The Lumine News

Blog

  • Be Good Ambassadors Of NYSC, Zemoh Counsels Passing Out CMs, As 500 Bows Out Of The Scheme

    Be Good Ambassadors Of NYSC, Zemoh Counsels Passing Out CMs, As 500 Bows Out Of The Scheme

     

    The 2022 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Corps Members in Cross River State passed out of the national service today 22nd June 2023.

    Speaking to the outgoing Corps Members in Calabar zone at Calabar Municipal Council, the State Coordinator Mr Andrew Zemoh commended them for exhibiting good conduct and high level of patriotism in the discharge of their service throughout the period of their service year.

    He went on to advise the outgoing Corps Members to remain good ambassadors of the Scheme wherever they find themselves and refrain from acts capable of tarnishing the name and good image of the Scheme, family and the nation at large. He advised them against night journeys as some of them will soon be travelling home, and reminded them to keep accessing NHIA during the period of their three(3) weeks terminal leave if they fall sick.

    Highlight of the ceremony was sample issuance of Certificate of National Service to some outgoing Corps Members by the SC to flag off its distribution by the Local Government Inspectors.

  • Hon Hilary Bisong Thanks Constituents For Inaugural Victory, Support

    Hon Hilary Bisong Thanks Constituents For Inaugural Victory, Support

    The member representing Boki 2 State Constituency in the Cross River House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, has expressed appreciation to stakeholders, members of the All Progressives Congress and his constituents for the unflinching support given to his aspiration.

    He said that his re-election as a third term member in the state assembly indicate the overwhelming support for his political growth and the rare privilege given to him to serve.

    The lawmaker stated that in the face of many challenges, he was elected for a third term to serve, hence his desire to collectively work with the people of Boki 2 in addressing their concerns.

    “During these uncertain times, my highest commitment is to be your bipartisan voice in the state Legislature so that we can achieve our shared goals.

    “From this point forward, your struggles are my struggles, your concerns are my concerns, and your hopes are my hopes. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I am ready and excited to work for you.

    As brothers and sisters, let us shun the things that divides us as one big family and look in-wards toward making our constituency a great one.

    Thank you for this tremendous honour done on me to once again represent you in the state legislature, this is a shared mandate and we will always work together.

  • Jarigbe Joins Acting Inspector General of Police to Decorate Newly Promoted AIG Suzan Akem Horsfall

    Jarigbe Joins Acting Inspector General of Police to Decorate Newly Promoted AIG Suzan Akem Horsfall

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS, earlier today joined the newly appointed Acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to decorate his constituent and newly promoted Assistant Inspector General of Police, Suzan Akem Horsfall, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    Until her promotion, AIG Suzan was a Commissioner of Police at the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), Criminal Investigation Department (Force CID), Area 10, Abuja.

    Speaking shortly after the event, the lawmaker noted that, the new rank is to a well deserving personnel as well as a call for higher responsibility. He congratulated the officer who hails from Obudu LGA of Cross River State and admonished her to remain committed in her worthy service to the Nation, Nigeria.

    Also present to witness the occasion were; the Executive Governor of Imo State, H. E Hope Uzodinma, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibril Barau, the immediate past Inspector General of Police, Usman Akali Baba, and a host of others.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA.

  • Governor Otu Condoles With Maryann Anam

    Governor Otu Condoles With Maryann Anam

    By Charity Ohotu
    S A – New Media
    Deputy Governor’s Office

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has condoled with the family of Late Mr William Awak Anam who passed away on 29th April, 2023.

    The Governor, who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Rt Hon Peter Odey, prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed, asking that the Almighty Creator would grant the entire bereaved family the fortitude to cope with his demise.
    Odey also used himself as an example of a man who had lost his dad at a young age but today he is a Deputy Governor by God’s grace. And as such, God will see her children through and someday, they will become Governor, President and all they desire to become in life.

    In the condolence message to the family of the deceased, Senator Bassey Otu said, “Your beloved husband, father, uncle and friend will be greatly missed not only by his biological family members but also those he touched positively during his lifetime.”

    Late Mr William Anam was a well-traveled family man. He was an agriculturist, businessman and marketing executive who worked in many reputable international companies including Nigerian German Chemicals Plc, SmithKline Beecham, Seven-Up Bottling Company, UNICEM and others.

    The funeral service, which was held at the Flourishing Branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Calabar, was attended by family and friends.

     

  • Otu Flags Off 2023 Insecticidal Treated Nets Mass Campaign, First Round Of Maternal Newborn And Child Health Week

    Otu Flags Off 2023 Insecticidal Treated Nets Mass Campaign, First Round Of Maternal Newborn And Child Health Week

     

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, today officially flagged off the 2023 Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) Mass Distribution Campaign and First Round of Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) at Channel View Hotels, Calabar. This biannual campaign aims to reduce child mortality by combating malaria in pregnant women and newborns, ensuring that each household possesses Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) as a protective measure against malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

    The integration of the Insecticide Treated Net campaign with the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) guarantees that expectant mothers and newborns in Cross River State have access to a comprehensive range of health services. These services include immunizations, postnatal and prenatal care, family planning, counseling on nutrition, and other essential healthcare provisions.

    About 2.9 million ITNs will be distributed across 1027 designated points in the state, encompassing churches, schools, health centers, and other designated locations. Therefore, all parents and pregnant women are strongly advised to visit these designated locations to receive their ITNs.

    During his address, the Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, emphasized the severity of malaria as an ongoing public health challenge. He stated that, “Malaria as we all know is a monster that has been living with us for a very long time. Today, as we speak someone where is dying of malaria. If we don’t take responsibility, no one will do it.” The Governor stressed that the success of the campaign relies not only on the distribution of ITNs but also on the conscientious utilization of these nets by every expectant mother and child for a healthier future in Cross River State.

    In her speech, the wife of the Cross River State Governor, Her Excellency, Rev. Mrs. Eyoawan Edet Otu, graciously accepted her role as the Net Ambassador for Cross River State. She pledged to “be the role model for correct and consistent usage of ITNs, and will strive to mobilize support in providing an enabling environment for malaria programmes to be implemented”.

    The event was graced by the presence of the US President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), a major donor agency, and its implementing partners, including UNICEF, USAID, and WHO. Also in attendance were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, the Head of Service, Mr. Timothy Akwaji, and many other dignitaries.

    Highlights of the ceremony included the symbolic presentation of an ITN to the Deputy Governor for distribution, the investiture of Rev. Mrs. Eyoawan Bassey Otu as the Cross River State Net Ambassador, a net hang-up demonstration by the Demand Team, and captivating traditional dance performances.

  • Introducing Pastor Fred Abua Esq (AIAGP)

    Introducing Pastor Fred Abua Esq (AIAGP)

     

    Barrister Fred Abua, JP, is a highly skilled professional with a diverse range of experiences in writing, communication, coaching, social work, and law. His career journey took a new turn in 2015 when he was appointed by Senator Professor Ben Ayade as Special Assistant (Media). Over time, Fred’s responsibilities expanded, and he assumed various designations including Senior Special Assistant (Media), Press Secretary to the First Lady, and ultimately Special Adviser (Corporate Communications) in the Office of the First Lady. Throughout these positions, he also served as the Speechwriter to the First Lady, crafting impactful messages on her behalf and managing her social media accounts.

    Fred is an esteemed member of the Board of Trustees of the Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF), an NGO founded by Dr. Linda Ayade. Within this role, he demonstrates exemplary human resource management skills by overseeing a team of about 30 staff. He also serves as the Secretary of the Board and, utilizing his expertise as a Media Advisor, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Mediatrix Magazine, a periodic publication that highlights the foundation’s initiatives, and he was instrumental in developing engaging content for the MDF website.

    Fred wrote a column for the Nigerian Chronicle called ‘Open Mystery’ in 2012 and hosted a music and talk radio show ‘Touch the Power’ on Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) before then. Beyond his contributions in the realm of media and communications, Fred is also an accomplished author and ghostwriter. He has penned numerous published and yet-to-be-published Christian and secular books, including works such as “Omale’s Dream”, “How the Devil Whips Us”, “Straight Talk to Jacqueline”, “The Whole Truth”, and “Finishing Strong”, a biographical sketch of his father, Rev. J.A.O. Abua, published by Arbi Press, USA, in 2012. Fred’s passion for writing extends to his involvement on the editorial board of various publications. Notably, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Mediatrix Magazine, an esteemed role he held during the tenure of former First Lady of Cross River State, Dr. Linda Ayade.

    Prior to his government service, Fred made a significant impact in the realm of ministry. He served as a Teacher and Nigerian Coordinator of Bible Training for Church Leaders (BTCL), a program designed to provide comprehensive seminary-standard training to church leaders who lacked formal biblical education prior to entering ministry. Additionally, he held pastoral positions, serving as a Pastor-Teacher at Rockhouse Bible Church in Calabar and Grace Bible Church in Port Harcourt. He also did stints in short-term missions to Ghana and many remote locations within Nigeria.

    With his rich background in communications, content creation, theatre arts, image management, pastoral ministry, humanitarian service, and law, Fred will bring value to any team. Currently, he serves as the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.

    Fred, an Associate of the International Academy for Gender and Peace (AIAGP), is happily married to Omaji, and they are blessed with four children – a girl and three boys.

  • NASS Inauguration: Ex-Governors, Lawmakers, Constituents Honours Jarigbe, Offiono And Akpanke

    NASS Inauguration: Ex-Governors, Lawmakers, Constituents Honours Jarigbe, Offiono And Akpanke

    It was a gathering of people from all walks of life as former Governors, Federal Lawmakers, Administrators, Business men/women, Traditional rulers and religious leaders joined thousands of constituents of Cross River North yesterday to honour the trio of Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS, Hon. (Barr.) Godwin Offiono, and Hon. (Chief) Peter Akpanke in a grand Civic Reception on their Inauguration as Federal Lawmakers of Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly.

    The event which was chaired by former Lawmaker for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Peter Igbodor witnessed great cheers and celebrations of the trio by constituents and guests who sang the praises of the newly inaugurated lawmakers, individuals who have distinguished themselves in their respective capacities, in their services to humanity.

    The former Governor of Cross River State, H. E Senator Liyel Imoke admonished the lawmakers to “hold on to God and their constituents. Keep their focus on the good people of their Senatorial Districts and Federal Constituencies thereby uniting the people through their offices.

    Present at the event were: The Cross River State PDP Chairman, Barr. Venatius Ikem, immediate gubernatorial candidate of the PDP, Senator (Prof.) Sandy Onor, AVM Clement Ogbeche, FCT Commissioner of Police, Mrs Susan Akem- Horsfall, CEO Loaded global, Prince Akwase Offiono, Mr. John George, Alhaji Hassan Otuji, Alhaji Husseni Otuji, Deaconess Grace Ekanem.

    Others include, the former APC National Vice Chairman (South South), Ntufam Hilliard Eta, Dr. Don Klaimz Enamhe, members of the State Working Committee of the PDP, Chapter/ward excos amongst other constituents.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA.

  • Elvert Ayambem Emerges Speaker Of The 10th Cross River State House Of Assembly

    Elvert Ayambem Emerges Speaker Of The 10th Cross River State House Of Assembly

    Hon. Elvert Ayambem has just been elected speaker of the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly.

    He is the member representing Ikom 2 state constituency.

  • Holy Communion: Body and Blood of Christ BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    Holy Communion: Body and Blood of Christ BY PETER OBELE ABUE

     

    Holy Communion is the spiritual food recommended for us by God especially in times of adversity to keep us in close union with him. Its Holy because its food for our souls and Communion because it unites us as we all come together as one body to receive. Our forefathers in faith received Holy Communion as they prepared to leave Egypt the land of their captivity into the promised land (read Exodus 12ff). They needed to be sustained in the journey ahead. Down in the desert, their difficulties were huge and they were physically hungry, thirsty and beset by poisonous snakes. Again God gave them Holy Communion; this time “Manna” from heaven that they had never seen before to refresh and even heal them. (Deut. 8: 3ff).

    Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour the day before he suffered, knowing fully well how much his disciples would need it, shared Holy Communion with his disciples and told them to always do this in his memory (Jn 6: 25ff, Matt. 26: 26ff). Later on in Corinth, the disciples of Jesus when they had a problem. When most of them were being converted from paganism, some still had relatives and friends who offered sacrifice to idols and this resulted to tensions. Paul used Holy Communion (also called the Eucharist) to convince them not only on how to respect others beliefs but also to unite themselves irrespective of their differences (1Cor 10: 16-17). “The fact that there is only one loaf means that, though there are many of us, we form a single body because we all have a share in this one loaf” (v. 17).

    Jesus meant every word of it when he said he gives us his body and blood to eat and drink as Holy Communion. He meant this to keep us in close together in union with him, irrespective of our differences. He also meant it to prevent us from branching off our own wayward ways; feeling we can detach ourselves from him at will. Our questioning of this doctrine does not change the fact. (read Jn. 6: 52). Our decision to participate or not, does not change the fact either. Truly God means to come down to our level. The food of angels has become the bread of life and the saving grace for sinners. What a marvel in our eyes!

    What happens when we eat this bread? It is assimilated by our bodies and becomes part of us. Jesus says he is the bread of life and it His Body (Corpus Christi) we receive at Holy Communion. It is his person that we are eating and assimilating and it is his existence that must become ours. It’s all a matter of faith.

  • Meet My Boss, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Peter Odey BY FRED ABUA

    Meet My Boss, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Peter Odey BY FRED ABUA

    MEET MY NEW BOSS, HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. PETER ODEY

    His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, a distinguished statesman, was born in Ogoja, Cross River State, in the early 70s. He served two terms as a member and leader of the Cross River State House of Assembly from 2015 to 2023 when he was elected Deputy Governor.

    Prior to the commencement of his political career, Rt. Hon. Odey held a significant role as a Conflict Adviser at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), working in Kuwait, Sudan, and Nigeria. He also served as the Head of Risk Management and Security at the Foreign Office in the British High Commission, displaying his expertise in global affairs.

    The astute yet unassuming politician holds two Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Calabar, one in Sociology and the other in Civil Law. He also holds two Masters’ degrees in Political Sociology from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, and International Relations with specialization in Peace and Conflict Resolution from the London Metropolitan University. He is currently at the concluding stages of a PhD in Peace Studies and Conflict Management.

    With his multidisciplinary background in sociology, law, international relations, and conflict resolution, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey seems to be exceptionally prepared for his role and is clearly an outstanding choice for the position of Deputy Governor. His diverse educational pursuits have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the pertinent issues in governance and public policy, and the people of Cross River State can expect great things from his wealth of knowledge.

    Another notable strength of Hon. Peter Odey lies in his extensive experience. Having served as a lawmaker for eight years and worked as a conflict adviser at a respected UN agency, he has gained invaluable knowledge and skills that position him as a competent leader.

    His wealth of experience, exposure, and academic standing provide this polished, vibrant and loyal leader with the necessary tools to contribute to the progress and development of the state. Rt. Hon. Peter Odey will add value to the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Bassey Otu, who himself is also a sociologist and a lawmaker with 12 years in the National Assembly. Senator Bassey Otu’s years in banking and the petroleum industry will all come to play to bring to realization his People-First agenda for Cross River State.

    It is both my honor and privilege to serve on this team for the good of our dear state.

    Fred Abua, Esq
    Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor,
    Cross River State