The Lumine News

Category: Opinion

  • Our Daily Bread: Learn To Feed Each Other By Sharing What You Have In Love BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    Our Daily Bread: Learn To Feed Each Other By Sharing What You Have In Love BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    OUR DAILY BREAD

    “Give us this day our daily bread”, we pray everyday (Matthew 6:11). What is this daily bread offered to us? In truth, it is the Eucharistic Jesus offered at daily Holy Mass. The international Eucharistic Congress held recently in Indianapolis, USA brought together more than 50,000 Catholics on fire for God and for this bread of life. It was a living testimony of the Eucharistic presence of Jesus OUR DAILY BREAD and how hungry our world is for HIM. Real strength can only come from the bread that God alone offers us through the Eucharist in his church.

    It is true we need our daily physical food and nourishment to survive, especially in these hard times. In fact, even as we speak, many families and their children will go to bed without adequate feeding and that’s why we often think of daily bread in terms of physical food only. But the point Jesus is making is that, unless we care enough to share even the little we have with each other, we will continue to be eternally hungry. And if we feed on his body and drink of his blood, we will be better equipped to share our lives with others especially those who need us most. He alone can give us that daily bread and until we settle for it, our hunger will continue to linger (John 6:1-15).

    Unfortunately, we live in a world where people care less about their neighbor’s needs, while greed and avarice, selfhood is assumed to be normative, and even often glorified. In such a world, our daily bread is only seen as food to feed our stomachs only and daily we struggle with each other as we compete for survival. Jesus makes it clear to the multitudes who were following him only for the loaves; that he offers more than physical food.

    The solution Jesus offers us is this: Learn to feed each other by sharing what you have in love (see verse 11) like Elisha the Prophet shared with the man who came from Baal-shalisha; ” they ate and had some left ” (2Kings 4:42-44). This kind of love if practised in communities will lead to the multiplication of our daily bread instead of poverty and want. May we come together daily to feed on that Daily bread that lasts for ever.

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

  • Do Protests Change Anything? BY AGBA JALINGO

    Do Protests Change Anything? BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    Kenya said they needed more money and wanted to increase taxes. The Kenyan government proposed raising US$2.7 billion by increasing taxes on essential goods and services, from cooking oil to bread. The bill also targeted digital revenue, where the bulk of young people generate their income.

    The people of Kenya said “NO” to their government proposal and took to the streets. They marched to their Senate and the lawmakers who were preparing to pass the bill into law, escaped through a tunnel. The government responded with violence and 35 youths were killed by security forces. But the GenZ youths remained resolute and stood their ground on the streets.

    When the government saw that the violence and deaths would not deter the angry youths, President Ruto did a u-turn and immediately withdrew the finance bill which sparked the protests. In a televised address, he announced specific austerity measures that included: The dissolution of 47 State corporations with overlapping and duplicative functions to save on operation and maintenance costs.

    He also suspended the appointment of 50 chief administrative secretaries that were challenged in court on the basis of the positions being unconstitutional.

    The President also announced that the offices of the First Lady and the spouses of the Deputy President and Prime Cabinet Secretary, would not be funded using public money.

    He fired almost his entire cabinet and announced significant cuts in earnings of cabinet members.

    He called on members of parliament to also follow suit and implement cuts in their own budgets and also promised prompt action on rogue security agents.

    The young people of Kenya won. Their victory came at a very high cost of 35 lives cut short by rogue security agents. They may not have ended corruption in Kenya, but they sent a very clear message to their leaders that they are still answerable to the voters. President Ruto knows that those events would repeat themselves if he forges ahead with anti-people policies. He is also aware that his re-election bid is hanging on the balance.

    In Nigeria, there is a planned protest against the suffering of the masses beginning August 1, 2024. Our protests have never been palatable over here. I have been on the streets protesting against injustice for most of my life. I am speaking from experience.

    Will the people join us to protest or will they sit back at home to just watch us on TV being beaten, tear gassed and dragged into waiting Black Marias? Because in Nigeria, there are people who feel that they are too big or too busy to protest, yet they complain the most about the country. These set of people believe that there are others whose job is to always protest when there is injustice, while their own preserve is to just watch the protesters on TV. They stand aloof when things go wrong and expect others to make the things right, while they watch from their window pews.

    There are others who have cheekily asked what protests can achieve. And there are those who claim they are kingdom children and even if a liter of petrol sells for one million Naira, their God will provide, so people should remain docile. But remember in 1 Kings 12, the eleven tribes of Israel did protest against high taxes imposed on them by King Rehoboam. They gathered in their numbers to protest to the King and called for tax cuts but when their King gave them deaf ears, the eleven tribes seceded from Judah.

    We are all in this together knowing nothing will change if we do not do something different. If our protests will ever bring us expected changes, then we all have to think of getting involved, for the love of our country.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    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.

  • Nigerians: Redirect Your Protest, Hold Governors Accountable BY INYALI PETER 

    Nigerians: Redirect Your Protest, Hold Governors Accountable BY INYALI PETER 

     

    As Nigerians prepare to protest the widespread hardship in the land, it’s important to reassess the focus of their grievances. Although President Tinubu announced the tough but necessary decisions on subsidy removal and exchange rate floating, the real obstacles hindering Nigeria’s progress and causing the hardship are the state governors, who have mismanaged resources and prioritised corruption over development.

    While the President and federal government can undoubtedly improve in many areas, their efforts will be hindered if state governors remain unaccountable. The federal government’s initiatives to alleviate hardship are often implemented through the states, but governors continue to shirk their responsibilities.

    Ironically, the governors are the biggest beneficiaries of the subsidy removal, receiving a substantial increase of over 100% in federal allocation. Besides, they have also benefited from other initiatives, such as the NG-CARES programme, which has allocated significant funds to 34 states (as detailed in the attached newspaper publication). Despite this considerable windfall, there has been no corresponding improvement in their performance, development, or enhancement of the standard of living for Nigerians.

    The current revenue sharing formula is allocated as follows: 52.68% to the federal government, 26.72% to states, and 20.60% to local governments. Beyond the federal allocation, the states also receive a substantial share of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, with 50% allocated to states, 15% to the federal government, and 35% to local governments.

    In Nigeria, prior to the landmark Supreme Court judgment, states had total control over local government funds. This means that when you combine the percentage of FAAC allocation to states and local governments, states effectively receive 48.32% of the country’s total revenue; while for VAT they receive 85%.
    This clearly highlight governors significant financial leverage.

    However, instead of utilizing these resources to benefit the Nigerian people, governors have crippled the local government system, denying local areas essential services and development, and prioritizing corruption and mismanagement over tangible development. This entrenched culture of neglect and poor performances by most governors has exacerbated the suffering of the people, perpetuating a cycle of underdevelopment and hardship.

    See what Chief Nysom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has achieved in Abuja within one year. Apart from Lagos, which state governor can show similar evidence of performance? He did same as Governor of Rivers State and is showing it in Abuja.

    The resources available to governors are more than sufficient to stimulate the economy, but they choose not to act. Unfortunately, they are hardly held accountable for their inaction. Nigerians have always directed their protests solely at the federal government, overlooking governors maladministration and impunity. If the hardship must be addressed, then Nigerians must demand accountability from all levels of government, particularly the governors.

    Ideally, the protest should be directed towards the real problem – the governors excesses, impunity, and maladministration not the President and federal government always. Let’s demand transparency, accountability, and tangible development from our state governments, too.

    As a nation , we must acknowledge that the federal government alone cannot solve Nigeria’s problems. The states must take responsibility and act as partners in progress, not just beneficiaries of federal allocation.

    Those planning the protest should redirect their grievances and hold the governors accountable.

    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.

  • A Good Shepherd Is The One Who Listens, Seek Counsel, Prays And Takes Good Care Of The Sheep BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    A Good Shepherd Is The One Who Listens, Seek Counsel, Prays And Takes Good Care Of The Sheep BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    THE GOOD SHEPHERD

    In the biblical sense, a good shepherd is the one who listens, seeks counsel, prays and takes good care of the sheep. In a way, all human beings created by God are called to be good shepherds. Not just adults with responsibility, but anyone with a vocation in life is called to be a shepherd. For some. it is in a higher degree than others but the question for everyone should be: What kind of shepherd are you; a good or a bad one?

    Zedekiah the king of Jerusalem was a bad shepherd. He listened to wrong advice and he rebelled against the King of Babylon, thus ensuring the ruin of his people. Nebuchadnezzar sent his army against him and reduced him to ruins. It was at this time that Jeremiah the prophet was preaching and he reminded the leaders of his time who were corrupt and incapable of leading the people that they should not be like Zedekiah; like shepherds who lead their flocks to destruction. “Woe to you says the Lord…you have scattered my flock…and you have not attended to them. Behold I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord” (Read Jer. 23:1-6).

    It is very easy to be a bad shepherd when you listen to wrong advice. When you don’t seek the counsel of those wiser than you or when you think you know it all. No human being is perfect and that’s why they say pencils have erasers so that we can correct our mistakes and move on. The problem is that most people (especially those who attain higher position in life) neither pray nor listen to advice. What did Jesus do when he sent out his disciples and they came back with the news that they had done well? He said to them: “Come away to some lonely place and rest” (Read Mark 6:30-34). That’s what true leaders do. When they get feedback, they come away to some lonely place and pray about it, reflect upon it, before they act.

    Sometimes people get so busy in life that they forget to reflect, seek advice, listen to others and do things that will positively benefit or effect the lives of the people they are responsible for. That’s not shepherding. While we seek to shield ourselves from bad shepherds and vouch to be better shepherds ourselves to others, let us realize that it is the Lord Himself that’s our ultimate Shepherd and will always lead us to greener pastures.

    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 organization the author works for.

  • Enoh, Ironbar, Akiba: Of Loyalty, Consistency And Power BY INYALI PETER

    Enoh, Ironbar, Akiba: Of Loyalty, Consistency And Power BY INYALI PETER

     

    The administration of Governor Bassey Otu has been making waves in the political sphere, and at the forefront of this wave are three individuals who have become synonymous with the government’s inner workings. Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff, and Barr. Akika Ekpenyong, Special Adviser on General Duties, are the triumvirate that have captured the attention of political enthusiasts and critics alike.

    Their influence in the government is undeniable, and it’s rare to have a conversation about Governor Otu’s administration without their names being mentioned. While some of these mentions may be laced with complaints about their perceived dominance, it’s essential to acknowledge that their consistency and loyalty to the Governor in the eight he was forced out of government were unparalleled and have ultimately, earned them the power and influence they wield today.

    For eight years, while Governor Otu was out of government, these individuals stood steadfastly by him, weathering the storm and remaining committed to his course. They were the modern-day ‘Joshua and Caleb’ of Otu’s vision, tirelessly working to keep the dream alive. I personally experienced their dedication, as the SSG would call me several times in a month to discuss the prospects of Gov. Otu’s governorship. The trio unapologetically believed in him, serving as his pillars of support when many deemed the dream impossible to achieve.

    Meanwhile, others who were once close to the Governor abandoned his ship, seeking greener pastures elsewhere when the milk stopped flowing. Now that the tables have turned, and it’s time for these loyalists to reap the rewards of their labour, some individuals are questioning their influence. They often focus on the privileges they enjoy today but forget to acknowledge the sacrifices they made during the eight-year wilderness. They want to enjoy the fruits of their success without having sown the seeds of consistency and loyalty that the trio did eight years ago.

    While it’s natural to have reservations about their level of control, it’s only fair to recognize that their investment in the Governor’s vision has yielded a tangible return. They have earned the right to enjoy the fruits of their labour, and instead of vilifying their influence, we should be learning from their exemplary consistency, loyalty, and dedication. Let us pray that they use their privileges to benefit the common good, alleviating the burdens of the people and supporting the government in fulfilling its mandate to develop the state.

    To my fellow young people, let us draw inspiration from the triumvirate’s consistency and commitment to a vision they believed in, even when the odds seemed insurmountable. Their story teaches us that loyalty, perseverance, and dedication pay off in the long run. As they wield their influence, let us pray that they do so with wisdom and integrity, ensuring that politics and governance are not compromised. Where we see them falter, let us offer constructive criticism, while continuing to support them where necessary, to help the Governor deliver on his promises and build a better future for all.

    To the trio, I offer these words of encouragement: may your privileged positions be a catalyst to etch your names in the annals of history with golden ink. May you wield your influence as a force for the betterment of all and not a select few. Strive to leave an indelible legacy that will forever be remembered as the triumvirate that helped Governor Otu elevate Cross River State to unprecedented heights. Don’t limit the benefits of your offices to only those within your circle, expand it. Never use your positions to oppress or for vendetta because as the table turned for you today, you don’t know whose turn is next.

    -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.

  • Before Basic Needs Became Luxuries… BY AGBA JALINGO

    Before Basic Needs Became Luxuries… BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    The person who built the first car surely did not have luxury in mind. The idea was to facilitate the faster movement of things and persons from place to place. To replace the use of carts and animals with a faster means of transportation. The first self propelled steam engine cart, built by Frenchman, Nicholas Joseph Cugnot in 1769, could only move at a walking pace of 3km/h and had to stop every 20 minutes to build a new head of steam. But it was the fastest and could carry the heaviest loads at the time.

    A house, before it became luxury was only meant to be a safe place from hazards outside. To protect us from the elements. The famous Oldupai Gorge site, in Tanzania, still holds the oldest archeological evidence of what could be called, the construction of a house. It is a 1.8million year old, 13 feet diameter circle of stones surrounding a slightly sunken spot of earth. Nobody knows the human species who built the ‘houses’ found in Oldupai, but it is mostly agreed that the stones may have been built for shelter and fortress.

    Like a house, clothes were equally made to protect us from the environment. Hazards like cold, insect bites, sun rays etc. From the time of animal furs and skin to when fibre was discovered, the primary essence of clothing was to cover our stark nakedness and protect us from environmental hazards. Then, it became luxury and labels.

    Before food became luxury that is now graded into top notch classes and buzz names, food as one of the most basic needs of living things, is only meant to provide energy for us to sustain our lives. No matter how luxurious the food you eat is or how glamorous the table you eat the food is, the end goal is to provide energy for the body to proceed on its activity. Same thing with the person who eats in the dingy room, the goal is to get energy for the body.

    Likewise Education, before it became luxury, the educational system, from its crude form, was created primarily to ensure the discovery, survival and transfer of accumulated knowledge, skills, values, and traditions over generations. What were called schools then, held under the tutelage and servitude of sages and philosophers, under tree shades, barns and in caves, until it became a luxury.

    The gradual transformation of these basic human needs to luxuries is not bad and it has come with its benefits and challenges. It created a surge in innovation and jobs and also created a class society that has left a large chunk of citizens behind. It has also created social turmoil and exacerbated inequality; leaving most people hollow, even in the midst of the luxuries.

    Yet, to find our path and return to happiness, we must learn to enjoy these things with their original purpose on the top most of our minds. We need to always remind ourselves of the original purpose of the things we own, anytime we enter into them. As you wake up nude or in your night wear, remind yourself of the original purpose of the clothes on you, the house you woke up in, the car you will drive, the schools you send your wards to and the food you eat. If you keep that in mind, it will keep you humble and save you the stress of the world. It will also inspire sympathy for others and make the world a more lovable place to live.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

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

  • Christ Not A Christian BY INYALI PETER 

    Christ Not A Christian BY INYALI PETER 

    Yesterday, I watched a thought-provoking YouTube video shared by my friend, Dr. Aruku Kalita, featuring Prof. Patrick Lumumba addressing theologians in Kenya. Prof. Lumumba boldly stated that Christ is not a Christian, a view I wholeheartedly agree with.

    As I’ve always believed, Christianity is a human construct that emerged many years after Christ’s time. It is not ‘Jesus’ religion as most people want the world to believe but it can well fit into the description as religion about Jesus Christ. But to understand this perspective, let’s delve into brief history.

    Jesus Christ was born approximately 2,000 years ago, and his ministry spanned about three years before his crucifixion. The Bible accounts for his life, death, and resurrection, but there’s a significant gap between his departure and the establishment of Christianity as a religion.

    The early Christian Church began to take shape around 50-100 AD, with the writings of the apostles and the spread of their teachings. However, it wasn’t until the 4th century that Christianity became a dominant force in the Roman Empire under Constantine’s rule. This means that there’s a substantial gap of several centuries between Christ’s life and the formation of the Christian religion.

    Given this historical context, it’s logical to conclude that Christ couldn’t have been a Christian, as the religion didn’t exist during his lifetime. This disparity highlights the human construct aspect of Christianity, which developed over time through interpretations and cultural influences.

    It’s essential to acknowledge that Christianity wasn’t the first religion; many others predated it. For instance, ancient religions like Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism had existed before Christianity. This emphasizes that faith is a personal choice, often influenced by upbringing and cultural background.

    Personally, I was born into a Christian family, making me a Christian by default. If my parents belonged to a different religion, I would have likely followed suit. This realization reminds me that faith is a matter of perspective and presumption, lacking scientific proof. It’s crucial to respect and celebrate diverse beliefs without feeling superior or inferior.

    Prof. Lumumba’s statement resonates with me, and I believe it’s essential to understand the historical context and human construct aspect of religion. This can help us foster greater tolerance, acceptance, and coexistence among people of different faiths, recognizing the shared human values that unite us all.

    Thank you Dr. Aruku for the video!

    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.

  • Is Giving Good? BY AGBA JALINGO

    Is Giving Good? BY AGBA JALINGO

    Is Giving Good?

    Yes it is! When I go to the club, I pay an entrance fee. Some even have club membership fees, if you want to be a member.

    When I go to my village meeting, I pay money for dues and donations.

    In my age grade meeting, we contribute money.

    In school, we pay school fees and other levies.

    In our alumni associations, I gladly pay money.

    In my professional associations, I pay money.

    When I go to the lodge, I contribute money.

    When I go to the temple, I contribute money.

    When I go to the shrine, I contribute money.

    When I attend trainings, seminars, workshops and masterclasses, I pay.

    There are two mosques, and one Islamic children school on my street, and four churches on the same street. They do events periodically and send me envelopes and I still contribute to all of them till today, and will continue to do so.

    Anytime they are holding men’s week in my wife’s church or any other activity that is pro-people, I make contributions to the church. These are just a few examples. I love giving. But there is a reason I bored you with that information.

    There are none of these places where I will refrain from asking questions if it is clear that the contributions are now channeled to purposes for which they were not meant. It is like telling me not to ask questions even when I notice that the taxman is using my tax to finance his lavish lifestyle. Individuals should not be allowed to set up these places and milk people of their hard earned resources and use same to take care of only their personal lives and all we continue to say is ‘leave it to God’? That’s how society deteriorates. That’s how the cookie crumbles.

    The obvious thing today about churches in particular is that, apart from the semblance of accountability demonstrated by the old orthodox and protestant Churches, most of which are owned by foreign nations/states, there is flagrant profligacy and bare-faced extortion of the people by the later days legion of scammers claiming to have been called to preach. These organizations have transformed into very powerful enclaves, emotionally blackmailing and hoodwinking people of untaxed billions and giving back tokens for validation. Some have even turned to money laundering conduits for politicians, leading opulent lives that even Christ will detest if he were still here.

    Yet, they have been bred with so much haughtiness that they feel unquestionable. They have assumed the Messianic high throne that once you question any of their actions, they and their followers quickly accused you of questioning God. Which God? At what point were these human beings elevated to God? Because there is a clergy prefix attached to their names? So they are no longer servants of God but now God, whom you cannot question?

    In a nutshell, giving is good. Very very good. It is a sure path to so many good things. But don’t give foolishly. Don’t give to finance people’s personal lavish lifestyles, regardless of what is attached to their names. Give to the poor who are genuinely in need in these very hard times. Above all, always ask questions about how your giving is utilized, unless you know God’s account number where you send the money to. But so long as you pay it into someone else’s account in a bank here on Earth, always ask questions. If you remove the tithes and the collections, many of these people will abandon the so called “calling” and return to their jobs.

    This opinion is strictly mine!

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    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.

  • Africa Is Monotheistic BY AGBA JALINGO 

    Africa Is Monotheistic BY AGBA JALINGO 

     

    Like many other lies that foreigners told us about Africa and we swallowed them hook, line and sinker; lies like, it was Mungo Park who discovered River Niger, we also bought into the lie that Africa is Pantheistic. Meaning African religions have multiple gods. Those who accept and romanticize that lie are doing so because they don’t want to think.

    Long before the Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten (1353-1336 BCE), who is credited with declaring the global concept of monotheism, (belief in one God), all known African tribes had a name for the ALMIGHTY GOD. There is no tribe or vernacular in Africa that did not know or had a name for, or had a form of worship to the Almighty God.

    Unim is almighty God in my Bette language. Abasi is almighty God in Efik. Chukwu is almighty God in Igbo. Eledumare is almighty God in Yoruba. Ubangiji is almighty God in Hausa. Nyame is almighty God in Twi language in Ghana. Unkulunkulu is almighty God in Zulu language in South Africa. Mungu is almighty God in Swahili. It is not foreigners or missionaries that brought these names. All these names existed before the coming of Islam and Christianity. Even before Pharaoh Akhenaten.

    So if you can stretch your thinking faculty a little bit, you will know that Africa has always been and still remains Monotheistic. African Religions believe in the existence of one God and worship only one God. The almighty God! Every other god(s) is a deity under the almighty God. A medium through which prayers are taken to the Almighty God. Like Christians pray to God through the name of Jesus.

    Christian and Muslim missionaries did not invent God for Africa. We know God. Some persons only came around to lie to us so we will worship that God through the lens of their own eyes. They didn’t bring us God. They brought us methods which they claim were superior to ours and majority of our people accepted. That does not in any way detract from the rich knowledge of God that Africans have. The same God, unless you think there are two almighty Gods.

    So when you hear an African religionist express faith in God or thanksgiving to God and you cringe, it is because you don’t know your history or probably have not thought about it. No religion owns God. God is God of the universe. Not God of any religion and the earlier you realize that, the better.

    Good morning and have a blessed weekend.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    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 

  • Celebrating Democracy Day And Advocating for Women In Leadership: Vote For Blessing Alims For SUG President BY CYNTHIA MADUEKWE

    Celebrating Democracy Day And Advocating for Women In Leadership: Vote For Blessing Alims For SUG President BY CYNTHIA MADUEKWE

     

    Dear Esteemed Supporters, Members of the Press, and Well Wishers,

    As we commemorate Democracy Day, a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, we are reminded of the enduring values of democracy: liberty, equality, and justice for all. It is with great honor that we gather today to not only celebrate these principles but also to advocate for their fullest expression within our institutions of higher learning.

    At the University of Calabar, where the vibrant spirit of democracy thrives among our student body, we recognize the importance of nurturing leaders who embody the diverse voices and perspectives of our community. Today, we shine a spotlight on the crucial role of women in leadership, particularly within the realm of student politics.

    Our quest for a more inclusive and representative Student Union Government (SUG) University of Calabar, we proudly endorse BLESSING ALIMS FOR PRESIDENCY as a beacon of competency and dedication for the position of SUG President at UNICAL. With her unwavering commitment to service and her visionary approach to leadership, Voice of Blessing embodies the transformative power of women in shaping the future of our university.

    As we embark on this journey towards greater equality and opportunity for all, let us draw inspiration from the timeless wisdom of great leaders who have championed the cause of democracy:

    “The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.” – Lyndon B. Johnson

    – “Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity.” – Naomi Klein

    – “The greatest glory of a free-born people is to transmit that freedom to their children.” – William Havard

    Through the spirit of these profound words, let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering a vibrant democracy where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and every individual is empowered to contribute to the collective good.

    Together, let us celebrate Democracy Day and embrace the limitless potential of women’s leadership in shaping a brighter future for our beloved University of Calabar.

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