The Lumine News

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  • Excitement As Gov. Ayade Commissions Modor And Odaghe Vulnerable Centres In Obubra

    Excitement As Gov. Ayade Commissions Modor And Odaghe Vulnerable Centres In Obubra

    George Odok Jr.

    Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River State has commissioned two skills acquisition centres for the Modor vulnerable group in Apiapum and Odaghe vulnerable group in Ofodua communities in Obubra local government area, including culverts.

    The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong, said the projects were funded through the Cross River State Community and Social Development Agency, a World Bank Assisted partnership programme with the state government.

    She explained that the projects were supported with a view to give the vulnerable groups a sense of belonging by improving their livelihoods.

    The skill acquisition programmes include a viewing centre, photo studio, catering school and a computer centre.

    The Acting General Manager of Cross River State Community and Social Development Agency, Mr Fidel Udie, commended the community for providing their counterpart contribution for the successful completion of the project.

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Hon. Livinus Okpa, popularly called “Incumbent”, said the Ayade led government has given the disabled the opportunity to contribute to the development of their communities and the state at large.

    Mr Toni Ikpeme, the Board Chairman of Cross River State Community and Social Development Agency, charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the projects to enhance their overall wellbeing.

  • Cross River Assembly Speaker Urges Police To Curb Insessant Kidnapping In The State

    Cross River Assembly Speaker Urges Police To Curb Insessant Kidnapping In The State

    By Hope Obeten

    The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams has called on the authority of the Nigerian Police Force State Command to curb the spate of incessant kidnapping in the state.

    The Speaker made the call when he paid a courtesy visit with his entourage to the new Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Abdulkadir Jimoh in his office in Calabar on Monday, 1st September, 2020.

    Mr. Speaker reiterated the commitment and readiness of the 9th Assembly under his watch to render necessary assistance and support geared towards enhancing efficient and effective policing of the state.

    He used the opportunity to officially welcome the new CP to Cross River State and thanked him for his achievements recorded so far within the short period.

    “I want to thank you specially for what you have been doing since you came onboard, we have seen kidnappers that were arrested in Calabar and even as far as Ogoja, we are happy and want to see more of that”, Willaims said.

    He also used the avenue to inform the State Commissioner of Police of the Anti-Kidnapping law that was already passed by the state assembly which gives the police adequate legislative backing to fight kidnapping in the state.

    Earlier, Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Abdulkadir Jimoh appreciated the timely visit of the legislative arm of the government, noting that they are the accredited representatives of the public. He solicited the support and assistance of the House of Assembly to enable the police in the state discharge its responsibility effectively.

    The Police Commissioner said he is committed to community policing hence pledged the readiness of the command to work assiduously to ensure Cross Riverians enjoy sleep, and have peace of mind.

    Members of the House who were present during the courtesy call include, the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey and the Clerk, Elder Bassey Ekpenyong.

  • Nigeria Medical Association Takes Protest To House Of Assembly, Demands Immediate Release Of Kidnapped Colleague

    Nigeria Medical Association Takes Protest To House Of Assembly, Demands Immediate Release Of Kidnapped Colleague

    By Abara Etop

    The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams, has maintained that the State Anti Kidnapping bill has since been signed into law by the Governor, His Excellency Sen. Prof. Ben. Ayade.

    Williams gave the hint, when members of the Nigeria Medical Association NMA, undertook a peaceful protest to the Complex and to demand the immediate and unconditional release of their colleague, Dr. Vivien Otu, who was Kidnapped since 28th of August, 2020, in Calabar.

    The Speaker, who was in company of the Chairman House Committee on Heath, Rt. Hon. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, reiterated the existence of the law, showing proof of a Gazetted copy, promising to liase with other agencies to ensure that Kidnappers are punish accordingly.

    Earlier, the state Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association NMA Calabar branch, Dr. Innocent Abang, said they were in the Assembly to register their displeasure on, if there is an existing Anti Kidnapping law, yet, Kidnappers are not punish, stressing that since the Kidnapped of their colleague, Dr Vivien Otu, government has not made any statement, calling on security Agencies to ensure her release.

    The Association noted that with the Kidnapped of Dr. Vivien, bring to total number of Cross Rivarians Kidnapped including Doctors, to Sixteen persons and the law is yet to apprehend and presicute.any Kidnapper.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association NMA, Women wing, Dr. Bassey Nakanda, said the wing demand the immediate release of their colleague within twelve hours, adding that Dr. Vivien is the current Chairman elect of the wing.

  • 100 Days In Office: Odukpani LGA Partners CRSPHCDA To Promote Quality Healthcare Delivery Through Community Outreach.

     

    The Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Mrs. Justina Edem organized a free medical outreach in collaboration with the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency to mark her first 100 days in office.

    The free medical outreach which was held in the Council headquarters attracted beneficiaries from different locations across the LGA, it had hundreds of people being tested, treated, counselled, vaccinated and given drugs for various ailments.

    Speaking to participants and beneficiaries, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong thanked the Council head for ensuring that her subjects receive the best of medical services at no cost, which is an encouragement to people especially the low income earners instead of seeking traditional forms of medication.

    Dr Ekpenyong further thanked beneficiaries for turning out massively to take advantage of the exercise as she encouraged them to always prioritize their health to avoid complications in the phase of the pandemic outbreak.

    Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area, Hon.Mrs Justina Edem said her leadership will ensure that the health and well-being of her people is best taken care of and as such will continue to work with relevant authorities, groups and individuals to achieve that objective.

    Hon Edem said, aside the celebration of her first 100 days in office and the free medical outreach, plans are under way to collaborate effectively with the primary health care Agency to ensure that all communities in the LGA boast of a working and functional health facility to avoid people moving far distances to seek medical care.

    Some of the benefiaries including Mrs Andem Ekpenyong and Cicilia Offiong thanked the team for the gesture as they wished for more of such opportunities to improve their health.

    The highlight of the outreach exercise was the distribution of facemasks, alcohol based hand sanitizer by the DG, CRSPHCDA, Dr Janet Ekpenyong while beneficiaries were checked for Rapid Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, HIV/AIDs and other STDs, eye test as well as the referral for some conditions while drugs were also administered.

  • CRSPHCDA And Biase LGC To Advance Grassroot Healthcare Services

    CRSPHCDA And Biase LGC To Advance Grassroot Healthcare Services

    By Admin

    The Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and Biase Local Government Area council is set to collaborate to advance quality and effective Healthcare delivery in the council.

    The collaboration is aimed at fostering harmony and delivering best Healthcare services to those in the grassroot in line with the vision of his Excellency, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade to provide effective Healthcare for all citizens.

    The resolve for synegy was reached at Biase Local Government council when the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr. Janet Ekpenyong led a delegation from her office on a working visit to the Chairman, Hon. Mrs Ada Charles to familiarize with her and to discuss ways of partnership in promoting health services in the grassroot and the entire local government area.

    Dr Ekpenyong disclosed that, since the establishment of the state primary health care agency in 2016, more communities and people have now gained first hand access to health Facilities and services which has checked mortality rate across the state.

    She pleaded for a sustained relationship which has already been established between the council and the Agency.
    “We consider you to be a major stakeholder especially as it concerns Biase Local Government Area, because we know you can help us achieve a lot as it concerns health for both our mothers, new born and the aged.

    “Since the establishment of the CRSPHCDA in 2016, there have been a lot of advancement in the health sector especially as it concerns the healthcare system in the grassroot and that is why we are here to further expand our reach which we know it’s achievable through your support.

    “We have as well come to intimate you of the services we offer to the people, our work is to see that those in the very hard to reach areas access quality Healthcare just like those who live in the city, that is why we request your collaboration both in terms of infrastructure and workers welfare,”.

    Receiving the DG and her team, the chairman of Biase Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs Ada Charles, thanked them for coming as she enumerated numerous achievements recorded by the DG since her appointment in January 2020.

    Hon. Ada pledged her support and commitment to ensure that both Biase LGA and the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency work together to achieve quality Healthcare for her people.

    “The health sector is very important to me, and that is why my team and I have begun health interventions in various communities already, and we expect to improve on it in the nearest future and as well partner with your agency (CRSPHCDA) to reach those in the grassroot” Said Ada.

    She further promised an improved welfare for health workers in the council to motivate them in giving optimal services to the people.

    The DG also briefed her of the soon to commenced State Health Insurance Scheme where she encouraged her to mobilize her people to take advantage of the scheme to access comprehensive health services and as well thanked the council boss for the already established synergy between the council and the agency.

    The DG was accompanied by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Healthcare, Ms Rita Abu, the Directors of Administration, Barr. John Odu, Director of Finance, Mr Egbe Bassey, Director of Community Health, Mrs Sally Enyie and the State mobilization officer, NSA Ekpenyong as well as the Director of Local Government Area Health Authority, Mr Ibe. .

  • DG BORDERCOM, Noel Ugbong Felicitates FAD 93.1 FM At 3rd Anniversary

    DG BORDERCOM, Noel Ugbong Felicitates FAD 93.1 FM At 3rd Anniversary

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Director General of Border Development Commission, Mr. Noel Ugbong has felicitated with FAD 93.1 FM Calabar on it’s third anniversary celebration.

    A statement made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the DG, indicates that the credibility and resilience of the organization has had positive impacts in the affairs of governance and public perception in the state.

    The statement reads in parts “On behalf of my family and the entire Border Development Commission, I wish to congratulate the management and staff of FAD FM 93.1 Calabar on this auspicious and glorious occasion of your 3rd anniversary.

    “Your ingenuity, hard work and credibility and resilience in the last 3 years has had positive impacts in the affairs of governance and public perception in the state.

    “I wish FAD FM 93.1 Calabar will sustain the gains it has created in the last three years and employ it’s high degree of professionalism to serve as a veritable platform to promote the rich social-economic and cultural heritage of the state.

    “On this day of your 3rd anniversary celebration, I wish you the best in all endeavours.

    “The best is yet to come, as the future is even brighter.
    Once again, congratulations”.

  • C’River And NEWMAP Strategize to Sustain Land Management And Improve Erosion Control 

    C’River And NEWMAP Strategize to Sustain Land Management And Improve Erosion Control 

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    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Cross River State Government says it will continue to provide access to developmental programmes for youth and women, as well as create opportunities for sustainable growth for the citizens in line with the visions of His Excellency, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade.

    The Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong, gave the reassurances during a working visit to the Abuja Headquarters of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).

    Asibong said the visit was to cement the already established relationship between the State and NEWMAP to improve livelihood and sustain land management and Erosion Control across the State.

    The Commissioner who doubles as the Chairman of the State Steering Committee for NEWMAP, expressed confidence on the outcome of the meeting as the State is working assiduously towards reducing poverty, unemployment and environmental related hazards.

    Asibong said the Governor Ayade-led administration in has set up several Community Intervention Groups (CIGs) across its 18 local Government Areas with many registered Community Associations by the government coupled with a designed Community Action Plan for funding.

    According to Asibong, “Erosion-prone communities across Cross River State have been identified and strengthened, behavioral change campaign on proper disposal of waste have also been conducted and the key takeaway of the exercise is the resolution of improved community hygiene.

    “This success story in Cross River State has been applauded by the management of NEWMAP which we have promised to improve upon in the years ahead” she added.

     

    The Project Coordinator of NEWMAP in the State, Dr. Fidelis Anukwa, who accompanied the Commissioner on the visit, said NEWMAP interventions such as behavior change campaign, erosion control and gully improvement, waste management and sub-grant administration has seen communities like Atakpa, Edim Otop, Nyagasang, Ikot Ekpo, Ikot Anwatim, Kasuk, Ikot Ishie, Ikot Abasi Obori, Ikot Ansa and Ikot Nkebre in Calabar South and Calabar Municipality benefiting, amongst others.

  • Presidency Warn Against Rush In Reopening Of Schools.

    Presidency Warn Against Rush In Reopening Of Schools.

    By Admin

    The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has warned states against rush in reopening of schools saying such action have escalated COVID-19 management situation in some other countries.

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha, who spoke on Monday August 31 in Abuja during briefing said it would be in the best interest of Nigeria to stick to it’s slow phased of easing the lockdown rules because it was effective. “It is in the above context that the PTF appreciates the on-going calls for re-opening of the education sector and indeed some sub-nationals are already making preparations for such”  Said Boss Mustapha.

    “Whilst the PTF does not discourage making such preparations, we need to be guided by experiences from countries such as Germany, France, the United States and the UK where opening of schools in some cities led to an increase in confirmed cases and fatalities.”

    Mustapha maintained that some sectors of the economy may soon be reopened, and that the PTF would present its recommendations to President Muhammadu Buhari this week, which will determine the next phase in the national response.

    According to Boss, the last three weeks had shown a downward report in the number of confirmed Coronavirus cases in the country, as in the last four months of testing, the lowest daily figure of confirmed cases (138) was reported on Sunday August 30th, 2020.

  • Etung LGA applauds Ayade, Border communities development Agency For A Proposed Ultramodern Skills Acquisition Centre And An International Border Market

    Etung LGA applauds Ayade, Border communities development Agency For A Proposed Ultramodern Skills Acquisition Centre And An International Border Market

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Spirit of Enterprise is gaining ground in Etung Local Government Area as Government is set to construct an ultramodern Skills Acquisition Centre (for Women and Youths) and an International Border Market in Etung.

    The two projects to be undertaken by Border Communities Development Agency, is intended to reposition Etung Local Government as a prime revenue generating Local government Area in Cross River State.

    Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the Director General, State Border Communities Development Commission, Mr. Noel Ugbong thank the people of Ajassor Clan for making available portions of land for the two projects.

    The DG disclosed that the Governor, Sir Ben Ayade is in touch with the Presidency to ensure that Etung gets full due as an International Border Local Government.

    Ugbong maintained that “on completion, the two projects shall add adequate value to Etung Land with increased skills and commercial activities, the youths shall be meaningfully engaged and as such have no time for social vices”

    Reacting on behalf of the Chairman of Etung LGA, the Secretary of Council, Mr. Kenneth Isong pledged Council support to the projects and thank the Presidency as well as the State Government for the deliberate efforts geared towards the industrialisation of Etung LGA, which hitherto is an agrarian LGA.

    On his part, the Clanhead of Ajassor, Ntufam Anthony Ntui Etta 11, commended the efforts made by Government to conceive such gigantic projects to be sited at Ajasor and pledged the assurances of the clan in supporting Government in all developmental strides.

    The Clan Head maintained that as the last community to the Republic of Cameroon, it should be expedient to have more Government presence, and that they have a surveyed layout purposely designed for such noble purposes.

  • Breaking: National Working Committee OF PDP Sets Aside Appeal Panel Report, Clears Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe For September 5th Primaries

    Breaking: National Working Committee OF PDP Sets Aside Appeal Panel Report, Clears Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe For September 5th Primaries

    By Admin

    The  National Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party PDP has set aside the controversial Appeal panel report that disqualified Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe from contesting the September 5th primaries for CRNorth by-election.

    Hon. Agom a two time House of Reps member for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency was disqualified by the Appeal Panel on grounds of a frivolous petition bothering on Hon. Jarigbe  and claimed that he took the party to court.

    In the report submitted to the NWC of the party, the panel alleged also that when Hon. Jarigbe Agom was invited to defend the allegation, he was rude to the panel and asked the panel to meet him at Abuja, instead of Calabar where the Appeal Panel sat.

    This however sparked controversies with many pointing accusing fingers to the government of cross river state as being the architect of the disqualification.

    In view of the disqualification, the Rt. Hon.Jarigbe had written to the NWC of the party demanding that the Appeal Panel apologize to him and retract his character defamation.

    Arising from the NWC meeting today, 31st August, 2020, to review the report and having considered all issues pending in the circumstance, the NWC cleared Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe to participate in the September 5th 2020 party primaries for the Cross River Northern Senatorial district ticket.

    As the time of filling this report, it was unclear whether the NWC granted the prayers of the lawmaker as efforts to reach the lawmaker proved abortive as calls to his phone number were not connected.