, he held her and pat her back, he gave her strength each time by encouraging her and speaking to her.

    Hilda Bacci’s assistant is also a champ and just the type of friend everyone deserves. ✨😍🙇‍♂️

    You won’t even have someone this close to you if you are not good enough and kind, some of us can’t even keep friends closely for six months, or build a good relationship for three months, a little misunderstanding and we call it a quit!

    Again is this set of men who have started condemning women online comparing their cooking skills to our new champ 🙁😂.

    This is not the juncture for comparison oh, a woman has won and it is a win-win for all, it’s about time you build up your girl child and help nurture those hidden talents in the women in your life.

    some of our fathers won’t even train their girl child in school or allow them to get a skill, they pushed them into early marriage even before they wrote waec.

    Hilda’s win should be a source of motivation, stop the comparison, if you should compare, then compare the women in your life and how you can help them get better, there is more to being a woman.

    It’s not just about cooking, I see determination, strength, resilience, a praying mother, strong assistants, motivation, and opportunity, I see the African woman, and Nigerian women in particular being refined and redefined she has challenged everyone.

    I see how strong a woman is, she’s more than just a help mate and can do anything just to get to where she aims, she can’t do it alone, she needs backing and love.

    imagine if the crowd was not there and the online and offline love was not coming through?

    I can’t forget participating in a debate in my secondary school on the topic that women’s education ends in the kitchen😖🙇‍♂️, today someone is making so much wave and is been celebrated from the kitchen.

    I tell you, you can’t even define a woman’s worth enough!

    A woman is phenomenal

    And before I forget, cooking is a survival skill and not solely a woman’s duty, abi your girlfriend cooks for you in school? y’all talk a lot online, wait till you travel outside, and by the time you buy food in Africa stores out there twice, your brain will tell you to learn cooking, you will cook from youtube and end up cooking something only you will cook and not vomit 🤣.

    Sandra Micheal ✍️