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  • Thanksgiving Ceremony: Godwin Offiono Says His victory Is A Testament To The Omnipotence Of God

    Thanksgiving Ceremony: Godwin Offiono Says His victory Is A Testament To The Omnipotence Of God

     

    Hon. Godwin Offiono, the representative of Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, rededicated his electoral victory to God Almighty for His faithfulness during a Thanksgiving mass held at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Abachor-Igbeku, Yala LGA, Cross River State.

    The Member of Parliament stated that his victory at the poll was a clear demonstration of the omnipresence, omniscience, and omnipotence of God. While acknowledging God, he also commended the political leaders, his family, friends, and constituents who were used by God to actualize His mandate.

    The event gathered the crème de la crème of Cross River North politics, including the House of Representatives Speaker, friends, family members, well-wishers, constituents, etc. They were in attendance to express gratitude to God alongside Hon. Offiono.

    Hon. Peter Akpanke, the Member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency, adeptly represented the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas. Additionally, the State Chairman, Hon. Barr. Venatius Ikem, represented the Cross River State PDP working committee, Hon. Eze Nwachukwu Eze, member representing Ebonyi and Ohaukwu Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State.
    Also in attendance were Barr. Idi Yakubu, Hon. Matthew Ojugbo, Dr. Ikani Wogar, Rt. Hon. Peter Igbodor, AIG Paul Odama, Hon. Mrs. Beatrice Igwe, commissioner for Housing, Cross River State, Prince Akwaji Offiono aka Akwase, Chief John Joe, Prophet Emmanuel Okpe, Mrs. Talatu Ogborgu, Dr. Paul Ebiala, Amb. Jammy Egbe, Registrar, University of Calabar, Capt. Fred Oko rtd, Chief Ongbinyi, Hon. Egar Mgbantul, Hon. Tom Agi, Hon. Sunday Oko (Otolo), Hon. Charles Omang, member representing Bekwarra State Constituency, Amb. Sunny Omagu, Barr. First Baba Isa, Paramount Rulers of Yala and Ogoja, Chiefs and Elders, and a host of others.

    Hon. Offiono promised to periodically contribute to the building of a befitting edifice for the church and commenced the project with the sum of Three million Naira (N3,000,000). Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas also sent in his contributions to the church project. Cross River State 10th National Assembly caucus, Prince Akwase Offiono, Senator Jarigbe Agom, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Barr. Venatius Ikem, Prophet Emmanuel Okpe, Amb. Jammy Egbe, Hon. Mrs. Beatrice Igwe, other respected dignitaries, friends and well wishers, also supported Hon. Offiono in the building of the church.

    Hon. Offiono, addressing constituents at St Joseph’s Primary School field in Okuku, expressed gratitude to party stakeholders, Ogoja/Yala constituents, and well-wishers for unwavering support. He reiterated his commitment to competent representation, emphasizing that the mandate belongs to the people. Despite distractions in court, he focused on securing the people’s mandate and looks forward to remarkable progress henceforth through projects, empowerment, bills, and human capital development.

    In conclusion, Hon. Offiono generously allocated the substantial amount of Thirty-five million naira (N35,000,000) along with Seven Hundred (700) bags of 50kg rice for New Year celebrations within the constituency.

    In his remarks, Hon. Akpanke commended the people of Ogoja/Yala and the entire Cross River North Senatorial District for their support, promising effective representation. “You’ve elected a good man; Hon. Offiono is a good man. We’re friends and brothers working together in the National Assembly, and I’m confident he will not disappoint you.

    The PDP State Chairman, Hon. Barr. Venatius Ikem also appreciated the Party faithfuls and constituents of Ogoja/Yala for standing against underdevelopment during the general election. He reiterated that the choice of Hon. Offiono was a direct fight against underdevelopment, lies and corruption. He encouraged the people to keep supporting PDP to attract more development to the region. The Chairman also commended Hon. Offiono for starting strong despite distractions from the legal tussle, he assured of the party’s fervent support.

    GOFFIO MEDIA.

  • CR’ Deputy Governor Honors Paramount Ruler, Celebrates Nonagenarian, Priest At 35

    CR’ Deputy Governor Honors Paramount Ruler, Celebrates Nonagenarian, Priest At 35

     

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made a courtesy call to the Paramount Ruler of Ogoja, HRM, Oti Mathias Odey Abua, on Sunday, December 31, 2023. This visit was part of the Deputy Governor’s New Year activities in his Ogoja hometown.

    The Deputy Governor who took the opportunity to express his appreciation for the Paramount Ruler’s support and leadership, presented some food items and cash to the Paramount Ruler as a gesture of goodwill and solidarity for the New Year celebration.

    The Paramount Ruler, who in turn gave some fat yams to the Deputy Governor, expressed joy and gratitude for having the state’s second-in-command celebrate with him stating that he could have danced if not that such dances were forbidden for kings by tradition. He commended the Deputy Governor for his humility and service to the people of Cross River State while praying that God will protect him and grant success throughout Hon. Odey’s time in government.

    In a separate event, the Deputy Governor celebrated the 90th birthday of Chief Julius Abua Abang, a respected community leader in Mbube, Ogoja Local Government Area and the father of one time Attorney General of the State, Barr. Joe Oshie Abang. The Deputy Governor praised Chief Abang’s reputation and longevity, expressing joy at seeing the nonagenarian surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

    Earlier, the Deputy Governor stopped by a Catholic Parish in Odajie, Mbube, where he testified that the Rev. Fr Prof Jake Otonko who has served 35 years in the priesthood, was instrumental in his personal and professional growth. He said it was the priest who supported his post graduate studies at the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium. In recognition of this early assistance, the Deputy Governor gifted the priest a car and made a donation towards the church building.

    The Deputy Governor was accompanied on the visit by his Head of Personal Staff, Dr. Chris Ojikpong, political appointees and some friends.

  • Offiono Doles Out N35m, 700 Bags of Rice To Constituents For New Year Celebration

    Offiono Doles Out N35m, 700 Bags of Rice To Constituents For New Year Celebration

     

    The Member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Hon. Godwin Offiono, today released the sum of Thirty Five Million Naira (N35m) for new year celebration in Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency.

    The Member of Parliament directed the distribution of Five Hundred Thousand (N500,000) to each of the twenty-four (24) wards of Ogoja/Yala, totaling twelve Million Naira (N12m). Additionally, stakeholders across these wards received Fifteen Million Naira (N15m). Non-Indigenous and the JTF group in the constituency were given Five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000), traditional rulers received two million Naira (N2,000,000). Furthermore, constituents from the various wards who attended the MP’s thanksgiving ceremony today, were demobilised with 2.5m, etc. 700 bags of rice was also distributed across the federal Constituency; each of the 24 wards to get 20 bags.

    Hon. Offiono reiterated his dedication to fairly representing the people of Ogoja/Yala with great skill, expressing his readiness to fulfill the mandate graciously bestowed upon him by his constituents, despite facing a challenging legal battle.

    GOFFIO MEDIA.

  • 2024 Presents Another Golden Opportunity To Take Very Demanding Course To Rejig Our Strides For Our Advancement – Akpanke

    2024 Presents Another Golden Opportunity To Take Very Demanding Course To Rejig Our Strides For Our Advancement – Akpanke

    NEW YEAR FELICITATION.

    Year 2023 took a bow a short while ago, ushering in a new year, 2024. It is a golden opportunity for us as a people, to take another golden step in our natural but very demanding course of rejigging our strides for our individual and communal advancement.

    As I wish us a prosperous new year, permit me to charge us to reinvigorate our commitment to our oneness and the pursuit of our desperate desire for development, in order to chart and sustain the course for our development, so that our Constituency could close ranks with and even be placed at par with other constituencies that are glaringly far ahead of us.

    My wish for us is that we allow peace, love, and brotherhood to reign in our Constituency, in order to provide the desired wholesome climate for our meaningful progress.

    Let me conclude by restating my total commitment to providing effective representation that shall attract abundant dividends of democracy to our Constituency. I am confident that with your continued prayers and support, we shall overcome all our developmental tasks.

    HAPPY NEW YEAR.

  • 2024: Be Intentional And Run The Race Of Excellence – Odey

    2024: Be Intentional And Run The Race Of Excellence – Odey

    2024: BE INTENTIONAL AND RUN THE RACE OF EXCELLENCE

    Welcome to 2024 and the truth is there is no time. The year has started. The first day of the year is as important as the last day of the year so start putting things in place to have a smooth flight in 2024. Your destiny is in your hands. Do not procrastinate. What you have to do, do it now. Be very intentional with your plans and purpose for the next twelve months. Run your race with so much passion and EXCELLENCE. Do not try to make excuses. Excuses birth calamity, regret and retrogression. Start now and watch yourself become a high flier in 2024.

    You are what you think of yourself. The global giants you see understand the dynamics of time and that is why they are always in a hurry to succeed. If you have to acquire that certification, do it now. If you have to read those books and make that decision to be a star, do it. Be intentional and work towards becoming the best.

    Your year has just started and the race is on.

    Happy New Year.

    Congratulations

    Rt. Hon. Peter Odey

  • Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Charges Cross Riverians To Face The Challenges Ahead Of 2024 With Courage And Determination

    Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Charges Cross Riverians To Face The Challenges Ahead Of 2024 With Courage And Determination

    Dear Cross Riverians,

    It is with great pleasure and profound sense of responsibility that I reach out to you today.

    The past year has been filled with numerous challenges and uncertainties, but it has also showcased the resilience, compassion, and unity of our people. In the face of adversity, you have risen above, extending a helping hand to those in need and demonstrating the true spirit of Humanity.

    As we embark on this new year, let us carry forward the lessons we have learned and the values we hold dear. Let us continue to prioritize the well-being and rights of every individual in our beloved state.

    In the year ahead, our mission remains steadfast – to promote and protect the rights and well-being of all individuals in Cross River State. We will work tirelessly to address the pressing humanitarian issues that affect our communities, and we will strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.

    I encourage each and every one of you to join us in this noble endeavor. Let us extend a helping hand to those who are less fortunate, advocate for the rights of the marginalized, and work towards creating a society that leaves no one behind.

    I also use this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to all the individuals, organizations, and volunteers who have supported our efforts throughout the year. Your dedication and commitment have been instrumental in our success, and I am truly grateful for your partnership.

    As we step into this new year, let us embrace hope, unity, and resilience. Let us face the challenges ahead with courage and determination, knowing that together, we can overcome any obstacle.

    I wish you all a Happy New Year filled with love, peace, and prosperity. May this year be a time of RENEWED HOPE, SWEETNESS, Abundant Blessings, and positive change for all.

    Warm regards,
    Hon. Mrs Helen Isamoh- Egodo Ph.D
    Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, CRS.

  • Holy Innocents: The Children Whom Herod Slaughtered In An Attempt To Kill The Baby, Jesus BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    Holy Innocents: The Children Whom Herod Slaughtered In An Attempt To Kill The Baby, Jesus BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    HOLY INNOCENTS

    Every 28th day of December we remember the Holy Innocents: The children whom Herod slaughtered in an attempt to kill the baby, Jesus. Herod had (dubiously) given instructions to the wise men to find out about the child and return the news to him so that he could go and do the child homage. That was a lie. In truth what Herod wanted was to eliminate the child.

    As God would have it, Herod realized that his trick failed when, after two years, the wise men never returned. In a rage, Herod commanded the killing of all the male children two years old and younger, in order to protect his kingship. Herod did not know that Jesus was not an earthly king interested in worldly power.

    Lessons to be learnt:
    1. Evil does not pay. Do not plan evil against your neighbor because it will boomerang on you
    2. Ĺeadership is a bait. Sometimes we leaders can be used by the devil to perpetrate evil. Be careful
    3. Avoid the PHD (pull him down) syndrom in life. Do not be threatened by the success of others to the extent of doing all in your power to pull them down. That’s pettiness
    4. Do not defame the character of other people in the name ‘telling the truth’ Which truth? Defaming people’s character, or blackmailing just to look good will not get you far in life
    5. Children and other vulnerable individuals are innocent and need our support and protection. Do not harm innocent people in order to perpetrate your agenda.

    My conclusion
    The death of the Holy innocents gives us a glimpse of the darkness that filled the earth before Christ brought light to the world. We Christians are reminded especially during this Christmas season that we must show the light not spread darkness and there are many ways we can do this

    As part of my ministry , I have been involved in (among other many apostolates), protecting the lives of innocent children for the past 38 years having been ordained on this day. There is no doubt I have faced many Herods in my ministry; misunderstandings, defamation of my character, temptations as a leader etc. In all, I pray to God for the grace to persevere, to be holy and to be innocent knowing that the God I serve will NEVER LET ME DOWN

    Please pray for me!

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Peter Obele Abue and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent.

  • Akpanke Gifts 3M, 800 Bags Of Rice To Widows In OBO Federal Constituency

    Akpanke Gifts 3M, 800 Bags Of Rice To Widows In OBO Federal Constituency

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke has puts smiles of the faces of 800 widows in Obanliku, Obudu and Bekwarra Local Government Areas.

    The widows who gathered at their various local government areas were elated at the show of benevolence by their MP.

    Addressing the widows, the lawmaker thanked them for their steadfastness during the last general elections and maintained that it was very necessary he identified with them at this period of Christmas.

    Akpanke noted that “It has been in my tradition to visit you before Christmas, but my new office comes with responsibilities that couldn’t allow me the time to come to see you before Christmas, kindly hold me excused.

    “Your prayers and support have us the victory at the polls and I can’t thank you enough. You rejected money, your children also rejected appointments to stand for what is right. I assure you that we will continue to share what we have to ensure that we live as a united community.

    “What is important here is that like I have always reach out to you, the desire to reach out to you the widows is at the increase.

    “Please continue to pray and support us so that we will continue to drive home what legitimately belongs to us”

    Speaking on behalf of the widows, Mrs Cecilia Ushie from Ukwortung community thanked Hon Peter Akpanke for his benevolence and magnanimity.

    She stated that providing for the widows has been a tradition for the lawmaker even before he was elected to represent the federal constituency.

    She prayed that God should continue to provide for the MP and grant him open doors to enable him reach out to the less privileged.

    The widows in the three local government areas prayed for guidance and protection for Hon Akpanke as he undertakes his legislative functions.

    Each of the 800 widows were given a bag of rice, Maggie, salt and a cash support of N3,000.00

  • Just In: Ondo Governor Akeredolu Dies At 67

    Just In: Ondo Governor Akeredolu Dies At 67

    Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo State governor, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, aged 67.

    Ondo State sources told FIJ Akeredolu’s death was confirmed by senior government officials.

    The former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) died at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday at a German hospital where he was receiving treatment.

    Reports about his health challenge headlined the news in June, with claims that he was receiving treatment for leukemia yet refused to officially transfer power to his deputy as required by the constitution.

    He would later embark on a three-month medical leave to Germany that same June.

    Akeredolu became the governor of the state on February 24, 2017. He won his second-term re-election bid and was sworn in in February 2021.

  • Jarigbe Moves To Improve Food Security In Northern Cross River, Distributes Fertilizer To Constituents

    Jarigbe Moves To Improve Food Security In Northern Cross River, Distributes Fertilizer To Constituents

    By Elijah Ugani 

    As part of his deliberate efforts to improve food security in Northern Cross River, the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS, has distributed fertilizer to his constituents across the five Local Government Areas.

    Senator Agom averred that food insecurity is one of the major challenges facing the country at the moment and his move to put an end to food insecurity in Northern Senatorial District, can not be overemphasized as his constituents are predominantly peasant farmers.

    The Senator stated this on Tuesday, December 26th 2023 at his constituency office where constituents received fertilizer to boost food security and sustainability.

    Represented by his Constituency Officer, Mr. Egar Mgbantul, the Lawmaker reiterated that, “one of the major challenges facing the country now is food insecurity and there must be a deliberate plan to reverse the trend.

    “Fertilizer is one of the basic ingredients that our farmers need to assist them in their farms. We will continue to do this to assist our farmers in the rural areas to have an improved yield on farm produce”.

    Commending the lawmaker, some constituents who described the gesture as timely and crucial particularly with the current economic hardship associated with the hike in pump price of fuel that placed ordinary people in a difficult condition which prevent many farmers the opportunity to purchase fertilizers from the market, adding that God should always bless the Senator for them.

    Speaking to TheLumineNews, the lawmaker stated that he prioritized agriculture in his empowerment programmes with the view that the right people will be targeted.

    He further disclosed that, “I am enthused to put an end to food insecurity in Northern Cross River. I presume you should be aware of my previous empowerment programmes in agriculture sector. We have distributed over 150 power hand tillers, tractor, herbicides among other things to boost crop production with the view to ensure food security, as well as organized capacity building trainings for my constituents in agriculture value chain”.

    Speaking further, senator Agom, noted that “Food security is the availability of food in a country and the ability of individuals within that country to access, afford, and source adequate foodstuff. It is our deliberate intention that food should be available for all class, gender or region which entails food security”