The Lumine News

Tag: #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

  • Margaret Inde Hosts Interactive Session For Cross River Urban To Rural Women Mentorship Programme In Obanliku

    By John Akpo

    The Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Council, Evang. Hon Mrs. Margaret Inde today played host to Her Excellency, Dr (Mrs) Linda Ayade as she held interactive session with Obanliku maidens, women, widows and others at the Council Secretariat in Sankwala.

    Dr. Linda Ayade who was represented by the Special Adviser, Cross River State Water Board LTD and Coordinator, Cross River Urban to Rural Women Mentorship Program, Hon. Agnes Atsu (JP) and Mr Fred Abua, the Press Secretary to her Excellency said this meeting was the first major interface with the 200 beneficiaries of the mentorship and empowerment program designed for young women.

    Receiving the team on behalf of Hon Margaret Inde, the First Lady and the Obanliku CROWEI Ambassador, Mrs Victoria Ugbe, along with the CROWEI Coordinator, Obanliku Chapter, Mrs Ulam thanked Dr (Mrs) Linda Ayade for matching her words with action.

    She expressed her sincere appreciation and happiness for Her Excellency choosing to commence the pilot phase of this laudable initiative in Obanliku.

    The Ambassador assured that Obanliku will ensure a smooth implimentation and sustainability of the program.

    Recall that on the 7th May, 2021, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Ayade Inaugurated the State Exco for her new programme, CROWEI Urban To Rural Women Support Initiative Programme (CRU2RWI) with Hon. Agnes Atsu (JP) as State Coordinator with a charge to commence the pilot phase at Obanliku Local Government Area immediately.

    Today, Obanliku maidens, widows and others gathered at the Council Secretariat Sankwala from their various wards for an interactive session with the State Coordinator and her team.

    Speaking during the interactive session, the State Coordinator, Hon Agnes Atsu (JP) appreciated all participants and encouraged all to take advantage of the opportunity to better their life thereby fullfiling destiny

    Hon Atsu stressed that unlike other empowerment programs that has no good follow up, the organizers of this one will ensure proper monitoring and evaluation, hence plans are already on ground.

    In her words “Her Excellency is committed to ensure an implimentation of sustainable empowerment where beneficiaries can leverage on and create fortunes for themselves and their families”

    “We are aware, that many are here to get this empowerment, sell whatever would be given and return to their normal life, I assure you, we will drive you through a training process after which you will now be empowered”

    Also speaking at the occasion, the Press Secretary to her Execellency, Mr Fred Abua who also doubles as the Committee Secretary briefed the participants on the need for all to show seriousness and follow every step of the training.

    He also noted that “empowering women is very vital in every society especially like ours, if the society must experience rapid development, hence the idea of Her Excellency, Dr Linda Ayade”

    At the meeting, Hon Agnes Atsu informed the participants that very soon a team of trainers shall come and will take the participants on various entrepreneurial skills, trade and lots more.