The Lumine News

Category: Opinion

  • On Owan Enoh’s N500m Business Grant for Cross Riverians BY PETER INYALI 

     

    During former Governor Ben Ayade’s first term, despite being one of his vociferous critics, I appreciated his idea of boosting people’s purchasing power to stimulate economic growth through his “food on the table” policy. However, I opposed distributing money without requiring value in return, as it’s unsustainable and risks economic drawbacks.

    Without a doubt, purchasing power is a key driver of consumer behaviour and economic growth. When households have more income, they buy more goods and services, increasing demand. Yet, handouts without productivity can destabilize the economy.

    While putting money in the hands of people or food on the table was good, making them accountable by encouraging value for the money was even better. This was what inspired me to share my idea for the restructuring of the policy to something more sustainable and beneficial to both the people and the government. In a private message to the then Governor, I proposed the creation of a “Cross River Business Support Fund” instead of treating public appointments as job creation or encouraging dependency.

    The idea was to calculate the total value of appointees’ payments over their tenure and provide it as business startup capital under strict oversight. I suggested that the state could secure a bank facility that can be repaid monthly with funds that would have gone to appointees salaries to ensure no debt burden for the next administration.
    Each appointee was to receive at least N5m capital to establish small business, with each venture creating one or two additional jobs. For instance, for 5,000 appointees, this could have directly and indirectly generate at least 10,000 jobs.

    When my private suggestion was ignored, I published articles advocating for this. I had hoped that a government official who had the Governor’s ears could pick it up and convince him that it was more sustainable than the free money policy, but the suggestion, as many others from other patriotic Cross Riverians was ignored.

    Nevertheless, it gladdens my heart that years later, the Honourable Minister of State, Industry, Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Sen. John Owan Enoh is set to launch a N500m business grant for Cross Riverians; a commendable step towards building an alternative economy for our people. This programme, understood to be a private initiative stands as the largest single individual support for businesses in Cross River State.

    Beyond this, the Minister has also facilitated soft loans from the Bank of Industry for so many startups and existing businesses in the state. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbones of any economy as they are vital for job creation. Unarguably, these initiatives; the loans and business grants will boost employment and purchasing power in the state. This didn’t come as a surprise as the Minister’s public service life has been defined by commitments to create sustainable jobs for the people than anything else.

    As Cross Riverians look up to the success of the programme which will be unveiled formally on Friday in Calabar, the Minister deserves all the praises for promoting entrepreneurship as a solution for rapid economic growth in a state heavily reliant on civil service and politics. Kudos to him.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D.

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

  • The Laws of Human Stupidity and Nigeria’s Tragic Decline BY MIKE UDAM

     

    Carlo M. Cipolla, the Italian economic historian, once wrote a humorous yet painfully accurate essay titled The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity. Though penned decades ago, his insight perfectly explains Nigeria’s present misery. It is not merely corruption, bad leadership, or foreign manipulation that has wrecked our economy; it is the power of stupidity, unrestrained and underestimated, that has brought us here.

    Cipolla’s first law warns us: “Always and inevitably, everyone underestimates the number of stupid people in circulation.” Nigerians underestimated how many among us were willing to sell their conscience for crumbs, swap their votes for rice, or cheerfully defend policies that harm them. We mocked them as “ignorant villagers” or dismissed them as “politically illiterate masses,” forgetting that stupidity is no respecter of class or degree.

    The second law pierces deeper: “The probability that a certain person is stupid is independent of any other characteristic of that person.” This means stupidity cuts across tribes, religions, education levels, and wealth. Some of the loudest voices that justified Nigeria’s political U-turn—trading a stabilising, reform-oriented government for chaos—came from elites, professors, social media influencers, and even so-called intellectuals. We assumed the educated class would make wise choices; Cipolla reminds us that stupidity is democratically distributed.

    But Cipolla’s third and fourth laws are devastating. He defined stupidity as behavior that causes harm to others while bringing no real benefit to oneself. This is precisely what Nigeria has witnessed. Citizens were manipulated into embracing policies and leaders that have destroyed the naira, collapsed businesses, and triggered unprecedented hunger—while those same citizens suffer under the weight of their decisions. Worse, rational Nigerians underestimated how destructive stupidity could be. We thought “they’ll learn,” or “things will balance out.” Instead, we are now watching an economy spiral, with food inflation beyond reason, power grids failing, and insecurity spreading like wildfire.

    Cipolla’s fifth law seals the argument: “A stupid person is the most dangerous type of person… more dangerous than a bandit.” A bandit is predictable; he steals for gain. But stupidity is chaos: it votes for poverty, celebrates oppression, and attacks those who seek solutions. In Nigeria today, stupidity is not a minor inconvenience—it has become a political force. It has enthroned leaders who cannot govern, dismantled economic reforms, and placed the nation at the mercy of clueless decision-makers.

    We are living proof of Cipolla’s warning: a society dominated by stupidity is doomed to decline. Nations rise when intelligent, principled citizens outnumber and outmaneuver the stupid. Nations collapse when stupidity becomes a majority voice, amplified by propaganda, tribalism, and religious manipulation.

    So, where do we go from here? Nigerians must face this uncomfortable truth: no amount of oil wealth or foreign investment can rescue a country where stupidity is celebrated and rewarded. The fight for Nigeria’s future is not only against corruption or insecurity; it is a battle to awaken reason, restore moral courage, and break the cultural cycle of foolish choices.

    As long as stupid people dictate elections, defend failed leadership, and normalize mediocrity, Nigeria will continue this descent. Our tragedy is not that we are poor in resources but that we are rich in folly.

    May God give us wisdom to repent of our collective foolishness before this nation becomes a full-blown failed state.

    Mike Udam, PhD
    Teacher and Preacher
    Ogoja Nigeria

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

  • Beneficiary Of #JariBurs Writes Sen Jarigbe Agom, Commends The Initiative

    One of the beneficiaries of Sen Jarigbe Agom Bursary Scheme codenamed #JariBurs, Mr Franklin Ikpong, has taken to his Facebook page, to expresse joy and happiness for the financial support for his master’s program.

    Mr Ikpong noted that the support to have not only assists his studies but symbolizes hope and motivation as he pursue his Master’s degree in Anatomy.

    Full text of his message of gratitude:

    “I want to express my deepest appreciation to our remarkable distinguish Sen Jarigbe Agom who have significantly impacted my life during a challenging period through JariBurs. Your generosity and belief in Northern Cross River student potential have uplifted our spirits as students and provided essential support for our academic goals.

    “The able distinguish senator, I’m profoundly grateful to you. Your unwavering belief in students potential means the world to me. As a young student navigating the challenges of higher education, I have often felt overwhelmed with a lot of Hurdles.
    Your encouragement through Jari Burs #education initiative has been a guiding light, reminding me that perseverance can help me overcome obstacles. Your commitment to education and community development is truly inspiring, showcasing your dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Your financial support in Jari Burs initiative not only assists my studies but symbolizes hope and motivation as I pursue my Master’s degree in Anatomy.
    In a special way I also want to extend my gratitude to Agba Jalingo and the selection team for their role in coordinating the assistance process impartially. Your efforts ensured that support reached deserving students like me, alleviating the financial burdens as I work toward the completion of my academic aspirations. Your kindness has rejuvenated my faith in community support, allowing me to focus on critical areas of my studies, particularly my dissertation research.

    “Pursuing a Master’s degree in Anatomy is not just an academic goal; it represents a significant step towards fulfilling my aspirations to contribute meaningfully to our Basic medical system. My passion for anatomy stems from a deep desire to understand the human body better and positively impact the field of Basic medical science. The knowledge I gain will equip me with skills to make a difference in healthcare, benefiting our society as a whole.
    Thanks you distinguish Senator.”

    Three days later, Franklin Ikpong returned, see what he wrote:

    “Once again, In a way of appreciation as a beneficiary of JariBurs, I dedicate this Sunday in celebration of distinguish Sen Jarigbe Agom for his efforts to humanity.

    I also appreciate Agba Jalingo an impartial Man with credibility for everything he do for humanity.

    “My academic pursuit in the master degree level has been an endless voyage and a continual venture into the unknown. I say this because funding a master degree program without a reliable Job and a sponsor is very challenging. I have experience a lot of Hurdles that left me with a decision to to quit the program but at Everytime of this decision opportunities will always come to give me the reason to continue, JariBurs is another significant opportunity that has presented itself and ask me to continue without quiting. Though the challenges continues because the program is not over yet, and what I keep believing in is that God willing I must complete the program because the will of God will never take me to where the grace of God will not protect me.

    “Now I normally believe my late mum words to me in her dying Bed and I quote “Frank I am dying because I don’t know if I will be healed from this sickness, my pains is that I won’t be alive to train you in school but since you have a willing heart don’t worry the way will be open. If you want to have a PhD in your chosen field don’t worry you will have it and you will not know how, but just believe, because when the heart is willing the way will be open”.

    ” Thanks you once again distinguish Senator for the JariBurs education initiative.”

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

  • CAN CRS SECURE 30% Market Share of Nigeria’s 2025 Detty December? BY JUSTIN UDIE

     

    By the way, “Detty December” is a highly anticipated festive period from mid-December through the New Year in Nigeria. It is characterised by vibrant celebrations, social gatherings, and a general atmosphere of high energy and optimism among the people. A major driver of this phenomenon is the return of the Nigerian Japa Lords – diasporas, who are colloquially known as “IJGBs” (I just got back; mehhnn, you know what am saying) 😃 The festivities are a form of homecoming, a time for these returnees to reconnect with family and friends and, spend the hail of their money and experience the cultural vibrancy of their homeland.

    Beyond its social and cultural significance, this period functions as a powerful economic machine. The influx of the diaspora, often flush with forex, injects significant liquidity into the local economy, fueling a surge in commerce and spending. This financial infusion is welcomed by the government for its notable impact on the economy even as festive period has become synonymous with urban-centric celebrations, particularly in hubs like Lagos, which is widely considered the face of “Detty December” due to its rich history of entertainment and its thriving music industry. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) estimates that diaspora members contributed over N60 billion to the local economy in December 2024 alone.

    A closer look at the data reveals that Lagos’s success is not based on a single large-scale event, but rather a diversified ecosystem of high-value activities:

    For example; Hotels contributed N54 billion from 15,000 stays. Short-let apartments and private rentals generated an additional N21 billion from nearly 6,000 reservations. The top 15 lounges and nightclubs in the city collectively earned a staggering N4.32 billion. Beaches and resorts contributed 70% of the N4.5 billion in leisure-related earnings. High-end car rentals, with daily rates reaching up to N2 million, generated N1.5 billion and an estimated N20 billion was generated from other categories, including artiste bookings, fine dining, and event rentals.

    The concentration of events- ranging from concerts by Afrobeats superstars to lavish after-parties and beach hangouts; authenticates that the core economic activities of “Detty December” are firmly rooted in the urban city. Understanding this market dynamics is crucial, as like CROSS RIVER STATE; seeking to compete must either replicate or strategically complement this urban-focused model.

    No doubt, “Detty December” has evolved into a formidable economic engine. In 2024, the total value of this seasonal economy, anchored by events in Lagos, was estimated at N111.5 billion, attracting N1.2 million visitors to Lagos alone. While Cross River State’s Calabar Carnival though demonstrated significant growth, generating around N14.06 billion in revenue and attracting over 300,000 tourists in 2024, its current tourism model is not diversified enough to compete for a substantial share of this burgeoning national market.

    From action study by financial analysts, I can projects that the total Nigerian “Detty December” economy could reach an estimated N128.2 billion in 2025. I think CRS can fight for at least a 30% share of that economy and to capture this ambitious target, Cross River would need to generate approximately N38.46 billion, representing a financial gap of over N20.18 billion beyond our expected organic growth trajectory. The strategic approach to bridge this gap, could be anchored on three core pillars:
    1. the monetisation of the Calabar Carnival
    2. the creation of a new, high-impact diaspora homecoming event
    3. the comprehensive monetisation of the state’s tourism ecosystem.

    For example; the planned Heritage Market for arts and crafts offers a crucial opportunity to distribute wealth more broadly. By providing a platform for local artisans and vendors, the state can ensure that the economic benefits of “Detty December” trickle down to small and medium enterprises, mitigating some of the negative effects of inflation and wealth concentration. These initiatives, when executed in synergy, will transform Cross River’s “Detty December” economy from a single, event-driven model to a multi-faceted, high-yield tourism ecosystem!

    I’m more confident that by adopting these strategies, with all honesty, transparency and integrity in budget management and excution, Cross River can transition from being a singular event destination to a usual diversified, multi-billion-naira tourism hub, positioning ourselves as a primary competitor to Lagos and a dominant force in Nigeria’s seasonal tourism landscape – detty December!

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

  • Understanding How The #JariBurs Selection Process Works… BY AGBA JALINGO 

     

    The data collected during the application had the selection process in mind.

    A spreadsheet has since been developed of all entries with the time stamps and corresponding information requested.

    Therefore, the serial numbers will follow accordingly.

    1. The entries will initially be filtered by the Local Government initially. Entries with more than one Local Government Area will be automatically disqualified at this stage.

    2. Data will be replicated in five different spreadsheets, one for each Local Government Area in Cross River North.

    3. The data for each Local Government will be revalidated to remove multiple entries.

    4. Thereafter, the RANDARRAY function on Excel 365 will be used to randomly generate numbers matching the total entries for each Local Government Area.

    5. For example, Yala Local Government has 743 entries, therefore, numbers randomly generated will vary from 1 to 743. Thereafter, the first 100 generated will be copied.

    6. The SHOWROWS function will automatically highlight the entries whose numbers are generated.

    7. Then comes the hard work! Each entry will be carefully checked for the following three key uploads;

    i. How do you verify identity? (Name of applicant and their Local Government of Origin).

    ii. How are you sure the person is a student? (Hence the Admission letter).

    iii. Is the person active as a student? (Evidence of payment of fees in the current session).

    8. Each selected entry must scale through this hurdle before the bank details will be checked to ascertain it is not a proxy.

    9. If the process does not return 100 beneficiaries among the first randomly generated numbers, the process from Number (4) will be repeated to generate the remaining beneficiaries.

    Now you know how it will work. And like I said previously, this process may not be perfect or full-proof, but it will definitely return results that are better than what was done previously.

    This initiative is powered by Sen Jarigbe Agom, representing Cross River North Senatorial District.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    #JariCare
    #JariBurs
    #JariEnterprise
    #JariLeads

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

  • Send Your Kids To School Outside Cross River BY INYALI PETER 

     

    As young Cross Riverians, we can help our children and the generation coming after us avoid the situation we find ourselves now where we are completely disconnected from national politics. Let’s adopt the strategic approach of sending our children to schools in other parts of Nigeria other than Cross River. This can help them build friendships and networks that will support their growth as they mature.

    I believe spending all the time schooling within have limited our opportunities. Look around your circle, most of the people you know are likely at a similar level or lack the influence to give you a push forward. Now, compare this to peers from other parts of Nigeria who attended school around the same time. Many of them have risen to positions where they can uplift others.

    To help our kids not lament like us, we must be deliberate about the quality of friends they keep and grow with. Most friendships that have stood the test of time were built in schools . Choose institutions at all levels where they can forge connections that will transform their lives. Let’s not repeat our mistakes and expect different outcomes.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D.

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

  • For Clarity On #JariBurs BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    I want to confirm that I am coordinating the #JariBurs bursary program for Sen Jarigbe Agom. I am not a member of his party neither do I have anything or intend to do anything with his political party. But I have written about so many things about our Senatorial District and he agrees to implement some. He listens if you make sense and can articulate your ideas firmly and convincingly.

    The ideas have been simple and straight forward. Incrementally replace three days medical outreaches with health insurance policies for our people. Be blind to political party lines. We had #JariCare. You are putting down, N50million for bursary; #JariBurs. Oga, eliminate bursary committees, the committee members will chop at least a quarter of the money and load the list with cronies and acolytes and ask beneficiaries to return part of the money as kick back. Remove individual contact with cash for distribution. Use tech. Remain blind to party lines. Select the people through an unbiased process, across party and non-partisan lines. Be a leader with a large heart. Again, leave party out of it. I will help create a process that, though not perfect, but will ensure 500 people get their 100,000 neatly without stress. Not a dime will miss. I repeat, not one dime will miss. Verifiable data will then be provided and can be retrieved in seconds anytime it is needed.

    Senator Jarigbe is not involved in the selection process. He is not sending us any name or requesting that we include any name on the list. I am also not personally interested in adding or squeezing any name into the list. Tech will do that. I can give other people a hundred thousand Naira too for their fees. We need to set a precedence in our Senatorial District, so others will copy. This process will not be perfect, but it will be better than what has been going on in the past and we will take feedback from this and improve on the next one. It is work for our people.

    I requested that the Senator should give me and my team a manacle free environment to do our work. What you want is 500 students from Cross River North to get 100k. I will do that for you seamlessly and give you the verifiable data, after. Data that will remain useful for planning as time goes on. My biggest joy at the end of this will be, seeing the testimony of a poor student who is not in Senator Jarigbe’s party, who does not even know Senator Jarigbe, or not have or know anybody to call and lobby, but is very intelligent and could get this 100k assistance from a system that was blind and transparent.

    So there is no amount of lobbying or pressure or messages to my inbox that will bulge this process. Stop wasting your time. Health care, education, provision of water etc, aren’t things that we will continue to play politics with. Majority of our people have suffered for too long and we need to take imperative interest in creating long term solutions to these basic problems. We need to eliminate corruption and thievery from these processes to capture more people who have nobody to call or lobby, into an inclusive society. I will continue on this path whenever my input is sought.

    The electronic balloting system will be done in the presence of the Senator and his team. Beneficiaries will be published and I will ensure, as the Senator desires, that the 100k gets to all the 500 eligible students.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    #JariCare
    #JariBurs
    #JariEnterprise
    #JariMoreToCome

     

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

  • President’s Service Award! Did I Merit It? BY JUSTIN UDIE

    PRESIDENTS SERVICE AWARD! DID I MERIT IT?

    Last week, I received this award from the President on behalf of Cross Riverians in the Diaspora – CRID; for Service to the organisation. I don’t have plenty of awards because I usually do a myself evaluation and stay away from unmerited awards.
    So, in this, I’m going to sound all about me, just to warn you 😃

    So for CRID’s President’s Service Award, I have to collect and celebrate the recognition with full and open chest. Why because at times when push comes to shove, I stood up for the organisation. Whilst others finds photographic exposures and contours of weaknesses to blame and amplify, I’m at the strategic angle to ensure we deliver and do not collapse.

    So, I’m truly honored to have been considered for the “Merit Award”. My journey with CRID began at its inception, where I was a member of the initial Strategic Thinking Committee, helping to lay the foundational groundwork and framework for the organisation. I supported the process of developing the Constitution and saw it through to becoming the first framework of the organisation.

    My dedication continued as I had the privilege of serving as the pioneer Chairman of the Electoral Committee. When most people were not sure of how to go about it, I took the bull by it’s horn with two others. In this role, I painstakingly oversaw the process that led to the election of CRID’s very first executive, a crucial step in establishing the organisations leadership. I’m proud to say my team was given 2 weeks and we delivered in 2 weeks.

    Thereafter, I continue to contribute as a member of the Board of Directors of the Organisation till this moment. Even at that, I’ve continued to be called upon to help at most critical times of the organisation.

    One of my most fulfilling roles has been as the pioneer Chairman of the CRID Environmental Sustainability and Biodiversity Committee. Through this committee, I spearheaded the inauguration of the CRID Environmental Sustainability Club in Cross River State, mobilising over 200 dedicated volunteers who provide direct community environmental interventions. We have implemented numerous direct and indirect community interventions across the state, such as open defecation awareness campaign, plastic waste management programmes, Tree Planting and participated in clean up exercise in Obudu, Calabar South, Unical and School of Health, Calabar. This is about making a tangible difference in our environment and push for a Clean, Green and Sustainable Cross River.

    Furthermore, I spearheaded the formation and registration of CRID UK and played an indispensable significantly leading role in setting up of CRID’s Bank Account in the UK. This account became a significant infrastructure in facilitating the registration process for the just concluded CRID International Convention, held in Birmingham between 1st and 3rd of August 2025.

    Again, when push got to shoves, I was drafted in to help deliver the convention and after a while, I accepted, rolled my sleeves and served as again, the pioneer Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for CRID’s International Convention, Birmingham 2025. Setting the pace back to back and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved in bringing this significant event to fruition. When some people didn’t believe it was possible, I managed to pull through.

    The most challenging part of this assignment came up 6 weeks to the D day. I lost my Mother-in-Law and the news broke when I was in the convention planing meeting. Immediately, that brought another layer of challenges. Planning the funeral, planning the convention. 4 weeks to the deadline, my wife traveled leaving me with 3 kids that I had to drop and pick from different schools, I was still executing the convention plans, executing the funeral plans and working full time. But the truth of it is that all of these programmes were achieved. It was a huge sacrifice of every fibre of my histologia to deliver.

    I believe these achievements demonstrate my determination and commitment to CRID and its mission, and I am deeply grateful to be recognised for the President’s Service Award 🏆
    And it is for these accomplishments that I accepted it and hereby dedicate it to my beautiful wife- Eucharia Udie and my lovely girls – Awhobiwom, Liyiaunim and Ushang.
    To God Almighty be the Glory.
    #UnimuyiÚtsu 🙏

    Ruggedly anointed to make things work!

     

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

  • Nurse Lucy Clement Agbor: A Compassionate Nurse, Health Advocate and Youth Empowerment Champion in Obubra LGA BY JULIUS UCHI

     

    Nurse Lucy Clement Agbor is a seasoned and compassionate healthcare professional with over 25 years of nursing experience. As the founder and Medical Director of Bright Horizons CC Ltd, she has become a beacon of hope in Obubra Local Government Area, Cross River State. Her tireless commitment to serving the weak and vulnerable has earned her deep respect and admiration throughout the region.

    Despite limited resources, Nurse Lucy has made remarkable strides in community health. She provides free healthcare services to vulnerable groups and widows on the last Wednesday of every month, a well-known initiative at her facility located at No. 1 Okuriyang Street, Mile One, Ofudua, opposite the market in Obubra. Her work emphasizes not just curative care but preventive and educational health outreach, making a lasting impact on public health in the area.

    In addition to her medical service, Nurse Lucy is a strong advocate for youth empowerment through skills development and entrepreneurship. She owns and runs the Bright Horizons Hair Salon, strategically located opposite Ofudua Market, where she trains young persons—especially girls—for free in hairdressing and salon management. This initiative offers a vital lifeline to many youths in Obubra, equipping them with employable skills and fostering economic independence.

    Nurse Lucy’s initiative of free health services to youth skill acquisition—are a testament to her deep-rooted passion for uplifting others. Her holistic approach to care and development continues to transform lives and inspire a new generation of health-conscious, empowered young Nigerians.

  • Kanu Agabi Drums Support For The Creation Of Ogoja State

    Chief Kanu Agabi SAN speech in support of the Creation of Ogoja State at the ongoing public hearing by the House of Representatives committee on constitution Review in Calabar

    👇🏼👇🏼

    MEMORANDUM SUBMITTED TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE CREATION OF OGOJA STATE.

    Mr. chairman, and Honourable members of this Committee of the House of Representative.

    Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,

    I am immensely grateful to you, for the privilege of presenting this case to you for the creation of Ogoja state out of the present Cross River State.

    Agitation for states in our country was initially limited to the demand for the Middle Belt State, the Midwest State and the Calabar-Ogoja – Rivers State. In answer to those demands, the nation proceeded to proliferate states so that the purpose for which minority communities made those demands was totally and completely defeated.

    The condition of the minorities has worsened. Their condition never improved. We continue to suffer. We continue to suffer every calamity that can befall a people. There is not a single distress or disaster that we are exempted from.

    I am seventy-nine years old and I feel sorry that in all that time the condition of my people did not improve. It went from bad to worse. We have no good roads. We do not have electricity. In all our villages, our young are compelled to go to bed as soon as the sun sets because they have no lamps. It was Seneca who said that man should extend his life by using part of the night. Here we cannot do so. We go to bed in the dark and we wake up early to go to our farms – an occupation that has been stigmatized and degraded and discouraged by every policy of government.

    We have no good schools. We have never had good teachers. The education that we offer to our young does not equip them for life. It makes them proud and distant from the community. It deculturizes them. Our young have no jobs. They have no hope. The cities have distracted us from the occupation of our heritage without providing any suitable alternatives. We live in despair. The minds of our young have been brutalized. Our people live in squalor in the midst of the opulence of their leaders. And so, we agitate. We ask to be given the opportunity to take our lives into our own hands. To by ourselves by ourselves for ourselves the things that we believe in.

    This agitation is not rooted in malice. It is made in good faith. Our ancestors, when they promulgated the Constitution, realized beforehand that a time like this will come. They appreciated that conditions in our country will compel communities to make demands of the type that we now make. And so, they made provisions in the Constitution which you, Honourable representatives of the people have come to implement and give effect to. This request is made in exercise of a right vested in the people by the Constitution.

    Comments are sometimes made to the effect that the states are not viable. I submit that they are. The nation would never have survived but the creation of states. And if the nation is going to go on surviving, it would depend on the extent to which our leaders listen to the cries of those that are trampled upon. The exercise of states creation will forever go on until every community is able to take its own affairs into its own hands.

    Our greatest resources are the people. Not oil. Not minerals. Not agricultural produce. But the people. We are an intelligent people. A resourceful people. A resilient people. A hardworking and God-fearing people. We are a humble and honest people.

    It is such a people that present this memorandum to you. We are happy to present it to you who have been singled out of a competent House of Representatives to undertake the exercise. No one is more qualified than yourselves to undertake this exercise. You are patriots. You are nationalists. You have a better understanding of these issues than I do. That is why you have been chosen to undertake this exercise. We trust you to fill in the gaps for us. We appeal to you, we urge you to say for us whatever we ought to say but have failed or forgotten to say.

    We trust that you will establish a criteria of general and uniform application for the creation of states. You will prescribe a criteria of general and uniform application for the creation of local government areas. You will prescribe a criteria and set standards for the location of states capitals.

    And when you have done so, you will go down in history as a committee to be forgotten This is a committee that gives hope.

    I pray for you that the Lord guide you. May the Lord protect you. May the Lord preserve you. With these prayers, and in all humility, I present to you the memorandum of my people for the creation of Ogoja state out of Cross River state.ttot