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JARIGBE DRIVING GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT IN C/RIVER NORTH

Published

5 years ago

November 21, 2020

Cyril Ogar

The race for the replacement of late Senator Rose Oko in the National Assembly has continued to gather momentum as the two major parties contending for the seat are mobilizing forces to ensure that they grab the Cross River Northern Senatorial District seat.

The race is a straight battle between the candidates of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom and that of the All Progressives Congress, Joe Agi, SAN has witnessed new and stronger campaign strategies since the postponement of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as a result of the #EndSARS protest in the country.

Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, currently a member of the House of Representatives, who represents Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency is not giving up the battle for the ticket of the PDP for the election. He believes that he won the primary and should be the party’s flagbearer.

He is seen as a candidate who stands out in the popularity contest and the candidate to beat in the election.

Elected into the Green Chambers in 2015, Hon. Agom has kept in touch with those who elected him to serve via his legislative outreach and constituent’s involvement in the smooth running of the federal constituency.

In his desire to make life meaningful for his people, the lawmaker took a need assessment tour within his constituency where he engaged his constituents to exray their myriads of challenges. This tour resulted in the provision of some critical infrastructure, facilitated by the lawmaker for improved living standards and economic growth.

Within his first term in office, the young lawmaker ran an open-door policy, with the help and support of his constituents, and a lot was achieved. Hon. Agom influenced, through recommendation, the employment of many constituents into various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, including the Civil Defense, Federal Road Safety, Nigerian Army, Police, EFCC, Banks, Department Of Petroleum Resources, to mention but a few.

AMONG SOME OF HIS PROJECTS INCLUDE:

Electrification of Idum, Adum, and Igbo in Wanihem ward. Yala LGA (REA) Supply and Installation of a 500kva transformer in Wanibolor. Yala LGA ( Fed. Mins. of Power Works & Housing), Drilling and Installation of Motorised borehole in Okuku. Drilling & Installation of 1No Motorised borehole in Yache.

The home town of Dr. Stephen Odey, Drilling & Installation of Solar Powered borehole in Ikajor Ward Ishibori in Ogoja Drilling & Installation of Motorised borehole in Nkum Irede, Ibil in Ogoja, Drilling & Installation of 1No Motorised borehole in Idum Mbube. Electrification of Mbube East from Benkpe, Supply & Installation of 500kva transformer in Oboso, Mbube (Fed. Mins. of Power Works & Housing), Empowerment & training of over 250 youths in vocational skill acquisition in his constituency over 8million was giving out in cash for startups, He facilitated the construction of the (old) Union Bank Road, Igoli-Ogoja LGA- NDDC 2016 Budget and many others.

On his first primary assignment as a lawmaker, Jarigbe has sponsored 10 bills and four motions on the floor of the green chambers for the benefit of Cross River State and Nigeria in general

Others include:

University of Calabar Act (Amendment) Bill 2017(Amendment of cap U5 LFN 2004), A Bill for an act to provide for the establishment of a Federal University of Technology, OGOJA and for other matters connected therewith 2018, A Bill for the establishment of a Federal Polytechnic in Yala 2018.

MOTIONS:

Call for Rehabilitation of the Road from Yahe-Ukelle in Yala LGA of Cross River State to Igede in Oju LGA of Benue State, 25/11/2015.

Urgent Need to Investigate Acts of Procedural Breach by the Management of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), 08/03/2016.

Urgent Need to Investigate the Huge Debts Owed to PPMC by Major and Independent Oil Marketers/Sabotage by Some Oil Marketers, 29/09/2016.

Urgent need to investigate the mysterious death of the Late Joy Odama; Crutech Student, 21 years, from Yala, who died controversially in the house of one Alhaji Usman Adamu in Abuja.

It is worthy to note that one of Hon. Jarigbe’s Bill, HB 262 University of Abuja Act (Amendment) Bill, 2015 has passed the third (3rd) reading and was assented to by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is now gazetted as one of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN).

He has also intervened in several cases, especially through cash donations, gifts, cars, tricycles, sewing machines, funding of small scale businesses, procurement of farm inputs for farmers, construction of solar-powered boreholes, skill acquisition training, scholarship to deserving constituents, and many others.

Following his outstanding legislative performance and constituency development, Hon. Agom was re-elected for a second term to consolidate and sustain the tempo of his outreach. On marking the first year of his re-election for a second term, the pragmatic lawmaker sent out a touching message to his constituents.

He wrote: “I come on this platform to thank the Ogoja/ Yala people for the confidence reposed in me, exactly one year ago. My greatest joy is that my brother and friend who contested on the opposite platform is one of my closest allies today. We’ve long moved on. He didn’t emerge because he had special skills but because it’s God’s chosen time for me to serve our people.

“We are mere mortals and can’t assume invincibility.

Your continued support is invaluable and my promise to you is that- I AM POISED to delivering on this MANDATE you graciously gave to me in Trust. I remain eternally indebted to you all for this rare opportunity. God bless you all”.

Barely Seven Months from the inauguration into the 9th Assembly for a second term, Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom has done the following.

Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom has empowered over 200 Constituents from across the 24 wards of Ogoja/Yala with Birds, Feeds, and Vaccines.

He has done free medical outreach across Ogoja/Yala with Over 5,000 constituents as beneficiaries.

He has also empowered over 50 constituents with motorcycles, over 25 Tricycles, mechanized farm implements,s and 5 Cars to people across Ogoja/Yala.

Supply and Installation of 2,500kva transformers in Ogoja.

He has also extended his hand of goodwill by giving out N250,000 to youth from Ijibor in Bekwarra local government area to start up a business.

Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom made a passionate appeal for a fire truck to be made available for the fire Department in Ogoja.

Rehabilitation of Borehole in Ochochi Okpudu in Okpoma, in Yala LGA.

Presented wrappers and cash to all the widows in the constituency during the Yuletide season. (2019).

Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom facilitated the entrepreneurship development training for more than 400 constituents to enable them to access the CBN AGSMEIS Loan of N10m. The training fee was over N5m

He has organized skills acquisition training for youths across the 24 wards of Ogoja/Yala where cash was also given for start-ups.

He has purchased 240 jamb forms for Jambites across the 24 wards of Ogoja/Yala.

Hon Jarigbe Agom has affected the payment of Bursary to constituents across Ogoja/Yala which is ongoing.

With the mandate bestowed on him by the electorate, he sees himself having a commitment and a social contract of service for the overall interest of his people.

Hon Jarigbe, the voters have already decided, they approve of his philosophies and have chosen to place their trust in him; that allows him not only to represent by listening but also to represent by leading, by shaping opinions. He possesses the passion, experience, disposition, and sagacity to satisfactorily represent his people.

As a lawmaker, he is appealing to the best instincts of your constituents, he ran for a legislative office to make a difference, a difference for the better; and yes, he is putting the people first by his utmost commitment to their needs, in a very special way.

Legislative service is one of democracy’s worthiest pursuits. It is an important duty that deserves time, attention and dedication, in all of these tight engagements, you are never far from your people, hence your doors are open and accessible to your constituents far and near and even others in the diaspora

Besides, he has made the job of a lawmaker a lot more interesting to your supporters because you really know the people you represent. He used his skills and office to help communities find solutions. He returns phone calls, answers e-mails and letters, has town hall meetings, and replies to chats; this is awesomely encouraging and commendable.

Representation requires a bond of trust between citizens and their representatives; this bond, he holds in high esteem because enjoys the support and goodwill of his constituents in view of his openness, transparency, worthiness, accountability, and accessibility.

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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

Published

3 weeks ago

October 10, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

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