The Lumine News

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  • 2020 World Humanitarian Day: Founder Of GFO Foundation, Hon. Orim Makes Cash Donations To Orphanages And Rehabilitation Homes

    2020 World Humanitarian Day: Founder Of GFO Foundation, Hon. Orim Makes Cash Donations To Orphanages And Rehabilitation Homes

    By Admin

    In commiseration of the 2020 world humanitarian day celebration, the Chief of staff to the Governor of Cross River and Founder of Gabriel Ferdinand Orim (GFO) Foundation, Hon. Martin Orim, wished all the sicks and afflicted in the state quick recovery.

    Hon. Martin Orim, who joined other humanitarian organizations in Nigeria and globally to celebrate the World Humanitarian day, praised Governor Ben Ayade for setting the pace with humanitarian Palliatives ongoing across the state.

    Hon. Orim doled out N250, 000.00 each to the Afokang Rehabilitation Home, Uwanse Orphanage Home and Monaya, Ogoja Orphanage Home, all in Cross River.

    The founder of GFO Foundation said that the amount to each of the above stated Homes is part of his own sacrifice to make his fellow brothers and sisters who are not as fortunate as himself, or are facing one Health challenge or the other to ameliorate their sufferings, and for them to know that he cares for them, just like many do.

    Hon. Orim has always encourage the less-privilleged and the physically challenged through providing for their education, visiting and giving them words of encouragement has great Passion to serve humanity as he personally visits rehabilitation centres in the state to advice inmates on how to live a post rehabilitation life.

    The Obudu born Chief of staff  is a philanteopist and has faithfully remitted the pledges he made to the Ogoja Prison, Calabar Prison and the Orphanage Homes on monthly basis from his monthly salary.

    Gabriel Ferdinand Orim (GFO) Foundation was founded few years back by Hon. Martin Orim in honour of his late father, who himself did great humanitarian work among his people, including encouraging parents to send their children including the girl child to school.

     

  • A communique From A symposium Held On Tuesday, The 4th Of August, 2020 By The New UNICAL Initiative

    A communique From A symposium Held On Tuesday, The 4th Of August, 2020 By The New UNICAL Initiative

    By Admin

    The New UNICAL Initiative represents a group of women and men drawn from town and gown whose primary goal is to work towards rebranding the University of Calabar and put her on a pedestal of excellence and pace setting among Universities across the globe.

    The group’s interest also includes giving UNICAL administration a human face with staff and student’s happiness, hope and progress as priority.

    The group is made up of members covering all the ranks in the academia, from Professors to Graduate Assistants as well as the rank and files in the non-teaching staff of the University. The group also includes well-wishers of the University of Calabar in Nigeria and in diaspora.

    Rising from the group’s 5th symposium which held on Tuesday, the 4th of August, 2020, the group deliberated on subjects such as:

    A. Leadership and academic trajectory in UNICAL since 1975
    B. Gender and leadership in Unical since 1975
    C. University of Calabar advancement and development since 1975
    D. Welfare of staff and students of the University of Calabar and
    E. The appointment/selection of Vice-Chancellors of the University of Calabar since 1975.

    After several robust deliberations and debates on the above agenda, the group summarized its concerns as follows:

    The University of Calabar, since inception forty-five years ago, has been administered by male Vice-Chancellors. The Vice Chancellors of the University of Calabar from inception up to this moment are:

    1. Professor Emmanuel Ayandele

    2. Professor Isa Mohammed

    3. Professor Adamu Mohammed

    4. Professor Charles Effiong

    5. Professor Solomon Uno

    6. Professor Kelvin Etta

    7. Professor Ivara Esu

    8. Professor Bassey Asuquo

    9. Professor James Ekpoke and

    10. Professor Zana Akpagu

    This gender insensitivity has become a source of worry because there are very qualified and experienced female Professors in the University who can perform creditably and excellently as Vice Chancellors. The fact that Vice-chancellorship has been a patriarchal affair with masculine monotony puts the University of Calabar in a delicate imbalance and backwardness in the scheme of world University advancement.

    The group also observed that the pattern of growth and advancement of the University since 1975 has mainly taken a common dimension and trajectory. There is therefore the need for gender balance in her leadership in order to get various capacities and dexterity in innovation for the wellbeing of both staff and students; the woman flair and touch is required in this regard.

    It is also observed that Unical is lagging behind in many areas such as staff development programmes, staff accommodation, conducive offices for staff, students’ hostels, recreational and social facilities, academic competitiveness, library facilities, operational vehicles for Departments, Faculties, Institutes and Directorates, electricity, Centres of Excellence, ICT, landscaping which are hallmarks of a quality citadel of learning amongst many others.

    It would be recalled that one of the achievements being attributed to the University of Benin is the appointment of a female Vice Chancellor in the person of Dr Grace Alele-Williams. Her appointment as Vice Chancellor brought the University of Benin to limelight and gave her the prestige that attracted collaborations with USAID, FORD FOUNDATION AND UNCF (United Negro College Fund) which the University took advantage of for the growth and development of the Ivory Tower till this day.

    Other female past and present Vice Chancellors of Nigeria Universities (amongst others) who have put their schools on world map are:

    Profs. Sidi Osho

    Peace Babalola

    Eka Ikpi Braids

    Comfort Ekpo

    Rosemond Dienye Grace Osahogulu

    Cordelia Agbebaku

    Maureen Etebu

    Oluwayemisi Obilade

    Fatima Mukhtar

    Adenike Kuka

    Laraba Gambo

    Aize Obayan

    Jaesola Akande

    Lilian Salami

    Olujumoke Olayiwola

    Otete Cecelia

    Ibiyinka Fuwape

    Charity Angya (see Guardian News Paper of 21st November, 2019)

    In the light of the various concerns of the group, the following resolutions were made.

    a. The University of Calabar needs a female Vice Chancellor now! It is long overdue.

    b. Vice Chancellorship of Universities, world over is not exclusive to men.

    c. A female Vice Chancellor will put a human face to the administration of Unical; uphold fairness, justice, equity and prosperity

    d. A female Vice Chancellor will bring about the much needed national and international connections for Unical. A new Unical is possible with a female Vice Chancellor.

    e. A female Professor from the Southern part of Cross River should be the next Vice Chancellor.

    f. We therefore support the aspiration of Professor Stella Effa- Attoe for the position of Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar.

    g. We are impressed with the credentials and experience of Professor Stella Effa- Attoe as a seasoned academic and administrator which will serve as spring board for uncommon and marvelous positive transformation of our dear University of Calabar.

  • Profiling Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe, A Front line Contender For The 11th Unical Vice Chancellorship Position

    Profiling Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe, A Front line Contender For The 11th Unical Vice Chancellorship Position

    By Admin

    Stella Effah-Attoe is an indigene of Cross River State. She hails from Ikun in Biase Local Government Area of the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State.

    She is an Alumnus of the University of Calabar, where she graduated with a B.A. (Hons) Degree in History, 1980, and a Ph.D. African History in 1985.

    Prof. Effah-Attoe started her academic career in the University of Calabar in 1986, in the Department of History and International Studies, Faculty of Arts with an unbroken service of 34 years, till date.

    She was elevated to the rank of Professor in 2010 and served the University at different capacities.

    Prof. Effah-Attoe delivered the 79th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Calabar, on the topic : Gender Mainstreamism in Nigeria’s Political Development: From Hindsight to Foresight on the 18th April, 2018.

    At the University of Calabar she has served as a Teacher and a Researcher; Member of a number of Internal University Committees, Internal Examiner and External Examiner at various Universities, Assessor of Professors and Associate Professors.

    She is a member of the Historical Society of Nigeria and the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL).

    In addition to her academic career, Prof. Effah-Attoe has served the nation in various capacities. She has been;

    ✅ Member, National Governing Board of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). 2013 – 2015

    ✅ Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Voice of Nigeria (VON). 2009 – 2010

    ✅ Member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). 2005 – 2006

    ✅ Member of the Governing Council of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). 2000 – 2004:

    ✅ Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Culture and member of the Cross River State Executive Council. 1989 – 1990,

    ✅ Cross River State Commissioner for Education and member of the Cross River State Executive Council. 1987 – 1989:

    ✅ She was also a member of the National Population Census Monitoring Team in Nigeria, in 1991.

    ✅ Member of the National Planning Committee for the Implementation of the 9 Years Compulsory Education Programme for Nigeria, in 1989. This Committee’s Report forms a component part of the National Policy on Education in Nigeria.

    ✅ Executive Director of the Center for Gender Empowerment.

  • CRN bye-election : Unical VC Picks APC Nomination Form, Says He’s Sure Of Victory

    CRN bye-election : Unical VC Picks APC Nomination Form, Says He’s Sure Of Victory

    By Admin

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu has picked the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senate nomination form to contest the Cross River North bye-election.

    Akpagu, the leading APC aspirant in the race said that he is sure of victory as he is contesting to win and not to settle for second position.

    Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently released time table that fixed October 31st for the bye-election to fill the vacuum created by the demise of late Sen. Rose Oko.

    Speaking shortly after picking his form on Tuesday, August 18 at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Akpagu, a former Commissioner for Education in Cross River State said that he is not only ready for the party’s primary but for the main election.

    Lamenting that the Senatorial district has suffered severe underdevelopment occasioned by poor representation, he averred that with him as Senator, things will turnaround in the zone for better.

    While expressing confidence in winning the party’s nomination and the main election, he added that he was not in the race because he feels he’s the richest man but because of the yearnings of the people for positive change.

    According to him, “I’m not in the race because I feel I have the money to buy the people, in fact, I believe that our people are too civilized to be bought over. I’m in the race because I feel the cry of our people to key into the change agenda of our great party, the APC and President Mohammadu Buhari.

    “Cross River North is blessed with vast land for agriculture but why have we not harnessed the potential and properly liaised with the federal government to attract many of the government’s agricultural initiatives to our people?

    From available data, our Senatorial district is lagging behind in terms of federal government jobs when compared to other Senatorial districts. This is because we’ve not sent people who understand the sufferings of our people. There are opportunities there but we just need people with the will power to pursue them for our people. That’s exactly what I’m very convinced that I can and will do as Senator”.

    He added that “I’m not coming with so much promises because I believe that our modest efforts in our previous positions and where I’m now have been speaking for me and my team loudly. I’m not just contesting because we want to come second, but because I’m confident that we can and shall win”.

  • Re: Notice Of Disclaimer From The Commissioner For agriculture And Natural Resources And AADSCHEME Matters, Cross River State

    Re: Notice Of Disclaimer From The Commissioner For agriculture And Natural Resources And AADSCHEME Matters, Cross River State

     

    By Admin

    Our Ref:CRSG/MCS/Vol.2/005
    11th August, 2020.

    It was Emelia Brobbey who said and I quote: “To be great, you have to be willing to be mocked, hated, and misunderstood.”
    Since the day I choose a path in public service I perfectly understood the above aphorism and have since transcended above petty jibes, libel, malicious concoctions, satanic manipulations, falsehood, slander and sentiments of unreasonable proportions. It is expected and will and must come as the conflicts of
    interest plays.

    From my student union days as a unionists to my activism in the National Youth Council of Nigeria and political mobilization/awareness as founder and Director General of the largest online and
    offline sociopolitical organization in Cross River State, which is the Cross River State Political Network, CRISPON, for over a decade I have built a tough skin to cheap blackmail and concocted foolery. I am not
    deterred for I am with God and on the side of light and majority! Normally, I won’t respond to the above subject matter but since this touches on my integrity and personality and due to the enormous concern from friends, families that I have received thus far on the said subject via calls, texts, messages and after a conversation with my boss, the Governor I am constrained to make this release.
    Before I provide clarification as regards the above subject matter raised by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Okon, I wish to make this clear for all and sundry i.e the circumstance surrounding my
    involvement in the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme, AADS in Cross River State and our progress and conclusion of the matter therein.

    Firstly, I am Prince Michael Nku Abuo, JP an aide of the Governor of Cross River State serving as the Director General of Migration Control Services of the government of Cross River State, Nigeria and I was mandated directly by my boss the Governor, His Excellency, Sen Prof Ben Ayade to participate in mobilizing support for the effective implementation and execution of the AADScheme in Cross River State.

    This I have been doing with updates sent to the Governor constantly. Let me also make it clear that the Governor has the right to mandate any responsibility of his government to whom so ever he wishes.

    On getting this mandate, the first person I made attempt to see and work with is and was the Commissioner For Agriculture, Mr Okon, I did this by sending SMS, WhatsApp messages and even visited his office and dropped a letter in this regard. I didn’t get any feedback and therefore commenced the execution of my mandate in line with the provided reviewed guidelines of the Central Bank of Nigeria on the said scheme.

    My activities has been transparent and in the open too. After consultation from my
    boss, I started by launching our Local Government Monitoring/Coordinating Team and the Project Management team of which the Commissioner of Agriculture was a member of. This information is in
    public domain.

    In furtherance to deepening the reach of the scheme and for grass root participation letters were sent to all the stakeholders across the 18 LGAs of the state to the political and civil class, house of assembly
    members, paramount rulers, clan heads, community youth leaders, chairmen and executives, legislative reps at the local government level for engagements at their council secretariat to create sensitization
    and get a buy into the scheme in the state.
    So far, aside our engagements with the Central Bank of Nigeria in Calabar and Abuja as well as the Ministry of Agriculture and the Presidential Task force we successfully held this town hall engagements with all the stakeholders outlined above in Bakassi, Akpabuyo, Calabar South, Akamkpa, Abi and Obubra.
    The pictorial, visual/video and written evidence of attendance is in the public domain and anyone can confer with their local government stakeholders to affirm the above.

    In all of our engagement never a
    time did we call out or give CRISPON MPCS account number for people to make payments into, as a matter of fact we haven’t collected a dime from anyone on the Accelerated Agricultural Development
    Scheme as alleged in the write up by the Commissioner. The people in the above named local government areas where we have successfully carried out the sensitization are alive and can be
    contacted for firsthand information.

    I am a youth, coincidentally within the age bracket (18-35 years old) that this scheme is targeted at, I have royal blood and was properly raised to respect elders and even young people, I have never disrespected or malign the personality of the Commissioner and have expressed sincere and genuine desire for us to work together and in our last meeting which he finally accepted to, after he saw our progress.

    I made to work with him as team, for the good of our state and in positive light to the government of Sen Prof Ben Ayade.
    All this scuffle escalated when I discovered that an attendance list of a purported senatorial district town hall meeting from the Ministry of Agriculture, CRS was been sent to people’s home for people to write
    their names and those of their ally as a means of creating a facade that there was a meeting of that sort and it had massive attendance as against our grassroots strides recorded thus far with massive
    participation. This alert I am sure got to the Commissioner and he took it personal hence this maligning publication.

    It was with joy and sheer spirit that I received and read the publication from Mr Okon Nyong Owuna, the Commissioner for Agriculture disclaiming me as a member of the Project Monitoring Committee, a
    government appointee and defrauding people.

    Let me make this clear:
    1. By God’s grace I am an appointee of the Governor, His Excellency, Sen Prof Ben Ayade and a Director General of the Migration Control Services Agency. This is and can’t be contested by the said Commissioner. For further confirmation you can write to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, CRS.

    2. I had the mandate of the Governor, my boss to carry out my roles as it relates to AADScheme in the state and he is and was abreast of all of my activities and was adequately briefed.

    3. The allegation of asking people to pay into CRISPON account to be part of the AADScheme is false and totally geared at cheap and pungent blackmail. The LGAs visited and their stakeholders engaged are witness to this fact and can be contacted for authentication of my stance.

    4. I have never defrauded anyone before and will never do so whether with the CRISPON Cooperative or with AADS or in any guise. Nobody has paid or given one Naira to me or our team members as long as this scheme is concerned neither have we given CRISPON MPCS account as we tour on this scheme.

    5. Like seen from our yesterday, Monday, 10th August, 2020. I held AADS sensitization and awareness tour which held successfully at Obubra and Abi tour I am not wanted by the police, it is only the Nigerian Police or other security agents that hold the right to declare someone
    wanted and not an exalted Ministry of Agriculture, CRS and so far I have no such case.

    6. There’s a principle in law that’s states that he who alleges must prove. Let the commissioner provide the video, written documented evidence that I have collected monies from farmers or given CRISPON account for payment in as much as this scheme is concerned during my tours.

    7. It is true that I am part of the CRISPON MPCS LTD but merging my personal venture which provides several kinds of services and my official engagements is truly born out of mischief for
    even as Commissioner of Agriculture you have your personal ventures one of which was used for the Project Appeal engagements in Akamkpa.

    8. For emphasis I have never gotten a dime from any farmer or group of farmers for the AADScheme and this is true and clear.

    9. The AADScheme is completely different from the CBN AGSMEIS Entrepreneurial Development Training; which has a fee attached to its registration and training process directly from the CBN.
    I have never received any monies as regards the AADScheme whether by cash or through the said CRISPON MPCS LTD, Except for the CBN AGSMEIS EDI Facility which is purely justifiable.

    10. Why would he use an official letter head of government to engage in his private pursuit of ego massage, where is it heard and has it ever been done that a government appointee will malign
    another without verifiable fact and due process publicly? Is this not abuse of office?

    11. We have always mentioned that participation in the AADScheme is free in all of our engagements.

    Dear Cross Riverians and my fellow youths this is pure blackmail and witch-hunt. Before now, did we have this level of awareness of the AADScheme in Cross River State? Since 2018 it was launched it was lying fallow until I made this move for the good of all and how far have we faired in similar schemes thus far in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, why this interest all of a sudden when there are
    a thousand other opportunities to be explored in this sector? I have nothing personal to gain from this and I wouldn’t have arrogated powers to myself, my pursuit with speed and drive was born out of a sincere desire to empower our people in line with the Governor’s desire. Let us learn and look beyond the veil this is a fight of destinies and of good and evil, light and darkness. In the end light will prevail
    whether now or in the future.

    Due to our lack of push and interface Cross River State has lost out in many such opportunities because we do not have those to follow up for us and also do the right thing in schemes like this. It is because I wanted success knowing the gains of this scheme to our youths that I have had sleepless nights, made
    countless journeys within and outside the state, pursued and exchanged correspondence and mails with or without support. It is this laid back attitude and internal bickers/tussles that has made us losers in opportunities that will benefit our people.

    Let this be on record that it is this drive that made me facilitate the Targeted Credit Facility for our people across the 18 LGAs and saw me accessing over 250 Million Naira for indigenes and residents of our state. I have their records and details.
    I have communicated with my boss and principal His Excellency, Sen Prof Ben Ayade, the Executive Governor of Cross River State the actions of the Commissioner and our progress recorded thus far and I await his actions and feedback. I have also sent the malicious, defamatory and derogatory publication to
    my lawyers for advice for possible legal actions against Mr Okon.

    Going forward, my team and I are therefore suspending activities for now as it has to do with the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme, AADS in Cross River State until further directive from my
    boss the Governor and conflicting interest on the side of the Commissioner of Agriculture is sorted. I want to assure my friends, families and well-wishers that I am okay and will never do anything to drag
    my name, the elevated profile of the Abuo Achong dynasty into any form of disrepute.

    I also thank you for your support, prayers and encouragement.
    To members of our LGA Coordinators on this scheme thank you and keep the structures we have built right to the grassroots level across the 196 wards intact as I will continue to source for other
    opportunities beyond AADS to empower our people as of course this AADS and other opportunity will not pass us by anymore. Know that you were part of executing an intervention program in a manner that it has never been done before; we took it to the grassroots as against the compilation of a few. I want to thank His Excellency, Sen Prof Ben Ayade, the Executive Governor of Cross River State for the confidence reposted on not just me but other youths he has given a voice to make a difference in our state. God bless Cross River State!

    PRINCE MICHAEL NKU ABUO, JP
    DIRECTOR GENERAL, MIGRATION CONTROL SERVICES AGENCY
    12/08/20

  • CR-Northern District: Joe Agi SAN Hereby Appeals To Your Conscience

    CR-Northern District: Joe Agi SAN Hereby Appeals To Your Conscience

    By Admin

    The recent announcement by INEC on the date for the conduct of the senatorial election has inspired progressives across the senatorial district to run for office. It’s incredibly exciting, but also requires a well thought out plan. Launching a campaign is a huge decision and the Joe Agi SAN campaign organization is prepared to ensure our campaign has a strong start indeed a strong foundation.

    Recall that upon the death of our “ beloveth late most distinguished Senator Rose Oko” (may her soul Rest In Peace) we had indicated interest to inspire an endearing and enduring perspective to legislation while pursuing the agenda of attracting development to our district. We had embarked upon consultations and consciously created an awareness about the promises of assured development that Joe Agi SAN can attract to our district. We examined the prospect and indicated the possibility of utilizing such realistic capability to make CR-Northern District great again.

    We concluded that Joe Agi SAN, by all standards, is a valuable asset to the people of the Northern Senatorial District and should so be appreciated. He is a man with enviable track records, ranging from his selflessness towards protecting the vulnerable assets of the state, at a time when others refused to do so; to his unbelievable leadership exploits in his professional career as a lawyer, who rose up to the enviable status of “Senior Advocate of Nigeria”, up to and inclusive of his strides into politics and the pursuit of liberation for our people.

    Joe Agi SAN has shown compassionate leadership and empathetic disposition towards humanity in all that he has done. His desire to grow young lawyers through mentoring is a reflection of an unquestionable generosity of intent to improve this generation. What about the avalanche of scholarships and sponsorship of lawyers, most of whom were unable to pay for their law school? I can go on and on, but the idea before us, that makes us to constantly classify him as the ideal candidate, is the fact that Joe Agi SAN is the next best thing for CRS-Northern District. He possesses an impressive resume particularly on legal jurisprudence and constitutional matters.

    An evaluation of his personality is a reflection of his strength. We know Joe Agi SAN as an influential personage and respected across both aisle within the Nigerian conclave. His capacity is reflected on his legal background. He is a strong lobbyist and a strong negotiator. Joe is an erudite legal luminary who knows the law and the law knows him. The senate is a familiar territory and I must say Joe will be the eye of both APC, Cross River Northern District and indeed Nigeria. I dare to say that, in the current political dispensation, Joe Agi SAN, when elected Senator shall be the only SAN in the red chambers. How else can I explain the difference between him and other senators . He shall be a reference point and indeed a converging platform for law making and interpretation for other people within the Senate. Let’s not allow sentimental judgements detrimental to our growth to mislead us.

    The dice has been cast, the announcement for the election has been made by INEC. This heralds the beginning of intensive campaign ahead. While we shall strategize to boost our capacity to convince you to get inspired to join this victory train, let me state that we know about your excitement, that at last we have a good hand to lead us to the promised land. We know you are going to get involved. The right time is now. Don’t hesitate, don’t salivate, get involved, get serious and move the train with us. We come to you because you have a greater stake in this project. We trust you, know that we desire the best and that’s Joe Agi SAN.

    There’s a brand identity for “Joe Agi SAN”. Reality check has proven that the brand is the ideal one whose time has come. Do you want to be left out? I don’t think so, because we are all in this same page. We need the future that’s assured for our kids. Only Joe Agi SAN is the man with the Midas touch. Join him to make CR-North great. Vote him as the APC Candidate in the ensuing election. Let your conscience lead you.
    Joe Agi Media Team.

  • Ayade Is In A Hurry To Change The Unsung Narrative Of Etung People….DG, BORDERCOMM

    Ayade Is In A Hurry To Change The Unsung Narrative Of Etung People….DG, BORDERCOMM

    By Admin

    The people of Etung LGA of Cross River state have been described as unsung heroes that the administration of Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade is in a hurry to change their narrative and position.

    Director General, Cross River State Border Communities Development Commission {BORDERCOM}, Noel Ugbong who stated this at Effraya, Etung on Wednesday while in Etung on a Baseline Survey/Needs Assessment exercise for border communities of the Local government said that the essence of the survey is to ensure that the LGA and the people are accorded their rightful place, position and recognition.

    Mr. Ugbong explained that the administration of Ayade draws this strength and conclusion from the empirical evident which indicates that the LGA has huge revenue generation capacity from cocoa and commerce across the international border, bearing in mind also that Etung has one of the most peaceful international border in Nigeria.

    The DG of BORDERCOMM revealed that the governor has high regards for the people of Etung and has equally extend his deep appreciation to the people for the support they gave him during his reelection and their continuous support for his administration and development projects and programmes.

    He disclosed that at the inception of taking charge of the leadership of BORDERCOMM, the governor indicated very clearly to them that he is particularly concerned about the people of the state living around the fringes of the state, our external borderlines and that he want to bring succor and economic prosperity to them.

    Mr. Ugbong asserted that it is a known fact that mans history is a history of a people in constant state of flux which often results in positive commerce and social coexistence, while on the negative side, it leads to crises which often also result in loss of lives and property and at some point, annexation of territories, explaining that it is for this reason that Ayade leadership is consciously stamping the states signature across our borderlines.

    The DG asked the Chairman to liaise with the Mfum Community for the acquisition of land for the construction of a modern Skills Acquisition Centre for Women and Youths.

    He explained that this measure is not only to stamp the states signature across the borderlines but to also give our border communities a sense of belonging and to also let them know that they are not at the fringes but at the heart and centre of the state, adding that it is based on this premise and other vital considerations that His Excellency sent them to come and interact with the people taking into cognizant the baseline to assist them calibrate with the sole aim to ensure that the states budget process is not only up-to-date but also captures the interest of the people.

    The DG of BORDERCOM maintained that the needs of the people changes over time as the needs of a particular community in the last 5-10 years are certainly not the same today, and that it is based on this reality that they are in Etung to carry out the first phase of Baseline Survey and Needs Assessment exercise.

    He said that they came with some research instruments ahead of Planning, Research and Statistics tailored towards extracting primary data and that after analyzing the data they will now carry out physical visitation these communities to ascertained and to make sure of their actual needs in order of priority.

    Mr. Ugbong assured that this is not going to be an exercise in futility or a purposeless one but that the governor is committed towards making life bearable for all border communities in Cross River state, while thanking the Chairman, Vice Chairman, the Leader of the Legislative Council, Chiefs and the people of Etung for their cooperation and large turnout.

    In his welcome speech, the Chairman of Etung Local Government Area, Hon. John Nkom, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Ayade for having sincere concern for his people, the border communities in particular and the people of the state in general, and assured that his people will give the BORDERCOMM team a full support to extract the information they need, while calling on the Chiefs of the border communities and their subjects to deliberate and list the projects they need to the BORDERCOMM team.

     

  • BORDERCOM Takes Baseline Survey/Need Assessment To Obanliku Local Government Area

    BORDERCOM Takes Baseline Survey/Need Assessment To Obanliku Local Government Area

    By Admin

    In furtherance to the directives of His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade for BORDERCOM to undertake a baseline assessment of all border communities in the state, the Director General of BODERCOM, Mr. Noel Ugbong led other members and staff of the commission as they visit Obanliku local government area.

    The exercise was held at the council secretariat on the 3rd of August, 2020.

    Speaking during the visit, the DG noted that, His Excellency has approved the baseline assessment/survey which will evolve a strategic five years development plan.

    Speaking further, he maintained that “Obanliku is one of the local governments in the state that has both national and International borders. The Eastern high hills stretching from the East climax around the Oshie ridge, plummeting in the Obudu plateau rolling hills, giving Obanliku very unique features.

    “Over the years, BORDERCOM has been carrying out projects in various local governments that have border communities. We often have issues where projects are misappropriated or duplicated, wherefore a community is dire need of a school but will have a hospital, or a community that is I’m a dire of water will have abundant of schools etc. The baseline survey and needs assessment is to help us prioritize what government should do for these border communities.

    “BOREDCOM dwell on border regions because there are issues of crisis either with other states or country and until government takes ownership of these communities by building schools, health centers and providing water to show that these communities belong to cross river state and Nigeria at large. This will definitely make other states very difficult to encroach into our state.

    “BORDERCOM was set up with the core mandate on; education, health, water and sanitation, security and economic empowerment. It is an intervening commission, all of these things have mandate in other ministries- education is supposed to build schools, health is to build hospitals and water and sanitation is to provide water.

    “Where there is need, BOORDERCOM steps in. It is our desire that all border communities in Obanliku local government area have ample government presence so that if any state or country wants to encroach, they will know that such a community belongs to cross river state government and that the state has her presence there.

    “The essence of this baseline survey/needs assessment is generate data for budgeting. Budgeting is very cumbersome if you want to do the ideal thing, but for people who don’t have the nak for due process, they do copy and paste which results in not giving the communities their desires. We will share this data with the federal government.

    “You have observed that Red Cross is carrying out a lots of projects in border communities, this is because of the data we share with them and we need to update this data from time to time.

    “It will take another five years before the next exercise is carried out, we urge you to be of good spirit, take ownership of the survey, we will provide you with instruments that will generate data from your communities to enable us fast track development in your communities”

    Ugbong noted the consultation and awareness meeting is the first phase of the exercise and mentioned data analysis, physical verification, engineering measurement as other phases of the survey.

    On his part, the Head of Procurement, Research and Statistics, Mr. Ibita Inimmong stated that since the inception of BORDERCOM in the state, a total of 14 projects have been completed in Obanliku in areas of education, health, water and sanitation and security.

    He added that “this assessment is to enable us know the communities that have not been captured as well as the needs of the communities. We have a total of 25 border communities in Obanliku”

    Responding on behalf of the local government chairman, Evangelist Mrs. Margate Inde, the Head of Local Government Administration HOLGA, Mrs. Agnes Ogah thanked the governor of cross river state, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade for the initiative and pledged council’s support to the commission in the discharge of its duties especially the baseline survey/needs assessment in Obanliku local government area.

  • Kashamu Avoided Justice, But Couldn’t Escape Death – Obasanjo

    Kashamu Avoided Justice, But Couldn’t Escape Death – Obasanjo

    By Amin

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday condoled with Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, over the demise of Senator Buruji Kashamu.

    Kashamu’s death was announced on Saturday after he succumbed to COVID-19 complications, according to former colleague Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, on his twitter handle.

    The former President in a statement signed by his spokesman Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo said while Kashamu’s death was “sad”, his life and history left “lessons for those of all us on this side of the veil.”

    “Senator Buruji Kashamu in his lifetime used the maneuver of law and politics to escape from facing justice on alleged criminal offence in Nigeria and outside Nigeria,” Obasanjo said.

    “But no legal, political, cultural, social, or even medical maneuver could stop the cold hand of death when the Creator of all of us decides that the time is up.

    “May Allah forgive his sin and accept his soul into Aljanah, and may God grant his family and friends fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

    Before his death, Senator Kashamu was engaged in a long, legal battle against the federal government over extradition to the US to face alleged drug trafficking charges.

  • Obudu Council Boss, Bonny Ewhe Takes The Lead Flags Off Covid 19 Awareness Campaign/Sensitization, Distributes Infrared Thermometers, Face Masks, Sanitizers And Tap Tanks

    Obudu Council Boss, Bonny Ewhe Takes The Lead Flags Off Covid 19 Awareness Campaign/Sensitization, Distributes Infrared Thermometers, Face Masks, Sanitizers And Tap Tanks

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Chairman of Obudu local government council, Hon. Boniface Eraye Ewhe has taken the lead ahead of his colleagues as he flagged off an awareness/sensitization campaign to cushion the spread and effect of the ravaging pandemic, COVID 19 in Obudu local government area.

    The event took placed today, 8th August, 2020 at the Obudu main motor park.

    Hon. Ewhe admonished the crowd that turned out on COVID 19 precautionary measures, and advised the people to ensure effective personal hygiene at all times as the pandemic is no respecter of anyone.

    The Chairman used the occasion to commend the deliberate efforts of the Governor, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade as well as all front liners in the fight against the dreaded virus, COVID 19 especially health workers and maintained that it is not over until it is over.

    He appealed to health workers to be more committed in the discharge of their duties as the call to action would not have come at a better time than now.

    Hon. Ewhe used the opportunity to call on health workers in the local government area, traditional rulers, parents, Civil Society Organizations, leaders of thoughts and religious leaders to rise to the challenge of sensitizing the public given the available opportunity to ensure strict compliance with COVID 19 preventive protocols.

    The Chairman donated and distributed nose masks, sanitizers, infrared thermometers and other Personal Protective Equipments PPEs.

    With this development, the Obudu local government Chairman becomes the first to kick start the awareness/sensitization at the local government level in line with the call by the state COVID 19 Taskforce Chairman and commissioner for health, Dr. Betta Edu to decentralize COVID 19 response to local government areas during the JACC meeting held recently at the conference room of the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in Calabar.

    The Chairman while declaring the exercise open charged the Director of Primary Health Care and her team to take the message and relief materials to the nooks and crannies of the LGA.

    In his words “I deem it necessary to carry out this exercise following the decision of the Cross River State Ministry of Health to decentralize the COVID-19 Taskforce to LGA’s; I have provided infrared thermometers, hand sanitizers, nose masks and other Personal Protective Equipments (PPE’s) to be distributed to health centers for our people at the local communities”

    The exercise is to be extended to all the 10 political wards of the LGA and all health centers.

    Commending the governor, the council Chairman noted that “Cross River State was the last state in the Country to record COVID-19 positive cases, thanks to the expertise of our Governor who became the first to enforce the ‘no mask no movement’ policy; I want to reciprocate that in our LGA so that we can continue to be COVID-19 free”

    The exercise had in attendance traditional rulers, Civil Society Organizations, health practitioners and a large crowd of on lookers.