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  • New Year Message: Sen. Sandy Onor Thanks Constituents For Their Support, Renews Pledge And Commitment

    New Year Message: Sen. Sandy Onor Thanks Constituents For Their Support, Renews Pledge And Commitment

    By Caterpillar Media

    The Distinguished Senator representing Cross River State Central Senatorial District, His Performance, Sen. Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor thanks his constituents for their steadfast prayers and support.

    In a new year message, the performing senator poured out his heart in appreciation to his constituents for their confidence in him. He said “Just as we value life and treasure each breath we take, we must also value each person and how they touch our lives everyday. Words cannot express my feelings, nor my thanks for all your believe and support towards this project of giving Cross River State Central Senatorial District and adjourning communities a new and befitting facelift. Your thoughtfulness will always be remembered.”

    He used the opportunity of the new year celebration to renew his pledge and commitment towards robust representation and service delivery. He emphasized that “During our campaigns we made some holistic promises and holistically, we shall fulfill them. The projects you see going on are just a tip of the iceberg. In no distance time, we shall transform the landscape and change the narrative of our constituency. This we can only achieve with your continuous prayers, love and support.”

    “I appreciate your determination in showing we can do it. Thank you for your perseverance, support, and love. I know someday, I will give back what you have given me in hundred folds. Thank You and God bless you all.”

    Senator Onor concludes the message by wishing his constituents a fruitful, prosperous and Covid-19 free New Year.

  • Operation Akpakwu Averts A Robbery Incident In Calabar, Arrests Two Thieves

    Operation Akpakwu Averts A Robbery Incident In Calabar, Arrests Two Thieves

    By Admin

    Operation Akpakwu averted a robbery incident in Satellite town in Calabar, and arrested two thieves.

    The incident happened when the thieves broke into the Presbyterian church, grace land, Satellite town, to cart away chairs, musical instruments and other valuables belonging to the church.

    Unfortunately, luck ran out of them when concerned members of the church saw when they broke into the church and alerted Operation Akpakwu, and in their swift response to crime, the team caught these two thieves.

    One of the defining moments of 2020 was the setting up of the Operation Akpakwu by Gov. Ayade. The team has recorded unprecedented success in the fight against crime.

    Interestingly, the ancient city of Calabar is beginning to witness relative peace.

     

  • Bonny Ewhe Presents N5.9Billion 2021 Appropriation Bill, Christened Budget Of Consolidation

    Bonny Ewhe Presents N5.9Billion 2021 Appropriation Bill, Christened Budget Of Consolidation

    By Richard Abu

    The Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Boniface Eraye Ewhe today, Thursday December 29th, 2020 presented the 2021 appropriation bill christened Budget of Consolidation to the Obudu Legislative Council.

    Drawing from the total estimate, N3,158,951,201 representing 53% is set aside for capital expenditure while N2,760,185,585 representing 43% of the budget is earmarked for recurrent expenditure.

    Hon. Ewhe explained that, with his adminstration coming halfway 2020, taking over from bureaucrats, he is consolidating on their collective gains to bring democratic dividends to his people in 2021.

    The Chairman further stated that “drawing from the 2020 experience, council shall in 2021 introduce measures to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to help finance the budget”.

    Ewhe implored the honourable members to educate their constituents on the need to pay revenue to Council as at when due to enable him deliver democratic dividends to his people in line with his campaign promises.

    On his part, the Leader of the Obudu Legislative Council, Hon. Peter Ishoja thanked the Chairman for acting promptly by presenting the 2021 appropriation bill for proper planning and diligence management of council’s income and expenditure for the overall development of the Obudu and assured the Chairman of the house’s willingness to ensure quick passage of the bill into law.

     

  • DG BORDERCOM Felicitates With CRSHA Speaker, Eteng Jonas On His Birth Anniversary

    DG BORDERCOM Felicitates With CRSHA Speaker, Eteng Jonas On His Birth Anniversary

    Your emergence as Speaker, Cross River House of Assembly is a clear indication of God at work.

    Perhaps for the first time, CRHA needed a mature leadership with a clear head, sagacity and tenacity. Though we didn’t perceive in advance how precarious the times were going to be, but Jehovah who knows the end from the beginning knew and chose you to bring stability and sanity to the System in a trying moment.

    There’s no gainsaying that development will not come through in the midst of ego boasting and show-off of brawns. With tact, uncommon wits and the penchant for sacrifice, you have proven yourself as a man who puts the State first and above even your personal prejudice and considerations.

    There wouldn’t have been a better leadership to ask for especially given the Herculean responsibility ahead of the State.

    It is your humility! Your benignity! Your simplicity! Your tenacity!
    You deserve to be celebrated, not just because it is your birthday, but because you are a GOOD MAN.

    Happy birthday 🎂 Rt. Hon. Eteng Jones William, Honorable Speaker, Cross River House of Assembly.

  • Bonny Ewhe Inspects Construction Of Garden Roundabouts, Directs Roadside Hawkers To Vacate Cyclist Park

    Bonny Ewhe Inspects Construction Of Garden Roundabouts, Directs Roadside Hawkers To Vacate Cyclist Park

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Mr. Boniface Ewhe inspected the ongoing construction of four roundabouts in Obudu metropolis.

    The Chairman undertook the inspection tour in the company of the Executive Secretary, Obudu Urban Development Authority, Ms. Elizabeth Adie, Chairman, Obudu Commercial Cyclists Union.

    The Chairman expressed satisfaction with the quality of work going on at the Ogoja road/Ranch road point, but however queried the delay in the commencement of work at the Cyclist park, T Boy and Animal junctions site of the project.

    At the Cyclist park, the chairman expressed concern over the traffic jam caused by roadside hawkers who have turned part of the road to selling, as well as commercial drivers who pack their cars and motorcycles indiscriminately.

    Mr. Ewhe held that the continuous use of the road for the wrong reason is an eye sore and directed that all hawkers who are currently using the road at the cyclists park relocate to the market to avoid defacement of the roundabouts when completed. He also directed commercial drivers who have turned the roundabout at the cyclist park into their motor park to desist from the act.

    Reacting to the use of the roundabout by hawkers, the Chairman of Obudu Commercial Cyclists Union, Mr. Michael Esor assured the Chairman of council that the hawkers will relocate to prevent traffic jam at the cyclist park as well as give the roundabout the beauty it deserves at the completion of work.

    Speaking with the contractor handling the project, Engr. Peter Yuguda Kumbo of YRK Global Ventures Ltd, stated that the roundabout the cyclist park and former Microfinance Bank will have water to water the flowers while the roundabouts at T Boy junction and Animal junction will have artificial grasses and materials which will be easier for council to maintain, because the Governor made it clear that it was supposed to be water fountain, as a water fountain, it will be beautiful and expensive, but we thought of the maintenance culture when the governor leaves office.

    On when the project is expected to be completed, Kumbo maintained that “all the materials are on ground, and like I said, give and take, before the end of January if God keeps us alive, we will complete the project”

    The four roundabouts are to be located at T Boy Junction, former Microfinance Bank, cyclist park and Animal junction.

    The project if completed is expected to add beauty to Obudu metropolis.

  • 35th Priestly Ordination Anniversary: Fr. Peter Obele Abue Launches 3 Books, Celebrates Survival Of Accident

    35th Priestly Ordination Anniversary: Fr. Peter Obele Abue Launches 3 Books, Celebrates Survival Of Accident

    By Elijah Ugani

    It was a boisterous celebration as priests, religious, and catholic faithfuls converged at St. Columba Parish, Idum-Mbube to celebrate the Vicar General (Administration) of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja and Parish Priest of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Ogoja, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Obele Abue as he marks 35th anniversary of his priestly ordination.

    The event was a tripartite celebration for Fr. Obele as he marks 35th priestly ordination anniversary, launching of his three books and thanking God for surviving a ghastly motor accident alongside his sister Ms. Monica Abue.

    The homilist, Very Rev. Fr. Bob Etta extolled the virtues of the celebrant and reminded him of the common denominator among the prophet.
    According to Fr. Bob, “the common denominator among the prophets is that all prophets regretted their call.
    The only person who never regretted his call was Abraham”

    Fr. Etta posited that “Every prophet must go through a difficult time. He listed prophets who at one point or the other regretted the essence of their existence on account of the trails and persecution they faced to include but not limited to; Jeremiah, Job, Jonah and Elijah.

    “As priests, there are going to be very difficult moments and those moments are part of our calling.

    “I want to remind father that whatever he is going through, be it frustration, rejection, false accusation or backstabbing, it is not extraordinarily, it is part of our calling.

    “Non of us priest is worthy of our calling. Everyone of us sitting at the alter has our negatives and God called us in spite of our negatives”

    He admonished the celebrant to be strong in the Lord and that God Almighty is with him till the end of time, and that as he enters the year 2021, he should forgive every person who offends him, and stressed that forgiveness has no limit.

    On the apostolic mandate, Fr. Etta called on the Vicar General (Administration) to assist the Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Donatus Akpan steer the ship of the diocese “The Lord gave you the responsibility to help the bishop, you must do it with every sense of commitment, but remember that the Lord is with you till the end of time”

    Fr. Peter Obele Abue was born in the village of Idum-Mbube, Ogoja LGA of Cross River State, Nigeria on April 27th 1958 to the family of Butro Peter Muan Abue (Paramount Ruler of Ogoja) and Ma Clara Elejie Abue, both of blessed memory.

    He was ordained a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja on December 28th, 1985.

    Fr. Obele Abue obtained a Diploma in Radio Broadcasting, Media Centre, Kaduna, Nigeria (1988), Diploma in Video Editing and Production, School of Telecommunication, Dallas, Texas, USA (1991), B. A. Philosophy from Urban University, Rome (1979), B. D. in Theology from Pontifical Urban University, Rome (1985), M. A. Mass Communication from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA (1994) and a Ph. D. in Development Studies from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA (2006).

    He is vested with both pastoral and Development strides with numerous success stories to his credit. He was honoured by the Cross River State with a special award for humanitarian services during the state jubilee celebration, Cross River State @50 in June 2017.

    In partnership with Abode for Children, Inc, USA, he founded the St. Joseph Primary/Secondary Schools and a Medical Clinic in Idum-Mbube, Ogoja. Now a property of his home diocese, managed in collaboration with Abode for Children Inc. USA, a nonprofit organization.

    He is presently the Vicar General (Administration) of Ogoja Diocese, Parish Priest of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Igoli-Ogoja, Chaplain of the Catholic Women Organization, Ogoja Diocese, Vice Chairman of the Ogoja Diocesan Agric Commission (ODAIP), Chairman of the 3rd Synod of Ogoja Diocese and Chairman of the New University Commission, Ogoja Diocese.

    Highlight of the event was the launching of the three books; 1. Remove the stone: Obeying God’s Command to Break your poverty Cycle.
    2. Give Them Something To Eat: Essays on Community Empowerment.
    3. Light For Our Path: Sunday Homilies. A, B, C, Feasts and Solemnity.

    In his vote of thanks, the cerebral Fr. Peter Obele Abue thanked God for the gift of his life and all those who have been instrumental to his apostolate and especially those who have found time from their crowded schedules to identify with him on this auspicious day of his tripartite celebration, and prayed God to grant everyone safe journey back home.

    Proceeds from the book launch was to be channelled into St. Columba Idum-Mbube church building project.

  • Ayade’s Chief Of Staff, Martin Orim To Empower Bedia Youth As The Community Honours Him

    Ayade’s Chief Of Staff, Martin Orim To Empower Bedia Youth As The Community Honours Him

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Hon. Martin Orim has been honored by Bedia Community in Obudu Local Government Area.

    The event was held at Sacred Heart Primary School, Bedia today, the 27th December, 2020.

    In an address of welcome presented by the community Secretary, Mr. A. U. Alawa, the community maintained that their sons and daughters in government appointment in the state was facilitated by the Chief of Staff. “May we use this opportunity to appreciate your generosity towards Bedia community. Our sons and daughters who are now on government appointment wouldn’t have been so easy without your concern”

    “Let us sound it loud and clear that your recognition in Bedia is not just as a son in-law, but as an illustrious of Bedia. We pledge our solidarity and maximum support to you whenever the need arises”

     

    Bedia community used the opportunity to request the Chief of Staff to consider empowering its youth through skill acquisition. “This community will appreciate and celebrate you the more if you can help empower our teaming youth through skill acquisition; so that when trained, they will be of use to the development of the community and depend less on their parents.

    “We may not have enough to give you for all you’ve done for us but whatever we shall offer you, we pray you take it in good faith as a mark of honour and appreciation for you good works”

    In the same light, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of an emerging hospitality industry in Obudu, Valley of Barachy Hotel, Obudu, Uknandi George Utsu Imayi, presented a plaque award to Hon. Martin Orim for his magnanimity in both humanitarian services and empowering the teaming unemployed youth in Obudu.

    On his part, the Clan of Bedia Likwu, who is also the Chairman of Forestry Commission, Chief Tony Unianyandeye eulogized the Chief of Staff to the Governor. He maintained that “As much as I avoid talking about the Chief of Staff, I’m always compelled by his sterling performance to say a few things about him. The Chief has indeed touched the lives of so many persons positively and I can say is that I wish him the very best”

    Responding, the Chief of Staff thanked Bedia community to have honored and treated him to a sumptuous reception despite the fact that he has continuously turned down the invitation for a reception by his community.

    Hon. Orim stressed that the peace he enjoyed to effectively carry out his functions as the Chief of Staff is courtesy of the support of his dear wife who is a daughter of Bedia community, and so he has no reason to turn down the invitation for a reception from Bedia.

    The Chief of Staff assured the community that his pet project, GFO Orim Foundation, which he founded in memory of his late father will liaise with the community to enroll some youth for the skill acquisition.

    Hon. Orim had earlier joined in the thanksgiving mass of two sons of Bedia who recently ordained Deacons in the Catholic faith that was held at the Roman Catholic Mission (RCM), Bedia and pledged to undertake the fixing of rails in the church.

    Hon. Orim stressed that to be singled out from over 4 million Cross Riverians to be appointed Chief of Staff, remains a mystery.

    In a vote of thanks, Utsu Christopher Ugbe thanked the Chief of Staff to have found time to honor their invitation and prayed for God’s guidance and journey mercy for all those who came to identify with Bedia community.

    The event was attended by a litany of dignitaries as Mr. Boniface Ewhe, Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Victor Agwu, Commissioner for Power, Hon. Kenn Aklah, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Event Management, Governor’s Office, Hon. Edward Ajang, Member representing Bekwarra State constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Evangelist Margaret Inde, Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Council, Engr. Thomas Aruku, Director General, Road Maintenance Agency, Mr. Thomas Odama, PDP Chairman, Bekwarra Local Government Chapter.

  • Obudu State House Member Celebrates With Constituents, Calls For Love And Peace On Christmas

    Obudu State House Member Celebrates With Constituents, Calls For Love And Peace On Christmas

    By Elijah Ugani

    The member representing Obudu State House of Assembly, Hon. Maria Akwaji has celebrated the 2020 Christmas with her constituents and charged them to embrace love and peace which the ultimate ministry of Jesus Christ whose birth anniversary we celebrate.

    Hon. Akwaji was represented by the Chairman of Council, Mr. Boniface Ewhe admonished the people to imbibe the spirit of sharing with one another whatever that is their disposal as a way of expressing and showing love at the Christmas celebration.

    The event was held at the Chairman’s official residence at Obudu council Secretariat on the 24th December, 2020, had leaders drawn from the ten wards of Obudu local government area.

    The lawmaker was sworn in on the 17th of December, 2020 is barely one week in office.

    Hon. Akwaji presented 120 bags of rice and a cash donation.
    Leaders expressed gratitude to the benevolence of the lawmaker despite been sworn into office within one week.

    Speaking to The Lumine News, Mr. Joseph Utukwu said that “Hon. Akwaji has started very well, she has done what others cannot do, we all need to rally support around her to ensure that she succeeds”

     

  • Lagos Based Lawyer Emphasises Need For Human Capital Development, As A Way To Move Cross River State Forward

    Lagos Based Lawyer Emphasises Need For Human Capital Development, As A Way To Move Cross River State Forward

     

    A Lagos based lawyer Barr. William Ballantyne has stressed on the importance to encourage human capital development in the state as a way of moving the state forward.

    In a telephone interview with journalists in Calabar, he said “We do not have people with critical minds who can think critically. That is why we have to introduce a different Educational system which will entail basically critical thinking for future development that will lead to the advancement of our State”

    He said there was need for government and political leaders in the state to concentrate on human capital development as a way of economic and socio-political development of the state.

    Barr. Ballantyne who is also a senior member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, also described as unfortunate the suffering faced by the displaced Bakassi people said ” it was their choice to agree to come and settle at a Primary School in Akpabuyo, leaving their ancenstral land behind”

    The legal luminary who faulted the decision of the international court to cede the oil rich penisulayto the Cameroon however accused the political elites in the state of being too selfish at the detriment of the people.

    Barr. Ballantyne who has contested to represent Bakassi, Akpabuyo and Calabar south federal constituency at the federal house of representatives has spent the last 16 years lending his voice to several serious issues in the state, especially as it concerns the displaced people of Bakassi.

  • Legor Idagbo Rewards Party Faithfuls With Motorcycles, Grinding And Sewing Machines

    Legor Idagbo Rewards Party Faithfuls With Motorcycles, Grinding And Sewing Machines

    By Elijah Ugani

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo has rewarded party supporters with motorcycles, grinding and sewing machines for the ten wards in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    Presenting the items at the council Chairman’s official residence at Obudu, on Saturday, December 26th 2020.

    The lawmaker was represented by the Special Adviser to Governor Ben Ayade on Political Affairs, Chief of Staff Office, Hon. Peter Okaba.

    Hon. Idagbo admonished the beneficiaries to ensure that the items given them serve the purpose of providing livelihood to better their lives. “I want to charge you to make good use of these items given you to increase your source of income and provide livelihood to better your lives”

    On his part, the Obudu Chapter Chairman of PDP, Mr Alpha Ublili admonished the beneficiaries to see themselves been fortunate to be selected from among the crowd to benefit from the honorable member’s goodwill.

    He used the opportunity to request the beneficiaries to assist him reach out to ward Secretaries, Women and Youth Leaders who proposed to have benefited from the gesture to exercise patient as the honorable member has a plan for ward exco members.

    Reacting to the development, one of the beneficiaries, Mr. Matthew Okem from Utugwang North ward, expressed gratitude to Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo to have extended his magnanimity towards them and promised to make judicious use of his gift.

    Items distributed includes; 10 motorcycles, 10 grinding engines and 10 sewing machines.