The Lumine News

Tag: #Boniface Ewhe

  • Ayade At 53: Hon. Bonny Ewhe Felicitates With Gov. Ayade, Hails His Leadership Impact.

    Ayade At 53: Hon. Bonny Ewhe Felicitates With Gov. Ayade, Hails His Leadership Impact.

    By Richard Abu

    The Executive Chairman of Obudu LGC, Hon. Boniface Eraye Ewhe felicitates with His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, the Governor of Cross River State on the occasion of his 53rd birthday anniversary and hailed his leadership impact on the people especially the good people of Obudu LGA.

    The Chairman made this known to newsmen in his office today, March 2nd 2021.

    Mr. Ewhe said at 53, his excellency has achieved so much that generations unborn will remember him for good. He hailed his industrialization drive especially his blueprint to make Obudu LGA a tourism and Educational hub of the state.

    “Looking at what we have on ground here in Obudu you would agree with me that in the nearest future tourist will troop in here through the Cargo and passenger airport either for leisure in the Ranch Resort or for healthcare at the referral hospital”

    “The British-Canadian University is another big achievement of his excellency that will boost the economic fortunes of the State and our LGA as it promises to offer high ranking courses in the health, agricultural and engineering sectors including robotics starting from September 2021” Said the Chairman.

    He  seized the opportunity to call on Cross Riverians from all walks of life, home and abroad to support and key into his excellency’s agenda of making Cross River State the industrial and economic hub of the country.

  • Bonny Ewhe Sets The Pace, Donates Generator and Cash To National Identity Management Commission

    Bonny Ewhe Sets The Pace, Donates Generator and Cash To National Identity Management Commission

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Mr. Boniface Ewhe has donated a 2900KVA generator and a cash of (#50,000.00) fifty thousand naira only to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Obudu branch to facilitate enrolment of those who were yet to be enrolled.

    Presenting the generator, the Chairman noted that “we are worried that majority of our people are yet to be enrolled for NIMC, and with the directives to link all sim cards to NIMC, it becomes very obvious that those who were not captured, would come to be enrolled.

    “As a council, we are not unaware of the challenges that beclouds this exercise, ranging from power supply to provision of fuel. It is on this note that I present this generator and a token of #50,000.00 to aid your work”

    When contacted by The Lumine News, Mr. Ewhe said “we want to avoid the idea of officials charging people to pay money for enrollment. When people pay transport from their villages to come to the registration center, asking them to pay money for any logistics is abnormal.

    “We have to provide the needed logistics for NIMC to enable them do their job. Government is government, be it federal, state or local government. We have to take ownership of the enrolment process.

    “When they derail, we can then ask the necessary questions, for now, we will give them all the support they need to do their job effectively, and we are hopeful that they will deliver on their mandate”

    Mr. Ewhe used the opportunity to call on all residents of Obudu to take advantage of the opportunity created to enroll for NIMC as to be linked to their sim cards.

    Receiving the generator on behalf of the Chairman of the National Identity Management Commission, the Head of NIMC Obudu, Mr. Paul Alekwu thanked the Chairman of council for the magnanimity in donating the generator as well as providing fuel, and pledged utmost use for the purpose it is meant for.

    Mr. Alekwu used the opportunity to call on Chairmen of other councils in the state to follow the path created by Mr. Boniface Ewhe to ease the enrollment process.

    This gesture by the Obudu council Chairman would not have come at a better time than now, when an Aide to Governor Ben Ayade had raised alarm that some NIMC officials are charging and collecting as high as #2,000.00 for enrollment.

    A development that has led to the suspension of some of the officials of the commission.

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

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

    By Elijah Ugani

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

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

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

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Obudu Local Government Chairman Proscribes National Youth Council

    Obudu Local Government Chairman Proscribes National Youth Council

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Mr. Boniface Ewhe has proscribed the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Obudu Chapter.

    The proscription comes on the heels of a fifteen years boy accused of stealing money which led to his death by members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Obudu Chapter.

    In a release signed by the Chairman and made available to theluminenews, investigation has commence into the ugly and barbaric situation, and all those involved would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    The release reads in full:
    “Press Release.

    “The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYSC), Obudu Chapter is hereby proscribed. This is sequel to the unacceptable manner in which a suspected fifteen years old boy accused of stealing was beaten to death in Obudu by overzealous members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Obudu Chapter.

    “I urge the public to remain calm, law abiding and cease to relate with any person or group of persons as NYCN, as the police commences thorough investigation into the unfortunate incident.

    “Be rest assured that all the people involved in this barbaric act will be made to face the full weight of the law.

    “Meanwhile, people with useful information are encouraged to provide same to the police to aid investigation.

    “Hon. Boniface Eraye Ewhe
    Executive Chairman
    Obudu Local Government Council”

  • Obudu Local Government Chairman Calls On National Boundary Commission To Use The 1914 Lord Lugard Boundary Line For Proper Demarcation

    Obudu Local Government Chairman Calls On National Boundary Commission To Use The 1914 Lord Lugard Boundary Line For Proper Demarcation

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Boniface Ewhe has called on the National Boundary Commission NBC, to use the 1914 boundary line and bacon to properly demarcate the boundary between Benue and Cross River states to curb the incessant communal disputes between the two states.

    Hon. Ewhe made the call during the stakeholders meeting with the Cross River State Boundary Committee today, October 2nd in Government House, Calabar, in preparation for an enlarged meeting with the National Boundary Commission NBC, in Abuja.

    The Chairman named the communities affected by the lingering communal skirmishes with the Benue counterparts to include; Abonkib, Igwo, Ukwortung, Mgbenege and Ukpirinyi.

    The Chairman expressed disenchantment over the rate of destruction suffered by his people owing to the Federal Government’s inability to join the coordinates of the boundary line where beacons were not planted, Which makes it easy for the Benue counterparts to trespass and cause havoc. He however commended the steadfastness and resolve of his people to maintain law and order, while they await the intervention of the National Boundary Commission.

    The Chairman used the opportunity to commend the Chairman of the National Boundary Commission NBC, for his resolve to find lasting solution to the interstate incessant communal clashes, and charged the commission to give the demarcation exercise the urgency it deserves to avert further breakdown of law and order.

    The Council boss however commended the painstaking efforts of Sir Lord Lugard for the great job done which makes it very easy for the National Boundary Commission NBC.

    The Chairman recalled previous efforts made by the commission to resolve the boundary challenges which has always been stalled due to some reasons that have never been disclosed to the people who are at the receiving end of the tunnel, with resultant effects on lost of lives and properties Worth millions of naira. He further called NBC to swing into action expeditiously.

    Mr. Ewhe reiterates the commitment of the people of Obudu Local Government Area to maintain peace and order and called on the Cross River State government to give NBC the support it deserves to ensure that the boundary line and beacons are planted now that the National Boundary Commission NBC, is set to bring lasting solution to the affected local government areas.

    The Chairman paid special commendation to the Deputy of Cross River State who doubles as the Chairman of the State Boundary Commission, Prof. Ivara Esu who is also billed to lead the delegation to meet with the National Boundary Commission NBC, in Abuja for his dogged disposition and resilience in the pursuit of a lasting boundary between Cross River and neighbouring states and maintained that he is more decisive and resolute now than ever to pursue the demarcation exercise in Obudu to a logical conclusion.

  • Nigeria @ 60: Goodwill Message by The Chairman Obudu LGC, Hon. Boniface E. Ewhe.

    Nigeria @ 60: Goodwill Message by The Chairman Obudu LGC, Hon. Boniface E. Ewhe.

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Chairman of Obudu local government council, Mr. Boniface Eraye Ewhe has called on the youths of Nigeria to feel the special pride of being citizens of a free nation and charged the youths to exercise some restraint in their restiveness as we anticipate a better Nigeria.

    Mr. Ewhe made the call in a felicitation message to mark the 60th independence celebration of our nationhood.

    Find full text of the address:

    “It is my great pleasure to felicitate with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, all the people of Nigeria, living in the country and abroad, in general and Obudu Local Government Area in particular, on the occasion of 60th Independence Day.
    October 1st fills us with the excitement of unfurling the tricolour, taking part in celebrations and listening to patriotic songs. School children coming out to take part in match pass, traditional dances and other forms of activities to commemorate this day.

    “On this day, the youth of Nigeria should feel the special pride of being citizens of a free nation. We are very appreciative and we gratefully remember our freedom fighters and martyrs whose sacrifices have enabled us to live in an independent nation.

    “The ethos of our freedom struggle forms the foundation of modern Nigeria. Our visionary leaders brought together a diversity of world views to forge a common national spirit. They were committed to the cause of liberating Nigeria from oppressive foreign rule and securing the future of her children. Their thoughts and actions shaped the identity of Nigeria as a modern nation.

    “The celebrations of Independence Day this year will be rather restrained. The reason is obvious. The whole world confronts a deadly virus which has disrupted all activities and taken a huge toll. It has altered the world we lived in before the pandemic.

    “It is a fact that after 60 years of independence, there is still much to be done as we attempt a comparison with other countries. However, be rest assured that we are in the trajectory to mend our paths.

    “As Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, I want to reassure my people of my commitment to the ideals of genuine stewardship and providing the needed basic needs in line with the available resources.

    “Let us not loose hope in our country. Let me also use this opportunity to call on all sons and daughters of Obudu to consider making our contributions to guarantee the Obudu of our dream.

    “It is my honor also to use this opportunity to call on the youths of Obudu in particular and the country at large to exercise restraint in their restiveness, while as leaders, we are charged to live up to our responsibilities by providing the leadership we yearn for.

    “Once again, congratulations!
    Long live federal Republic of Nigeria
    Long live Cross River State
    Long live Obudu local government area.

    “Hon. Boniface Eraye Ewhe
    Executive Chairman,
    Obudu Local Government Council”.

  • Hon. Ewhe Distributes COVID-19 Relief Materials To Public Primary Schools In Obudu Local Government.

    Hon. Ewhe Distributes COVID-19 Relief Materials To Public Primary Schools In Obudu Local Government.

    By Elijah Ugani

    The decision by the Federal Government to resume school for examination classes across the country, has created more tension in the minds of parents following the rise in the incidence of positive cases of Corona Virus across the country.

    Poised to create an enabling environment for pupils devoid of the risk associated the resumption of schools, the Executive Chairman of Obudu LGC, Hon. Boniface Eraye Ewhe today began sensitization of public primary schools in the LGA and distributed Infrared Thermometers and Personal Protective Equipments to help cushion the spread of COVID-19.

    The exercise is solely the Chairman’s initiative to ensure the safety of pupils resuming for Common Entrance Examination preparatory classes in the LGA.

    Speaking to Head Teachers, the Chairman held that “Since schools resumed, I have observed that not even the Federal or State Governments have come down to my LGA to sensitize these pupils resuming for school nor provide COVID-19 relief materials required for their safety while learning, so I took it upon myself to ensure that my children are safe in a conducive environment devoid of fears of COVID-19 spread”

    The Chairman used the occasion to commend the efforts of the state governor, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade in the fight against COVID 19 in the state and call on all and sundry to support government in this fight through awareness creation.

    Hon. Ewhe however called on head teachers in the local government area, traditional rulers, parents, Civil Society Organizations, leaders of thoughts and religious leaders to rise to the challenge of sensitizing the public given the available opportunity to ensure strict compliance with COVID 19 preventive protocols.

    Reacting to the gesture, the head teachers and pupils lauded the Chairman’s gesture and thanked him for coming to their aid.

    On his part, the Head Teacher of St. Patrick primary school Obudu, Mr. Joseph Akomaye noted that “Since school resumed, no one has come to us to ascertain how we are faring nor provide any aid, so we thank the chairman sincerely for this initiative and pray that the Almighty God will keep and reward him”

    Similarly, the head teacher of St. Colman’s Primary School, Utugwang, Dr. Emmanuel Odu, thanked the council chairman for the interest shown in providing sanitizers, face masks and PPEs to his school and promise to complement the efforts of the chairman by ensuring strict compliance of COVID 19 preventive protocols by both pupils and staff of his school.

    On their parts, Master Frank Ikwen of St. Patrick’s primary school Obudu and Miss Rejoice Eba of St. Colman’s primary school Utugwang, seperately thanked the Chairman for his benevolence and promised to become ambassadors and advocates of COVID 19 preventive measures, both at home and within the school premises.

    Social distancing, regular hand washing, avoidance of frequent touching of the nose, eyes and mouth to prevent the spread of the pandemic were some of the preventive measures highlighted by the chairman.

    HRH, Uti Eniemeh Abayam thanked the council Chairman for his kind gesture towards his people, especially the pupils in the primary schools who are presumed to be ignorant of the ravaging pandemic except for the fact that they are missing the school time, having stayed at home for a longer time, and may have had an impression that something unusual has happened.

    The awareness/sensitization is to be extended to all primary schools in Obudu.

  • Obudu Council Boss, Bonny Ewhe Takes The Lead Flags Off Covid 19 Awareness Campaign/Sensitization, Distributes Infrared Thermometers, Face Masks, Sanitizers And Tap Tanks

    Obudu Council Boss, Bonny Ewhe Takes The Lead Flags Off Covid 19 Awareness Campaign/Sensitization, Distributes Infrared Thermometers, Face Masks, Sanitizers And Tap Tanks

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Chairman of Obudu local government council, Hon. Boniface Eraye Ewhe has taken the lead ahead of his colleagues as he flagged off an awareness/sensitization campaign to cushion the spread and effect of the ravaging pandemic, COVID 19 in Obudu local government area.

    The event took placed today, 8th August, 2020 at the Obudu main motor park.

    Hon. Ewhe admonished the crowd that turned out on COVID 19 precautionary measures, and advised the people to ensure effective personal hygiene at all times as the pandemic is no respecter of anyone.

    The Chairman used the occasion to commend the deliberate efforts of the Governor, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade as well as all front liners in the fight against the dreaded virus, COVID 19 especially health workers and maintained that it is not over until it is over.

    He appealed to health workers to be more committed in the discharge of their duties as the call to action would not have come at a better time than now.

    Hon. Ewhe used the opportunity to call on health workers in the local government area, traditional rulers, parents, Civil Society Organizations, leaders of thoughts and religious leaders to rise to the challenge of sensitizing the public given the available opportunity to ensure strict compliance with COVID 19 preventive protocols.

    The Chairman donated and distributed nose masks, sanitizers, infrared thermometers and other Personal Protective Equipments PPEs.

    With this development, the Obudu local government Chairman becomes the first to kick start the awareness/sensitization at the local government level in line with the call by the state COVID 19 Taskforce Chairman and commissioner for health, Dr. Betta Edu to decentralize COVID 19 response to local government areas during the JACC meeting held recently at the conference room of the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in Calabar.

    The Chairman while declaring the exercise open charged the Director of Primary Health Care and her team to take the message and relief materials to the nooks and crannies of the LGA.

    In his words “I deem it necessary to carry out this exercise following the decision of the Cross River State Ministry of Health to decentralize the COVID-19 Taskforce to LGA’s; I have provided infrared thermometers, hand sanitizers, nose masks and other Personal Protective Equipments (PPE’s) to be distributed to health centers for our people at the local communities”

    The exercise is to be extended to all the 10 political wards of the LGA and all health centers.

    Commending the governor, the council Chairman noted that “Cross River State was the last state in the Country to record COVID-19 positive cases, thanks to the expertise of our Governor who became the first to enforce the ‘no mask no movement’ policy; I want to reciprocate that in our LGA so that we can continue to be COVID-19 free”

    The exercise had in attendance traditional rulers, Civil Society Organizations, health practitioners and a large crowd of on lookers.

     

  • Obudu Local Government Chairman, Bonny Ewhe Mourns Hon. Godwin Akwaji

    Obudu Local Government Chairman, Bonny Ewhe Mourns Hon. Godwin Akwaji

     

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Chairman of Obudu local government council Mr. Boniface Eraye Ewhe has sadness over the death of Hon. Godwin Akwaji.

    Until his death, Hon. Godwin Akwaji was the member representing Obudu state constituency in the cross river state house of assembly.

    The late lawmaker had just completed one year in office a week ago, died after a brief illness.

    A release signed by Mr. Boniface Ewhe and sighted by TheLumineNews indicates that the chairman is pained because the late Hon. Godwin Akwaji’s wealth of experience was needed most now than ever.

    The release reads in parts “I write on behalf of my family, Obudu Legislative Council, staff of Council, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Obudu Chapter, stakeholders and the entire Obudu kingdom to express our deepest shock over the death of Hon. Godwin Akwaji, who until his death was the member representing Obudu State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly.

    “Hon. Akwaji who is not only my representative but my brother was so desirous of the development of Obudu, and had set the machinery in motion for the repositioning of his constituency, most of which I was intimated before death came knocking.

    “I had assumed office with the vigor, hope readiness and disposition to collaborate with Hon. Akwaji to chat a new course for a new Obudu.

    “I am personally pained by his death because his multi sectoral experience is needed most now than ever. where then is Hon. Akwaji, I have called him severally but I can hear him.

    “My consolation is premised on the fact that Hon. Akwaji has left indelible marks in the development of Utugwang, Obudu, Cross River State, Nigeria and the world at large.

    “Death is inevitable and a transcendental reality. We are all waiting for our turn. Hon. Akwaji would have waited a little so that we collectively share ideas in repositioning Obudu.

    “Even as you are gone, I’m convinced that you goodwill and plans for your constituents lives on.

    “To his immediate family, especially his wife, we are so saddened, but I encourage you to be console believing that your husband, our dear son and representative is resting in the Lord.

    “For us as Christians we are confident that Hon. Akwaji will rise with the Lord when he comes in glory.

    “We can only pray and ask God to grant eternal rest to you. Even if we question God, he cannot give us an answer. Our hearts and thought are with you in prayers”