The Lumine News

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  • CRSHA Commits To Speedy Passage Of The Local Content Bill

     

    The Speaker of the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon Elvert Aymabem, has made commitment to the speedy passage of the local content bill for indigenous employment and opportunities for cross riverians.

    Speaker Aymabem, made this known in his office when the Special Adviser to the governor on Local Content, Ambassador Awatt Caleb, paid him a courtesy visit to present the draft policy framework for enactment into law the bill for domestication of the Nigerian Local Content Act in the State.

    Aymabem, commended the Special Adviser and members of the Local Content Monitoring, Regulatory and Enforcement Committee for a job well done. He used the opportunity to reiterate the 10th Assembly’s commitment to the speedy passage of the bill.

    Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Local Content, Ambassador Awatt Caleb, expressed profound gratitude to the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly for Synergizing with the Office of the Special Adviser on Local Content for seamless domestication of the Nigerian Local Content Act 2010, in the State.

    Mr Awatt noted that “though Local Content is innovative in the state, the office is fully committed towards the promotion of active indigenous participation in support of the “people first mantra” of His Excellency Governor Bassey Otu led administration. He sued for cooperation with the Cross River State Assembly in domestication of the Act in the State.

    Other Lawmakers including the leader of the State Assembly, Rt. Honourable Francis Bassey Asuquo and others expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Governor Bassey Otu for the creation of Local Content Office and the appointment of substantive Special Adviser and Senior Special Assistant on Local Content, and reaffirmed their commitment to the passage of the bill.

  • Yuletide: NGO Feeds Over 70 Street Children in Calabar 

    Over seventy street children in Calabar,  Cross River State, have benefited from the feeding programme embarked upon by a non-governmental organization, Feed a Hungry Child With Briana (FAHCWB). 

    The FAHCWB was founded by Briana Akpagu, a young lawyer and child rights advocate in 2021. It aims to identify vulnerable street children, provide them with nutritious meals, as well as  offering them educational and skill-building opportunities.

    To mark this year’s Christmass celebration, the foundation which has also been involved in several campaigns and empowerment to schools within the state, distributed food and gift items to street children around Ndidem Usang Iso road, Calabar on Christmas Day.

    Speaking, Akpagu said that “this year, we successfully fed over 70 kids as part of our ongoing initiative to combat hunger and malnutrition. Since we started this programme, we have had the privilege of providing meals to approximately 400 children and counting. ”

    She added that “my driving force and inspiration come from the bright smiles on the faces of the children we serve. Witnessing the positive impact of our efforts on their lives is truly rewarding. Our mission is twofold: to reduce food insecurity affecting street children and to advocate for access to quality education. By addressing these fundamental needs, we can empower and give hope to these kids to thrive and reach their full potential.”

    While appealing to the government and well-meaning individuals to pay attention to the plight of street children,  she maintained that “we marked a significant milestone of four years heading to the fifth on this job. Throughout this journey, we have remained committed to our mission and values, and we look forward to continuing our work to make a lasting difference in the lives of these kids.”

  • Despite The Paltry Sum Shared To Chairmanship Aspirants, Mr Jerry Ikwen Involved In Ghastly Motor Accident

    By Elijah Ugani 

    One of the Chairmanship aspirants for Obudu Local Government Council under the All Progressive Congress APC, in the just concluded local government elections conducted by Gov Bassey Otu, Mr Jerry Ikwen, spent the Christmas celebration in the hospital having been involved in a ghastly motor accident, while returning from Calabar, where the governor had invited them for a Christmas package.

    The accident occured at Oyadama, in Obubra Local Government Area.

    Mr Ikwen is said to have spent the Christmas celebration in the hospital for the first time since birth, and could not experience love from his family during this yelitud.

    Recall that the governor has received widespread condemnation for inviting the Chairmanship aspirants from across the state who payed transport and lodged in hotels only to be given a paltry sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira #100,000.00 only.

    As at the time of filing this report, efforts to reach Mr Jerry to ascertain the current state of his health failed as TheLumineNews has not gotten his contact.

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom Empowers Constituents With Carriage Tricycles

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has once again demonstrated his commitment to empowering his constituents through economic empowerment initiatives.

    In a recent distribution exercise, the lawmaker presented carriage tricycles to beneficiaries across the Senatorial District, providing a boost to transportation and livelihood.

    This empowerment program aims to enhance transportation and logistics, support small-scale entrepreneurship, improve economic opportunities and alleviate poverty.

    Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, citing improved mobility and increased income potential.

    Senator Jarigbe’s consistent efforts to uplift his constituents have earned him recognition as a champion of grassroots development.

    “Empowering my people is my top priority,” Senator Jarigbe stated. “I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure they have the resources needed to thrive”.

    This initiative is another testament to Senator Jarigbe’s dedication to transforming lives and communities.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Watch Video Where Cross River Civil Servants Protests Non Payment Of Salary

    Some of civil servants are seen in a viral video, at the office of the Secretary to the State Government protesting non payment of January 2024 salary.

  • Now All I Want Is Some Peace, Some Quiet And The Company Of Decent Intellectually Minded Human Beings. I Would Rather Be Alone Than Be With Loud People! It Is Called Growth By Ray UGBAH MORPHY

    Its Called Growth!
    I used to love to get and own things, but not anymore! First, I loved power bikes! I acquired 2 of them, a huge pillion BMW and a roaring 2000cc Honda Goldwing. I was an avid biker as I rode regularly all the way from Calabar to Jos just for the fun of it.

    I also loved cars. In my mid to late 20s, I had a couple of Benz cars plus one or two convertibles. This sort of lifestyle continued into my 30s. By my 40s, I lost taste for such stuff. Stuff didn’t thrill anymore!

    Now in my 60s, I see bikers, I smile at them. So I smile also when I see expensive glittering cars drive by. These days, I want to be as inconspicuous as possible.

    I used to go out a lot. We even used to drive all night for attend parties in distant cities. I actually owned niteclubs, bars and lounges. Today, you cant find me in one.

    Now all I want is some peace, some quiet and the company of decent intellectually minded human beings. I would rather be alone than be with loud people! IT IS CALLED GROWTH.
    If you are 30 and you are acting like a teenager, you haven’t grown. Likewise, if you are 50s and 60s and you are still chasing fun, you are stunted in your growth. Get?
    class Master

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Ray UGBAH MORPHY, and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent 

     

  • How About This… BY AGBA JALINGO 

     

    Every election year, instead of wasting billions of Naira on routine elections, I am proposing a formalization of the prevailing situation.

    1. Any zone of the country or State that overlords who own the political parties give their tickets to run, should all agree and give the rest of the country nominees. No need for elections.

    2. The nominees across party lines can now approach the courts to determine who amongst them will become President or Governor.

    3. Zoning of political offices and the courts, have successfully conspired with our inability to conduct free and fair elections, to effectively hijack the power of the vote from the ordinary citizenry. The office of the Citizen of the Federal Republic, has been stripped of ballot perquisites.

    4. Periodic elections should therefore become undesirable. Just do the zoning by the parties and give us a leader on a platter, if there is any dispute, go to court. INEC spent N355billion in the 2023 elections. Yet it is the courts that are still telling us who won the elections. We can now disband INEC and save that money because their services will no longer be needed.

    5. INEC officials and desperate election contestants will no longer trade deals and money and that’s a way of fighting corruption.

    6. Lives that are usually risked and lost before, during and after elections, will become a thing of the past.

    It appears to me that this system is what our political leaders will prefer and we may need to approve it for them since we don’t want to fight for good and accountable governance.

    It is still a thing of great surprise for me that, a people so many, can be held down by them so few, and prolonged for this much. If e clear you, understand me. If e no clear you, no vex. No be only you. Country hard!

    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 or its agent.

  • NLC, TUC Shifts Grounds, Suspends Nationwide Strike

    The Nigerian Labour congress and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended the indefinite nationwide strike which commenced yesterday.

    This decision was made after meeting with the national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

  • Mediatrix Development Foundation  Commemorates 2023 International Day of The Girl Child At FGGC, Calabar

    Mediatrix Development Foundation  Commemorates 2023 International Day of The Girl Child At FGGC, Calabar.

    On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world. The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights. Adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, not only during these critical formative years but also as they mature into women. If effectively supported during the adolescent years, girls have the potential to change the world – both as the empowered girls of today and as tomorrow’s workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, and political leaders. An investment in realizing the power of adolescent girls upholds their rights today and promises a more equitable and prosperous future, one in which half of humanity is an equal partner in solving the problems of climate change, political conflict, economic growth, disease prevention, and global sustainability.

    The event was attended by female students of FGGC and messages focused on the Rights of the Girl Child, leadership & decision-making, quality education, gender equality and empowerment, involvement in politics, etc, were passed.

    MDF, in addition, engaged the students in health education sessions focusing on the Human Papillomavirus and awareness of the introduction and uptake of the HPV vaccine in Nigeria. MDF in partnership with Pink Africa plans to screen the participants for HPV for free, including HPV vaccination in the coming week.

    The team also carried out sensitization on menstrual hygiene best practices and practical demonstration on the appropriate use of sanitary pads. MDF as part of her advocacy distributed free sanitary pads to all participants to curb or mitigate the deleterious effects occasioned by unhealthy menstrual practices.

    Speaking earlier on behalf of the school management, the Principal of FGGC, Mrs. Eno Bassey, welcomed the MDF Team and expressed gratitude that FGGC, Calabar had been selected to commemorate the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child. She called for continued visits and advocacies to the school to further sensitize the students on health issues and career sessions for societal development.

    This year’s theme for the commemoration is “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being”

  • If The Two Former Governors Are With Sandy, We Will Support Him – Obubra Traditional Rulers Council

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Obubra Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to support Sen Sandy Onor reclaim Cross River State from the maladministration of the present governor, having seen the two former governors, Mr Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke supporting him.

    The traditional rulers made the disclosure at the consultative forum with the PDP Campaign Council, held at the Traditional Rulers Council Hall, Mile 1, Obubra Local Government Council.

    The council recounted the good days of Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke as governors and berated Gov Ben Ayade for subjecting to sufferings.

    Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, HRH, Vincent Enang-ere averred that “Like our former governors, Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke performed very pleasantly, if you have the two former governors moving with Sandy Onor, it is only natural that we have to support him, because he definitely perform like them.

    “We are not politicians, we are only sympathizers and we sympathize with the party that will carry us along. PDP is not new to us. It is a party that have performed above average.

    “When you become governor, we don’t go on retirement, please provide the platform and the enabling environment for us to serve our people better.

    “The message we have gotten from you today, we will pass it on to our subjects. PDP is the only party that will take us to the promised land. With God on your side, all of seated here will win”.

    Speaking earlier, Sen Sandy Onor told the traditional rulers that it was very necessary he informed and solicit their support to serve the state from collapse.

    Onor noted that “Obubra nurtured me and very happy about that. When I become governor you will know that your son is governor.
    You in Etung/Obubra are lucky because one of your sons will be governor.
    This is the party you should vote for. Your son will work with me in the House of Assembly and he will support me to serve you better.

    “Friday Okpeche, is tested and trusted, we are sending him to represent us. When you want to send people to Abuja, you send those who will be able to represent you. When I landed the senate, everybody knew I was there. Send catch fire, he is going to catch fire there, and everybody will know that he is around.

    “When Donald Duke was governor, all us were happy. He served us well and Imoke came and consolidated on the gains of what Donald started.
    And came the man who destroyed everything that was built.

    “Thankfully, Imoke came here and apologized to you.
    As traditional rulers, you are supposed to speak the truth. You are not supposed to be afraid us. You can only respect us.

    “You cannot be generous with government money, you can only be accountable.
    You pack money and give to young people without job description, you say you are generous. That is not being generous, it is foolishness.

    “You the Traditional Rulers who takes a lots of pressure from your subjects, settle disputes and receive abuses, your stipends is a just #7,500.00, what is a mis-normal.
    The APC lie a lot. When they come, ask them what they have done for you.

    “When I become governor, one of the first thing I will do is to do a local government tour to enable me interface with you to understand your challenges and how best we can address them.

    “None of the industries, none of the roads undertaken by this government is complete. The only road in the north they said they are doing, as they are working the road, it is piling as they move on.

    “If you have been to Ogoja, you will realize that the guest house that was there, this government demolished it, now they cannot rebuild it. What they will have done was to build a new one.

    “All the trees Donald planted, they have cut them down. The Calabar you use to know is very dirty. The local government has been destroyed. There is a relationship between the local government and the economy of the rural people.

    “When you destroy the local government system, then all hope is lost. Now they are carrying someone to come and tell you to vote for.
    If you go to government house, you cannot use the toilets there, they have destroyed everything we are known for. Please vote for PDP and bring us back. The respect you have for us, when we get to office, your stipends and allowances will be increased.

    “Donald Duke didn’t lie, Imoke came, he never lied and I will not lie. I don’t believe in the politics of lies”.

    On his part, former governor Donald Duke urged the traditional rulers to give the same support they gave him in 1999 and 2007 to emerge governor to Sen Sandy Onor”As you supported me in 1999, please support Sen Sandy Onor to become governor
    It is a serious business. What happens in the next four years will determine what will happen to us in the next decade.

    “Life is all about hope. Whoever gives you hope, is the person you will follow. If you trusted me, please trust this man. He has been in the system. Weather it is in the local government system, he has seen it, he even wrote a book on Local Government Administration.
    When you’re commissioner for Agriculture and Environment. You have to move round the state. You don’t sit in the office.

    “You also sent him to the senate. At the senate, just in three months, the Senate President in the opposition party declared him as the Orator of the Senate, to me that means a lot.

    “The back to south is a mirage, let everybody go out and vote. Whoever does not vote, does not like this state, such a person is the reason why we are where we are”.