Tag: #Obudu

  • Obudu Transformer Theft, Agba Jalingo Writes Council Chairman, Recommends Suspension Of Aides Involved To Ease Investigation

    Obudu Transformer Theft, Agba Jalingo Writes Council Chairman, Recommends Suspension Of Aides Involved To Ease Investigation

    Obudu Transformer Theft…

    Dear Mr. Chairman Pita Pars,

    I have now confirmed that some of your appointees were directly involved in the theft of the two transformers that were kept in Obudu, by the Ayade administration.

    Though they weren’t yet in use for reasons that are still not clear, on the day the transformers were carted away, your S.A. on Peace and Security, Emmanuel Ikem, the Chairman of the Obudu chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN who also doubles as the Chairman of the Traffic Control Unit in Obudu LGA, Linus Abuokwen, the youth leader of Indi-Abeb, Unimke Sunday Ogar, the Urban Cyclists Chairman, Itiunbe, one Ulayi Peter and some past leaders of the NYCN, in Obudu were all there and were given N500,000, to share at the scene.

    Infact, your S.A. Peace and Security, Emmanuel Ikem, and Linus Abuokwen, confirmed to yours sincerely that they were at the scene to “collect what belongs to us.”

    Sir, unless you were personally involved in this, or unless you are the one that sent them, please let your S.A. Security, immediately tell you:

    1. Who brought the idea of going to steal our transformers?
    2. Who were the people that gave them N500k?
    3. Who are the owners of that truck that was conveying the transformers?
    4. How on Earth is it even possible that they did all these without your consent?
    5. Why will several heads not roll if this was actually done without your consent and approval?
    6. What do your appointees actually mean by “what belongs to us?

    If no one could, I sincerely have confidence that you can stop the incessant theft of the few things Governor Ayade left in Obudu.amd make optimum use of them. Almost all the generators and amor cables that were powering the street lights in Obudu have been stolen without retribution. The last set of cables that were retrieved from thieves last year, also disappeared from the Police station. Upan Odey, has removed the public generator at Animal junction, and it’s now powering his mother’s shop. This impunity has to come to an end under your tenure sir, unless you are involved yourself.

    Consequently Sir and with due respect to your office, I am demanding that heads must roll. Any government that lacks the will power or the capacity to discipline its erring appointees is either incompetent or complicit.

    As your friend and brother and a concerned citizen of Obudu, I am also demanding that your S.A. Security and your traffic control chairmen, who are supposed to be quasi security enforcers, but rather became part of the heist, must be suspended pending the investigation of the roles in the theft. That’s in the spirit of accountability.

    I will also call on the DPO of Obudu Division to ensure that the transformers do not disappear from the Police Station as it has become characteristic, and that all those involved in this theft and other recent ones, are not only arrested and prosecuted, but their names be made public. This matter must not be swept under the rug.

    Thank you and God bless you sir.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • First Disabled/Blind Graduate In C’River, Francis Ashikem To Be Laid To Rest In Obudu

    First Disabled/Blind Graduate In C’River, Francis Ashikem To Be Laid To Rest In Obudu

     

    The remains of the first disabled/blind graduate, late Mr Francis Ashikem PhD, is to be laid to rest today 1st February 2025, in his family compound, Kakum in Obudu Local Government Area.

    Mr. Francis Who holds a Doctor of Philosophy PhD in Business Administration from the prestigious University of Jos, had his Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education (B Ed) in 1986, which made him the first disabled/blind graduate in Cross River State.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews, indicates that his remains will leave Sacred Heart Mortuary, Obudu at 9:00am today February 1st, 2025, for his compound in Kakum, Obudu Local Government Area and will be laid to rest at 10:00am.

    Biography of Dr. Ashikem Francis Awhobende
    BIRTH/PARENTING
    Dr. Ashikem Francis Awhobende is a distinguished Nigerian scholar, educator, and advocate for persons with disabilities. Born on 10th March 1949 into the Family of Pa, Ashikem Agim Ugbong of BEGIAGIM village, kakum community and Ma, Agnes Awhebi Ikwebe of Bebuabong community both from Obudu LGA of Cross River State, Nigeria. Dr. Awhobende is married and blessed with children.
    RELIGIOUS LIFE:
    Dr. Ashikem Francis Awhobende, was born and baptised into the Catholic faith.
    He was baptised by the white missionaries at the Immaculate Conception chaplaincy Enugu,
    And until his death he was a strong member, parishioner and supporter of St Theresa the little flower parish ipong.

    EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

    After he lost his sight to Missiles (an epidemic without vaccines as at the time) at age five(5) in 1955,
    Dr. Awhobende’s educational journey began at the Special Education Centre in Orji River, Enugu State, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1972. He proceeded to the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, completing his West African School Certificate (W.A.S.C.) in 1977.
    His tertiary education spanned several institutions:
    1. University of Jos, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education (B.Ed) in 1986. Making him the 1st Disable/Blind Graduate in Cross River State
    2. He also obtained a Master’s Degree in Special Education (M.Ed) from the same university in 1991.
    3. Dr. Awhobende crowned his academic pursuits with a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Business Administration from the same prestigious university
    4. He also received a Doctorial Fellowship investiture from the Institute of Human and Natural Resources in 2004.

    PROFESSIONAL CAREER:
    Dr. Awhobende began his teaching career as an Auxiliary Teacher from 1978 to 1982. He went on to serve as a Permanent Teacher, dedicating 35 years to the civil service from 1986 to 2013. He retired as PSMG 1 Grade level 16, marking the end of a fulfilling career in education.

    MEMBERSHIPS AND LEADERSHIP ROLE’S:
    Dr. Awhobende has been actively involved in various professional and advocacy groups, including.
    1. National Union of Teachers (NUT).
    2. National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET), where he once served as President.
    3. Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), Cross River State Branch, serving as President and Secretary at different times.
    4. Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), where he held roles as both National President and State President, and previously as State Vice President.
    5. Pioneer Member of the Great Elephant society
    7. Member National Union of pensioners
    8. Institute of Human and Natural Resources (Fellow)
    9. Member Atten Ikeg Age grade

    CONTRIBUTIONS AND LEGACY:
    Through his work, Dr. Awhobende has significantly contributed to the education and empowerment of persons with disabilities. His leadership and advocacy within organizations such as JONAPWD and NAB underscore his dedication to creating a more inclusive society.

    Dr. Awhobende’s life and career are a testament to resilience, academic excellence, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.

    LAST MOMENT:
    Dr Awhobende Francis Ashikem, rested I’m the bosom of his creator on the 22nd December, 2024 after battling with a brief illness and was taken care of at the Federal teaching hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State , it is indeed painful of the loss and vacuum so far created but we a console by his legacy of humility, love, fairness, equity and justice that he left behind.

    HE IS SURVIVED BY:-
    Mrs, Ashikem Anthonia – Wife
    Mr, Awhobende Jeremiah Unimke – son
    Comr, Ashikem Ernest igiewhounimye – son
    Master, Awhobende Eugene Beshaundipeye – son
    Master, Awhobende Leo Ayiangshieye – son
    Lady, Ashikem Angela – Daughter
    Miss, Awhobende Agnes Awhebi – Daughter.