The Lumine News

Category: Opinion

  • Let Christ Reign Over You BY SYLVERUS ULEM

    Let Christ Reign Over You BY SYLVERUS ULEM

    LET CHRIST REIGN OVER YOU By Rev Fr Sylverus Ulem

    …. Being a sermon delivered during second Mass (9:00am) at Holy Trinity Parish, Ogboja – Ogoja.

    34th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C
    Solemnity of Christ the Universal King

    My dear people of God,
    When we allow Jesus to reign over us, our society becomes a better place. Many times, the stagnation we experience, individually and collectively is because we have not truly allowed Christ to take His rightful place in our hearts.

    From the beginning, God created us with one primary rule, that good be done. The Ten Commandments came later as guidance, but the heart of God for us has always been goodness, love, and obedience.

    Christ the Universal King
    On this 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church celebrates Christ the Universal King, a feast instituted by Pope Pius XI. This celebration is a public proclamation that Jesus is the King of the universe and, by implication, the King of our lives.

    God created everything out of nothing. Jesus is the center of our being, the foundation on which everything stands. Without Him, everything collapses back into nothingness.

    In David, the people saw a worthy servant. He did not campaign or write manifestos; instead, the people recognized the qualities of leadership in him. When we humble ourselves, God reveals Himself in us. Every true leader carries the “flesh and bone” of the people, he arises from among them and must protect and guide them.

    A king who cannot protect his people has failed in his duty. Today, we see many leaders more concerned with power than service. Political defections, power struggles, and the hunger for influence remind us that many seek authority without embracing responsibility. But Scripture tells us, all power comes from God, and any power not rooted in God will eventually collapse.

    Today we see apostles, evangelists, bishops, prophets, all kinds of titles, yet confusion persists. Some pursue titles more than service; some even fight or kill to protect these positions. But any title without corresponding responsibility is useless.
    Whether priest, bishop, parent, or leader if we carry the name without carrying the corresponding responsibility, we have failed.

    Pilate and the Jews conspired out of ignorance, yet their actions fulfilled God’s plan of salvation. Our celebration today is not a mockery of Christ, but a recognition of His kingship expressed through the cross.

    There are three crosses in life:
    The cross we accept, it serves us.
    The cross we reject, it condemns us.
    The cross we willingly carry, it redeems us.

    Christ’s Kingship vs. Earthly Leadership
    Christ is the model of all kings and leaders. He thinks of His people, loves them, and serves them like a good Shepherd. He treats us as brothers and sisters. Many leaders today make promises they do not keep, feeding on the people rather than feeding the people. But Jesus is the King who feeds His subjects, who gives His life for them.
    He left the riches of heaven to share in our poverty so that we might become rich. Yet today we often see leaders who rise from poverty only to feed on the riches of their people.

    He had no social media account, yet He has the largest followers in history. Many today expose themselves online simply to gain followers and earn small payments, forgetting their dignity.

    There is no protocol to access Jesus. He was like a parish priest whose parishioners could freely approach Him. Sadly, even we priests sometimes fail in this area. When a rich man arrives at the parish house we often rush to welcome him, but when a poor man comes, we sometimes turn him away.
    May God help us to change.

    As we celebrate Christ the Universal King, may He truly reign over our hearts, our families, our communities, and our nation.

    May His peace fill our lives, now and always.
    Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

     

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Rev Fr Sylverus Ulem, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • Jarigbe’s Strategic Move: A Masterstroke of Political Strategy BY PETER AGI 

    Jarigbe’s Strategic Move: A Masterstroke of Political Strategy BY PETER AGI 

     

    Senator Jarigbe’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a masterstroke of political strategy, one that is anchored in the paradigm of surrender and transformation. To truly live, one must first surrender to death, not a physical demise, but a metaphorical one – the death of the ego, the death of limitations, and the death of the familiar. It is in this crucible of transformation that the essence of our being is forged, like gold refined in the furnace of adversity.

    Senator Jarigbe’s decision to join the APC reflects his willingness to adapt and evolve, surrendering his attachment to the past and embracing the unknown, recognizing that true growth and victory lie on the other side of uncertainty. His move is a bold statement of intent, one that signals his willingness to take risks and challenge the status quo. With his deep understanding of the people, his ability to connect with them, and his knack for crafting winning strategies, Senator Jarigbe is poised to make history. His victory is not just a possibility, but a sure bet, as he has aligned himself with the forces of change and the will of the people.

    The APC is a party of winners, with a track record of success in Nigerian politics. Senator Jarigbe’s decision to join the party is a strategic move that gives him access to a wealth of resources, expertise, and networks. The APC has a strong presence in Cross River State, and Senator Jarigbe’s move is likely to boost the party’s chances in the 2027 elections. His popularity and influence in the state make him a valuable asset to the party, and his decision to join is a significant coup.

    Surrender is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. It takes courage to let go of the familiar and embrace the unknown. Senator Jarigbe’s decision to join the APC demonstrates his willingness to take risks and trust in the process of transformation. In politics, surrender is not just a personal journey, but a collective one. It requires a willingness to listen to others, to build coalitions, and to work towards a common goal. Senator Jarigbe’s move shows his ability to build bridges and unite people towards a common purpose.

    Senator Jarigbe’s journey to victory is not just about him, but about the people who support him. He has built a strong connection with the people, and they trust him to deliver on his promises. His decision to join the APC reflects his commitment to serving the people and making a positive impact in their lives. He is a leader who is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo, and his victory is a sure bet.

    In conclusion, Senator Jarigbe’s decision to join the APC is a masterstroke of political strategy, one that is anchored in the paradigm of surrender and transformation. His move reflects his willingness to take risks, trust in the process of transformation, and align himself with the forces of change and the will of the people. Let us, therefore, take a cue from Senator Jarigbe’s playbook and surrender to the fire that forges us. Let us emerge, reborn and renewed, our spirit unshaken, and our will unbroken. For it is in dying to our old selves that we are reborn, and it is in surrendering to the unknown that we discover our true potential. Victory is indeed a sure bet for Senator Jarigbe, and may his tribe increase! What a matchless persona in current political evolution. No one can doubt his capacity to make a fundamental difference and change. Has his entrance rattled the gladiators? One thing is sure, political permutations have been altered and he is leading the pack currently.

    Peter Agi (FCA)
    Writes from Ijegu Yala.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • Governors And The Senate: A Call for Democratic Balance BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    Governors And The Senate: A Call for Democratic Balance BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

     

    A leading political figure from Imo State confided in me what former President Muhammadu Buhari told him during a visit to Daura after leaving office. Buhari remarked that one of his greatest achievements was blocking former governors who sought to move directly from governorship to the Senate.

    I share this perspective. Recently, the former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, expressed the same view, underscoring the need for fairness and inclusivity in our democratic process. The Senate should not become a retirement chamber for former governors who have already enjoyed the privilege of serving their states for eight years.

    Anyone who has been privileged to serve as Governor for two terms must step aside and allow others the opportunity to contribute their quota to national development. Democracy thrives when diverse voices are heard, when fresh perspectives are allowed to shape policy, and when political offices are not monopolized by a select few.

    The practice of governors transitioning seamlessly into the Senate risks entrenching political dominance, stifling new leadership, and undermining the principle of equal opportunity. Nigeria’s progress depends on widening the space for participation, not narrowing it to a cycle of recycled elites.

    Conclusion:
    The call is simple but profound: let governors who have completed their tenure give way, so that others may rise to serve. This is not just about fairness; it is about strengthening democracy, deepening inclusivity, and ensuring that national development benefits from the contributions of many, not the ambitions of a few.

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • Servant Leadership: Christians Are Called To Lead, But Such Leadership Comes At A Cost, For Nothing Truly Good Comes Cheaply BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    Servant Leadership: Christians Are Called To Lead, But Such Leadership Comes At A Cost, For Nothing Truly Good Comes Cheaply BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    Some time ago, CNN posted a picture of Pope Francis holding his own handbag as he walked toward a plane. Someone commented that it was “against protocol” and “unbecoming of a Head of State.” But the real question is: Why would the Pope choose to break protocol in the 21st century?
    The answer is simple: because kingship today is about service, not pomp and pageantry. In that gesture, Pope Francis was pointing us toward a new model of leadership, leadership grounded in humility, simplicity, and a willingness to serve.

    This is the very spirit Jesus demonstrated when He stood before Pontius Pilate and declared, “My kingdom does not belong to this world.” (John 18:36). Jesus wanted Pilate to understand that His kingship was nothing like the worldly leadership built on power, fear, or intimidation.
    Jesus would eventually pay the highest price for this servant leadership, shedding His blood on the cross and being betrayed by His own closest companions. The kingship of God is different from every other kind of kingship because it is built on sacrifice. Christians are called to lead, yes, but such leadership comes at a cost, for nothing truly good comes cheaply.

    Today’s world is in desperate need of leaders after the heart of Jesus Christ, the Universal King. Leaders who may arise from humble conditions but who do not lead from fear. Leaders who are not surrounded by sycophants ready to destroy others on their behalf. Leaders who do not threaten opponents or force their enemies to “lick their dust.” The world needs servant leaders.

    When the tribes of Israel gathered at Hebron and asked David to be their king, they were not looking for an angel to rule over them. They wanted someone who was “their flesh and bone,” someone who understood their struggles. They had grown weary of leaders who were selfish, materialistic, and blind to the hopes of the people. After years of enduring one despotic ruler after another (2 Samuel 5:1–3), God finally sent them a leader—yet even then, many doubted him because he did not fit their expectations.

    The truth remains: authentic servant leadership comes at a great price, and only those who genuinely believe can recognize and embrace it. Such leadership already exists among us, but only those with perceptive eyes can see it. In the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta:
    “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.”
    Servant leadership begins not with a title, but with a heart willing to serve.

  • Aiming For Senate After Serving As Governor Is An Abuse Of Privilege BY ATTAHIRU BAFARAWA

    Aiming For Senate After Serving As Governor Is An Abuse Of Privilege BY ATTAHIRU BAFARAWA

    Why would you serve eight years as governor of a state and then you come again and take one part of the state and say you are going to the National Assembly? After serving for eight years, why don’t you allow others to go to the National Assembly? As a former governor, the only thing you can look forward to is the presidency. Anything less than that is an abuse of privilege.

    Out of 200 million people, you are one of the few chosen to become governor, and after two terms, you come back again and say you want to go to the Senate. What are you going to the Senate to do? As a former governor, ask somebody to go and represent the people there. Then you give the person your wisdom.

    Mallam Attahiru Bafarawa, Former Sokoto Governor

     

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Mallam Attahiru Bafarawa, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for.

  • What Brings God’s Attention To Us Is Not Our Money, Good Deeds Or Titles, But A Sincere And Humble Disposition Before God BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    What Brings God’s Attention To Us Is Not Our Money, Good Deeds Or Titles, But A Sincere And Humble Disposition Before God BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    PHARISEE
    (Religion of merits)

    The Pharisee was an upright and honest man. He kept God’s laws. He avoided all sins. He was not a thief, adulterous and unjust. In fact he did even more than was required of him. For example, the Law prescribed fasting once a year (Lev. 16: 29), but the Pharisee fasted twice a week. The farmer at harvest time was to give the tenth part of his main crops but the Pharisee would go beyond that and pay from his own pocket for other farmers (Deut. 14: 22-27). However, in spite of his moral integrity, the Pharisee takes up the wrong attitude in the sight of God (Luke 18: 9-14). What was his mistake? He went to the temple thinking wrongly that his good deeds would merit him a good standing before God.

    The Pharisee practiced a religion of merits; wrongfully thinking that because he was a man full of good deeds, he had an automatic ticket to salvation and that affected his prayer life. Anybody performing good deeds and relies solely on that to gain God’s attention, cannot merit anything in the sight of God. He must only be thankful to the God who helps him to stay on the right course to happiness. In other words, he must stay humble before God. What finally brings God’s attention to us is not our money, our good deeds, our titles, but a sincere and humble disposition before God; “For he is a God of justice who knows no favorites” (Sir: 35: 12).

    The Tax Collector on the other hand! He was not the meek man that we imagine. In fact, he was an experienced thief, a heinous exploiter, a jackal. He did not steal from the rich, he exploited the poor, forcing miserable peasants to pay exorbitant taxes. Jesus was not praising the Tax Collector at all, nor does he approve of his sin. He only says that he was taking the right attitude in the sight of God. At the end of the day, that’s what matters; our attitude in the sight of God especially at prayer because a sincere attitude can turn the devil into an angel. Scripture says: “the prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal…and the Lord will not delay” (Sir. 35: 16-18).

     

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Peter Obele Abue PhD, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organisation the author works for.

  • Why Roads, Power And Local Tools Matter Most Than Foreign Schlolarshs BY MIKE UDAM

    Why Roads, Power And Local Tools Matter Most Than Foreign Schlolarshs BY MIKE UDAM

     

    Across Cross River North, the story is familiar. A farmer wakes before dawn, loads his cassava, and struggles through a 10-kilometre journey that takes three hours because the road is bad.

    Students still read under kerosene lamps. Women trek long distances to nearby streams to fetch water for drinking. These are not statistics. They are real people. Our people. And they need more than promises.

    Recently, some social media voices have argued that sending students abroad on scholarship is the best kind of empowerment. It sounds nice, but it tells only part of the story.

    Yes, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has supported overseas scholarships for some constituents, and that is commendable. Education changes lives. But while a scholarship lifts one person, good infrastructure lifts a whole community.

    Education is good, but people need water first

    Imagine a young man who wins a scholarship abroad. His parents rejoice. But back home, his mother still treks for water and his siblings still study under a leaking roof. When he returns, the same broken road greets him.

    Development must start from the ground up. Scholarships are like rain on one farm; infrastructure is like rain on the whole village. Both are good, but if the village stays dry, no farm can thrive.

    Why basic infrastructure should come first

    It helps everyone. One road, one transformer or one borehole benefits hundreds.
    It keeps our best brains home. When jobs and opportunities exist locally, fewer young people will run abroad.
    It is fairer. A scholarship touches a few; a road or borehole touches all.
    It builds dignity. A tricycle, sewing machine, or mini tractor gives lasting value.
    It brings visible results. People can see and feel real development.
    Every Ward Has Felt the Touch

    There’s hardly any political ward in Northern Cross River State without a life-changing project facilitated by Senator Jarigbe. From transformers lighting up forgotten villages, to mini-tractors that ease farming, to tricycles, motorcycles, and farm inputs empowering women and youths—the evidence is everywhere.

    The senator’s focus is clear: to lift burdens and create broad-based empowerment, not just bless a few families. His projects are practical, visible, and life-changing. They speak louder than speeches.

    Finding a better balance

    This is not about stopping scholarships; it’s about balance.

    Let 80% of effort go to infrastructure and empowerment, and 20% to education. Let every scholar who studies abroad come back to serve locally. Let every LGA have a vocational centre where skills are taught and livelihoods created.

    Most importantly, let leadership remain transparent so people can see how their mandate is being used.

    Real leadership is measured by what stays

    A scholarship ends when a student graduates. But a road, a transformer, a borehole, or a market stall keeps serving long after the ribbon is cut.

    Senator Jarigbe’s real legacy lies in these burden-lifting projects that bring light, water, mobility, and dignity to rural communities.

    Because at the end of the day, the people’s real question is not “Who travelled abroad?” but “Do we have light? Do we have water? Can we sell our produce? Can our children learn in dignity?”

    Foreign scholarships are good. But roads, electricity, clean water, and small businesses are better foundations for lasting progress.

    Let’s build home before we build abroad.
    Let’s raise communities before we raise headlines.

    True leadership is not about sending people away.
    It’s about giving them a reason to stay.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Mike Udam, and does not represent TheLumineNews, or agent or the organisation the author works for 

  • C’River Deputy Governor Peter Odey’s Northern Tour: When Government Listens BY FRED ABUA 

    C’River Deputy Governor Peter Odey’s Northern Tour: When Government Listens BY FRED ABUA 

     

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey, PhD, has just concluded a five-day official tour across the five Local Government Areas of Northern Cross River- Bekwarra, Obanliku, Obudu, Ogoja, and Yala. The tour, held in commemoration of their 2025 New Yam Festivals, a cherished tradition in these agrarian Local Government Areas, wasn’t just a cultural visit, but it was empathy in action, a government willing to listen before acting.

    With a consistent message, “I have come to celebrate the new yam with you, and to listen, so government can meet your actual needs,” Dr. Odey moved from community to community, palace to palace, play ground to play ground, not with empty promises, but with real interventions and tangible impacts.

    While over #150 million was committed to support cultural celebrations across the five LGAs, the Deputy Governor brought more than just goodwill. He delivered life-changing interventions worth over #250 million, addressing core community needs – ultramodern boreholes for clean water, agricultural inputs, youth employment opportunities, and local development projects.

    In Obudu, for example, he responded immediately to a request from the women of Utukalu by donating ₦5 million for fertilizers and pesticides. It was a practical and timely response to a pressing agricultural need.

    Everywhere he visited, traditional rulers, critical stakeholders, youth groups, women, and people living with disabilities welcomed him warmly, expressing gratitude not just for the immediate support, but for the visible impact of the Senator Prince Bassey Otu-led administration—notably in rural infrastructure, electrification, agriculture, potable water, and job creation.

    Yet, the consistent refrain was: “We want more.” But this was not a complaint. It was a sign of trust, a belief that government is truly, ‘People First’ and capable of delivering beyond their expectations.

    Often underestimated because of his gentle demeanor, Dr. Peter Odey is a man of deep capacity, thoroughly prepared for leadership. With a background in law, sociology, international relations, and conflict management, he brings depth and intellect to leadership. His journey, from grassroots development work in the NGO sector to high-level public service-has been guided by a singular mission: uplifting his people.

    And during this tour, he was never alone. He was accompanied by a delegation of political leaders and stakeholders Northern Cross River, a strong signal of continued unity, respect, and shared vision.

    Among his entourage were LGAs was member representing Obudu Bekwarra and Obanliku in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Peter Akpanke, LGAs Council Chairmen, State Chairman of the Party, Alphonsus Eba, serving and former members of the Cross River State House of Assembly, serving and former commissioners, Special Advisers, Directors-General, and other top government officials. Others were High Chief Higgins Peters, Chief Peter Ojie, Chief Dr. Tony Undiandeye, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, Signor Omang Idiege (Ada Bekwarra II), and critical stakeholders from the north.

    The love was massive, as evident in the large turnouts of community people at the various venues. Their message was unmistakable: Cross River State has a government that listens, and a Deputy Governor who delivers.

    Fred Abua, Esq.,
    Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Cross River State.
    03/09/2025

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Fred Abua Esq, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • Water for the People: Sen Jarigbe Agom’s Noble Intervention BY OGAR EMMANUEL OKO

    Water for the People: Sen Jarigbe Agom’s Noble Intervention BY OGAR EMMANUEL OKO

     

    In elementary science, we were taught that water is a universal solvent — capable of dissolving countless solutes. But its universality is not the crux of this piece; rather, it is water’s indispensability in the affairs of man.

    Again, in social studies, we were taught that water is one of the most important basic necessities of life, alongside food, clothing, shelter, security, healthcare, and education. One can survive without clothes, food, shelter, or even light for a while — but surviving without water is nearly impossible.

    Studies — or better put, common knowledge — show that a healthy adult can survive 30 to 60 days without food (provided there is access to water), but only 3 to 7 days without water.

    For those of us who lived in rural communities and experienced droughts, scarcity, and water shortages, it was a great relief when Senator Jarigbe Agom announced his intention to install 26 solar-powered boreholes across communities in the northern senatorial district. Back in the day, we trekked long distances to fetch water. And to get clean water, we often had to wake up before the cock crowed (around 4 a.m.) — the very hour our elders said spirits returned from their nightly activities.

    Today, in semi-urban areas like Igoli, Abakpa, Okuku, Yahe, Okpoma, and Obudu, most households still rely heavily on well water. In fact, there is no functional public water supply system or urban water scheme in the entire northern senatorial district. The dams in Ijegu and Obudu have become mere conduit pipes for financial embezzlement, while the water reservoir at Okpoma in Yala LGA has remained nonfunctional since inception.

    Currently, the main sources of water in the northern senatorial district are wells, ponds, brooks, streams, and rainwater ( most of which are seasonal). With the commissioning of 26 solar-powered boreholes later in the day, many communities will finally be freed from the manacles of water scarcity, gaining access to clean and safe drinking water.

    Sen. Jarigbe Agom deserves commendation for this noble project. No single individual has sunk as many boreholes as he has in Cross River State. By comparison, in the entire Calabar metropolis, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has only seven solar-powered boreholes. Only four out of the seven are functional. The rest belong to the state government and corporate organizations. Again, the Senator was quite discretional for choosing solar powered boreholes over electric powered ones because of its cost effectiveness, reliability, durability, energy dependent, easy to maintain and sustainability.

    As I commend the Senator for this laudable initiative, let me, on behalf of my community Ijegu Ojor, humbly appeal that our community be considered in the next phase of this project.

    Comr. Ogar Emmanuel Oko
    Rabbit Punch
    Writes from Lekki

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • Owan Enoh MSME Support Program – How The Beneficiaries Will Be Selected.. BY AGBA JALINGO

    Owan Enoh MSME Support Program – How The Beneficiaries Will Be Selected.. BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    Entries for the Owan Enoh MSME Support Program have swelled over 12,000. This demonstrates not just acceptance but also exposes the yawning desire for a helping hand by Cross Riverians.

    I am also sure that many Cross Riverians are already wondering how exactly will beneficiaries be selected from such a massive pool. Many who think some privileged assessors will grab their pens to tick as many names off and plant their favored winners, have been calling, chatting and texting to lobby, to no avail. But I want to give you an idea of the painstaking work that is ongoing behind the scenes by the team that is assessing the entries.

    Stage One: CATEGORIZATION

    The entries are all being categorized into 14 different sectors, namely: Agriculture, Construction, Creative Arts, Education, Energy, Fashion Designing, Financial Services, Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Retail, ICT, Transportation, and Others. All these fourteen sectors have their drop down sub-sectors.

    Stage Two: ELIGIBILITY SCREENING

    This involves a general assessment using simple Yes/No responses. Any application that receives five (5) or more “No” responses will be automatically disqualified.

    Applications with more “Yes” responses will advance to the next stage.

    Some of the queries include:
    1. Residency / Location: Is the applicant or business based in Cross River State?
    ☐ Yes ☐ No

    2. MSME Definition:
    Does the business qualify as a micro, small, or medium enterprise (not a large enterprise)?
    ☐ Yes ☐ No

    3. Sector Fit:
    Does the business fall within target sectors (trade, industry, services, artisanship, agriculture, etc.)?
    ☐ Yes ☐ No

    4. Business Status:
    Is the business operational or is the business idea viable?
    ☐ Yes ☐ No

    5. Documentation:
    Has the applicant provided at least one proof of business (CAC registration, tax ID, cooperative membership, trade association ID, or any verifiable evidence)?
    ☐ Yes ☐ No

    6. Application Completeness:
    Is the application form properly completed (all required fields answered, supporting documents attached)?
    ☐ Yes ☐ No

    7. Previous Support:
    Has the applicant declared that they are not currently benefitting from another government MSME grant/loan that would make them ineligible for this fund?
    ☐ Yes ☐ No

    This stage is expected to reduce the number of entries to a manageable size of 3000-4000.

    Stage Three: APPRAISAL TEMPLATE

    This is the stage that involves the detailed scoring of each application. Applications are evaluated using the full scoring template. A 75% score serves as the cut-off mark for consideration.

    Each panel member independently scores the applications assigned to them and to ensure fairness and transparency, 15%–20% of each panelist’s assessment is randomly reassigned to another panelist for re-evaluation.

    This process helps us maintain integrity, fairness, and objectivity, ultimately leading to a near-perfect selection outcome.

    Some of the appraisal queries include:

    Business viability and feasibility, assess operations, sustainability
    (0-20).

    Clarity of concept, defined problem, feasibility, job creation and employment potential (0-15).

    Current and future staff, realistic market potential and growth prospects (0-15).

    Actual market performance, market research, identified customers, demand validation, financial management and sustainability (0-15).

    Cost structure, revenue model, funding strategy, social impact and inclusiveness (0-10).

    Intended or actual community/social benefits, innovation and creativity (0-10).

    Stronger emphasis for new business ideas: novelty, originality, problem-solving approach alignment with Owan Enoh MSME Fund objectives (0-10).

    CAC, Tax, NAFDAC, proposed business name readiness. Documentation and compliance (0-5)

    Total score, out of 100, will determine the final recommendation.

    Assessors have been duly briefed on prioritizing gender inclusion and urban-rural balance in the final selection to ensure fair spread between Calabar, other urban centers, and rural LGAs.

    Note again that no beneficiary in the formal sector will be given any cash. Whatever the applicants stated as the needs of their business will be procured and supplied to them. The same applies to the informal sector unless successful applicants who deal on perishable wares.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    (more…)