Paradise News

Category: Feature

  • When you will earn miles on a flight and when you won’t

    By Jason Steele, Bankrate

    For decades, one of the perks airline travelers have enjoyed most is the ability to earn frequent flyer miles and redeem them for an award flight or other rewards.

    Whether you get them via a travel credit card, an airline loyalty program or both, earning frequent flyer miles can be a great way to fund one or more vacations each year.

    But not all airline bookings earn miles, and it’s not always easy to know in advance which are eligible.

    Here’s when you should expect to earn miles on your flight, when you won’t, and how the best rewards credit cards can help ensure you’re getting the best return for your spending.

    When will you earn miles on a flight?

    Not every ticket earns frequent flyer miles, but most do. To earn miles for your flight, you must fly on certain types of tickets and take steps to ensure you receive the mileage credits you’re entitled to.

    When you use your frequent flyer account

    Before you can earn any miles, you need to create a frequent flyer account with the airline you’re flying. Thankfully, nearly all airlines allow you to set this up for free. In fact, you can even create accounts for your minor children.

    But to receive mileage credit for your flights, you must then add your frequent flyer number to your reservation; it’s not enough to simply create the account and then book a ticket without logging into that account or manually adding your number to the reservation.

    The simplest way to ensure your number is on the reservations is to log into your account when you book your flight through the airline; in that case, your number will be included by default when you purchase your tickets.

    Alternatively, you can decide to use a frequent flyer number with a partner carrier and credit your miles to its program. Many airlines have partnerships with numerous other airlines that allow customers to earn miles in a partner program. Most of these partnerships also allow you to redeem miles for flights operated by their partners.

    For example, if you’re flying on British Airways, you can earn miles with its partner American Airlines AAdvantage program. You don’t have to create a British Airways account; you can simply use your American Airlines frequent flyer account number and earn miles in their AAdvantage program.

    Once you earn American Airlines miles, you can redeem them for award flights operated by American or for flights with their numerous airline partners, including British Airways.

    You purchase tickets

    You can earn reward miles or points from most kinds of tickets. For example, you can earn miles if you purchase tickets yourself or if someone else purchases the ticket for you, including employers and clients (assuming they or you add your frequent flyer number to the reservation).

    You will also earn reward points or miles if you purchase the ticket with a travel voucher or a gift card. And you’ll earn even more miles when you use an airline credit card to purchase your ticket.

    Airline miles used to be awarded based on the distance flown, but many airlines now award miles based on the price of your ticket and your status with the airline’s frequent flyer program. However, most airlines won’t award miles for other purchases such as baggage fees, change fees and seat selection or seat upgrade fees.

    When you redeem rewards points for flights

    You can even earn frequent flyer miles when you redeem your credit card rewards points for travel reservations booked through the card issuer.

    For example, when you redeem your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to book travel through Chase, you’re essentially using miles to pay for a regular ticket purchased through Chase’s online travel agency. The same is true when you redeem your American Express Membership Rewards points for flights booked through AmexTravel.com. And when you redeem Capital One Miles to pay for flights, you’ll also receive mileage credit. You’ll still need to remember to supply your frequent flyer number.

    When will you not earn miles on a flight?

    While most airline passengers will be eligible to earn frequent flyer miles for their flights, there are some situations where you may not:

    You don’t enter your frequent flyer number

    If you don’t put your frequent flyer number in your reservation, either because you don’t have one or because you forgot to, then you won’t earn frequent flyer miles.

    Thankfully, many airlines will allow you to retroactively claim credit for a flight. To do so, you will likely have to fill out a form that includes your flight information and reservation numbers.

    You don’t complete the flight

    Once you’ve purchased an eligible ticket and supplied your frequent flyer account number, the next thing you need to do is actually complete the flight. Simply purchasing a ticket isn’t sufficient to earn miles.

    To receive the frequent flyer miles that you’re eligible for, you have to check in for your flight, have your boarding pass scanned at the gate and make it to your destination.

    If you miss your flight, or even if the flight is canceled, then you won’t receive any frequent flyer miles. And if for some reason you’re able to board the aircraft without having your boarding pass scanned, then you won’t receive mileage credit.

    You redeem frequent flyer miles to pay for your flight

    When you redeem your frequent flyer miles to pay for award flights, you won’t earn miles on those flights. You won’t earn any miles on the taxes and fees you must pay for your award flights either.

    However, there are rare occasions when your award flight is canceled and you’re accommodated on another airline’s flight that can allow you to earn frequent flyer miles. If this happens to you, always try to add your frequent flyer number to the new reservation on the off chance that you might receive miles.

    It’s also important to note that redeeming credit card rewards to pay for a flight through your card issuer’s portal is not the same as redeeming frequent flyer miles to book a flight directly with the airline.

    When you “pay with points” through your credit card portal, you’re still, in a sense, paying for your flight and will earn frequent flyer miles as a regular paying customer.

    Keep in mind: Transferring credit card rewards to a frequent flyer program to book your flight might net you the most value for those rewards, but it will qualify as an “award flight,” and you won’t earn more frequent flyer miles when you take the flight.

    You use a companion pass

    You will not earn frequent flyer miles when you travel using a companion pass benefit offered by the airline or its co-branded credit card. The paid traveler will earn miles, but the companion traveling for free will not.

    For example, those who travel as a benefit of the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass or with a companion certificate offered by a Delta SkyMiles credit card won’t earn frequent flyer miles.

    When you book certain flights through a third party

    If you’re booking your flight with a travel agent or under a business travel booking system, you may not earn frequent flyer miles. Booking travel through a third party like a travel agent or online travel portals like Expedia means you could miss out on miles under some frequent flyer programs.

    Recently, for instance, American Airlines updated its AAdvantage program terms to specify that only direct bookings with American or partner airlines or those booked through a “preferred travel agency” would earn miles for tickets issued on or after July 11, 2024.

    When you book your next business flight through a business travel booking system like SAP Concur, be sure to check whether you’re eligible to earn rewards. If there’s any doubt, it doesn’t hurt to add your frequent flyer number to the reservation just in case.

    By the way, this isn’t uncommon in the travel industry; many hotel loyalty programs also don’t award points for stays booked through a third party.

    You travel as an airline employee benefit

    If you are an airline employee, or you’re using the benefits offered to an employee’s friends or family, then you won’t earn frequent flyer miles.

    You receive ultra-discounted fares and fare classes

    There are deeply discounted fare classes, often called basic economy or economy lite, that sometimes don’t offer frequent flyer miles.

    The airline’s website or mobile app should specify when these highly discounted fares aren’t eligible to earn miles. There are also special fares offered to government and military travelers that may not earn miles.

    The bottom line

    It’s fun to earn frequent flyer miles and save them for an award flight. But before you get too excited, take a moment to figure out which flight tickets qualify for airline miles and which do not.

    All but the most highly discounted tickets that you purchase from the airline or an online travel agency will typically be eligible to earn miles, but if you redeem miles for your ticket, or travel for free as a companion or on an employee pass, then you won’t earn any miles.

    Understanding which tickets are eligible for miles before you make your purchase will help you decide if earning miles should influence your decision.

    ©2025 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

    Source: Paradise Post

  • Mma Ebom goes home to be with her maker

    Mma Ebom goes home to be with her maker

    December 7, 2024, the raffia city of Ikot Ekpene stood still as the remains of Mrs. Edna Udo Akpan Essien Ebom JP, the matriarch of the Eboms, was laid to rest in her husband’s compound, at 67 Abak road, Ikot Ekpene L.G.A  of Akwa  Ibom State in a state-like burial.

    This was preceded by a brief but solemn lying in state in her husband’s compound and a colourful long procession of convoy of cars, decked with her pictures, through Abak road to plaza back to the funeral ground at State College, Ikot Ekpene.

    It was a record setting funeral many will not forget in a hurry, reminiscent of that of her husband, Ambassador Udo Akpan Essien Ebom who transited to the Lord seven years ago where a stallion horse pulled the cart that carried his casket through same route. This time around, it was a spinning white casket on a cart pulled by a Mercedes Benz G-Wagon as the procession led by the OMC morticians’ brass band and the pallbearers went through the ever busy Abak road, causing sympathizers and onlookers to line both sides of the road watching in great awe. It was a beautiful sight to behold. Indeed it was the celebration of life for Edna, popularly referred to as Mma Ebom by many.

    If life could be bought, the Eboms would have bought one for their mother. While alive, they gave her the best treat one could ever imagine. In her last days, they gave her the best medical attention and in death, she was honoured. Her rites of passage was magnificent.

    High point of it all was the sermon by the Assistant Presiding Elder of the Faith Tabernacle Congregational Church, Pastor Johnson Okoro.

    He preached on the topic: “A Call to Repentance” drawn from Ephesians 4:28 emphasising on the need for people to be good to one another and do away with sins like alcoholism, adultery, fornication, stealing, covetousness, lies and others.

    “He who has been stealing must steal no longer but must do something useful with his own hands that he may have something to share with those in need“, he said.

    Pastor Okoro who also harped on how one would be remembered after death, extolled the virtues of Edna as a hard working and generous woman who always helped those in need saying, “Mrs Ebom was noted as a generous woman who was concerned with other people’s welfare at the expense of her comfort”.

    He appealed to people to impact positively on the lives of others and reminded the congregation to be committed in whatever good thing they are doing, for God the rewarder of every good deed, cannot fail.

    The former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, in his condolence message to the family, said, “Though she died at a relatively full age of 82 years, the death of a parent at whatever age is sad and confounding especially for a loving mother because by her demise you have lost not only her wisdom, love and warmth but also the assurance of her presence. It Is certainly no less so for you, your siblings, the larger and kindred families.

    “Hers was a rich and full life. Rather than mourn her death celebrate her eventful life knowing that she has earned eternal life after a life of love service and sacrifice to family, community, humanity and the Almighty”.

    Her first son, Ambassador David Ebom  (Ette Idung – as she fondly called him) paid glowing tribute to his mother.

    His words: “My dearest mother, you died at this point and left a small boy like me all alone on this Earth to fend for himself without your love. What am I gonna do? I miss you dearly. Your absence leaves a hole in my heart. I am hurt because our time was cut too short. You were my safe harbor in every storm You were my rock and my strength, Now that you’re gone, I feel lost without your guiding light to lead me home. I wish I could have one more day with you to express my love and tell you how grateful I am for all that you have done for me. I wish I could hold your hand one more time, see your smile, hear your voice. It would touch my heart when I would tell you  ‘I love you‘ and you’d say ‘I love you too’.

    “How I wish we could sit and talk like we used to do. Thank you so much for teaching me strength, compassion and what it means to be a man. Mommy, there is something I want to share with you. I vividly remember the story daddy told me about when I swallowed a coin on your bed. Normally, a mother would be worried about her six month old child swallowing a coin. The narrative that you presented in which you did all you could to make sure I was okay breaks my heart. It exudes the love that only a mother can have for their child It was touching to my soul and this is what drew me closer to you.

    “I reflect on my life when you were around Your outpour of love into my life was truly abundant. In primary school, you purchased my first bike ever. During high school you’d always give me the keys to your car so I could drive to school. You would always make sure I had money to keep the gas tank full. My Teachers would exclaim in surprise that I was so young to have a car. They did not know it was due to the deep affection you had for me. You would always teach me how to dress when I was younger. You were also my stylist, mommy. You always spoiled me with clothes, shoes, and suits. Before we’d go out,you’d give me pointers on what was appropriate to wear and what was not. You would always remind me to dress like a rich.

    “Mommy, you taught me a whole lot. I started donating to the widows because you would always give to the widows. You taught me from a young age on the importance of organization. Because of the way you valued cleanliness, I learned how to do the same. I picked up from where you left off. The most heartwarming memory I have was when I was about to leave for America in 1999. You called me inside the house and gave me a lot of money, but I could not take it. I wept and questioned why you would give a lump sum money to a grown man? I could not bring myself to accept it but in that moment, I could sense the tenderness you had for me. These memories forever live In my thoughts.

    “Mommy, you were the heart of our family, you were the glue who held us altogether. I don’t know how we will manage without your love and guidance now that you are not  here with us no more. One thing I do know is that you will live in our hearts forever.

    “You were the best mom that anyone could ask for! Thank you for always believing in me. Your unconditional love and sacrifice set the foundation for the family I have today. Because of this, I will be forever grateful for the values you instilled in me. In everything that I do and have done, I strive to make you proud. When I reminisce on your selfless acts of kindness, I realize how much your love impacted us. We are so blessed to have you as our mother. Your kindness and compassion knew no bounds. I can only hope to be half of what you were, Mother. My heart will be with you forever”.

    Mma Ebom was interred besides her husband in a beautiful mausoleum built seven years ago.

    Who was Mrs. Edna Udo Akpan Essien Ebom?

    Mrs. Edna Udo Akpan Essien Ebom was born on the 15th of March 1942 into the family of late Okereke Onoh Udo and Mrs Grace Okereke Onoh both of Amasu, Arochukwu L.G.A, Abia State. She was dedicated by her parents in Faith Tabernacle Congregation church in Arochukwu District. Edna was the first child out of seven children, one male and six females.

    Late brother Udo Akpan Essien Ebom and sister Edna Okereke Onoh, both being members of Faith Tabernacle Congregation, Ikot Ekpene regularly met during church services and grew together in the church. In 1957, they got married in the Ikot Ekpene church and were blessed with 12 children, of which eight are alive today, five males and three females. God gave Edna and her husband the grace and wherewithal to provide their children with more than the basic needs of life, even during the civil war and were all brought up in the fear of God. Today, all her children have attained post-secondary education. Through her children, Edna was blessed with twenty-four (24) grandchildren and Seven (7) great grand-children. Some of her grandchildren are married in Nigeria, USA and Canada.

    Mma Ebom, fondly called “Igwo-nne” by her husband amidst many other fond names, was a very sociable woman, dependable and straightforward in life. In her active years, she was a good mixer and did not discriminate against anyone and groups but accommodated everyone who came across her path in life.

    She was a peace-loving woman. Her role as a peace maker, a family builder, cheerful giver earned her the respect in the community and the admiration of all people.

    In 2003, our sweet mother and our darling father visited their first son, David and family in Chicago and their first daughter, Helyn and her family in New Orleans, all in the United States of America. They stayed for 6 months enjoying the company of their children and grandchildren.

    In 2012, she spent the whole year with her first son and her family in Chicago and was later joined by her late husband and both returned to Nigeria at the year end.

    She participated in many recreational and tourist activities during both trips that caused her to return refreshed and relaxed.

    Though she was ill for some time, she never allowed this to weigh her down. She struggled to attend church services until she no longer could. She was always in high spirit despite her health challenges.

    In the morning of July 2nd, 2024, she passed on to be with the Lord. We will miss her and her unique ways of relating with each of us individually. Mummy, Rest in peace till we meet again.

  • One Year of the Rev Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM Project: A Transformative Journey for Cross River’s Future

    One Year of the Rev Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM Project: A Transformative Journey for Cross River’s Future

    In September 2023, the Rev. Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Project was launched as an ambitious initiative to inspire and empower young girls from the rivers of Bakassi to the hills of Obanliku of Cross River state to embrace STEM fields. Now, a year later, the project’s impact has been both profound and far-reaching, with over 3,000 girls trained across the state’s three senatorial districts, equipped with critical skills in gaming, robotics, coding, and programming.

    The project’s inception came at a crucial time when the world was witnessing an increasing demand for STEM professionals, yet a persistent gender gap remained in Nigeria nay Cross River. Recognizing this gap, Rev. Eyoanwan Otu, the wife of the Cross River State Governor, launched this initiative to address the imbalance and offer young girls the tools and opportunities to pursue STEM careers. What began as a vision to spark interest in STEM has now evolved into a full-fledged movement, propelling young girls towards a future brimming with possibilities.

    Encouraging Participation and Engagement

    One of the defining successes of the Girls in STEM project has been its capacity to reach a broad demographic, particularly in underserved and rural areas. Over the past year, the program has successfully expanded to all three senatorial districts of Cross River, encompassing a wide range of communities from Calabar in the South to Ugep in the Central and Obudu in the North. These regions have seen girls in secondary schools engage in dynamic, hands-on learning experiences, sparking a newfound enthusiasm for STEM disciplines.

    The curriculum, which focuses on basic computing, coding, robotics, and gaming, has been tailored to meet the needs and interests of young girls, helping them to develop not only technical skills but also problem-solving proficiencies, critical thinking, and creativity. These skills are essential in the 21st-century workforce, positioning participants to excel in fields that will define the future of global economies.

    The project has been more than just about skills; it has also emphasized mentorship and career guidance. Facilitators and educators from Guru Innovation Hub, a leading technology cluster in the state, have been instrumental in nurturing the girls’ potential, providing them with the knowledge and support to visualize long-term careers in STEM. This mentorship has made the program holistic, ensuring that it’s not just about learning but about shaping futures.

    Creating Opportunities

    In its first year, the Girls in STEM project has already achieved significant milestones. Over 3,000 girls have been trained, with many of them making remarkable progress. Some of the alumni have been admitted to tertiary institutions to further their studies in technology-related fields. To foster this progress, the project has awarded scholarships to exceptional students, further underlining the commitment to long-term educational empowerment. These scholarships, offered to those who excel in the SSCE exams and show clear intent to pursue STEM careers, act as a springboard for greater opportunities, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit the future of Cross River’s bright young minds.

    Bridging the Gender Gap

    One of the core goals of the Rev. Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM Project is to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields. Traditionally, these fields have been male-dominated, with girls and women often discouraged from pursuing careers in science and technology. However, the success stories emerging from the program are reshaping the narrative. Girls who might have never considered STEM as an option are now actively engaging in coding challenges, designing robots, and developing video games.

    This shift is not just impacting the individual girls involved but is also changing the perceptions of their families and communities. Parents and guardians, who may have previously viewed STEM as a field reserved for boys, are now advocating for their daughters’ participation, recognizing the value and potential these skills hold in the modern world.

    Preparing for the Future

    As the world continues to move towards a digital and technology-driven future, the Girls in STEM project is playing a pivotal role in preparing Cross River’s youth for the opportunities and challenges ahead. By fostering interest in STEM at a young age, the program is creating a pipeline of talent that will contribute to Nigeria’s technological and economic development. The state’s government, led by Governor Bassey Otu, through its “People’s First” initiative, has been steadfast in supporting this vision, ensuring that the youth are equipped with the necessary tools to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

    In addition to the technical skills imparted, the project also emphasizes the importance of digital literacy, critical for navigating the future job market. The rise of automation, artificial intelligence, and big data means that the workforce of tomorrow will need to be proficient in STEM disciplines. The Girls in STEM project ensures that Cross River’s young women will not be left behind but will be at the forefront of innovation and change.

    Looking Forward

    As the Rev. Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM Project embarks on its second year, the momentum is only set to grow. Plans are already in place to expand the scope of the project, with a Girls in STEM Reunion Boot Camp which started in 2024 scheduled again for 2025. This boot camp will not only serve as a refresher for past participants but will also introduce new concepts and technologies, ensuring that the girls stay updated with the latest developments in the STEM world. More scholarships and opportunities for advanced learning are also on the horizon, providing a continuous pathway for these young women to achieve their full potential.

    Conclusion

    The first year of the Rev. Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM Project has been nothing short of transformative. Through dedication, vision, and an unwavering commitment to empowering young girls, the project has laid the foundation for a future where Cross River’s youth are equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in STEM fields. As we look ahead, the continued success of this initiative will undoubtedly contribute to a brighter, more inclusive, and technologically advanced future for Cross River state.

    Rev. Eyoanwan Otu’s passion for education, gender equality, and technological advancement stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring a new generation of female innovators, leaders, and change-makers in Cross River, Nigeria and beyond.

    Written By Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM Project Team

  • Our wars are over but wounds yet to heal – Bahumonu widow 

    Our wars are over but wounds yet to heal – Bahumonu widow 

    By Christian Njoku

    The year 2020 was a glorious one for the people of Bahumonu in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River because it was a year that marked the end of a 15-year communal war among four communities in the Bahumonu nation.

    Like many other crisis that had bedeviled Cross River communities in the last 20 years and more, the wars between Ediba and Usumutong communities and Ebom versus Ebijakara were mainly a tussle over land, even though there were other remote causes.

    While the wars raged-on from around 2005 with wanton destruction of lives and properties worth millions of naira, it created widows, orphans and exacerbated poverty in the waring communities.

    For instance, as a result of the war that lasted for over a decade, indigenes of Ebijakara community were sacked from their land and have not returned 4 years after the war ended.

    Community Secondary School Usumutong that was destroyed is a shadow of itself, with its destroyed staff quarters overgrown with weeds; Ediba and Ebom Communities also suffered various degrees of destruction.

    Destroyed staff quarters of the Community Secondary School Usumutong overgrown with weeds

    One of the survivors of the conflict, was Mrs Janet Ekpe from Ebijakara who lost her husband and every property they owned in the war.

    Narrating her ordeal, Ekpe said she and her children suffered so much during the conflict, adding that, though she was happy that the war was over, she was still in pain as her wounds were yet to heal.

    “Apart from losing my husband to the war the crisis prevented my children from going to school, our house was destroyed and we were sacked from our community.

    “As we speak my children are scattered all over the nation because I cannot take care of them while I survive by taking small farmland on lease which has not been easy, I have cried and begged just to get something to survive on.

    “This is why I plead with the state government to help us go back to our land and  in the construction of houses because we are still suffering even though the war is over,” she said.

    For Mr Nkam Igiri, a businessman from Ebom Community, the place where he did his business and lived was burnt-down during the war.

    “I am happy that the war ended 4 years ago but since it did, we have not really seen much progress in the communities.

    “Some of us that lost everything including our means of livelihood are still struggling to find something to do to put food on our tables and send our children to school. The government needs to help us,” he asserted.

    A visit by NAN to the ancestral land of the Bahumonu nation in Otumosa and some of the communities recuperating from the years of carnage showed that they still lack basic amenities such as electricity, good telecommunication network.

    The roads were in bad shape, especially the Ring Road that connects the nine communities of Bahumonu, their schools, health centres look dilapidated and by the River side that demarcates Bahumonu from Ebonyi, there were no jetties.

    A section of the Ring Road that connects the nine communities of Bahumonu

    Reiterating the present condition of the four communities that decided to drop arms and toe the line of peace, Mr Earnest Abam, Central Youth Leader of the Bahumonu Nation said though peace had returned, there were key areas they still needed to work on.

    “There are some striking issues that caused the war in the first place that are yet to be resolved such as the permanent boundary between Usumutong and Ediba communities.

    “Also, we are yet to resolve the discontentment between Ebom and Ebijakara for the latter to return to their land from where they were sacked during the wars.

    “The conflict lasted for years, people have died on all sides and we are putting heads together to see how we can placate hearts to bring about peaceful for coexistence,” he affirmed.

    Abam however added that they now realised that war did them no good and they would never pick up arms again, while calling on the state government to come in and help them consolidate on the peace achieved by entrenching development

    On his part, His Royal Majesty Solomon Edward, Paramount Ruler of Abi LGA told NAN that it had been difficult in fully resolving the issues, even after the fightings ended four years ago.

    Edward who doubles as the traditional ruler of Usumutong community said the elders have continued to disagree adding that it was sad that some people were still bitter that peace returned to the waring communities.

    “I have continued to lay curses on anyone who does not want peace to reign among the communities that decided to say no to guns and machetes.

    “We are still pushing to ensure that we fully resolve the issues and bring  Ebijakara back to their land but it is becoming more and more difficult because where we are asking them to stay they are not comfortable with it.

    “At this point, we appeal for the state government to come to our aid now, to help us resolve some of the lingering issues that is hindering total peace,” he maintained.

    Although war torn for about 15 years, the four communities had been relatively peaceful after the youths miraculously dropped arms in 2020, the markets now sold in whatever ramshackle tents left after the fighting and people moved freely.

    Speaking on the present situation, Mr Earnest Eteng, Chairman, Bahumonu Peace and Development Union said things were getting better, while thanking the youths for their doggedness in maintaining the peace that was achieved in 2020.

    According to him, the youths were always the first to visit any scene where there was misunderstanding capable of resulting to violence, even without the elders knowing, to ensure that peace was sustained.

    Eteng appealed to  indigenes of the communities concerned to fully embrace peace, so that the state government could come to their rescue in the area of infrastructural development which was highly needed in the communities.

    “The state government has accepted to help us but they said we must be ready to sign the peace agreement stating where each of the projects will be.

    “That was what we were told in 2021 when the committee set up by former Gov. Ben Ayade came on a fact finding mission in the Bahumonu nation, that position has not changed, he stated.

    Responding on the state government’s development plan for the Bahumonu nation, Mr Collins Bassey, Community Relation Officer in charge of Abi LGA for Gov. Bassey Otu, claimed that the state  had done a lot to ensure peace in Bahumonu.

    He said the schools, roads and other infrastructures in the Bahumonu nation were in bad shape but the government was poised within the shortest possible time to bring development to the region.

    Bassey who noted that the construction of the ring road in Bahumonu was captured in the 2024 budget as the governor promised during his campaigns, said if there was no peace there was no way the communities would attract government attention.

    “The people  lost so much, families lost properties and loved ones in the war so, I will not rest but continue to remind the governor of his promises to the Bahumonu people because with Peace there’s nothing we cannot achieve.

    The war in Bahumonu may have ended but it is clear that the peace being enjoyed among the four communities today is fragile.

    While many of the indigenes are still calmly aggrieved but recuperating from the emotional wounds and trauma, the issues that caused the war are still yet to be fully resolved four years after.

    This is the time for the state government to do more than just empty rhetorics by picking up the report of the Ndoma Egbe led committee set up by the former administration in the state in 2021 and commence implementation of its recommendations.

    The Bahumonu nation is a cluster of nine communities that are well-known for their agrarian capabilities especially in the production of rice in commercial quantities.

    Riverside that demarcates Bahumonu from Ebonyi without jetties

    This must be developed in addition to other necessary basic amenities especially in this era or low food production, to aid not just Cross River but Nigeria at large in the production of some of the nation’s everyday staples.

    The indigenes themselves who have seen how their once thriving communities were devastated, courtesy of communal wars, must learn that destruction is easy while rebuilding is quite difficult and expensive and so, toe the line of dialogue instead.

    The time to act is now to avoid any form of degeneration.

    Christian Njoku is of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He writes from Cross River State, Southern Nigeria.

  • C’River: There is no massive logging by any Chinese company in Effi community – Lawyer

    C’River: There is no massive logging by any Chinese company in Effi community – Lawyer

    Ichire Imoh Okim, is an Abuja based legal practitioner and lawyer to Effi community, Okuni, Ikom local government area of Cross River State. In this interview Okim gives insight on controversy surrounding establishment of wood particles production factory in Effi community land and other sundry issues.

    Below are excerpts of the interview;

    There is an allegation of massive wood logging described by those who are against your relationship with illegal Chinese firm whose name had remained secretive. Can you give us insight?

    I think this is clearly mis-informing. There is no massive logging by any Chinese firm, whether legal or illegal in Effi community. There is nothing like that, whether massive or less than that. There is nothing like secrecy. The person who started that idea was Mr Odey Oyama, and that is because he refused to attend the town hall meeting when negotiation with the chiefs and the firm was ongoing, so the name of the company and every other things was laid bare on the floor of the house during the town hall meeting. Even after that, nothing stopped him from going to the chiefs to ask whatever that he wanted. Unfortunately he never did that, probably because he had an issue with the chiefs. From what the chiefs told me, they had information that since Odey failed in using his boys to halt the firm from kicking–off; Odey had hatched another plan of using his international connections to mount pressure on the company to stop work. I think it’s the reason why everything is centered on  name of the company.

    So why did you not release name of the company to him, don’t you think there was something you were hiding?

    It was difficult for me to do so because of his character, why did he refuse to attend the community meeting when it was convened by the community chiefs and elders ?

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    Is he bigger than his community? can a man be bigger than his community? Besides, the name of the company is in the agreement. Again because of fear that Oyama is out to use his  international connection to mount pressure on the community I think, it’s the reason why the name was not mentioned.

    Can you mention the company’s name now?

    It is not in my place to do so, because I had finished with the task I was given to execute as a community lawyer. Let me tell you, as a lawyer, after an assignment you are barred from discussing details of a brief they gave you. Let them go and meet the chiefs. What any rational person would have done, would have been to go to the chiefs and probably tell the chiefs good morning, what is this or that. I tell you they would give you whatever explanation on whatever answers you are seeking. But if you decide to become confrontational like what they are doing, the chiefs have a choice to close their doors. There is nothing wrong with approaching them with respect.

    Why did you not disclose content of the agreement with the wood particles production firm to the protesters?

    When a lawyer is acting on behalf of a group of people, out of that group, a delegation is created to interface with the lawyer on the brief. An ordinary member in the group or anybody in the group cannot by-pass that delegation and go to the lawyer to scoop information. Once the lawyer gives all the information to the delegation, his job ends there and owes no one any liability, be it his wife, father or his friend. Know that he is acting in official capacity as a lawyer.

    He is not entitled to divulge any piece of information to anyone. It’s a strong spirit of confidentiality between a lawyer and his client. It’s also extends to an agent of disclosed principal. There’s a procedure of doing things in our villages. As a youth, whenever one is not please with any issue of public  interest that is perhaps ongoing in the village, what the individual is expected to do is to go to the chiefs first, appreciate them for the work they’ve been doing, and thereafter proceed to ask them what you intend to know. You will discover that they will provide you with answers to what you have been  looking for without any hitch. Unfortunately the reverse is the case in Effi community. People will stay around and be looking for me who is living in Abuja to find out certain issues.

    Why does the Chinese firm not mount signpost on their factory ?

    I am not holding brief for the company, what I know generally is that they are  still doing construction work, they’re installing their machines and equipment, they have not yet commenced full operation. Besides, I do not see any law that says that one must put a signpost to his business before the business can kick-start. It’s just a matter of choice. Signpost is like an advertisement, if you do not advertise your business, so be it.

    We have heard tales of factory workers being flogged at will by their Chinese employers in their own village, isn’t that ridiculous and criminal in a 21st century ?

    I am not aware of this. To be frank, I have never been told that someone had been flogged. There’s a big lacuna and I want the public to know this, a particular group refuse to recognize the chiefs. The agreement has a clause that there’s going to be a joint management committee between the community and the Chinese men, if these people have gone to meet the chiefs they would have set up that management committee that would have supervised this thing.

    Let me inform you that the role of the committee is that once in a while, the Chinese company will throw open their doors and they will take the community all round the activity in the company to ensure that they’re not doing illegal things in the yard and to ensure that there is no maltreatment of any  indigene or workers doing work for them. That’s the role to be played by the management committee.

    The committee chairman ought to be an indigene to make sure that no Chinese national slaps anybody, in an eventuality of any issue, the first point of call would be the chiefs. If the chiefs cannot handle the matter, they would thereafter go to the police to lodge complain. If l may ask, have they done any petition to the police regarding any of these issues which they claimed had spurred up the protest ? Have they even whispered to anybody that someone was flogged ? They just make up those cases. I have not heard of any case of engaging underage children to work in the factory.

    On the issue of corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) these are the same people claiming that there was no agreement, same people are the ones seeking to sight the terms of agreement. Does that not sound funny?

    There’s no place in the agreement that the people said that they’ll put streetlights. What we provided in the agreement was that there’ll be Corporate Social Responsibility which will come in two forms, one of such is that the company will commence a project and build it from start to the end without relying on the community and the second community development project will be contributory. We also provided that there’ll be a scholarship program for the indigenes. This agreement is supposed to take off when the company starts production, they’re still building and some equipment have not even arrived. The allegation that the firm lacked Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration is ridiculous. Do not think that because the chiefs are illiterates they don’t know what they are doing. They cannot do without a lawyer. I cannot do an agreement at my level of practice with any company that is not registered in CAC. I laugh because I know it is all out of malice that all these things are happening.

    On the issue of one of the workers having some of his fingers chopped off with the second one having hot water burns, let me announce to you that the  agreement we had with the Chinese investors was sensitively preemptive because of the stories I have had  about Chinese companies. I loaded the agreement with several clauses pertaining to rules of engagement in addition to the agreement because there are two things, either you do the agreement or you have a solid law. For this purpose is the agreement. On that law, while we have issues in the law is that after writing the law people go to sleep. I would have prepared how to activate those laws in the agreement.

    It would have been that the joint committee to ensure that no Chinese man raises his finger against a black man, no Chinese man will allow a black man get injured without proper attention and if there’s any controversy the first point of call should be the council of chiefs and thereafter, you’ll now go to the police or to the court. Unfortunately out of malice they  undermined the Chiefs and because of all these confusions, they have prevented us from constituting that management committee that should have taken care of all of that.

    Our community is not as big as that, that someone cannot trace the chiefs. If one person gets injured even the chiefs will hear, my question now is that did the boy who sustained injury  go to the chiefs to complain ? Again, who did he report to that he has to go to the faction that hold the traditional rulers Council in contempt ? Those are civil cases that if you don’t want to go to the chiefs you go to the police or go  get a lawyer to sue and claim damages for you. Besides, nobody knows if the boy himself was negligent and refusing to speak out.

    For me, they’re creating a situation of lawlessness because the youths did not enter into an agreement with this company, they should have gone to report to their chiefs. A house that is  divided against itself can it stand? The answer is No.

    All these things wouldn’t have been a problem if they had respect and were working with the chiefs. Malice is very bad because it will not allow you to see beyond your nose. How can you say a document that was signed by the chiefs is now illegal and you, a young boy somewhere will now say you’ve withdrawn the power, what power do you have to withdraw a document signed by the chiefs.

    Can you throw light on the issue of land lease that brought problem in the community?

    I know I am not supposed to say anything concerning that issue given the fact that the matter was pending in court. I’ll take the risk so that you won’t say I’m hiding anything, just pray to God that the court will understand  otherwise it is going to be prejudice.

    There are 3 folds to these and I will take you on both sides; the first one is that, one family just rose up one day and say that the land belongs to them, they went to court, while the matter was pending in court, this Chinese people came and indicated interest in the land and in the proceedings there’s no injunction on the land and if I could remember the only application for injunction was done by the community and not the family because the community has been managing that land for couple of years without problem. It’s the community that says the land is in their possession. It is not enough that because you went to court the people who are living in that land will run away.

    The second side is that when the chiefs invited me to negotiate this agreement I have never seen a crowd like that before in my village owing to the fact that they saw white men moving with the chiefs so men, women and youths filled the hall. When I entered I was even scared because of the population. When the chiefs introduced the case of the Chinese coming to lease that place, they handed it over to me to carry on with the negotiations. I called the family head and he stood up and I asked him if he was aware that this matter is in court? He responded yes and thereafter, I asked him, can we use this opportunity that the Chinese have come to lease this place to settle this matter out of court, so that we can go and tell the court that we’re settling out of court so that the family can have peace, so that the community can also  enjoy and the Chinese will stay or if you don’t want to settle this matter out of court, the parties here can maintain peace and order while the matter is being litigated.

    If the court at the end of the day says that the land belongs to the family I say I will join you to tell the community to handover the land to the family and all that have been paid but if the court says that the land belongs to the community the company will stay and you’ll benefit as an Okuni man.

    The chiefs begged me, saying “Barrister please help us. Our children have become drug addicts, they don’t do anything they just stay around, this company will help them.” These people have come to say that they’ll employ about 250 youths and my community alone cannot provide that number of workers even that 40% they can’t even reach so this job is not only for Okuni but for the entire Ikom. We discussed this agreement for four good days so that everyone’s input would be taken. It’s so disheartening to hear that even people who took part in the negotiation have somersaulted to say that there was no negotiation that the agreement is now secret.

    In 1994 when I was brought into this stuff, the late Chief gave me all the documents to go and study and I realized that the first chief who signed for the community comes from that family that is claiming that the land belongs to them, but unfortunately from top to bottom there’s no place that his family was mentioned as either owners or beneficiaries or reference point by any measure. The village head coming from that family signed as the village head of Effi community. They had no hold on the land to say that it is their family land. One of their illustrious sons became chairman of the town council, he now signed that agreement also as community land not family land. Today, they’re jumping up that it is their land.

    This matter is a simple matter that would have been resolved by the agitators going to meet their chiefs. It’s just that they’re disrespectful. They don’t want to go to the chiefs, instead  what they know best is to run me down. I only acted as a lawyer, and agent. The  law is that if you act like an agent, you bear no liability, it’s the disclosed principle that will take the shot and if you look at it as a point of me being a lawyer, as a lawyer I am bound by law not to talk to a third party. The law is that if you’re a lawyer to a community and there is a delegation from that community that have come to consult you, you are answerable to that few. Someone cannot bypass the committee to get information and you give them.

    The community youths out of anger sealed the premises of the factory with palm front, aren’t you afraid and doesn’t this portend danger?

    Traditionally, you don’t just tie palm front without the order of the chiefs. It’s the chiefs, after considering the case, that will now order that Palm front be tie there and let the parties come to the Chiefs Council.

    Let’s assume we have 10 chiefs and three out of ten decide to work with the youths to take this radical decision, won’t this decision be binding?

    No chief went with them and if any Chief went with them it will be those who are grumbling. The majority, the senior chief was never consulted, so the moment he heard that thing, he got his people mobilized and removed that the palm fronts.

    Can you put a traditional injunction in a place that is not your jurisdictions. Can you tie palm front when people are living inside meaning they cannot come out?

    We don’t have issue here, is just that people cannot tame their ambition. Don’t allow your ambition to overrule you. Lawlessness will not help us. This thing has been excessively campaigned and if we allow this thing to grow, in the nearest future, Effi community will breed radicals.

    We hear, there is a voice note making the rounds that you have been making attempt to mobilize boys to stage a counter protest: What can you say about this?

    I have heard the message and nothing wrong with that. The only issue is the embarrassment of the publication. Everyone has a right to protest. If I am talking of a counter protest, there is nothing wrong, provided it is carried out peacefully. If I canvass support for the chiefs, there is nothing wrong, if I threatened the company not to park out, there is nothing wrong, if I mention one Odey (Odey Martin) as an example of a good boy, and expressed reservations in some weak areas, there is nothing wrong. If I say they cannot lock the factory with the Chinese inside without access, in or out, a way must be created invariably by counter protest to release the Chinese. There is nothing wrong. If I say I cannot buy the boys over with money there is nothing wrong. I can go on and on. All these are results of the campaign of calumny carried out against me. I suffer all these because I said we should not desecrate our traditional institutions by challenging the chiefs with impunity.

    How can someone say the chiefs should apologize to him by writing? And when he failed to get his way to bring the chiefs to their knees, he turns round to say it is Ichire Okim who is giving them support because he is a lawyer and Ichire’s reputation must be dragged  to the mud.

    This is why the allegations have been  unending. In some occasions he will say Ichire stole community money, in another instance, he will alleged Ichire had sold the community forest. The allegation will be Ichire brought Chinese company, he sold the previous company for N2billion. All these seem to be right in the eyes of those supporting him.

  • You raised false alarm over whereabout of missing worker – Njoh tells Mark Prince

    You raised false alarm over whereabout of missing worker – Njoh tells Mark Prince

    Mr Asu Njoh is one of the key players  in the cocoa sub-sector in Cross River State and doubles as allottee of state government, at government owned Cocoa estate in Abonita, Etung local government area. He denied the allegations over knowing the whereabout of a worker to a co-farmer, Mr Mbu Liku Mark -Prince who had fingered him of having a hand in the purported disappearance of the worker, one Mr Mike and at same time, seeking intervention of the state government.

    Below is the excerpts of the interview with our correspondent:

    What’s the total landmass of that area?

    The total landmass lend for Abonita Cocoa is 3,000 hectares but government only planted between Etomi and Agbokim, they planted only 422 hectares. The other land has been taken over by the host community as encroachment, so I don’t know how government that is still having extra land that is supposed to expand will now go to encroach on somebody’s land, when government has not even exhausted its own land, its now encroaching into people’s land, so I can’t understand, it’s funny.

    What is there is that, as they were planting, they started planting from Agbokim towards Etomi, they were supposed to extend towards Ajassor area but they could not continue, that’s why I’m saying out of the 3,000 hectares they only planted 322 hectares, so the Ajassor side that they were supposed to plant that they didn’t plant, they have encroach and they are planting Cocoa and  another economic trees.

    Funny enough, Mr. Mbu Liku has now crossed even the stream that is there and now entered inside part of the 422 hectares that government planted and Mbu Liku is now trying to claim ownership.

    There’s no single individual in Abonita Cocoa that planted his cocoa farm in hectares, that you can see a demarcation between this bloc and that bloc, I challenge that person to come and show us that his farm where you can see tractor lines, bloc parts like we can say 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B and so on. It is only government that planted cocoa in  that manner.

    The last report has it that you actually held one of his worker hostage, can you give an insight of what happened?

    That is why I am saying it is assassination of character. He wants to malign my name. Reason being that he is even the one who solicited for the release of that same Mike who was caught in government owned  Cocoa estate stealing Cocoa Allotted to me, Mike and his accomplices were handed over to the Agbokim Police station,you can go and find out and ofcourse  they subsequently transferred to Okuni area command in Ikom local government area of the state.

    The same Mbu Liku was the fellow  who  sent a lawyer to take Mike on bail. He even appealed to the Commanding  Officer (CO) of Afi barracks to discuss with the area command for the release of this same Mike and one Emmanuel who were arrested together and two others. Surprisingly, we heard that the same Mike that he solicited for and was released is the one again that he raised a false alarm that Mike was missing, fingering me (Njor Asu Njoh), of knowing Mike’s whereabout the question I’m asking is how? As I speak, I don’t even know the Mike, I don’t even know him before this incident.

    Why would you say you don’t know him, when it has been alleged  that your workers are the ones who  captured the  young man  and tie him up to a tree in the bush only to be set free probably because of the media report. What’s your take on this?

    It is not true. It’s a lie from the pit of hell. From what I gathered, the young man escaped during the period when other suspects were being arrested. That same day others were arrested, he escaped, as he escaped unknown to him that his partners in the crime had been taken to the police station as he went back to the farm in search of  other three suspects who were his partners in the crime, that was when he was arrested. I realized he was arrested the next day, he went in search of the other three because he didn’t know their whereabout, so on going back to search for them, that was when he was also apprehended and also handed over to the Agbokim Police station where he was subsequently transferred to Okuni police station. So the issue of tie or they did not tie is an unfounded story because that’s the story that Mbu Liku carries everyday when he wants to make his case serious, he resorts to making mischief.

    What is the message to him regarding the allegations?

    The message to him is that he should stop deceiving the public by sending false information and try to assassinate my character because I face matters and not individuals.

    And for his claim that the 32 hectares at Abonita cocoa estate which he alleged is in contention, is owned by one person, he should appeal if his interest is affected and he should appeal over suit number HM/73/2020, which stated that the 32 hectares belongs to the state government of Cross River and not late Chief Ogar Assam of Ajassor community.

    But Mbu Liku has authentic documents showing that the 32 hectares in contention belongs to late Ogar Assam?

    I disagree with that claim. To put the records straight, the Cross River State government is in full possession of the entire Abonita cocoa estate since its establishment in 1976. Late Chief Ogar Assam of blessed memory died on February 10, 1974, and had no claim of 32 hectares of cocoa farm at Abonita government owned cocoa estate as claimed by Mark Prince (Mbu Liku). Facts available show that Chief Ogar  Assam, of blessed memory died 2 years before the establishment of the estate. So why is Mbu Liku still making this false claim that the 32 hectares at Abonita which he had artificially put in contention belongs to his late uncle  Chief Assam?

  • Interview: Top govt officials doing everything possible to see Ayade’s ex-aide in prison without due process followed – Human Rights Lawyer, Ukweni

    Interview: Top govt officials doing everything possible to see Ayade’s ex-aide in prison without due process followed – Human Rights Lawyer, Ukweni

    Ntufam Mba Ukweni, (SAN), is a Calabar based human rights legal practitioner who believes in due diligence of the law. In this interview  Ukweni condemned what he described  as unprofessional approach allegedly employed by agents of Governor Otu’s  administration to press false charges against former aide to Governor Ben  Ayade, on Cocoa Development and Control, Ntufam (Dr) Oscar Ofuka, without following due diligence and process, a situation the legal practitioner said has pushed Ayade’s ex-aide to be in coma for the past 4 days, after he slumped in court.

    Below are excerpts from the interview:

    We heard  that one of your clients, Dr. Oscar Ofuka, a former Special Adviser to Gov. Ben Ayade on Cocoa Development and Control in Cross River state is still in Coma, after he slumped in court and hit his head on the ground?

    It’s very sad. I have always maintained as a lawyer, that I cannot be against prosecution of any person who is suspected of having committed an offence. But in all circumstance, we must always act in accordance with what the law says it should be done. Our law presumes any suspect to be innocent until the court makes pronouncement of his guilt. It presupposes that a suspect should be treated with highest level of decency, and respect because you may eventually find out that, that suspect is innocent.

    While not wanting to comment on what is before the court, on the basis of subjudice, but this in particular, is when I got to find out that he was arrested in his hometown that he brought army people to intimidate people in the farm, and I went to find out. I found that was wrong, he was taken to the army station at Edor Barracks at Ikom local government of Cross River state. First, they said he was a fake soldier after investigation of the suspect, they found out that the man was a real soldier. The army person was among those persons who were allottees of the government cocoa estate. After thorough investigation, the army man had been released because he wasn’t a fake soldier. He said to me, I am not a fake military man. I got the farm when the government wanted people to pay for farms. And they came and arrested me.

    But the issue relating to those things from my own knowledge is before the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Abuja, and when I met with the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of the zone six police station in Calabar, on Thursday, he reliably told me that issues are not in his hands, that he has nothing to do with the cocoa. Some of the matters are before the AIG.

    The people disturbing are government. The other time I accused Secretary to State Government (SSG) in trying to recount it, how is he going to recount that himself and the State Security Adviser (SSA), to the governor of Cross River state are the ones, or using them to torment innocent people. We just pray that nothing happens to Dr. Ofuka, because, while we are acting as human beings, there is God, because if he dies today his blood would be on them. That is what they should know. They should just pray that nothing happens to him.

    Being in government and making use of the office to achieve the miles stone he had achieved. As Special Adviser to governor of Cross River on Cocoa Development and Control, was a major achievement. A new government cannot come in. If you want to set up commission of enquiry to investigate what happened during his regime that is acceptable in the government. But it cannot deny, the government cannot say whatever agreement, the previous government had entered into cannot work. Those agreements were done before the attorney general, with receipts from government paid into government revenue, internal revenue accounts.

    The former attorney general sat and wrote those agreements, after signing agreements you now charged the people who signed the agreement of forging the agreements, how? Like I said they have brought about thirty something charges on them; on that basis that means the people who had filed cases to fight for their rights. They have agreements with the government, and that government should abide by the agreements instead of government pursuing their claims. The case
    is in Etung, charged those people for criminal charges against them, start trial that they forge agreement how? We will deal with that when the time comes. But it looks like I said, I’m sorry to say so. It is very very irresponsible for government officials to come and say agreement that government had entered into with predecessor should not be obeyed. And then you start bringing frivolous charges.

    The one they brought in high court how is it faring? Even the people, Collins Ogar that made the complaint could not come to testify. We expected them to come out, to be at the federal high court when the petition they wrote to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). They couldn’t come to prosecute it and defend the petition they wrote EFCC. Is it this one they are going to defend? They said murder charge. The State Security Adviser (SSA) to the governor, and Secretary to State Government (SSG), know the people who killed, it was a fight between the rivalry group of the person appointed by the governor, in charge of cocoa allocation and the team of Secretary to State Government.

    They all know that. Instead of going to tell the truth, and face those involved, that incident did not happen or take place near where the government of Ayade allocated to my clients, (allottees who are fighting for their rights). They know that, that matter is before the State Investigation Department (State CID).

    The facts before the state CID have nothing to do with these thirty people they are charging with forgery of agreement. Is not close to that area, and the person who owned the farm where the man died, had made a statement. This approach of leaving the shadow to witch-hunt people with criminal charges have to stop. It is not proper. Government should not operate that way. I know previous administration had used that; it shouldn’t become a tradition because it is wrong.

    And there are remedies, which people who are aggrieved could avail themselves. We pray that Dr. Ofuka should recover from coma, he is not afraid of standing trial. I have met with Assistant Inspector General of Police AIG who gave me four hours to come back to enable him go through the file but before the four hours is settle, for a matter he said he had no hand in, you now said they were charging him to court.

    I am not complaining about whichever way they want to do their work. But I feel that having detained him for this length of time, without charge. Today is Saturday, I don’t know what charge as we were there others were there, I expected that they should have serve us with the charge that they were taking to court for. They did not serve us.

    Was it traditional that they ought to have served you people with the charge that they were taking you to court for?

    Yes it is traditional that you serve him with the charge or information. That is what takes him to the court. It’s traditional. You go and register the charge. That is why if there is no serving of the charge, you cannot compel the attendant of the defendant or accused person over that.

    Did they not know that serving the accused with the charge was necessary?

    The charges that were served on us, were the ones of forgery which are before the state high court, saying that they forged cocoa allocation agreements that were duly registered by the office of the attorney general, that money paid into government account, then you charge them with forgery, what sort of fraud is that in government? You collect people’s money and end up charging them to court for collecting their money. You collect people’s money to solve government problems, because they used that money to solve government problems. Government was having problems with landlords communities because rents and royalties were not paid for a number of years. They collected money from these people to enable the government solve the problem. It’s not that the money was collected and eaten by Oscar Ofuka, or his people. No. Government decided there are judgments of court, they had gone to court first and there are consent judgments in places of which those monies of which agreements were entered into. Money paid into the government account where the government took and settled the communities, which provided enabling environment.

    What is your message to those having issues with the former aide to Gov. Ben Ayade, Dr. Oscar Ofuka?

    My message to them is that they should remember tomorrow. Today is Oscar Ofuka, tomorrow might be them. They are certainly not going to be in office forever. Tomorrow another person would be there, they should know that what goes around comes around. Like I had always advised, things should be done properly in a way and manner that they should have been done.

    But people are saying that Ofuka is faking the coma? I have gotten several calls from some persons saying that Ofuka’s coma is fake?

    Faking what, Pretending what? Pretending for how many days? Today is the third day and you say is fake. Except they are surprised that the doctors are yet to pronounce him dead. God forbid!.

    In Nigeria, Coma is not strange because we have seen circumstances where ex-top government officials who misappropriated public fund feigned coma, what makes you think Ofuka’s case is different?

    The incident happened three days ago, as they took him to court, he slumped, probably because of what he might have passed through. You cannot take a man who is up to sixty years of age to four different cells of both the military and the police under two days perhaps without food in his stomach and expect him to withstand the stressed. Even as he is still in coma. Even as I speak, there are policemen at the hospital surrounding where he is lying down at the hospital bed. It means he is still in police custody guiding the hospital bed where he is. So, would he have pretended for this length of time? Nobody would want to pretend for all this time. Oscar was prepared to stand his trial. He is a very courageous person, and he knows his case. He is not a person who pretends. I pray nothing happens to him but for him to recover.

    Meanwhile, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh and the State Security Adviser, Rtd. Major General Okoi Obono have both  debunked the allegations, exonerating themselves of any wrong doing.

  • Franka Undie, Pioneers AI Solutions in Healthcare, Garners Distinction and Special Award from foreign Varsity

    Franka Undie, Pioneers AI Solutions in Healthcare, Garners Distinction and Special Award from foreign Varsity

    Franka Undie, a Nigerian from Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State has graduated from the RUDN University with the highest distinction in Applied Mathematics and Informatics/Data Science and Digital Transformation in her Master’s degree. Her outstanding achievements include receiving a special award for her groundbreaking scientific research aimed at revolutionizing the healthcare sector through artificial intelligence (AI).

    Recalled that In 2019, Franka Undie captured national and international attention when she received over 20 MSc admissions from prestigious universities around the world. Opting to pursue her studies at RUDN University, she has since demonstrated unparalleled dedication and brilliance, culminating in her recent graduation with a distinction in MSc degree.

    Mrs. Okache’s MSc thesis has set a new benchmark in the application of AI in healthcare. Her research focuses on developing an AI system that not only aids doctors in decision-making but also provides clear, understandable explanations for its recommendations. This innovation is designed to enhance the decision-making process in medical practice, enabling doctors to make better-informed choices based on comprehensive patient data.

    Her AI system stands out for its user-friendly interface, which demystifies complex AI algorithms, making them accessible to medical professionals without extensive technical backgrounds. This breakthrough holds the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes by ensuring that medical decisions are both data-driven and comprehensible.

    Read Also: Force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, replies X-user who said Nigeria is a ‘useless country’

    Franka’s exceptional work has not gone unnoticed. She was honoured with a special award by RUDN University for her scientific contributions, highlighting the impact and importance of her research in the field of AI and healthcare. This accolade is proof of her innovative spirit and the practical relevance of her work.

    Beyond her academic and research accomplishments, Mrs. Franka Matthew Okache’s personal life also reflects a commitment to excellence and service. She is married to Mr. Matthew Okache ANIPR, the Chief Press Secretary to Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly. Her family and friends are immensely proud of her achievements and the positive representation she brings to Nigeria on the global stage.

  • Alaafin introduced talking drum (iya-ilu) and sekere (beaded gourd): Prince Siyanbola Oladigbolu

    By Our Reporter

    The historical greatness of Alaafin in the creation of the Yoruba dynasty can not be over-emphasised nor underestimated. Everything about kingship and its orchestrated hierarchy traces back to Alaafin, particularly Orayan, the founder of Oyo and Alaafin SANGO in 1078AD.

    Oyo Crown Prince takes us down memory lane of how royalty originated from the supreme Oyo dynasty.

    Prince Siyanbola Oladigbolu, a grandson of the 40th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abubakar Siyanbola Oladigbolu revealed how a “talking” drum (iya-ilu) and sekere originated from oduduwa son (oranyan).

    According to the youngest contender to the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Siyanbola Oladigbolu who may be the next Alaafin and Oladigbolu the 3rd from the Agunloye ruling House to the most highly respected traditional office of authority in the western part of Nigeria, and the stool of one and only empire across the Niger, the Oyo Empire that reigned for an uninterrupted seven hundred and fifty-five years, before the invasion in 1830s.

    The Talking Drum tradition is very old indeed. It was introduced as a means of communication during the inauguration of the Alaafin of Oyo and developed throughout the period of the Oyo Empire, established in the 12th century during the reign of Alaafin Aganjusola, Abenu Asasi (the one with irreversible curses).

    The drum is an important musical instrument in different aspects of human life in Africa. Meaning is attached to every drumming outing, “for in Africa, we drum for a purpose” It consequently becomes an artistic and humanistic expression of the need for socialisation and communication among people. Such expressions alongside other characteristics of the “talking drum” emphasised using “language in representation”, and non-verbal semiotics method of communication to explain some of the symbolic representations.

    The uniqueness of Oyos and when entertaining the Alaafin is actually what people don’t understand when a happy and dancing Alaafin suddenly becomes angry. The drummers must have used the drum (iya-ilu) to inform the king that the enemy or unwanted person has gotten access to the Palace or anywhere close to where the king is.

    They can also use the drum to communicate with Alaafin throughout the day without anybody knowing.

    The speechless semiotic way of communicating with alaafin is next to none. You can never see any chief or palace functionary whispering to Alaafin on any occasion that it is time to go home. As soon as Alaafin steps out of the palace, the drummers automatically become the guideliners via the iya-ilu drums throughout their stay.

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    The iya-ilu drum is decorated with a pocketable size of gong made of brass to produce low sounds to support the master drum’s sound production. However, the Oyos always go deeper in whatever they do. They have no interest in doing anything cultural the way others do. Any drum with little gongs decorated with brass is specially for Alaafin. No matter the personality, they must not use the drum to entertain anyone. Such a drum must not be heard of except in the presence of Alaafin. History has it that if the drummers entertain anyone else, such a person instantly becomes deaf and dumb. They also use the same drum to confirm the authenticity of any prince inspired to be a new Alaafin. If he’s not the right person, he becomes deaf and dumb instantly. I doubt if they are still using that method in this modern-day. That was what a “movie ” titled Saworoide was all about.

    I hope all the contenders for the vacant stool of Alaafin are aware of this.

    Sekere (beaded gourd) was also introduced by Oyos and solely to entertain Alaafin.

    The (gourds) Sekere originated in the Oyo empire, which comprises the present Benin and Togo and some parts of Ghana. Alaafin’s conquest was 20 times bigger than what is known today as the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom of today is just 243,610km².

    “Dahomey,” the present-day Benin Republic that was actively subdued and ruled by the Oyo Empire, is 114,763km², while Togo, another part of the Oyo Empire, has an area of 56,785km².

    Without mentioning other cities covered and ruled here in present-day Yoruba land, connecting it to the first headquarters of Oyo-Ile, Kutunga, sharing boundaries with present-day Niger State. One should know that the United Kingdom is like a lawn tennis court competing with an Olympic football pitch. Despite the distance from Niger state of today, Yoruba land to Benin Republic to Aflaho in Togo and down to Ghana by Royal doings, Alaafin taught them what
    Royalty was all about.

    The Alaafin was able to complete Royal brochures and templates for outings and entertainment out of sekere display some of the present days royals are enjoying. Still, aji se bi oyo laari, o di aye atunwa ki ara oyo o to se bi eni kookan. The displays of “gourds” (sekere) could go up to 10 metres. And when I say sekere, not a regular handy ones used for praise and service in churches or regular ceremonies. Not even the one local musicians are used to. The standard sekere can be sighted in the Africa Gallery or the Palace of Alaafin.

  • Nigerian officials demanded bribe in cryptocurrency – Binance

    The CEO of cryptocurrency giant Binance, Tuesday, claimed that some agents of Nigerian officials demanded crypto secret payment to make its problems “go away”.

    Richard Teng, who took over from founder and former CEO Changpeng Zhao, said in a blog on Binance’s website that the request was made through a local law firm it hired.

    “Counsel reported back that he had been presented with a demand for a significant payment in cryptocurrency to be paid in secret within 48 hours to make these issues go away and that our decision was expected by the morning,” Teng said in the blog post.

    “We, of course, declined the payment demand via our counsel, not viewing it to be a legitimate settlement offer, and clarified that we would engage in settlement negotiations on the following conditions:

    “Binance needs to see the relevant petition and/or the details of all allegations.

    “Any settlement must be official, recorded in writing, and signed by all relevant parties.

    “Any settlement must encompass all relevant agencies and be in full and final settlement of all allegations, including any potential historic tax liabilities, if applicable, with guarantees.

    “While the exact terms of any settlement may have to remain private, there would have to be some public acknowledgement that a resolution has been reached.”

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    The Binance boss also requested that the company’s “contractors and employees are not to be intimidated, harassed, or detained.”

    He said the Binance counsel relayed its conditions which were initially objected by Nigerian authorities before a later agreement.

    In continuation of its engagement with Nigeria, two Binance officials Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla arrived to discuss further terms with the government but were arrested in late February. Anjarwalla escaped Nigerian custody days later.

    Nigeria is prosecuting Binance for tax evasion while Gambaryan remains in custody.

    Teng appealed to the government to “Let Tigran go home to his family, and then Binance will work through the same process that we have done with Nigeria’s law enforcement community voluntarily more than 600 times in the past.”

    “We will always work to protect innocent users, and bad actors are not welcome on our platform. We will work tirelessly with public and private partners to remove them. Furthermore, we will continue engagement with Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on resolving potential historic tax liabilities,” Teng said.

    Culled from the Guardian.ng