The Lumine News

Tag: Ben Ayade

  • Inyang Asibong Dedicates Her Fellowship In Community Medicine To Governor Ben Ayade, And Her Senior Colleague, Dr Linda Ayade

     

    The Cross River State Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong, has passed the West African College of Physicians (FWACP) Fellowship Examination with flying colours.

    With this, Asibong is now a Medical Consultant and a Fellow of the Prestigious West African College of Physicians, the highest Examination body recognized in the Medicine and Surgery cadre. She is also now a Fellow of Community Medicine.

    Dr Asibong, a former commissioner for Health, who dedicated the result to her boss, Governor Ben Ayade and wife said she passed the examination on the day the Governor secured his victory at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    “The Lord has been really good to me and my wonderful Boss, and I dedicate my fellowship in Community Medicine to His Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade, and my senior colleague, Dr Linda Ayade” she explained.

    She thanked everyone who contributed to making this dream come true.

    Established in 1960, the West African College of Physicians is a professional organization that promotes education, training, examinations and research in Medicine in Africa.The college is the first organization to organize Medical subspecialty training in the region. It awards fellowships in Medicine following rigorous training and Examinations and is one out of two bodies that accredits institutions to train Medical Resident Doctors in West African member countries.

  • Dr Ekpenyong Congratulates Ayade On Validated Victory over Defection

     

    The Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong has congratulated the State Governor and His Deputy over the validation of their Defection to the ruling All Progressive Congress by an Abuja High Court, today April 7th 2022 describing it as a “mandate to Purpose Fulfilling Mission”.

    In a Press State Issued and Signed by the Director General, she described the purported failed and premature ejection of the State Governor and His Deputy as a divine authentication procedure meant to solidify the identity of the state Governor, Senator Ben Ayade as one of the most loved leaders in the history of Cross River State, urged him to remain committed in the actualization of his goals which is aimed at enhancing the lives of Cross Riverians.

    She used the opportunity to thank the state Governor for his numerous life enhancing programs in the Health sector which has signalled a revolutionary trend across the Country since his inauguration in 2015, urging the state to show support especially in the forthcoming Outbreak response against Poliomyelitis slated for 9th – 14th of April 2022.

    “Total, history is made in Cross River State as the Judiciary did not only stand for the truth and proclaimed it’s unbiased opinion to the issue of Defection and other constitutional rights of Citizens, but it solidified the image of the state Governor, Senator Professor Ben Ayade as one of the most loved, cherished and celebrated leaders in the state and the Country at large.

    The Unprecedented wave of support from party men and concerned citizens is an equivocal evidence that, truth cannot remain unspoken and a shinning light can never be hidden especially at a moment when the nation needs the expertise of visionary leaders like His Excellency, Senator Ben Ayade.

    He has shown all of these magnanimity in the innovations in the Health sector and as of today, Cross River State has become a model for national programs implementation seeing to the ever growing quest for Universal Health Coverage.

    Since 2015, the state has witnessed reduced rate of child and maternal mortality, improved healthcare Facility utilization, increased enrollment and Community acceptability of our programs, to this light, I wish to remind all of our parents and caregivers of the forthcoming Outbreak Response Campaign Against Poliomyelitis coming up for our children within the ages of 0-5 years old in this month of April, we hope our children will partake in this History making Court Judgement by receiving doses of vaccines and other suplimentary products”.

    Once Again, Congratulations His Excellencies, Senator Ben Ayade and Professor Ivara Esu.

    Dr Janet Ekpenyong
    Director General, Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency

  • Gov Ayade Impact While In The Private Sector Is My Motivation To Serve My People – Agbor

    A front line contender for the Obudu State Constituency election comes 2023, Dr Godwin Agbor has stated that look up to Sen Prof Ben Ayade then when he was in the private sector. He started by giving scholarship where some of my close relations benefited. He became my role model looking at the trajectory of what he has achieved and done for our people.

    Dr Agbor disclosed to TheLumineNews in an interview:

    TLN: Can we meet you please?

    Dr Agbor: I am Dr Godwin Agbor, Medical Director, Omega Agbor Clinic and Maternity, Okundi-Boki LGA. Currently, I am the General Secretary, Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), Cross River State chapter. Businessman and politician.

    I hail from Utugwang South, Obudu LGA of Cross River State. I am a member of the All Progressive Congress APC and was the party flag bearer for the December 2020 bye-election for Obudu State Constituency.

    I served as the Supervisor, APC membership revalidation/registration exercise for Obudu, 2021. I also served in the reconciliatory committee that harmonized the previous factions in the party in Obudu.
    I was the poineer ward Secretary of the defunct All People’s Party APP in 1999, during which time I donated an apartment for the ward secretariat, opposite St Paul’s Primary School, Ukpada. I am a Knight of St Molumba Nigeria, as the Sub Council Physician for St Patrick’s Parish Kakwagom, Boki Local Government Area.

    TLN: What is your motivation to serve?

    Dr Agbor: I have a strong passion to serving humanity. That is why I chose medical profession whose motive is ‘service to humanity’ This I have been quitely doing for more than a decade now. Quite a number of our constituents used to receive assistance by way of the health needs and empowerment. I feel fulfilled at providing such services.

    Secondly, when I was still in the primary school, in 1989, I took first in a gifted scholarship exams, Organised by the then Minister of Education, Prof Jubril. Then our late Elderstatesman , Denis Akwaji, addressed and gave me support to be kind to our people after completion of my studies. He used to attract a lot of infrastructural and manpower development to Obudu and Nigeria at large. So he became my role model and I got inspired to aspire into position which I can serve my constituency to the best of my ability with God on my side.

    Thirdly, l look up to Sen Prof Ben Ayade then when he was in the private sector. He started by giving scholarship where some of my close relations benefited. He became my role model looking at the trajectory of what he has achieved and done for our people. He has raised the bar beyond what any of us can think of as far as Obudu is concerned.

    TLN: What is your plans for youth inclusiveness in your policy formulation and implementation?

    Dr Agbor: I am a youth to start with. I don’t think my policy trust will be fair without the very strata I belong. The youths deserve to be fully involved in all level of governance because they constitute more than 60 percent of the entire population. The youth have the energy, the mental alertness and the proficiency to drive any process. Just as my leader, mentor and role model, Prof Ben Ayade has shown that 80 percent of his administrative drive constitutes the youths. I shall ensure that if voted into office to represent the good people of Obudu, sponsor bills that are youths centered in areas of Information and Communication Technology ICT, agriculture, entertainment and sports development.

    TLN: How do you intend to harness the vast potentials in the youths to solving the myriads of challenges confronting us using the Tech Solution?

    Dr Agbor: You have said it all that the youths are energetic, full of wisdom and they explore a lot as seen in ICT. It is unfortunate that some bad elements among us indulged in cyber Yahoo Yahoo activities, which is a criminal cyber security issue. I think this trend can be reversed. Those boys can be engaged, retrained by psychologists as to use same knowledge and ideas to provide modern security in technology, by government at all levels, private organizations or individuals instead of allowing them idle. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop”

    TLN: How do you intend to advance the course of empowerment in your constituency?

    Dr Agbor: Giving of motorcycles, sewing machines and grinding machines is not a bad idea. But I will go a step further to include giving scholarship to intellectually sound constituents, skills acquisition, craftsmanship and business training to enhance small and medium enterprise as well as partner with organizations that provide credit facility for my constituents.

    TLN: Bearing in mind that your constituents are predominantly peasant farmers, what is your plan to advance their livelihood?

    Dr Agbor: The APC led government already have in place programmes like the Anchor Borrowers Scheme, which have seen a lots of our people cultivate more rice and cereal crops. I will facilitate more of my constituents to benefit from such programmes by working very closely with my leaders at the centre. This can improve their means of livelihood in poultry, fisheries, cassava farming etc.

    TLN: How do you intend to change the narrative of poor stakeholder’s engagement in your constituency?

    Dr Agbor: I wouldn’t agree with you completely on this, but I think more robust contributions from stakeholder’s engagement is the way to go. Yes our leaders need to be properly engaged, carry along with the policies of government to avoid friction in the politics. I will hold meetings regularly so that what the people want, government can provide with the limited available resources. Don’t forget, Cross River State has been denied her God given resources in the political lost of her 76 Oil wells to our sister state, Akwa Ibom. In the same vein, Bakassi was ceded to Cameroon. This by extension has drastically reduced our revenue base. I use to wonder what this present administration of Sen Prof Ben Ayade is doing that he has achieved so much with limited resources.

    TLN: Your party, the All Progressive Congress APC, in recent times is known for consensus, do you have the confidence that the party will provide a level playing ground for you to advance your aspiration?

    Dr Agbor: Yes I am very confident that my party, APC leaders, critical stakeholders and members will give us the level playing ground for all of us who want to aspire to achieve it. I am qualified by training, by political experiences, and what I have done as a private medical practitioner to my people.
    I have no doubt in my mind that which ever modalities my party adopts for the primaries election, I will be supported again. And don’t forget, the last bye-election, for Obudu State Constituency, 2020, I emerged party flag bearer via a consensus.
    More importantly, the APC led Chairman in the state, Barr Alphonsus Ogar Eba have shown tremendous capacity. He is a man who is simple and accessable who have galvanized the party and will want the popular person to emerge through a transparent, fair and level playing process, so that the APC can win the general election.

    TLN: How have you impacted your people previously?

    Dr Agbor: My dear, I think that question will have rather being for my people to answer, knowing what I have done for them so far. However, don’t forget I told you that I have been reaching out to numerous persons in my medical practice at Omega Agbor Clinic and Maternity Okundi-Boki, through free medical outreaches, organised sporting activities and graded 5km road from Eshankpe to Mbube in my community, just to mention but a few. I have a penchant to do more for not only my constituency Obudu, but for mankind at large, if given the opportunity to serve. This service will not be about me, but the people.

    TLN: What is your campaign ideology and your advice to your supporters?

    Dr Agbor: It is simply the ideology of my party which together we can do for Obudu “Yes we can”
    I want to appeal to them to remain committed to this aspiration which is a collective decision for the good people of Obudu. They should continue to propagate our aspiration to all nooks and crannies of Obudu. I count on their prayers to ensure that collectively, we will achieve our aspiration.
    Thank you and God bless you.

     

  • Hon Maria Akwaji Felicitates Gov Ayade @ 54th Birthday, Describes Him As A Quintessential Leader Per Excellence

    Happy 55th Birthday To A Quintessential Leader Per Excellent

    I write on behalf of my family and the good people of Obudu State Constituency to celebrate a quintessential leader per excellent, Sen Professor Ben Ayade on the occasion of your 54th birth anniversary.

    God has blessed you beyond measures and you have chosen to use this blessings to impact on humanity.

    Cross River State government has witnessed a lots of transformation under your watch with lots of industries spread across the state.

    You have demystified leadership and have set a model for others to understudy. Keep setting the pace your Excellency.

    On this auspicious day of your birth anniversary, I wish you renewed strength, courage and vigor even as assume bigger responsibilities in the years ahead.

    Be rest assured of our support, prayers and goodwill as you strive to serve Cross River State better.

    Once again, congratulations!

    Hon Maria Akwaji
    Member representing Obudu State Constituency
    Cross River State of Assembly

  • Ogoja/Yala Bye-election: Ogoja Has Totally Rejected APC, Bekwarra is aggrieved, Obanliku is unhappy, Obudu And Yala Cannot Secure Ayade A Return To The Senate – Ntamu

    OGOJA/YALA BYE ELECTION AS A LITMUS TEST.

    The much anticipated Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency bye election has finally come and gone. The uncertainties surrounding the outcome, whether the result as announced by INEC is final or there may be a redress at the Election Petition Tribunal is left for the future.

    The election may have been concluded and a winner declared by INEC, but a good look at some facts and figures may leave us with a different impression other than the earlier assumption that the party who emerged winner determines the overall outcome of the 2023 election.

    From what was declared by INEC, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Jude Ngaji scored a total of 22,778(52.5%) to beat his closest rival, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Hon. Mike Usibe who scored 20,590(47.5%). The percentage margin between the candidates is just (5.05%).

    Judging by the fact that the candidate of the APC is a very popular personality and someone who is contesting for the second time in less than four years, 5.05% is rather a margin too insignificant to celebrate, especially by a ruling party. The implication of this is that, only Chief Jude Ngaji who currently enjoys goodwill across parties can win any election for the ruling party.

    Again, it is on record that Ogoja/Yala currently constitute over 65% of the state appointees in Northern Senatorial District, with Yala LGA dominating in some key strategic appointments. Having people such as; the former DG of Due Process, now APC Chairman, the sacked senator, returned as SUBEB Chairman, CRUTECH Vice Chancellor and other high profile appointees all from Yala. One would ordinarily have expected a landslide margin, but the reality at hand is rather shocking.

    The most recent appointment which was released on the eve of the bye election numbering up to 93 appointees had Ogoja/Yala topping the list as always. Some of us expected the new appointees to show appreciation by harvesting adequate votes. But the lean margin of 5.05% is a clear indication that the Governor’s concentration of his appointment in his preferred location has not yielded bountifully.

    In 2023, APC members in places like Bekwarra must brace up for a tough time. As currently constituted, Bekwarra sits at the lowest rung on the list of appointees.With just two Commissioners, a Senior Special Adviser and other appointees of Bekwarra origin occupying the basest offices. It is clear that Bekwarra has not been in the reckoning of Ben Ayade’s Government. Glaringly, Ayade has scant regard or disdain for Bekwarra, same place he has claimed his grandmother hails from all in attempt to scam the people into aligning with him politically.

    The marginalisation of Bekwarra people continues when he left Bekwarra out without any viable industry, except the reported groundnut milling oil factory, which he has been trying grudgingly to complete. With this stark reality, Bekwarra would have no option than to seek a new realignment as the 2023 general election beckons, with Ayade believed to be seeking a return to the senate.

    This is why the just concluded House of Representatives bye election is an eye opener. From the outcome of the election Ogoja has totally rejected APC, Bekwarra is aggrieved, Obanliku is unhappy. Consequently, Obudu and Yala cannot secure him a return to the senate.

    The Nigerian Police Force whose contribution in intimidating electorate largely influenced the actualisation of the lean margin of 5.05% won’t afford the luxury of sending over 5000 officers to each Local Government of Cross River State in 2023. And because it would be a general election, the possibility of having a police helicopter hovering over of every Local Government is very much unlikely.

    Those planning to hide under state powers and the security for intimidation as recorded at many instances across Ogoja and Yala would be disappointed.

    If the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency bye election was a litmus test, then APC and Governor Ayade have their work cut out for them.

    Equally, the trouncing of the APC by the PDP in Akpabuyo State bye election sums up the acceptability deficit of the power of the party in the state.

    Agaji Adie Ntamu (SAT)
    Is a Strategic Media Consultant,
    and a Seasoned Teacher.

     

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are strictly that of the author, Agaji Adie Ntamu and does not represent TheLumineNews or the organization the author works for.

  • Gov Ayade Showers Encomiums On Edem Ekong, Describes Him As A Seasoned And Honest Administrator

    The Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade, has described Edem Ekong Esq. as an
    honest and seasoned administrator following a courtesy visit by the latter to formally declare his intention to run for the highest position in the State under the platform of the All Progressive Congress.

    Receiving him and other party faithfuls at the Governor’s office, Ayade expressed his
    satisfaction at the quality of sportsmanship whilst noting that Edem Ekong is not just the first person to notify him of his intention to vie for the Office of the Governor in the forth coming general election, but also the first from the South to declare interest, since the
    Governor’s commitment to return power to the Southern Senatorial District in 2023.

    “When I won my reelection bid, I made a promise that my successor must come from the south. I gave my word and will give my right eye to keep it. The south has always stood by my government, they were the first Senatorial District who asked me to run for a second term. It is only natural that I do.

    Edem is someone who is very honest and someone I have worked closely with; a seasoned administrator with the maturity and temerity to follow through with decisions he believes in”. Governor Ayade asserted.

    Responding, Ekong thanked the governor for his kind words and camaraderie towards
    his gubernatorial aspiration. He indicated his readiness to engage the electorates across the state with a view to conscientise them about his ambition and choice of APC as the preferred vehicle for progress in the state.

    Other party stakeholders in the entourage took turns to speak at the event and opined that Ekong’s wealth of experience gathered over the years from working as Commissioner for Lands and Housing and Local Government Affairs respectively, Special Adviser, Departmento Public Transportation (DOPT) and others, make him an ideal candidate for the job.

  • Concerned Constituents Writes Governor Ben Ayade, Insists On Level Playing Ground For Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency

    *OPEN LETTER TO*:

    1. His Excellency, Senator Prof Ben Ayade (Leader of APC South South)

    2. Barr. Alphonsus Eba
    (Indefatigable Chairman-elect, Cross River State APC)

    3. APC Leaders and Stakeholders Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency.

    *BEFORE THIS SHIP SINKS*

    *Preamble*:
    We are foundation members and concerned card carrying members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) drawn from Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency. In view of the forthcoming general election and in furtherance of our resolve and commitment to the party towards winning the general election in Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, we are constrained to bring to your attention an imminent political danger and a seeming harbinger of doom, should the party continue to steer her ship towards the precipice in Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency. As Patriotic and Passionate Party Faithfuls, we owe our party a duty to draw her attention to situations capable of jeopardizing the Party’s chances of winning the next election in Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency and to forestall an apparent act of anti-party activities amongst party faithfuls.

    *OUR OBSERVATION*
    We find it very worrisome that the leadership of our great party, appears to have ceded the party ticket to Hon. Mike Etaba for a 3rd term in the Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency against the interest and wish of Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency. As Party members, we understand that Hon. Mike Etaba has shown immense loyalty and support to the leadership of our great party, which has fetched him a 2nd term into the National Assembly, even against the wish of the people. For his show of loyalty, we dare say that 8years in the house of Reps is already a good compensation for him and the people of Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency do not intend to extend his stay in the National Assembly with another unfruitful 4years. For the Obubra People, specifically, the 8years spent by Hon. Mike Etaba at the National Assembly appears to be a total waste as there is no commensurate effort or democratic dividend from his part to his people, and we do not intend to continue in this style of retrogressive Politics. For almost 8years in the National Assembly, Hon. Mike Etaba has not contributed meaningfully to any debate on the floor of the National Assembly. He appears to be too elusive on the floor of the National Assembly, and we do not intend to continue in that trajectory, as Obubra/Etung Legislators are known to be quintessential on the floor of the National Assembly.

    Furthermore, we wish to warn that should Hon. Mike Etaba or any other lackey be given the ticket of our party, we stand a chance of losing outrightly to the opposition, and we do not pray for such to happen. Presently, the opposition Party, PDP parades formidable aspirants for the position of House of Reps and we make bold to say that, should our party decide to fly Hon. Mike Etaba, we are cocksure that even as a sitting House of Reps member, Hon. Mike Etaba cannot withstand any of the PDP’s Aspirants. It is on record that in 2019, he lost woefully on the field.

    Emphatically, PDP has the following Persons as frontline Aspirants,
    1. Rt. Hon. Fabian Okpa
    2. Mr. Ken Egbas
    3. Barr. Innocent Chima
    4. Rt.Hon. Friday Okpechi.
    It is therefore apparent to say that we need a new face to fly our party ticket. The people are tired of Hon. Mike Etaba.

    *OUR PRAYERS*
    We humbly solicit for a level playing ground for all aspirants; and we make the following submissions.

    1. That the Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency leaders be allowed to choose their Candidate.

    2. That Hon. Mike Etaba should not be forced on the people.

    3. That, the inactivity of Hon. Mike Etaba on the floor of the National Assembly has adversely affected our chances on the floor of the National Assembly, and so should not be encouraged by bringing another person who is of the same stock or even worse.

    4. That we need a man with a strong voice on the floor of the National Assembly. Someone with massive goodwill and grassroot support.

    We make this prayers in the best interest of our party in Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, believing that if our prayers are granted, this sinking ship will be restored.

    Signed:
    Hon. Ntui Victor Omang
    (For: Etung Local Government)

    Chief Okimba Edim
    (For: Obubra Local Government)

    On behalf of the entire members of Concerned APC faithfuls Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency.

  • Hon. Mike Etaba’s 3rd Term Ambition: Hope His Excellency Is Aware? – BY UMEZULIKE DESMOND-CRUZ

    I had elected not to start the new year discussing Politics, especially as it concern my immediate Constituency, Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, but I feel constrained as a matter of utmost importance and urgency to draw the attention of His Excellency, the Governor, to an imminent political kamikaze, should he decide to handle the issue of Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency with kid’s glove.

    Aware that -barring any last minute change and unforeseen circumstance- the Governor, reportedly, has settled in his heart to compensate Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba with a 3rd Term Ticket, as a way of repaying him for his loyalty and refusal to remain in PDP, despite all entreaties and alluring enticement made to him by PDP bigwigs. Knowing the Governor for who he is, I am obviously not surprise that the Governor is allegedly keen on reciprocating Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba’s loyalty to him, with a 3rd ticket, as the Governor has a nice penchant for rewarding not a few that have remain loyal to him. Some of the samplers to underscore my assertion includes, but not limited to, the Governor’ support for Chief Barr. Alphonsus Eba (Okadigbo) emergence as APC Chairman-elect, his unflinching Support to Dr. Steve Odey- who obviously holds the Guinness book of records as one of the most loyal ally of the Governor. Moreso, is his commitment to ensuring that Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbor returns to the green chambers for the 3rd time and his rumoured commitment to settle some of his A-list Commissioners and Chairmen with juicy House of Reps and House of Assembly tickets.

    Without equivocation, I honestly do admire the Governor’s sense of commitment to rewarding loyalty and I pray to have a friend like him who can readily reward loyalty and respect friendship. But while this gesture may appear applaudable, methinks that the Governor needs to be more circumspect in throwing his weight behind some persons, as such may amount to political suicide.

    Is the Governor aware that the Politics of 2023, belongs to the masses and as such, must support only aspirants with grassroot appeal? Performance-wise and realistically speaking, I honestly do think that Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba does not deserve a 3rd term. Unlike, his counterpart, Rt. Hon Legor Idagbor, who is also gunning for a 3rd term, Mike Etaba has performed abysmally and elusively in the House of Reps. He has no grassroot appeal and has lost touch with the people whose mandate he enjoys. As a way of saving face, he hurriedly coupled few abandoned cars and “dashed” them to selected APC Leaders in Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency as Empowerment Scheme. As at the time of writing this article, I can authoritatively confirm that some of the cars used for Empowerment are currently languishing in Mechanic workshops and the beneficiaries of the Empowerment Scheme are obviously not happy. Isn’t it insulting that after enjoying close to 7years in the National Assembly, all we can boast of as empowerment Scheme is the gifting of rickety, dangerous-looking, push and Start Buses and Motorcycles.

    I hope the Governor is also aware that in 2019, the people of Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency voted against Mike Etaba? To put it in better perspective, Mike Etaba lost the election apparently, but was smuggled back into the House through the instrumentality of the Governor. I hope His Excellency is aware that the people of Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency are determine to resist any attempt to foist Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba on the people again, as once beaten, twice shy.

    Lastly, I hope His Excellency Is aware that he will be having too many battles in his hands to win come 2023, and the best way to ease the job is to support a candidate that can garner massive support from the grassroot and then concretize it with the blessing and goodwill of the Governor, and Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba is obviously not that Candidate.

    While, I anticipate that His Excellency takes an introspective consideration of the concerns raised herein, I wish to suggest that the Governor go to war in 2023, with Generals and Veterans of Political Wars and not Politicians waiting to be spoon-feed as the Politics of 2023, will not be business as usual. Every Political Party is expected to field in her best and Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency shouldn’t be an exception.

    God bless Cross River State.

     

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, UMEZULIKE DESMOND-CRUZ, and does not represent TheLumineNews or the organization the author works for.

  • Peter Odey Splashes 5M, 500 Bags Of Rice And 500 Wrappers On Constituents For Christmas

    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 today doled out 5M, 500 bags of rice and 500 wrappers to his constituents drawn from the ten political wards of Ogoja Local Government Area.

    Distributing the items and cash at the Ogoja council hall, the Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Mr Uko Inakwu, commended the gesture of the member of Parliament for recognizing the role of women and for the benevolent spirit to reach out the women, and noted that this is the first of it kind in the history of Ogoja.

    On his part, Mr Odey thanked the Governor, Sen Ben Ayade for providing the fulcrum that has demystified leadership in Cross River State within the last six years.

    He used the opportunity to assure his constituents of effective representation as he wished them a happy Christmas and a prosperous new year in advance “It has been my desire to give you the representation that we all desire and this I have done within the past six years. Today, I have decided to single you out to say thank you for all your support.

    “Let me use this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year in advance. May the love that God had shown us through the birth of Jesus Christ, find a place in our hearts as we share with those in need especially during this Christmas season”

    Most of the beneficiaries who spoke to TheLumineNews expressed joy and satisfaction with the items they received and prayed for the lawmaker and wished him the best even as he completes his stay in office.

    Mrs. Agbo Ogar of Ogoja Urban Ward ii described Mr Odey as God sent as majority of those who benefited from his benevolence had lost hope of what to eat during the Christmas considering the high cost of food stuff in the market.
    She asked God to grant his heart desires.

    Mr Odey had earlier in the month distributed 20 motorcycles to APC ward Chairmen and party stalwart across the ten wards of Ogoja to ease mobilization of party faithfuls.

  • Ayade Chief Of Staff, Martins Orim Impacting The Lives Of Vulnerable Cross Riverians

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Hon Martins Orim has contributed in no small measures to alleviate the plight of the down trodden in the state.

    Hon. Martins Orim decided to immortalize the virtues and legacies of his late dad, launched the GFO Foundation in 201….. Since the official launch of the GFO Orim’s Foundation, it has been a harvest of consolidated interventions, ranging from human capacity development (life skill), infrastructure, health and other humanitarian interventions.

    It is a known fact that this act of generosity is bequeathed to the Chief of Staff by his late dad for those who knew him.

    When contacted, Hon Martin Orim averred that “One of the ways to make my late father happy to ensure that I put a smile on the faces of the destitute, especially when I have the opportunity and resources to do so. It my desire to reach a good number of those who really are deserving of our assistance, but you see, we are constraint by the lean resources within our reach.

    “For those who knew my father, he was the pioneer catechist who brought the Catholic Church to Ubang, his home used to be a beehive of those who needed his mentorship, he could gather together to share with them what he has. He encouraged a lots of people, and I cannot forget his goodwill.

    “For me, the only way to say thank you to my late dad who is not here to see me become what I am, is to immortalize him through the GFO Orim Foundation.

    “It is my earnest desire to ensure that as a foundation, we target especially those who needs our support, to reduce the burdens on our vulnerable brothers and sisters”

    Hon. Martins Orim is a silent achiever who does not want most of the things his foundation is doing public, believes that he owes a duty to put a smile on the faces of the less privileged.

    Some of his silent achievements are as follows:

    1) a. Training of several people on Skills Acquisition, capacity building at Obudu. The first phase of this training in various skills has been ongoing since last year, some have graduated while others are still undergoing the training based on their different skills, they will be provided with start up kits as soon as they complete their trainings.

    b. Currently, he has partnered with the Industrial Training Fund ITF and training 50 youths in Obudu on Poultry, Catering, Decoration and plumbing. This is to provide the youths with certified certification that will guarantee their job security wherever they find themselves.

    2) Construction of a Mini Bridge at Okweriseng, Obudu.

    3) Construction of communal roads linking other communities at Okweriseng, Obudu.

    4) Empowered several people across the State with finances to set up Small and Medium scale businesses.

    5) Payment of hospital bills, including paying full charges for the incubation of twins that were prematurely delivered by a teenager at the University Teaching Hospital, Abakiliki, as well as payment of school fees for the less privileged across the state.

    6) Provision of Solar powered street lights for his ward, Alege/Ubang, Obudu.

    7) Donation of 25kva Diesel powered Mikano Generator and financial support to St. Charles Catholic church, Obudu.

    8) Financial Assistance and support to Orphanage Homes in Calabar and Ogoja on Monthly basis.

    9) Distribution of 23 Cars ( Yala – 1, Ogoja – 1, Bekwarra – 2, Obanliku – 4, Akpabuyo – 1 and Obudu – 14) and over 80 Motor cycles s to individuals in Cross River North Senatorial District.

    10) Donation of wheel chairs to the physically challenged persons across the state.

    11) Gifts of wrappers, food items, medical and financial support to Widows in the State.

    12) Building of a State of the Art Skills Acquisition Center for his community, Ubang, Obudu.

    13) Building of a Civic Center for his community Ubang, Obudu to aid Revenue generation.

    14) Award of scholarships to several indigenes of Cross River State from primary, post primary and tertiary institutions in the State.

    15) Facilitated employment of Cross Riverians into the Nigeria Police Force, the Military, Nigeria Civil Defense and Security Corps, NCDSC etc. etc.

    16) Equipped Primary and Secondary Schools with Computers and Science Laboratory equipments at Okweriseng, Ubang – Obudu

    17) Facilitated the building of a Telecommunications mast to aid his community and environs gain quality access to GSM Network in the 21st century.

    18) Provision of electricity supply to Ubang in Alege/Ubang Ward in Obudu LGA.

    19) Renovated a house for a widow at Anyikang, Bekwarra LGA.

    20. Provided a source of livelihood by setting a small medium enterprise for the widow at Anyikang

    All the interventions as enumerated above were captured under the various thematic areas of GFO Orim Foundation, which include: Access to equitable good health, Access to affordable education, Livelihood, Rights and Justice as well as other cross cutting issues.

    The Board and management of GFO Orim Foundation is opened to partnership from other organizations, group of individuals, philanthropists and even government at all levels to bridge the gap of the challenges of the populace.