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Tag: #Martin Orim

  • Hon Martin Orim Receives Defectors In Alege/Ubang, Unveils Team Martin-Jarigbe

    Hon Martin Orim Receives Defectors In Alege/Ubang, Unveils Team Martin-Jarigbe

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and Chief of Staff to former Governor Ben Ayade, Hon Chief Martin Orim, in company of the Ward Chairman, Mr Ikong Cyprain Oyor, received defectors from the People’s Democratic Party PDP, in his ward, Alege/Ubang, in Obudu Local Government Area.

    The defection which took place on the 3rd January 2026, at Okiro – Ubang, was part of the new year interactive session with party stalwarts his ward.

    Receiving the defectors, Hon Martin Orim, commended the bold step taken by the defectors to align with the All Progressive Congress APC, to bring development to the ward.

    He charged party leaders who pledged to support him to align with Senator Jarigbe Agom because the senator has shown effective representation.

    He noted that “Sen Jarigbe Agom has shown clearly that he is part of us. The Amukwong bridge the senator is working on, when completed will improve the economic activities of our people”.

    Hon Martin Orim, noted “Sen Jarigbe Agom is a performing senator and we cannot afford to replace a performing senator when he is everywhere and bringing the dividends of democracy that all of you here can see.

    “I enjoined you all to be formidable and rally support around the senator. I had previously appealed and let me remind us that the Vice Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon Rhoda Ashong, the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Pastor Fed Abua, the Councilor representing Alege/Ubang ward, all political appointees from the ward should put a little amount of money each time they receive salary to host party meetings from village to village to keep the party alive”.

    Hon Martin Orim, informed that “the support you all have for me is hereby channelled to TEAM Martin-Jarigbe”.

    Speaking earlier and on behalf of the defectors, Mr Emmanuel Abua, thanked the Chief of Staff to former Governor Ben Ayade and Chairman of GFO Orim Foundation and the entire APC members in the ward.

    Mr Abua noted that “While it remains clear that we moved with our Distinguished Senator, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe base on his leadership prowess and developmental strives, we pledged our loyalty to the party leadership in the ward specifically as well as to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Cross River State Governor Prince Bassey Otu, and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Odey, While prioritising the success and development of our people”.

    On his part, the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon Sylvester Agabi, commended the defectors and noted that “You are most welcome to the largest party. There is nothing like old or new APC members. We are all equal. Whatever that is due party members who have been here before today is equally due those that have defected today. I wish you all the best as you continue to support Gov Bassey Otu, his Deputy and President Armed Bola Tinubu”.
    The event drew several top party leaders and functionaries including the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi Jnr., the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, the Vice Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Hon. Rhoda Ashong, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Barr Fred Abua, Hon. Philip Ikpa, former leader of the council for Alege/Ubang Ward, and other key stakeholders

  • Martin Orim Congratulates Sunny Ayang on National Award, Describes Honor Timely 

    Martin Orim Congratulates Sunny Ayang on National Award, Describes Honor Timely 

     

    Hon. Dr. Martin Orim, the Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and a member of the Council of the Federal College of Education in Bichi, Kano State, extended his congratulations to Hon. Dr. Sunny Ayang, the Chairman of the Obanliku Local Government Area, on receiving national recognition from the Nigerian Senate.

    The award, presented in Abuja, honored Dr. Ayang as one of the Outstanding Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria. In a message posted on his official Facebook page, Dr. Orim described this recognition as a timely acknowledgment of Dr. Ayang’s dedicated service and a source of pride for the people of Obanliku.

    He emphasized that this honor reflects steady leadership and a strong commitment to community progress. Dr. Orim also wished Dr. Ayang continued success in his duties.

    Furthermore, Dr. Orim reaffirmed his support for Dr. Ayang and expressed confidence that this achievement will inspire further development efforts across the local government.

    #Martins4All #All4Martins

  • Former Chief Of Staff To Gov Ben Ayade, Martin Orim Receives Sen Jarigbe Agom Ahead Of Defection

    Former Chief Of Staff To Gov Ben Ayade, Martin Orim Receives Sen Jarigbe Agom Ahead Of Defection

    The former Chief of Staff to Gov Ben Ayade, Hon. Martin Orim, today October 29th 2025 received Sen Jarigbe Agom in his Abuja residence in preparation for his defection to the All Progressive Congress APC.

    Hon Martin Orim, who is also the Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and Member of the Governing Council, FCE (Technical) Bichi, assured Sen Jarigbe Agom, of his support and commitment to consolidate party unity and enhance the progress of Cross River State

    The meeting focused on strengthening unity and stimulating collaboration ahead of Sen Jarigbe Agom’s formal entry into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

     

  • Empowerment, Infrastructure, Compassion: Chief Martin Orim – The Man Who Gave Even When He Had Little BY DENIS INAKEFE

     

    The Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation, Chief (Dr) Martin Orim, is a name synonymous with selfless service. His record speaks for itself and reflects the true meaning of his slogan: “You don’t give because you have, but because you care.” He will do even better if given the opportunity to serve again, and this he has constantly reaffirmed.

    While serving as Chief of Staff with a monthly salary of #275,000 and an imprest of #5 million, Chief Martin Orim carried out an unprecedented level of empowerment and community development.

    Vehicle Empowerment Highlights:
    1. Ernest Ublibli (Alpha) – Toyota Camry (Muscle)
    2. Hon. Sylvester Agabi – Toyota Corolla
    3. Augustin Abua – Toyota Corolla
    4. Hon. Phillip Ikpa – Toyota Camry
    5. Justin Ayabie (Ajebota) – Toyota Camry + 4-bedroom house in his village
    6. Rev. Fr. Aniah’s Ordination – Toyota Corolla
    7. Rev. Fr. Greg Ashie’s Ordination – Toyota Corolla
    8. Chief Spokesman Agogo – Lexus RX 350
    9. Arewa Undeshi – Mercedes Benz E350
    10. Mayor Undeshi – Toyota Camry
    11. Cyprian Ikong – Toyota Camry
    12. Barry Okang – Toyota Camry
    13. Elder Agustin Ogbe – Toyota Camry
    14. Cyprian Batiang – Toyota Camry
    15. Phydel Aben – Toyota Camry
    16. Chief Ekunke Osang (FG) – Toyota Camry
    17. NURTW – Toyota Sienna Bus
    18. NYCN – Toyota Sienna
    19. Chief Moses Ogbe – Toyota Camry
    20. Hon. Godwin Ejugo Odey – Nissan
    21. David Bekwara – Toyota Camry
    22. Sylvester Iruma (Tompolo) – Toyota Highlander
    23. Joseph Wonah (JoeBella) – Toyota Camry
    24. Sylvanus Udie – Toyota Highlander
    25. Mrs. Grace Ukpi – Toyota Camry
    26. Kingsley Ukpong – Previa Bus
    27. Ajana – Nissan Car
    28. Pastor Chinedu – Nissan Car
    29. Joe Odama – Camry
    … and many others. For Motorcycles Empowered: Too numerous to count.

    Other Empowerment Initiatives by Chief Hon. (Dr) Martin Orim include Sponsorship of education for many underprivileged students, Supporting widows and market women, and Assisting persons with disabilities. He Facilitated 3 ICT centers:
    1. Technical Secondary School, Ibong
    2. The Den, CRUTECH (now UNICROSS)
    3. St. Joseph Center for the Visually Handicapped

    That’s not all. Chief Orim dedicated his entire salary to orphanage homes, he Facilitated the construction of a 3-classroom block in Primary School, Udigie, Built market shades in Sankwala Market

    Chief Orim remains one of the very few from our OBO constituency who left visible, tangible impacts despite limited resources. Many others had the same opportunity but did little or nothing. He proved that leadership is not about personal gain, but about service.

    “Those who are faithful with little will be faithful with much.” Let us support Chief Martin Orim for greater service to our people.

    #mediachiefpriest
    #certifiedcmo
    @highlight

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

     

  • Public Office Is A Trust And The Trustees Are The People BY MARTIN ORIM

     

    Public office constitutes a sacred TRUST, where the ultimate trustees are the PEOPLE – the electorates. Those elected by the people are the holders of the Trust and are charged with the responsibility of managing this Trust to deliver essential services and support for our people’s well-being. In return, the electorate possesses an inherent right to hold our representatives accountable for their actions and decisions, through any means they deem appropriate to ensure their voices are heard.

    Rather than rebuking constituents for their demands for transparency and accountability, it is far more constructive to engage in open dialogue and provide clear, comprehensive explanations to alleviate their concerns, which will in turn, foster a healthier democratic environment.

    A critical deficiency within our democracy is that many of our people currently occupying public office, particularly some of our elected representatives, often lack a fundamental understanding of the concepts of representation and leadership. This gap in knowledge leads them to overlook the essential truth that the offices they hold are, indeed, a public trust and that the electorate should be treated as the ultimate beneficiaries of that trust.

    To address this deficiency, it is imperative to emphasise the importance of LEADERSHIP training for those seeking elective office, recognising that they will be carrying the people’s trust when elected into office. Such training should encompass a thorough understanding of democratic principles, fiduciary responsibilities, and effective community engagement strategies. By prioritising this education, we can cultivate leaders who not only comprehend their roles as trustees but are also equipped to uphold the integrity of the democratic process, ultimately serving the interests of their constituents who are the trustees with dedication and transparency.

    Hon Chief (Dr) Martin Orim

     

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Martin Orim, and does not represent TheLumineNews, it’s agent or the organization the author works for 

     

  • GFO Orim Foundation Empowers 60 Persons In Northern Senatorial District

    By Elijah Ugani 

    A non governmental organization GFO Orim Foundation in partnership with Industrial Training Fund ITF has empowered 60 persons drawn from the 54 political wards of Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State.

    Presenting the started kits to the beneficiaries, the Chairman/Founder of GFO Orim Foundation, Chief Hon Martin Orim, who was the Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor of Cross River State, congratulated the beneficiaries for their their patient through out the period of the training.

    In his words “Let me congratulate those of you who were painstakingly selected by your leaders for this training. You were taken out of your comfort to go to Calabar for this training where I provided accommodation and feeding for all of you for the period you stayed in Calabar. It was not easy that you left the comfort of your homes, some of you left your spouses just to attend this training.

    “This is the second batch of beneficiaries that we are partnering with ITF, the first batch was provided with starter kits here in the local government secretariat and the third batch is currently undergoing training.

    “Initially, we used to do our trainings and provide starter kits for the trainees until, a friend mentioned to me that I can partner with ITF that will train and provide starter kits for the trainees on payment of a counterpart fund.

    “I was shocked when I heard that some beneficiaries in the first batch sold the items they collected. I’m not doing this because I don’t know what to use the money for. To me, my philosophy about wealth is that you use the money you have to better the lives of those around you and not the amount in your bank account. For me, my wealth is all of you sitting here.

    “I want to appeal to all of you to please make good use of these items. We are making efforts to get grants from Bank of Industry for those who are serious about their business.

    “When I started this empowerment under the GFO Orim Foundation, many people said I was doing politics, I don’t know if we are still doing campaign. I want to say that I’m qualified to run any election. When I want to contest election, I will call politicians together and declare my intention to contest. You were all aware that I contested the senate primaries under the APC and won the ticket, and after a wider consultation, I withdrew for my boss. Prior to the primaries, I had said that I was not going to the senate to do motorcycle or Keke empowerment.

    “For me, these empowerment is a legacy for my family, I have told my son that he will take over from me and continue with it in memory of my late father”

    Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Spokesman Agogo stated that the program is all encompassing. The originator of this initiative is a humanity, as he congratulated the beneficiaries and held that the empowerment is qualitative.

    On his part, the Area Manager of Industrial Training Fund ITF, Mr Nwigboji Nwafagu, said that ITF is happy to be here. This collaboration started about three years ago. Last year we were here and today we are here are again
    We insisted that this must be done even though people fought against it. If you insist on the right thing, God has a way of lifting you.

    Nwafagu noted that the beneficiaries were trained in Calabar for three months and are ready to start their businesses.
    In his words “Some of these persons were transported from here to Calabar, lodge them in a hotel for three months. They have been trained, they have graduated and they are ready to start business. We are ready to continue this partnership”

    He charged the trainees not to sell the starter kits, and to make efforts to train others.

    In the same light, Mr Odey Adamade Esq, lauded the efforts of the Chairman/Founder of GFO Orim Foundation, Hon Martin Orim for the initiative and stressed the need for the beneficiaries to make good use of the items.

    In his goodwill message, the Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN, Obudu chapter, Mr Linus Abuokwen, thanked the Chairman/Founder of GFO Orim Foundation, Hon Martin Orim, for always thinking about the youths in his intervention. He charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the skills acquired and the items to better their lives.

    One of the beneficiaries Miss Vera Abue, from Mbube in Ogoja Local Government Area, who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries, thanked Chief Hon Martin Orim for finding them worthy of the gesture and prayed God to grant his heart desire and continue to bless him to enable him reach out to others.

    The event which was held today, September 1st 2023, at Obudu Local Government secretariat had dignitaries at the occasion to  include; Deputy Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon Sylvester Agabi, Mr Edu Peter, Dan Urumulam Esq, Engr Tomas Aruku, Mr Thomas Odama, Mr Alpha Ublibli, Mr Noel Ugbong, Mr Eric Akpo among others.

    Highlights of the occasion was presentation of starter kits to beneficiaries and group photographs.

  • Ayade’s Chief Of Staff, Hon Martin Orim Obtains APC Northern Senatorial Form

    The Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Hon Martin Orim has today, May 5th, 2022 obtained the All Progressive Congress APC nomination form to contest the Cross River Northern Senatorial District election.

    Hon Martin Orim becomes the first person to pick the form to challenge the incumbent, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.

     

  • GFO Orim Foundation Begins Construction Of Delapidated Culvert Linking Ofambe And Okiro In Obudu

    The Chairman of GFO Orim Foundation, and Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Hon Martin Orim an illustrious son of Alege/Ubang, has commenced a total overhaul of a delapidated culvert linking Ofambe and Okiro, Ubang in Obudu.

    Reports has it that the Chief of Staff has instructed the contractors not to leave the site until the culvert is fully completed. He has insisted on the use of quality materials and also given directives to allow people of the community monitor the progress and quality of work being done.

    The construction work is a collaboration of the GFO Orim Foundation and the Okiro community. The community requirement is to provide sand and gravel while other requirements is provided by GFO Orim Foundation.

    As at today, work on the said culvert is at top speed, and the contractors are poised on delivering a quality culvert in record time, to beat the later part of raining season.

    This development comes on the heels of the outcry by Mr Emmanuel Abua on the 24th November, 2021during his ward tour of the People’s Democratic Party PDP. Lots of attention was drawn via his verified Facebook page about the dilapidated culvert linking Ofambe to Okiro, the last village in Ubang.

    In the widely circulated Facebook publication, Emmanuel had cried of neglect of the people of Okiro and had called on leaders to help in constructing a culvert for the community.

    When contacted, Emmanuel Abua commended the Chief of Staff to the governor for the prompt response and assured that such collaboration is needed most now than ever for the good of the people, and maintained that criticizing government is never a bad thing, but rather calls government attention to areas where they need to take action.

    GFO Orim Foundation has undertaken a lots of projects for Alege/Ubang ward of Obudu Local Government Area including human capital development of the youths.

  • Non Governmental Organization In Makurdi Honors Governor Ben Ayade Chief Of Staff

    By Elijah Ugani

    A Nongovernmental Organization, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Foundation, Makurdi in Benue State has honored the Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Hon. Martin Orim, for his selfless humanitarian services to the less privileged.

    The award was presented on Saturday, 13th February 2021, at the Foundation office in Benue state.

    Presenting the award on behalf of the foundation, Rev. Bartholomew Maria Akighir noted that “we appreciate you for honouring our invitation for this award in recognition of the Chairman/CEO of GFO Orim Foundation.

    “Our awards are presented to individuals with notable foot prints and, Sir Martins Orim made it into the list because of the following reasons and many more which we have being following on social media handles and internet for quite sometimes:

    “His swift intervention in October 2020 to save Mrs Theresa who had premature birth of triplets. The emotional comments he expressed when he visited her in the hospital, showed his compassion and genuine love for the poor and the needy.

    “His passion and determination for the girl-child education also got our attention.

    “His Foundation has being making huge donations to the physically challenged persons and so many other poor and needy people in Cross River and beyond.

    “These good works and many more done by his Foundation have caught our attention; and will hope that the award given to him will encourage him to do more.

    “As a reputable Christian charitable organization, we hold merit in high esteemed and we always do our best to encourage those trading on the path of charity which is a gate way to eternity”.

    Responding on behalf of the Chairman and Founder of GFO Orim Foundation who doubles as the Chief of Staff to Governor Ben Ayade, the Programme Director of GFO Orim Foundation, Hon. Peter Okaba thanked Our Lady of Perpetual Help Foundation for painstakingly following the activities of GFO Orim Foundation to have considered Hon. Martin Orim worthy of the honor.

    He noted that “for us at GFO Orim Foundation, we are not interested in whether people are seeing what we are doing or not. Our mandate and interest is to ensure that we provide succor to the most vulnerable people in the society within our reach in line with our resources.

    “We were shocked when we got this invitation for this award, because we least expected it. For every good intent we have, God knows.

    “This award is a motivation to do more and it has just revealed to us that people are taking note of what we are doing, and they are very interested in all our programmes.

    “Our Chairman and Founder, the Chief of staff to the Governor of Cross River State is poised to give to those in need, and he will continue to support those he can within the context of his resources”

  • GFO Orim Foundation Set To Empower First Batch Of Trainees

    By Elijah Ugani

    The first batch of trainees of GFO Orim Foundation under the livelihood intervention programme is set complete the mandatory two years apprenticeship by March 2021 and the Foundation has concluded plans to empower the beneficiaries with start up kits.

    This was disclosed by the Programme Director of the Foundation, Hon. Peter Okaba on Sunday, January 23rd 2021 at Ashikpe Community, Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State during a revalidation meeting with both the trainees and the trainers ahead of the completion of the two years training.

    Addressing the beneficiaries, Hon. Okaba hinted the beneficiaries that he decided to embark on an unscheduled monitoring to all the training centres to have first hand information about those who are serious with the training.

    Hon. Okaba maintained that “I will urge you to be very serious with your training especially at this concluding part of the programme as only those who successfully complete their two years training will be empowered.

    “The Chairman of the Foundation, Hon. Martin Orim, who is also the Chief of Staff to the governor, decided to give you a skill and is set to lavish millions of naira to procure start up kits for you as you complete your training. This is coming at the time when there is no job in the country. As a foundation, we expect you to be very serious with what you learning and ensure that 115 of you will take off other youths from the street”

    Some of the beneficiaries took time to commend the board and management of GFO Orim Foundation to have found them worthy to benefit from the first batch of the livelihood intervention.

    The beneficiaries are drawn from the 19 villages that made up Ukpe, Alege and Ubang codenamed UKALU.

    The 115 beneficiaries are undergoing the training on: Alumaco, Hair Beauty and Dressing, POP Ceiling, Plumbing, Auto Mechanic, Computer programming, Shoe Making, Fisheries, Motorcycle Mechanic, Tailoring, Driving, Tailoring and Welding at different locations in Obudu main town.

    Addressing the trainers, the Programme Director commended their contributions to better the lives of the trainees and assured that GFO Orim Foundation will not rest until majority of the youths are taken from the streets.

    He however charged them to use the remaining two moths to give their trainees all that is needed to excel in their area of specialization.

    Hon. Okaba averred that “when your trainee is good and doing well, definitely, you will hear remarks like, where did you learn from? Who trained you? and the likes. Your trainees are your advertisement fliers, posters and signposts”

    Speaking on behalf of the trainers, the Managing Director of Vint Aluminum, Mr. Vincent Okaba, thanked GFO Orim Foundation for the opportunity given them to be part of the history of training the first batch of trainees for the livelihood intervention in their various workshops and pledged unweaving commitment to programme even as the programme will soon end, as they look forward to subsequent engagement.

    The second batch of trainees are currently undergoing their training at the GFO Orim Foundation vocational centre, Okweriseng-Ubang, Obudu Local Government Area.

    Other thematic areas of the Foundation intervention includes, Education, Health, Mentoring and Volunteering.