The Lumine News

Blog

  • Estimated Billing Will Soon Become A Thing Of The Past – Minister

    Estimated Billing Will Soon Become A Thing Of The Past – Minister

     

    The federal government has vowed to end the issue of estimated billing before the end of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration in 2023.

    Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, gave the assurances on Friday when he paid the Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifenyi Ugwuanyi courtesy call in his office.

    Agba who has been on a tour of facilities in the state said that the conflict between customers and distribution companies over the issue of estimated billing is of great concern to the government hence, the initiative to distribute six million free meters to Nigerians.

    He said that “the constant disagreement between customers and distribution companies over estimated billing has become of great concern to government. This is why President Muhammadu Buhari has given us the mandate to distribute free six million meters by the first half of this year.

    If we’re able to complete that by June, we’ll buy more meters and distribute for free to Nigerians. The programme is designed to continue till next year because our thinking is that by the end of this administration, if not all, three quarter of Nigerians should be metered”.

    While discussing the Refuse-Derived-Fuel Electricity Gastification Plant developed by the University of Nigeria, NSUKA, (UNN), the Minister said that if government at all levels key into the technology, it has the potential of solving 70 percent of Nigeria electricity issues.

    Also speaking, the Governor on his part, thanked the Minister for his interest in the state even as he appealed to the federal government to urgently come to the state’s aide in addressing its power challenges.

    Ugwuanyi lamented that about 300 transformers connecting half of the state essentially the Enugu North are no longer working due to age, over load and other related issues.

    He also revealed that in terms of bulk sharing, what the state was getting was inadequate and cannot serve their electricity needs hence, there was need for increase.

    According to him, “We have serious electricity issues in Enugu State. Over 300 transformers that provides light for half of the population of the state are bad. We used to have a lot of industries in this state but many of them have left because of lack of electricity.

    “We want to appeal to the federal government to complete the 3.2kv New Heaven power line. The President has been very supportive, there’s nothing I’ve taken to him that he has not addressed” .

    Hammering on the issue of estimated billing, he said that “Some local governments in this state did not have light for up to 7 months because of estimated billing until I had to intervene. I was in the National Assembly for 12 years but I did not see nay law that supports estimated billing. When customers complain of the outrageous bills they get, the next thing they do is to cut them off thereby promoting crime because economic activities are halted when there’s no light.

    We want to beg the Honourable Minister to give us light because Enugu is expanding, most of our people are returning home. We’re building industries massively, land has become even more expensive here than Abuja so, we need light “.

  • The Nuisance Of Scary Cat Politicians By Vena Ikem

    The Nuisance Of Scary Cat Politicians By Vena Ikem

     

    It is laughable that I am being informed today that there has been an announcement on Radio that Gov Ayade’s sponsored Exco, led by One Okadigbo “won” in the recent Judgment of the Court of Appeal, Calabar! Nothing can be farther from truth!

    It is shameful to say the least. Some have quoted him as saying ” it’s politics” !
    Sorry it’s not ” politics”! It’s the working of a criminal mind.

    1. The judgment of the Court of Appeal said absolutely nothing about the already sworn in Exco at the wards and local govt levels.

    2. Okadigbo or whatever they call him was not a party to the suit and could not have”won” any case as he claims and is extorting money from unsuspecting members of the Public as the sole candidate of the party for the Chairmanship position of the party in CRS!

    3. I am appealing that judgment to the Supreme Court as he knows, because it is strictly about my purported disqualification to contest against him, which fear is driving him crazy and nothing more! If he says otherwise, let him produce the Court judgment that says so and I will withdraw from the race for him! I have a certified true copy of the judgment!

    4. Please, if you know him advise him to be a man and come for the contest for the position of Chairman of PDP in Cross River State, with all of Ayade’s support, instead of hoping and praying for a no contest so that he will emerge unopposed.
    That’s not about to happen!

    5. All the juju in his village will not be enough to change that. We are not all like Gov. Ayade that is allegedly susceptible to such occultic manipulations!

    6. All the billions of Naira of Cross River State money Gov. Ayade is allegedly wasting and continues to waste have not changed anything and will not change anything.

    Let the people have their say!

    Vena Ikem.

  • State-of-the-art Enugu NEMSA Building Excites Minister

    State-of-the-art Enugu NEMSA Building Excites Minister

     

    The Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, has expressed satisfaction with the quality and progress of work in the soon-to-be commissioned building of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) in Enugu State.

    The Minister while addressing journalists after touring the facility said that he was pleased that one of the agencies under him is set to deliver on yet another huge project.

    Agba said that the state-of-the-art building which will be furnished with ultramodern modern facilities is a national asset that will directly improve the quality of work of the agency’s staff covering area.

    According to him, “as an agency responsible for maintaining statutory technical standard, it was necessary for its staff to be provided with conducive environment to work because when the environment is not conducive, the result will be poor.

    This is why this project is so important. It’s a national asset. I’m satisfied with the quality of work so far so I want to congratulate the MD and his team for their sacrifices and commitment to achieving this”.

    The Managing Director of NEMSA, Engr. Peter Enesor said that the building which is 99 percent complete and billed for commissioning in the coming days will house meter testing station, laboratory and the inspectorate unit.

    Enesor who thanked the Honourable Minister for his vision and support in seeing to the completion of the project, assured that when commissioned, the facility will be properly maintained.

    The Minister after inspecting the building, toured some power installations in the state.

  • FG Pledges Support For UNN Refuse-Derived Power Plant

    FG Pledges Support For UNN Refuse-Derived Power Plant

     

    The federal government has pledged to support the University of Nigeria, Nsuka (UNN) to develop its 100KVA
    Refuse-Derived-Fuel Gastification Plant for electricity generation to address electricity challenges in the institution and Nigeria at large.

    Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, stated this on Thursday while on inspection of the facility.

    He said that the government is very impressed with the development and would do everything to support the institution to develop the innovation even more.

    The Minister added that, with the government ‘s investment in renewable and alternative energy, it is great that Indigenous Engineers and Scientists were coming up with inventions and ideas to boost the efforts of government.

    “I was not trying to impress the Vice Chancellor when I said that I’m impressed with what I’ve seen here. UNN has always set the pace and I’m very happy with this innovation.

    When I was told of this, the team lead, Prof. Emineke Ejiogu said they wanted to come to my office in Abuja to present it on video but I said no, I want to come down here and see things for myself so that when I want to present it to the President during Federal Executive Council meeting, I will do it convincingly. I have come and I’ve seen for myself”, the Minister said.

    The Minister added that “We have concluded the first phase of the Energizing Education Programme. We’re about to start the second phase. I’ll do all my best to see that UNN is one of the very first universities that we’ll start the next phase of installation of solar power plant in Federal Universities”.

    Speaking, Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Charles Igwe commended the Minister for his commitment and willingness to support the University to develop the innovation.

    The Vice Chancellor however appealed to the federal government to design a special electricity billing regime for universities and other tertiary institutions in the country.

    “We want to appeal to the federal government to design a special billing system for us. In UNN, when we get funds from Abuja, what we get for overhead is N7 million but what we pay for electricity alone every month is N70 – N80 million”, he said.

    The Head of the research team, Prof. Emineke Ejiogu said that the plant was designed and facilitated by the University ‘s Laboratory of Industrial Electronics, Power Devices, and New Energy Systems (LIEPNES).

    While saying that the plant is capable of reducing diesel consumption by 60 percent, he disclosed that the team with the support of the University, was already working on expanding the plant from 100KVA to 500KVA.

  • YOBOO, Projecting Northern Cross River To The World – Jude Agaji

    YOBOO, Projecting Northern Cross River To The World – Jude Agaji

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Founder/Coordinator of YOBOO, Mr. Jude Agaji has stated that the main objective of initiating YOBOO was/is to harness the collective interest vested on the people to promote peace and unity geared towards emancipation and self reliance while promoting the rich sociocultural heritage of the people.

     

    YOBOO, is an acronym for Yala, Ogoja, Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku Local Government Areas of northern Cross River State.

    Speaking with The Lumine News, Mr. Agaji noted that YOBOO has the potentials to become the leading Commerce and Tourism destination in the Southeast and South south geopolitical zones.

    His words “YOBOO has the potentials to become the leading Commerce and Tourism destination in the Southeast and South south geopolitical zones.

    “It is our desire to undertake massive agric – commerce value chain and tourism drive, using our rich agricultural products.

    “It is also our desire to initiate the one man, one hectare project to reinvigorate diversification through the speedy return to agriculture.

    “This approach is projected to guarantee steady supply of raw materials to sustain the agric value chain, the off takers, the processing, packaging and branding to the distribution of finished products, the YOBOO way”

    Speaking further, the Initiator of the YOBOO project used the opportunity to call on all sons and daughters of Northern cross river extraction to consider supporting this great initiative irrespective of who initiated the YOBOO idea, but the impacts it will create, through intellectual research on the origin, substance, livelihood and the rich sociocultural potentials of the five Local Governments that made up northern cross river.

    He also disclosed that YOBOO maiden edition was held on the 20th September, 2016 with a road walk/show from FCE Obudu to Utugwang market in Obudu Local Government Area.

  • Cross Riverians, The Future and The Historical Move.

    Cross Riverians, The Future and The Historical Move.

     

    As the Population Council and Civilian Panel of Citizens’ Solution Network make the pro-citizens’ move to sign an historical Pact on the Political and Citizens’ Future of Cross River state with both the New and Purpose-Driven Leadership of Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) in the State –a body overseeing the political discourse and processes within the State across the 18 Local Government Areas/196 Wards, and the dedicated and visionary Executive of Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN) –an institution committed to shaping national debate and media conversation across the country;

    several media houses, political leaders, traditional, women, religious, academic, NGOs and youth leaders, etc, from across the divides, and a greater section of the 4.2 million Cross Riverians across the length and breadth of the State have been adorned with this pan-Cross Riverian objective that seeks to engage citizens across the State, end voters’ apathy, oversee the political process and ensure that the right leaders emerge with a level playing field for all aspirants, while shaping and leading media discourse to enforce its mandate and build a Cross River state where only true and sound leaders emerge for the socio-economic transformation of the State.

    Hence, the general public has been enjoined to be hopeful with the prospective and potential of the much anticipated historical Pact Signing on *The Political and Citizens’ Future of Cross River State* by the aforementioned leaderships of the three giant and uncompromising multi-demographic institutions.

    Signed

    Joint Executive Boards
    To: *Cross River Joint Alliance On Political and Citizens’ Future. (CROJAP-CF)*

    For:

    Citizens’ Solution Network.

    Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC)_ CRS.

    Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN)

     

  • AYADECARE: Brigade Commander pledges Army readiness to partner CRSHIA on stakeholders security

    AYADECARE: Brigade Commander pledges Army readiness to partner CRSHIA on stakeholders security

    By Kingsley Agim

    The resolve of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency to midwife Health Insurance in the State has gained further impetus, as the Commander, 13 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General M. A. Abdullahi, today, March 17 2021, assured of the Army’s readiness to partner with the Agency to ensure the safety of all stakeholders and the smooth conduct of enrollment and other activities of the Scheme.

    Brigadier General Abdulahi gave the assurance when he paid a courtesy visit,  on the Management of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency in Calabar.

    Congratulating the State on the flag-off of AYADECARE, the Army Commander commended the CRSHIA for the well-organised event, adding that the essence of his visit was, partly, to tap into the Midas touch of the Agency.

    The 13 Brigade Chief cautioned against large crowd at enrollment centres, and called on the Agency to adequately furnish security agencies whenever it becomes necessary and unavoidable for a large crowd to gather, to enable Security Agencies provide adequate cover for the enrolees.

    In his response, the Director-General of the Agency, Chief Godwin Iyala, expressed delight at the visit and thanked the Brigadier General for the commendation which he sees as an indication that CRSHIA is on the right track.

    Chief Iyala attributed the smooth takeoff  of the Health Insurance Scheme to Governor Ben Ayade’s penchance for perfection and special zeal for the enthronement of quality, affordable and accessible health care for Cross Riverians and residents of the State in general.

    “As a Governor who gives priority to the health and well-being of the citizens, he ensures that no stone is left unturned in the match towards successfully enthroning Universal Health Coverage in the State,” Iyala remarked.

    The DG, called for the Army’s partnership, and maintained that the success of the CRSHIA and the Scheme also lies in the hands of Security Agencies. He beckoned on the Brigadier General to avail his officers and men the opportunity to enrol into the AYADECARE Scheme, which boasts of a robust Benefit Package that can take care of most of the health challenges of the officers and Men of the Armed Forces.

    The CRSHIA boss assured the Commander that his Agency would adhere strictly to security tips offered, as the State will not allow any Miscreant or group of hoodlums to take undue advantage, cause mayhem or pogrom to such a plausible scheme meant for the good and well-being of humanity.

    The DG further wished the Brigade Commander a successful tour of duty as he strives to maintain peace and order, which the State is well known for.

  • Jarigbe Agom Donates 1.5M For The Renovation Of Ogoja Magistrate Court 2.

    Jarigbe Agom Donates 1.5M For The Renovation Of Ogoja Magistrate Court 2.

    By Elijah Ugani

    The member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency
    and Senator-elect for Cross River Northern senatorial district, Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom has donated the sum of 1.5M for the renovation of the abandoned Ogoja Magistrate Court 2.

    His donation follows that of Mr. Arthur Javis, Proprietor of the first privately owned university in cross river state, Arthur Javis University, who also donated the sum of 300k for same purpose.

    Recall that Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, member representing Ogoja state constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly opened the floor when he donated the sum of 250k this morning.

    Agba Jalingo who initiated the donation, had announced this morning that the sum of 1.5M was needed for the renovation.

    Jalingo wrote “From preliminary findings, N1,500,000 (One Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira), can return the courtroom to where the Magistrate can resume sitting and hear cases.

    “We can join forces and contribute to achieve this goal in no time. It will be a real test of our commitment to collectively grow democracy and our communities. I am sure it will be something we will be proud we did, when we finally see pictures and videos of the Magistrate sitting in the courtroom renovated by “we the people.”

    “If you are interested in contributing to raising N1.5million for the repairs and light furnishing of Ogoja Magistrate Court 2, kindly indicate your interest and a means of payment will be communicated. Be rest assured that all contributions, including the last penny shall be dedicated to this project only, through direct labour and account shall also be rendered publicly”.

  • Hon. Peter Odey Donates 250k For Operation Rescue And Repair Ogoja Magistrate Court 2

    Hon. Peter Odey Donates 250k For Operation Rescue And Repair Ogoja Magistrate Court 2

    By Elijah Ugani

    The member representing Ogoja State constituency and Leader of the 9th Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey has donated #250,000.00 for the repair of the abandoned Ogoja Magistrate Court 2.

    The Court according to a report by the publisher of CrossRiverWatch, Agba Jalingo, the court has been abandoned for 25 years.

    The abandoned court was allotted to Hon. Peter Odey to build a private house by the Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade through the Commissioner for Land, when he applied for land.

    Hon. Peter Odey however, washed his hands off the piece of land when he realized that the premises belong to the court.

    Agba Jalingo had commenced Operation Rescue And Repair Ogoja Magistrate Court 2.

    Hon. Peter Odey swiftly responded by donating #250.000.00 for the repair of the abandoned Court.

  • AyadeCare: CRSHIA Activates More Enrollment Centres

    AyadeCare: CRSHIA Activates More Enrollment Centres

     

    By Kingsley Agim

    As enrollment into the State Health Insurance Scheme begins, the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency (CRSHIA) has activated more Enrollment Centres for ease of access to the exercise.

    A release by the Agency’s Director-General, Chief Godwin Iyala revealed that the State Ministry of Health Headquarters, General Hospital, Calabar, New Secretariat Complex – Calabar, Primary Health Centre – Mayne Avenue, Primary Health Centre – Ediba, Primary Health Centre – Akim, Primary Health Centre – Big Qua, Primary Health Centre – Diamond, Primary Health Centre – Edim Otop, Primary Health Centre – Ikot Ansa, Primary Health Centre – Kasuk, Primary Health Centre – Ikot Effanga, Primary Health Centre – Ikot Omin, Primary Health Centre – Ikot Ishie, and Bogobiri as the new Enrollment Centres.

    Chief Iyala further enjoined residents of the State to go out en masse to enrol in readiness to access health care services.

    The DG pledged the commitment of his Agency, in collaboration with the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency and other critical stakeholders will leave no stone unturned in actualizing Governor Ben Ayade’s avowed commitment to providing quality, affordable and accessible healthcare for all residents of the State, adding that with the emergence of AYADECARE, the much anticipated Universal Health Coverage has finally birthed in the State.