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  • First Disabled/Blind Graduate In C’River, Francis Ashikem To Be Laid To Rest In Obudu

    First Disabled/Blind Graduate In C’River, Francis Ashikem To Be Laid To Rest In Obudu

     

    The remains of the first disabled/blind graduate, late Mr Francis Ashikem PhD, is to be laid to rest today 1st February 2025, in his family compound, Kakum in Obudu Local Government Area.

    Mr. Francis Who holds a Doctor of Philosophy PhD in Business Administration from the prestigious University of Jos, had his Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education (B Ed) in 1986, which made him the first disabled/blind graduate in Cross River State.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews, indicates that his remains will leave Sacred Heart Mortuary, Obudu at 9:00am today February 1st, 2025, for his compound in Kakum, Obudu Local Government Area and will be laid to rest at 10:00am.

    Biography of Dr. Ashikem Francis Awhobende
    BIRTH/PARENTING
    Dr. Ashikem Francis Awhobende is a distinguished Nigerian scholar, educator, and advocate for persons with disabilities. Born on 10th March 1949 into the Family of Pa, Ashikem Agim Ugbong of BEGIAGIM village, kakum community and Ma, Agnes Awhebi Ikwebe of Bebuabong community both from Obudu LGA of Cross River State, Nigeria. Dr. Awhobende is married and blessed with children.
    RELIGIOUS LIFE:
    Dr. Ashikem Francis Awhobende, was born and baptised into the Catholic faith.
    He was baptised by the white missionaries at the Immaculate Conception chaplaincy Enugu,
    And until his death he was a strong member, parishioner and supporter of St Theresa the little flower parish ipong.

    EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

    After he lost his sight to Missiles (an epidemic without vaccines as at the time) at age five(5) in 1955,
    Dr. Awhobende’s educational journey began at the Special Education Centre in Orji River, Enugu State, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1972. He proceeded to the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, completing his West African School Certificate (W.A.S.C.) in 1977.
    His tertiary education spanned several institutions:
    1. University of Jos, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education (B.Ed) in 1986. Making him the 1st Disable/Blind Graduate in Cross River State
    2. He also obtained a Master’s Degree in Special Education (M.Ed) from the same university in 1991.
    3. Dr. Awhobende crowned his academic pursuits with a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Business Administration from the same prestigious university
    4. He also received a Doctorial Fellowship investiture from the Institute of Human and Natural Resources in 2004.

    PROFESSIONAL CAREER:
    Dr. Awhobende began his teaching career as an Auxiliary Teacher from 1978 to 1982. He went on to serve as a Permanent Teacher, dedicating 35 years to the civil service from 1986 to 2013. He retired as PSMG 1 Grade level 16, marking the end of a fulfilling career in education.

    MEMBERSHIPS AND LEADERSHIP ROLE’S:
    Dr. Awhobende has been actively involved in various professional and advocacy groups, including.
    1. National Union of Teachers (NUT).
    2. National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET), where he once served as President.
    3. Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), Cross River State Branch, serving as President and Secretary at different times.
    4. Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), where he held roles as both National President and State President, and previously as State Vice President.
    5. Pioneer Member of the Great Elephant society
    7. Member National Union of pensioners
    8. Institute of Human and Natural Resources (Fellow)
    9. Member Atten Ikeg Age grade

    CONTRIBUTIONS AND LEGACY:
    Through his work, Dr. Awhobende has significantly contributed to the education and empowerment of persons with disabilities. His leadership and advocacy within organizations such as JONAPWD and NAB underscore his dedication to creating a more inclusive society.

    Dr. Awhobende’s life and career are a testament to resilience, academic excellence, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.

    LAST MOMENT:
    Dr Awhobende Francis Ashikem, rested I’m the bosom of his creator on the 22nd December, 2024 after battling with a brief illness and was taken care of at the Federal teaching hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State , it is indeed painful of the loss and vacuum so far created but we a console by his legacy of humility, love, fairness, equity and justice that he left behind.

    HE IS SURVIVED BY:-
    Mrs, Ashikem Anthonia – Wife
    Mr, Awhobende Jeremiah Unimke – son
    Comr, Ashikem Ernest igiewhounimye – son
    Master, Awhobende Eugene Beshaundipeye – son
    Master, Awhobende Leo Ayiangshieye – son
    Lady, Ashikem Angela – Daughter
    Miss, Awhobende Agnes Awhebi – Daughter.

  • Jarigbe Facilitates Bridge Construction In Amukwong, Obudu LGA

    Jarigbe Facilitates Bridge Construction In Amukwong, Obudu LGA

    In a bid to enhance connectivity and boost economic growth, the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has facilitated the construction of a bridge in Amukwong, Alege-Ubang, Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    The old bridge, which had become a source of concern for the communities, was not only a hazard to commuters but also a significant obstacle to the socio-economic development of the area. Its deplorable condition made life difficult for residents, commuters, and farmers, who struggled to access markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.

    The proposed bridge will serve as a vital link between Amukwong, Okikwor, Ngor-Kpu, and other agrarian communities in Obudu, as well as, improve residents’ access to essential amenities, boost economic activities, and enhance the overall quality of life.

    At the handover ceremony, Senator Jarigbe’s constituency officer, Mr. Egar Mgbantul, represented the Senator and tasked JRB Construction Company, the project’s contractors, to deliver a quality and durable job that meets the local communities’ expectations and demands.

    This project is part of Senator Jarigbe’s efforts to drive development and improve his constituents’ lives, building on his track record of facilitating infrastructural projects, including roads, bridges, classroom blocks, boreholes, sports and fitness facilities, amongst others.

    Residents and stakeholders had appealed to Senator Jarigbe to rebuild the collapsed bridge, and they appreciated his prompt response. They promised to support the contractor in ensuring quality service delivery.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Jarigbe Calls On Elected Officials To Concentrate On Delivering On Their Subsisting Mandates

    Jarigbe Calls On Elected Officials To Concentrate On Delivering On Their Subsisting Mandates

     

    The senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has called on all elected officials to concentrate on their subsisting mandates and noted that it was preposterous to waste so much time on conversations about 2027 general elections.

    Sen Jarigbe was reacting to the cacophony of voices that surrounds the recent controversy in the political landscape of Cross River State, with many pundits analyzing and permutating the 2027 general elections.

    Sen Jarigbe who acknowledged the sufferings of the people in the rural communities across the state, posited that those of them with various mandates, have a greater task in their hands. He stated that the major task is delivering on their social contract with their people and ameliorating the hardship being experienced by the people who voted for them.

    The law maker who took to his verified Facebook page, @Sen Jarigbe Agom, noted that “I strongly think it’s preposterous to waste so much time on conversations about 2027, when our people are suffering so much in our rural communities across the State. We should concentrate on delivering on the subsisting mandates.

    “For those who have ambitions for 2027, we should know that they have inalienable rights to express themselves. For those of us who hold various mandates, we have a greater task in our hands. The major task is delivering on our social contract with our people and ameliorating the hardship being experienced by the people who voted for us.

    “Let’s get busy! No one knows the next minute. The time is now! I refer us again to Lamentations 3:36 & 37”.

  • Jarigbe Facilitates Installation of Six Solar Powered Boreholes in Obudu, Bekwarra & Yala LGAs

    Jarigbe Facilitates Installation of Six Solar Powered Boreholes in Obudu, Bekwarra & Yala LGAs

     

    In a bid to increase access to clean water and improve living standards, the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has facilitated the installation of six solar-powered boreholes in Obudu, Bekwarra, and Yala Local Government Areas of Cross River State.

    Located at Bebuagbong and Betukwel in Obudu, Ichogodo-Nyanya and Anyikang in Bekwarra, and Itega-Okpame and Nfuma Ntrigom in Yala LGA, these boreholes are expected to provide clean drinking water for thousands of residents, reducing the risk of water-borne diseases and improving overall health and wellbeing.

    According to Senator Jarigbe, this project is a direct response to his call for universal access to safe, clean, and drinkable water in Cross River North Senatorial District. “I urged constituents to report communities without access to drinkable water, and this project is a direct response,” he explained. “While not all listed communities will receive boreholes simultaneously, I remain committed to doing my best for our people”.

    Senator Jarigbe emphasized the need for a fast, durable, and quality project, particularly during the dry season. Upon completion, the projects will be handed over to the communities.

    This initiative aligns with the lawmaker’s efforts to enhance rural communities through human capital and infrastructural development projects in the Senatorial District.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Philanthropic Businessman, Mr. Egbudu Mathew Gives Back to the Community

    Philanthropic Businessman, Mr. Egbudu Mathew Gives Back to the Community

     

    In a world where kindness and generosity are often overlooked, Mr. Egbudu Mathew, a business leader and distinguished son of Yala, shines brightly as a beacon of hope. His selfless acts of philanthropy have touched the hearts of many, reminding us that humanity is fostered through benevolence, not broken.

    As the revered theologian Karl Rahner once said, “Man is a beneficiary of another man’s benevolence.” Mr. Egbudu’s remarkable display of corporate social responsibility is a testament to this profound truth. By subsidizing transportation costs for students commuting from Yala Local Government Area to Calabar, he has brought immense relief to numerous families, lifting the burdens of the harsh economy off their shoulders.

    What’s truly remarkable about Mr. Egbudu’s gesture is that he chose to forgo personal luxuries, denying himself and his family a well-deserved vacation, to put smiles on the faces of those in need. His selflessness is a shining example of the transformative power of kindness as the student-beneficiaries and their families continue to testify across various media channels.

    The impact of Mr. Egbudu’s generosity extends far beyond the individual beneficiaries. It inspires us to acknowledge and appreciate other notable Yala sons and daughters who have made significant contributions to our community, including: Distinguished Sen. Associate Prof. Stephen Adi Odey, Mr. Boni Okache, High Chief Higgins Peters, Hon. Barr. Godwin Offiono, and Hon. Brian Odey.

    As we lean on the Latin adage “Quid quid bonum, quid quid pulchrum, quid quid honestrum, dignum lauda est” (“Whatever is good, whatever is pleasant, whatever is honest, is worthy of praise”), we recognize that acknowledging and praising these individuals will only encourage them to continue their good work.

    To Mr. Egbudu Mathew, we offer our heartfelt gratitude and commendation for his remarkable gesture. May his selflessness inspire our young generation and everyone else to make a positive impact in our society, remembering that creating change is a collective effort that begins with our individual acts of kindness.

    Ogonyi Francis Ekaya
    (Program Facilitator)

  • Akpanke Provides Buses To Convey Students Of OBO Constituency To Calabar

    Akpanke Provides Buses To Convey Students Of OBO Constituency To Calabar

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke, has provided three buses for each of Obudu, Bekwarra and Obanliku Local Government Areas, to assist students return to Calabar to continue their studies.

    The gesture which becomes very necessary following the hike in transport fare and it’s attendant effect on students.

    Find the release below:

    PRESS RELEASE

    “Due to the challenging situation of the economy and current costs of transportation, we are pleased to announce to the general public that the Honourable member Representing Obudu Bekwarra Obanliku Federal Constituency Hon Peter Akpanke, in his usual way of showing commitments and support to the Education of our Youths, has made provision for transportation assistance of three Buses per LGA across the Federal Constituency for students returning to school in Calabar.

    Date:Tuesday 14/01/2025
    Time:6am

    Venue:

    Obanliku Students:
    Ashisong Filling station,Utuhu.
    Contact number for Obanliku: 08066533843

    Obudu Students:
    M-R-S FUEL STATION, OBUDU.
    Contact number for Obudu: 08162574450

    Bekwarra Students:
    UNBEATABLE FUEL STATION, ABOUCHICHE.
    Contact number for Bekwarra: 08144418021

    Boarding requirements will be your school ID card or your last semester school Fee receipt. Thanks.”

    Thank you, Hon. Peter Akpanke for this intervention.

  • UNICAL Announces NELFUND Loan, Assures Students Who Have Paid Complete Fees Of Refund

    UNICAL Announces NELFUND Loan, Assures Students Who Have Paid Complete Fees Of Refund

    UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR, CALABAR

    OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR (ACADEMIC)

    ANNOUNCEMENT ON NELFUND LOAN 2023/2024 AND REGISTRATION FOR 2024/2025

    Students of the University of Calabar are charged to carefully note and be guided by the following:

    1. All beneficiaries of NELFUND Loan 2023/2024, who paid their fees for the session and are yet to graduate, will be given access to register for the 2024/2025 Session. In other words, the released 2023/2024 loan will be used to settle their 2024/2025 fees.
    As expected, when the 2024/2025 loan is released, the beneficiaries due to graduate within the session will be refunded after Bursary Clearance.

    2. The beneficiaries who paid their full fees in both 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 will be refunded the fee paid for 2023/2024 Session, pending the release of 2024/2025 Loan.

    3. Beneficiaries who graduated in the 2023/2024 Session will be refunded the fee paid to the University after Bursary Clearance.

    4. Beneficiaries and other students alike are urged to register for the 2024/2025 Loan, for which the verification of applicants is ongoing.

    5. Beneficiaries who made part payment in the 2023/2024 and have not settled the balance will have to pay it in 2024/2025.

    6. The dashboard of beneficiaries on the fee portal is to be configured to reflect NELFUND disbursement

    7. University of Calabar ICT Centre is a hub for NELFUND Registration.

    8. All students are advised to avail themselves of this unique opportunity and register for NELFUND now.

    Thank you.

    Prof. Tony Eyang
    DVC (Academic)
    13|01|2025

  • Obudu Chairman Meets Kwande and Vandeikya Counterparts, Reaffirms Commitment To Peacebuilding

    Obudu Chairman Meets Kwande and Vandeikya Counterparts, Reaffirms Commitment To Peacebuilding

     

    In a bid to strengthen ties and foster peace between Cross River and Benue States, the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Hon. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, participated in a strategic meeting alongside the Chairmen of Kwande LGA, Hon. Neji Vitalis, and Vandeikya LGA, Hon. Denis Akura, at the Vandeikya Council Secretariat on Thursday.

    The meeting was convened following the tragic incident of January 5, 2025, in which three indigenes of Obudu traveling to Kwande for business were attacked, resulting in the death of one.

    Addressing journalists after the meeting, Hon. Undiandeye condemned the attack, criticizing the actions of some Kwande residents who, acting on hearsay, resorted to violence without considering the peace currently enjoyed by the neighboring LGAs. He stressed the need for restraint and collaboration to prevent further incidents.

    Speaking during the meeting, Obudu Chairman, Undiandeye Meets Kwande and Vandeikya Counterparts, Reaffirms Commitment to Peacebuilding

    In a bid to strengthen ties and foster peace between Cross River and Benue States, the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Hon. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, participated in a strategic meeting alongside the Chairmen of Kwande LGA, Hon. Neji Vitalis, and Vandeikya LGA, Hon. Denis Akura, at the Vandeikya Council Secretariat on Thursday.

    The meeting was convened following the tragic incident of January 5, 2025, in which three indigenes of Obudu traveling to Kwande for business were attacked, resulting in the death of one.

    Addressing journalists after the meeting, Hon. Undiandeye condemned the attack, criticizing the actions of some Kwande residents who, acting on hearsay, resorted to violence without considering the peace currently enjoyed by the neighboring LGAs. He stressed the need for restraint and collaboration to prevent further incidents.

    Speaking during the meeting, Undiandeye emphasized the importance of peace as a foundation for socioeconomic development, stating, “Communities can only prosper when harmony prevails.”

    Hon. Neji Vitalis, Chairman of Kwande Local Government Area in Benue State, strongly condemned the heinous act committed by members of his community, describing it as barbaric, inhumane, and criminal. He revealed that a condolence message has been sent to the family of the deceased and confirmed that the perpetrators have been apprehended by the police.

    Similarly, Hon. Denis Akura, Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Area, echoed these sentiments, urging residents of the affected communities to prioritize dialogue in resolving disputes. He appealed to them to collaborate closely with stakeholders to prevent future occurrences and assured that the perpetrators would face justice following thorough investigations by law enforcement agencies.

    The meeting, attended by paramount rulers of the affected Local Government Areas, critical stakeholders, and government officials, explored the root causes of the conflict on the said day and the circumstances surrounding the attack.

    In a joint communiqué, the chairmen reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence and pledged to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice with the assistance of the Nigeria Police Force. As part of the resolutions, a delegation from Kwande, led by Hon. Neji Vitalis, will visit the bereaved family in Obudu to offer condolences and oversee funeral rites.

  • Breaking: Mathias Amunde, Who Killed His Mother, Has Been Apprehended

    Breaking: Mathias Amunde, Who Killed His Mother, Has Been Apprehended

    By TheLumineNews Admin 

    The 29 years old Mathias Amunde Ugwe, who is reportedly alleged to have taken the life of his biological mother, Mrs Justina Amunde, now late in the early hours of Christmas 25th December 2025, has been apprehended and currently cooling his feet at the Obudu Divisional Headquarters of the Nigerian Police Force.

    A combined team of the IPO, SA Security to Obudu Local Government Chairman, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Obudu Chapter, and men of the Nigerian Police Force, Batriko in Eastern Boki Local Government Area, led the arrest of the suspect.

    An anonymous source hinted TheLumineNews that the victim, late Mrs Justina Amunde, was murdered and her hair barbed for rituals. The combined team also apprehended the ritualist who instructed the suspect to barb his mother’s hair and brought to him, they are both in the police custody.

    The person that assisted the suspect to dump the victim’s coprs in the well, is still at large.

    Recall the TheLumineNews, had reported that Mathias Amunde Ugwe, is alleged to have killed his mother and dumped her corps in the well and has been at large since December 25th 2024.

    The two suspects are yet to make statements.

    As at the time of filing this report, efforts to get the Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo to comment on the development failed as calls to her phone number were not connected.

  • Four Years After, UNICAL Staff Employed By Past Admin Remain At Home BY INYALI PETER 

    Four Years After, UNICAL Staff Employed By Past Admin Remain At Home BY INYALI PETER 

     

    Four years after, majority of the people that were legitimately employed one year to the end of the past administration at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) are still at home as the current management has blatantly refused to allow them work or complete documentation. This is despite the fact that the same administration is being investigated for allegedly inputting names into the payroll.

    It’s sad to see the level of vindictiveness displayed by the current administration, which seems to be targeting the former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Zana Akpagu. But 99.9% of the affected staff are not related to the former VC and are innocent victims. Why not wear a human face and allow them complete documentation and commence work? These people will be paid with government funds not anybody’s personal resources.

    Besides, this administration is winding down already. A new Vice Chancellor will be appointed in the next ten months. Why not bring them now to work after all, if you consider them liabilities, your administration have escaped the liabilities for four years?

    Till date, UNICAL remains the only university in Nigeria with this problem. For those of us who understand the context of the recruitment when the federal government insisted on IPPIS, we will never understand the explanation on why they were stopped from working even though their appointment letters are valid.

    Nevertheless, despite the efforts of the management to get the former governing council to invalidate the appointment letters, the Chairman insisted that such recruitment happened across all universities including Northern universities. Therefore, he couldn’t in good conscience, preside over a session that would take such wicked decision against innocent people. Yet, the management has maintained its stance that these people must remain at home!

    What level of inhumanity is this? It is really unfortunate that this iniquitous action is being meted on innocent Cross Riverians by a fellow Cross Riverian.

    I appeal to the Vice Chancellor or those who have her ears to persuade her to end on a more positive note than she started by inviting these innocent people who are only victims of vendetta to complete their documentation and resume work. Even if payment will be delayed till the end of her tenure, let it be that government’s owing them.

    Similarly, because the majority of those affected are Cross Riverians, I urge Governor Bassey Otu to invite the Vice Chancellor for a discussion with a view to resolving this issue. This is what we see happening n other states. Our leaders should not turn a blind eye to this situation since it is a federal institution. If there’s a breakdown in law and order from this situation now, it’s the state that’ll be the most affected.

    The VC needs all the help now to end her administration in a way that posterity will judge her aright.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D.

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