Tag: #Ogar Emmanuel OKo

By: Ogar Emmanuel Oko

In the early 1900s, shortly after the British took control of Northern Nigeria, there were few provinces spread across the British colony. The number of provinces increased significantly in 1914 after the amalgamation of the Colony of Lagos, Northern, and Southern Protectorate. The Governor-General of Nigeria, Sir Frederick J.D. Lugard, after World War II in 1945, increased the number of provinces to 88, which comprised 18 in the Western Region, 39 in the Northern Region, and 31 in the Eastern Region.

Of all the 88 provinces, Ijebu Province, which was in the Western Region with its division in Ijebu-Ode and native authority in Ijebu-Remo, and Ogoja Province are yet to be created into states. Ogoja Province was classified into five sub-provinces in the Eastern Region. Its divisions were Abakaliki, Afikpo, Ikom, Obubra, and Ogoja itself. There were six native authorities in Abakaliki, eleven in Afikpo, and twelve in Ogoja, while Ikom and Obubra had nine each.

On May 27, 1967, via Decree No.8, Gen. Yakubu Gowon dissolved the provinces and created 12 states. Nine years later, on March 17, 1976, Gen. Murtala Mohammed created Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Imo, Niger, Ogun, and Ondo States, bringing the total to 19 states in the federation. On September 23, 1987, the military junta of Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida added two states, Akwa Ibom and Katsina, making it 21. About four years later, on August 27, 1991, nine more states were created: Abia, Delta, Edo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Osun, Kogi, Taraba, and Yobe.

When the nine states were announced, it was a disappointment to the young people of Ogoja under the aegis of the Ogoja Youth Movement (OYM), who had high expectations. The elites and powerful politicians were not surprised, as they were comfortable in Cross River State. During the military junta of IBB, many Ogoja sons were in the inner circle of the military president. Those that call the shots politically then were myopic, as such, they didn’t support the agitation for the creation of of Ogoja state.

Another opportunity presented itself in 1996, this time during the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha. There were yearnings here and there for state creation. However, our people at the top showed great apathy. On October 1st, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa, and Zamfara states were announced. Again, Ogoja was missing.

Since the advent of democracy in 1999, a few opportunities have arisen for the case of Ogoja State to be discussed. During the National Conference in March 2014, under the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, delegates from the Ogoja axis under the umbrella of Cross River State didn’t factor the Ogoja agitation into their agenda in a serious manner.

In August 2021, the Senate Committee proposed the creation of 20 new states. Apart from the constitutional requirements, the committee considered what it termed “economic viability and genuine desire of the people.” Ijebu state was captured. Sadly, Ogoja wasn’t mentioned. This omission was a result of the lack of political synergy between our legislators and the then-governor.

In July 2024, the honorable member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Hon. Godwin Offiono, along with four others, presented a bill for the creation of Ogoja State. It has scaled the first reading. Interestingly, the caucus of the Cross River 10th National Assembly, led by Senator Jarigbe Agom of the Northern Senatorial District, Senator Eteng Williams of the Central Senatorial District, and a few House of Representatives members, voted in favor of the creation. Thanks to the unity among NASS members.

From the foregoing, it is clear that the creation of Ogoja State is long overdue. Ogoja was one of the largest provinces, and the agitation for its creation is justified. Its emergence is achievable, but its sad albatross is the petty and self-glorifying actions of a few narcissistic individuals. These individuals are overly consumed by their sense of self-importance, seeking validation for their diminished statuses. They are a small group of people parading themselves as leaders among the masses. They want to be the tritons among the minnows. They seek to introduce elements of party affiliation into the agitation. They are scared of intelligent people and often prevent anyone perceived as smart and brilliant from coming close to the struggle.

Some of these obsessed individuals are those who converted a WhatsApp support platform of a PDP candidate into what they (he) call: “Who IS WhO IN NORTHERN CROSS RIVER.” If these folks continue to spearhead the agitation, it would be needless to dissipate energy as a pitfall would be imminent.

The author is the publisher of the RABBIT PUNCH

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

Save Our Souls: University of Calabar’s Unjust Tuition Hike Sparks Outcry

In a shocking and frightening development that has echoed across the academic community, the University of Calabar’s administration, amidst a series of unfavorable policy changes, has opted to increase tuition fees by a staggering 200 percent. This surge has not only sparked widespread public criticism but has also placed the education of financially disadvantaged students in peril, leaving them grappling with the stark possibility of discontinuing their studies due to the astronomical fee hike.

Education is a fundamental right, and the astronomical increment in tuition fees undermines the university’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable education. The management’s decision appears to disregard the socioeconomic realities faced by many students and their families in this biting ‘tinubuic’ economy.

Students are protesting. Parents and guardians are alarmed. Concerned Nigerians are worried and disturbed. The protests at the university’s gate by concerned students are a poignant expression of the frustration and despair caused by this unilateral decision. It is a call for justice and fairness, a plea for the right to education without undue financial burden.

It is imperative for the university’s management to reconsider this ill-timed decision in the interest of maintaining peace and order on the campus. The occupation of the university’s gate by protesting students serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of such a drastic and unpopular policy. The risk of escalating tensions leading to lawlessness is a road no educational institution should tread.

This is not merely a matter of policy; it is a matter of social responsibility. The university has a duty to nurture an environment where learning flourishes, unencumbered by financial distress. A rollback of the tuition fees to their previous status is not just a demand for fairness; it is a plea for the preservation of the very essence of education.
Undoubtedly, there is consensus that the Federal Government inadequately funds the university. Consequently, many inefficient and unscrupulous administrations resort to disproportionately raising tuition fees as a relentless and arbitrary strategy to alleviate the financial strain on the institution, employing draconian and unsympathetic measures to enforce these increases.

In conclusion, we at the RABBIT PUNCH implore the University of Calabar’s management to heed the voices of the students and the broader community. Revert to the previous tuition fees to ensure that education remains a beacon of hope rather than a privilege reserved for a select few. The potential consequences of disregarding this call for justice are far-reaching, and it is in the best interest of all parties involved to find a solution that prioritizes the welfare of the students and upholds the principles of accessible education for all. If this humble solicitation is waved with the sleight, we shall be compelled to explore other measures under the precinct of the law to make this plea more louder and clearer.

Comr. Ogar Emmanuel Oko
RABBIT PUNCH

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Ogar Emmanuel Oko and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent.

In the hallowed halls of the University of Calabar, a brilliant young scholar has risen to the ranks of a full-fledged Professor of Biogeography in the Faculty of Geography . Dr. Raphael Ayama Offiong’s (aka Raph) ascension is nothing short of awe-inspiring, a proof of his tireless diligence, unyielding work ethic, and unswerving determination in the face of formidable challenges. Today, we in RABBIT PUNCH write to celebrate this incredible achievement that has been accomplished in record time by an unassuming ebullient scholar.

Raph, one of the youngest scholars in the academia, has undoubtedly etched an indelible mark on the academic world. From his early days at the faculty, he enjoyed comradeship and as well faced a myriad of challenges and setbacks like others that would have deterred many. However, Raph possessed a resolute spirit and a steady commitment to his academic pursuits, and as such, he dared every obstacle; climbed every mountain, crossed every valley, swam across every deluge of boisterous ocean and fought every giant to a standstill to attain this height.

Born into modest circumstances, having a royal blood flowing through his veins and arteries, his path was fraught with financial constraints and educational disparities. Yet, the resilient Raph saw these hurdles not as obstacles but as springboards to rise above. His insatiable hunger for knowledge, coupled with a relentless work ethic, laid the foundation for his extraordinary journey.

Mr. Raph’s academic voyage was marked by determination and an unshakable belief in his own potential. He toiled tirelessly, often balancing multiple jobs to support his education and research. Every challenge he encountered only fueled his desire to learn and grow, making him a shining example of I-can-do-it personality.

His journey reached its zenith at the University of Calabar, where he found his true calling and specialization in the field of biogeography and soils. The study of flora and fauna in the field of biodiversity and conservation studies became his passion, and he pursued it resolutely with fervor and enthusiasm. His lectures, research, and discussions are marked by an infectious love for the subject. He teaches with candour and his students had on many occasions attested to this fact.

His contributions to biogeography and soil science were nothing short of transformative. His groundbreaking research expanded our understanding of how ecosystems evolve and adapt to a changing world. His work on species migration and adaptation in response to climate change earned him international recognition and became a cornerstone of vital conservation efforts.

Yet, his influence extended beyond his groundbreaking research. Raph is not only a brilliant scientist but a compassionate and inspirational educator. He shares his knowledge generously, leaving an unerasable impact on the academic community in Calabar and inspiring countless students and colleagues. Raph has an open-door policy. Students and colleagues have unfettered access to him.

In recognition of his unparalleled zeal in the pursuit of knowledge, Ntufam Raph has achieved the remarkable milestone of becoming a full Professor of Biogeography. This achievement is not just a testament to his scholarship but a tribute to his steadfast commitment to shaping the future of the field and mentoring the next generation of scholars.

As we celebrate Ralph’s journey from adversity to academic excellence, we are reminded of the power of hard work, dedication, and an unshakeable passion for knowledge. We should also know that Raph’d oratory prowess is in the similitude of Cicero. He’s a fine administrator. In all the positions he had held, he left remarkable imprints. As the chairman of Cross River Community at the University of Calabar, he has achieved a lot among which is the building of the state of the art community hall. Currently, he’s the Director of the University of Calabar Carbon Centre. His influence in biogeography will continue to shape the field for generations to come.

In honor of Prof. Ralph’s extraordinary achievement, let us not only commemorate his well-deserved promotion but also be inspired to surmount challenges, dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of knowledge, and nurture the future of academia. His light may shine even brighter now, but the glow of his achievements will forever illuminate the corridors of higher learning at the University of Calabar and beyond.

As the cliché goes, it’s a trite that behind every successful man, there stands a woman. Raph’s feat came via steady velocity. As he steers the ship, his lovely wife of inestimable value, Peace Offiong, holds the navigating compass. Her support is invaluable. Raph has obtained favour from the Lord for finding Peace his heartthrob. Besides Peace, are his lovely children. They create the needed ambience at home that supports learning.

Of course, beyond Raph’s immediate home support, they’re some dedicated budding scholars working tirelessly and rendering noticeable services behind the scene— Mr. Nelson Inyang, Mr. Ephraim Ikono, Dr. Tony Iwara and Dr. Itita Ekpe. These men are his mitochondria. Come hell or high water, they’re always there to guard the fort while making sure nobody runs out of steam. They’re some of the men ready to carry the torch. More grace!

That said, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Raphael Ayama Offiong and offer our sincerest best wishes for his continued success in his academic journey. Congratulations Prof.!
Comr. (Hon) Ogar Emmanuel Oko

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Ogar Emmanuel Oko and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent.