NEWS
C’River Steps Up War against Illegal Mining with Statewide Sensitization Campaign
From Ene Asuquo, Calabar
In a determined move to bolster security consciousness and curb the growing threat of illegal mining by foreign elements, the Cross River State Government, through its Anti-Illegal Mining Committee/Taskforce in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals Development, has embarked on a five-day sensitization tour across 10 Local Government Areas of the state.
Chairman of the Anti-Illegal Mining Committee/Taskforce, Prince Paul Effiong, described the situation as dire, warning that “Cross River State is sitting on a time bomb if the activities of illegal miners are not urgently curtailed. ”He underscored the immense natural and mineral wealth of the state, stressing that when properly harnessed; it could drive sustainable development and boost the state’s economy. “Illegal mining is not only destroying our environment, but also threatening public health and security,” Effiong stated.“Our farmlands and forests are being ravaged. Toxic chemicals are seeping into our water sources, raising the risk of cholera, cancer, and other diseases. We must act now.”He also cautioned communities to be vigilant against bribery and manipulation by illegal miners. “They come bearing cash, gifts, and false promises, but their intention is to divide and exploit,” he said.Effiong further raised security concerns about the unchecked movement of foreign nationals into forested areas. “With the rising insecurity in the country, we must be cautious about who we allow access to our communities. Many of these foreigners arrive in numbers without registration or profiling—it’s a ticking security threat.”In Boki Local Government Area, the Executive Chairman, Hon Beatrice Etta Nyiam, emphasized the urgency of the sensitization initiative. “The alarming influx of unidentified individuals engaging in unauthorized mining in our hinterlands is deeply concerning,” she said.“I call on our traditional rulers and youths to work with the anti-illegal mining team. This is not just about minerals; it’s about protecting our heritage and the future of our children.”Federal Mines Officer, Ayelabola Bumi, noted that Cross River is blessed with vast mineral deposits, but warned against misuse. “God has blessed this land abundantly. Let us guard His gifts jealously so that He will not regret bestowing them upon us,” he said.“Illegal miners extract what they want with no regard for the environment or host communities. The devastation they leave behind is ours to deal with.”Also speaking, the State Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Obono (rtd), acknowledged that Cross River has a longstanding reputation for peace and hospitality but warned that the influx of unidentifiable strangers poses a clear risk.“Cross River remains committed to being a safe haven, but we must tighten our security systems,” he stated. “Most of these people come at night, and their identities remain unknown. There must be proper documentation and profiling of every visitor entering our communities.”He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the safety of its citizens: “Security is our shared responsibility. It is paramount and non-negotiable.”Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Otuekong Francis Edet, appealed to community leaders to take a principled stance. “Mining is a legitimate economic activity, but not when it’s done illegally or at gunpoint,” he warned.“Our traditional institutions must avoid sharp practices. Don’t mortgage the future of your communities for temporary gains. If mineral resources are exploited legally, the Corporate Social Responsibility of companies will ease the burden on the government and improve our living standards.”Edet also encouraged community members to report suspicious activities without hesitation. “Timely information can save lives and protect our environment.”In his closing remarks, His Royal Majesty Otu Fredaline Akandu lauded Governor Bassey Otu for establishing the Anti-Illegal Mining Committee and pledged full support from the traditional institution.“We will stand side by side with the government to protect our land, our people, and our future,” he declared.The sensitization campaign aimed to create synergy among the three tiers of government, share vital knowledge, and develop sustainable strategies for effective resource management. It also sought to enhance environmental preservation, strengthen community vigilance, and foster long-term security and development in Cross River State.
By David Torough, Abuja
The founders and Senior Pastors of Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), Dr. Paul and Dr. (Mrs.) Becky Enenche, have successfully trained and empowered 100 individuals in agribusiness as part of their commitment to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
Dr.
Paul Enenche made the announcement during the church’s Thanksgiving and Testimony Service on Sunday, highlighting the initiative as a strategic effort to promote self-reliance and agricultural productivity.According to the cleric, each beneficiary will be allocated at least one hectare of farmland to commence farming activities upon completion of the training programme.
He further disclosed that the beneficiaries will receive monthly stipends to support them until their agricultural produce is ready for harvest.Dr. Enenche noted that the training and empowerment programme represents a significant investment, with each participant’s training costing approximately ₦500,000.
The beneficiaries, who constitute Batch A of the Entrepreneurship Agribusiness Training Programme, graduated from the C.S.S. Farm and Skills Acquisition Centre located along the Keffi–Abuja Road. The entire programme was fully sponsored by Dr Paul,Dr (Mrs.) Becky Enenche and the church as part of their ongoing efforts to empower individuals with practical skills and sustainable means of livelihood.
The initiative reflects the church’s commitment to transforming lives through both spiritual and socio-economic empowerment.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has reaffirmed the commission’s neutrality ahead of the 2027 general election, saying INEC has no candidate or political party to favour.
In a post obtained from INEC’s X handle on Sunday, Amupitan stated this during a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Amb.
Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, as part of the commission’s stakeholder engagement and preparations for the 2027 elections.The visit formed part of activities surrounding INEC’s planned interactive meeting with staff and readiness assessment at the zonal level.
The INEC chairman was accompanied by National Commissioners, the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Technical Assistant, Chief of Staff, Special Aides and other senior officials of the commission.
Amupitan described traditional institutions as important stakeholders in the electoral process because of their influence and reach within communities.
He said elections were fundamentally about the social contract between citizens and those entrusted with public office, stressing that public trust was essential to the success of democracy.
According to him, INEC has commenced preparations early because of the size and complexity of conducting elections across Nigeria.
He said the commission had moved away from last-minute preparations and was testing, auditing and strengthening its operational systems well ahead of the 2027 polls.
Amupitan assured the Emir that INEC remained committed to neutrality, fairness and transparency in the conduct of elections.
“We have no candidates, we have no political party, we have no interest other than the sovereign will of the people of Nigeria,” the INEC chairman said.
He added that the commission would continue engaging traditional institutions and other stakeholders as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election.
The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Kano State Command, has deployed personnel to Garko Local Government Area to track and contain dogs suspected to be infected with rabies.
The service said the suspected rabid dog had bitten 18 people in Garko and its environs.
The NFSS State Commander, Abdullahi Al’ameen, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the service, Usman Abdullahi-Umar, on Sunday in Kano.
Al’ameen said: “The command received a distress report at about 2 p.m. that a dog suspected to be rabid has attacked residents in Garko town.
“The dog has so far bitten 11 persons in Garko town before moving to neighbouring communities, including Raba, Kadage, Gurjiya and Dausai.
“It has also attacked and bitten seven additional persons in the affected communities.”
The commander further explained that they had received another report that two more dogs had been infected with rabies in the area.
Al’ameen said personnel of NFSS Garko Division, under the leadership of the Divisional Forest Officer, Auwalu Muhammad, had been deployed to the affected areas to track and contain the infected dogs.
He urged residents of Garko and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and report sightings of stray or suspected rabid dogs to the nearest NFSS office or other security agencies.
The commander also advised residents who might have been bitten by suspected rabid dogs to seek immediate medical attention.
Al’ameen assured residents that the NFSS would continue to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to prevent further attacks.(NAN)
Paul Enenche, Wife Train, Empower 100 People in Mechanized Agribusiness
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The founders and Senior Pastors of Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), Dr. Paul and Dr. (Mrs.)...
2027: Tinubu’s victory, a win for the north, Tompolo tells Kano electorate
ShareGrand patron of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo has said President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the...
INEC Has No Candidates, Party – Amupitan
ShareThe Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has reaffirmed the commission’s neutrality ahead of the...
Rabies Scare: Suspected Infected Dog Bites 18 in Kano
ShareThe Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Kano State Command, has deployed personnel to Garko Local Government Area to track and...
FG Targets 10m Globally Certified Nigerians by 2030 — Alausa
ShareThe Federal Government said it is working to create one million export-linked jobs and produce 10 million globally certified Nigerians...
Doctors Give FG Two-week Ultimatum to Avert Strike
ShareThe National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to resolve outstanding welfare and...
Diri Urges Newlyweds to Make Forgiveness, Tolerance Foundation of Marriage
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged newly wedded couples to make the virtues of...
Bayelsa at 30: Assembly Clashes with State Executive Today
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa The Bayelsa State House of Assembly will take on members of the State Executive Council in...
Oborevwori Urges Nigerians to Embrace Sacrifice, Patriotism for National Devt
ShareFrom Francis Sadhere, Delta Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, patriotism, courage and...
Nweze Urges S-East Voters to Back Tinubu
ShareFrom Godwin Okeh, Abakaliki The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagements, South-East, Chioma Nweze, has urged people...