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Tag: #Martin Orim

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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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.

  • 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.

  • Ayade Chief of Staff, Hon. Martin Orim Celebrates Christmas With UTUKALU, Extols Alege/Urban Traditional Rulers

    Ayade Chief of Staff, Hon. Martin Orim Celebrates Christmas With UTUKALU, Extols Alege/Urban Traditional Rulers

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Hon. Martin Orim has hosted his people, UTUKALU nation for the Christmas celebration.

    The reception was held at the resident of the political leader of UTUKALU, Ukani PJ Ekunke at Nkirira, Utugwang Central ward, Obudu local government area on the 24th of December, 2020.

    The astute political scientist, Ukani PJ Ekunke welcomed the people to the meeting and admonished everyone present to see the opportunity created by the circumstance of the meeting as call to the unity of UTUKALU.

    Hon. Martin Orim was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor, Political Affairs, Chief of Staff Office, Hon. Peter Okaba, craved the people’s indulgence to excuse the Chief of Staff absence from the meeting as he desire to be present in the meeting was scuttled by official exigencies.

    Orim held that “it is my desire that this meeting holds at intervals of four months to enable us consolidate the gains of our identity. We must realize the fact that political parties are fulcrums to achieving powers and we must not allow our political differences to truncate the development of our ideals”

    The people expressed satisfaction with the convener of the meeting and wished him the best in his endeavor.

    Earlier, the Chief of Staff had hosted the Alege/Ubang Traditional Rulers Council in his home town, Ukweriseng – Ubang for the Christmas celebration.

    Hon. Orim was represented by his wife, called on the traditional rulers to see the opportunity given to them to serve their subjects as a call to selfless service.

    He commended the role played the traditional rulers in maintaining peace and other in their various communities and charged them to continue to do more, for the reward of hard is more work.

    The council expressed gratitude to the Chief of staff for the show of love.

    The Chief of Staff had provided solar light for all the communities in Alege/Ubang and Ukpe wards including compounds of traditional rulers.

    The council used the opportunity to extend the felicitation of their various communities to the Governor Ayade Chief of Staff and prayed God to continue to sustain and enlarge his coast to enable him do more.

  • GFO Orim Foundation Hands Over Renovated Building To Widow At Bekwarra

    GFO Orim Foundation Hands Over Renovated Building To Widow At Bekwarra

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Chairman of GFO Orim Foundation, and the Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Hon. Martins Orim has handed over the renovated building to Mrs. Angelina …, mother of four kids.

    Dedicating the house, the Assistant Parish Priest of St. Benedict Cathedral, Rev. Fr. Peter Ibu, admonished the widow to take good care of the children as well as take the grinding business serious to enable her bring up the children.

    He commanded the founder of GFO Orim Foundation for the gesture of renovating the widow’s house and maintained that the gesture is very commendable.

    He prayed God to grant the Chairman good health of mind and body to enable reach out to those who are in dare need of his magnanimity.

    Speaking after the dedication, the Special Adviser to the Governor on International Donor and Development Commission, Hon. Sylvester Agabi maintained that this renovation project is one among various interventions designed by GFO Orim Foundation to reach out to the less privilege.

    Speaking to theluminenews, the Mrs. Angelina Afo thanked the management of GFO Orim Foundation for coming to her rescue.
    She maintained that “when my husband died, I had no place to stay, no light, no toilet, no bathroom, no source of livelihood. But today, this man ( referring to the Chairman of GFO Orim Foundation) came and renovated my house, provided doors, windows, ceiling, toilet. Please help me thank him. May God continue to bless him”

    The Leader of Bekwarra of Bekwarra Legislative Council, Hon. Thomas Emonshe Enyi thanked the Chairman of GFO Orim Foundation for extending the magnanimity to Bekwarra Local Government Area, he prayed God to continue to bless him.

    GFO Orim Foundation renovated the building, provided solar light, provided toilet and bathroom, provided a grinding engine, a bag of rice for Christmas, cash donation and promised continuous support for the upkeep of the children.

    Reacting to the development, the councillor representing Ibiaragidi ward, Hon. ….. noted that “I’m particularly grateful to God because, what GFO Orim Foundation has done, is to my advantage because two of this widow’s children are on my scholarship scheme, and I have been thinking of what to do because I’m from this community. I will ensure that she makes good use of this assistance to better her life and that of her children”

    The Clan Head of Anyikang thanked the Chief of Staff to the Governor for the kindness shown to one of his subjects, and prayed God Almighty to grant him (Hon. Martin Orim) his heart desire.

    The event was attended by councillors from Obudu, Bekwarra, Yala and Ogoja local government areas.

  • GFO Orim Foundation Fulfills Promise To Widow, Renovates House And Provides Solar Light

    GFO Orim Foundation Fulfills Promise To Widow, Renovates House And Provides Solar Light

    By Elijah Ugani

    In fulfilling the earlier promise made by GFO Orim Foundation on Saturday October 7th, 2020 to renovate the house of Mrs. Agnes Godwin Afo, a widow with four kids at Anyikang, Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State, the foundation has kept to its words by renovating the building.

    Speaking to The Lumine News, the elated Mrs. Agnes Godwin Afo, thanked the Founder of GFO Orim Foundation, Hon. Martin Orim, who is also the Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor.

    Her words “My name is Agnes Godwin from Anyikang, as my husband died, I have no place to stay, I was here with my children, I had no place to stay, Hon. Martin Orim came and renovated this house for me. Kindly help me thank God for him. I had no light, he provided solar light for me, I had no toilet, he provided me with toilet, kindly help thank God for him”

    On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on International Donor Development Cooperation and immediate past leader of Obudu legislative council, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, noted that “GFO Foundation has never met this widow before, all we do is to ensure that we put a smile on her face. GFO Orim Foundation has paid so many persons school fees, provided wheel chairs to the disabled, trained youth on different skills.

    “Thank God you are here, you have heard from her, pictures don’t lie. The Chief of Staff is poised to alleviate the plight of the less privileged in the society”

    Recall that the Chairman/Founder of GFO Orim Foundation had pledged to plaster the entire building, install doors and windows in the building, install solar light in her house, providing her with a grinding machine to enable her start a business, and to supply food items at regular intervals to enable her provide for the children.

    Barely two weeks from the time of the visit, the foundation has completed the renovation work and the widow has packed into the building.

    When contacted, the Chairman/Founder, GFO Orim Foundation told The Lumine News that “I’m shocked that you could find your way to Bekwarra to see things for yourself. I don’t believe in making a show with my intervention. My late father was very passionate about the less privileged. He was generous and he handed over these virtues to me. I have decided that the only I can sustain this virtue is to reach out to those in need. I wish I have enough to reach out to more.

    “As a foundation, we will continue to do the little we can to help the vulnerable, according to the resources in our disposal”