Indigenes of Akwa Ibom State, in recent times, have experienced development in the state, significantly in the power sector as there has been an average of 18 hours electricity supply coming from the recently commissioned electricity power sub-station in the state Capital.

This and other developmental projects executed by the state Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, are geared towards providing enabling environment for the industrialization drive of the state.

He said with good roads, security of life and property and stability of the state, the state has witnessed significant progress in the industrial drive of the government.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Charles Udoh, while speaking on AIT breakfast programme, KAKAAKI, unveiled some of the achievements of Mr Udom Emmanuel in his two years in office as Governor of the state, saying that agriculture and tourism are part of the main industrialization plans of the state.

He said that Governor Emmanuel’s focus on road construction is aimed at connecting production communities to the economic nerves, as well as agricultural centres to the commercial centres of the state, maintaining that, “With this, people who have farms in the State can transport their farm produce easily and faster.”

The Commissioner explained that, “one of the major challenges we are having is price of food stuffs. If you remove agriculture, price control will not work; we are simply applying the law of demand and supply. That’s why the Government is investing in agriculture, providing free fertilizers and seedlings to farmers and also ensuring that the farmers are well trained.”

Mr Udoh said that, “the state Government has trained over 400 indigenes on Cocoa production. We want to go back to that point in Nigeria when Akwa Ibom State played a major role in agriculture.”

Commenting further on the industrialization drive, the Information boss said; “Statistics shows that Nigeria consumes about 16 billion syringes per annum, and where do we get this syringe from? We get them from South Africa. We don’t have syringe factories in Nigeria but we are building in Akwa Ibom, and it will produce 400 million syringes per annum, creating job opportunities and boosting the economy of the state.
“If you also look at the coconut plantation and refinery, coconut is an investment of Gold, and we are tapping into that opportunity. We have a 2-million coconut plantation. To complement that, we have coconut refinery. The idea is to have the coconut refinery ready to roll once the coconut plants are matured.”
“Also in industrialization, we have the flour mill which His Excellency recently flagged off. We also have the Electric Metering Factory which is to complement the Government’s effort in power distributions.
“It could be recalled that earlier in the year, we were informed that Nigeria is nursing plans to commence the production of pencils in 2018, while Akwa Ibom State in 2017, is producing pencils and toothpicks.

He said that, “There are states in the federation that depend on us for these pencils. Those industries are not gigantic structure but what comes out from them,” he further stated.

On the free and compulsory education programme of the government, Mr Udoh said that the state government pays over N600 million WAEC fees for students annually.

“The State Government has taken over community schools because our dream is to ensure that most communities benefit from the school. We have children coming from neighbouring states to benefit in this free and compulsory education in Akwa Ibom State.”

The free education, despite the economic situation in the country is opened to both indigenes and non indigenes alike; “we can’t have a progressive environment if we train our children and don’t train our neighbours’ children, that’s why we allow that.”

“We want to have an economy driven by educated youths not just in the narrow scheme of things. That is why we have youth empowerment, youth development and series of intervention programmes to ensure that youths, who are expected to be leaders of tomorrow, are well prepared.”

Beyond payment of WAEC fees and basic education, the Commissioner for Information said that the Government intervenes in infrastructure, adding that in the last 24 months, “We have had 300 inter-ministerial projects predominantly centered at providing classrooms and basic infrastructures for schools.”

SOURCE: AKSG New Media

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has called on the Federal Government, to remit funds, used for the construction of Federal roads in the State, maintaining it will aid in the delivery of other projects by his administration. Governor Emmanuel stated this, over the weekend at Government House, Uyo, when he received members of the Senate Committee on Works who were in the state to ascertain the level of federal roads.

While addressing the delegation, led by its Vice Chairman, Senator Clifford Ordia, the State Chief Executive revealed that the State is being owed monies summing up to N106 Billion and cited the Ibagwa Bridge in Abak, a section of the Calabar – Itu Highway, Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road as Federal Government projects executed by the State.

The Governor said he was surprised that the state was being asked by the Federal Inland Revenue Service [FIRS] to pay taxes on funds deducted from contractors, even when the apex Government was yet to reimburse the State and expressed worries over the workings of the taxes which he noted, exceeded the actual amount owed the State.

He said the projects were done by the State through statutory allocation, hinting it was wrong for FIRS to ask for taxes when the Federal Government was yet to remit the contract sum. ‘’Even the Calabar Bridge, Ikot Ekpene, Itu Road, I’m sure you are aware, we told the Chairman the last time, there was a terrible erosion that I spent so much money and uptill today, I’ve not been reimbursed".

‘’Let me use this platform to also state this, Yesterday, we were surprised that the Federal Inland Revenue Service came and started counting taxes that we need to remit to them, on roads that we did for the Federal Government". ‘’The amount they mentioned as tax liability was even more than the contract sum of the roads.

So I don’t know the workings of the tax and it is something we find very strange and I think the Senate should take this up with them". ‘If the State Government uses its statutory allocation and work on Federal roads, it is wrong for FIRS to come and ask us for taxes deducted from contractors on that road, even when we are yet to be reimbursed". ‘’So where will we get the money to give the Federal Government when they are supposed to give us back our money.

Like today, they are owing us close to N160 Billion, if you give me that kind of money and you want to take five percent as withholding tax, believe me, it is good". Governor Emmanuel while appealing for a bond option by the Federal Ministry of Finance, lauded the Committee for the level of supervision of Federal roads and for sponsoring the Federal Road Authority Bill and expressed optimism that the bill, when passed into law, will tackle repulsing issues in the Federal Road Maintenance Agency [FERMA] Act .

Earlier, Vice Chairman of the Committee, Clifford Ordia, thanked Governor Emmanuel for his developmental drive and said they were in the State to inspect Federal roads. ‘’We have been here since morning and we have been able to visit some project sites, we have been to the rehabilitation site at Ikot Ekpene and work is currently going on there. And the bridge work along Arochukwu in Akwa Ibom, progress has also been made at the site".

He said the development of the road sector can no longer be funded solely from the federation account and advocated for alternative funding of federal roads. He said in the spirit of this, the senate few weeks ago repealed the FERMA Act and re-enacted the federal road authority bill which when signed into law will make it easy for full private sector participation in the reconstruction and maintenance of roads.

Senator Ordia said that some major projects in the 2017 budget that are earmarked for Akwa Ibom such as the dualization of the Ikot Ekpene-Itu-Calabar Highway with a spur from Ibiakpan junction to Itu.

He said the project has already been awarded by the Federal Government to Julius Berger at N54bn, and expressed hope that the contractor will soon be mobilized to site. He also announced the readiness of the Federal Government to rehabilitate the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road (Phase1).

And thanked the Governor for the warm reception accorded his team. “It is our prayer that God will continue to protect and guide you and take Akwa Ibom State to another level”, he said.

Other members of the committee in the delegation were, Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Barnabas Gemade, Representative of Niger South Senatorial District, Senator Sani Mustapha, Clerk of the Committee, Mrs Foluke Ogunbayo, Comptroller of Works, Engr H. O. Iluromi, Representative of the Director of High Way South South, Engr. O. U. Bakare and Deputy Clerk of the Committee, Mr George Ugo.

More photos

Power is a basic necessity for the growth and development of any economy.

To boost electricity capacity and steady power supply within Uyo metropolis, the Udom Emmanuel-led administration today inauguarated a power sub-station in Uyo, to feed Ewet Housing, Osongama, Shelter Afrique and Nwaniba road axis.

Tape-cutting of this project was performed by Senate Minority Leader and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

#GovernorUdomisWorking
#HBDGovernorUdomEmmanuel

SOURCE: AKSG New Media

Governors Fayose of Ekiti State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia and Owelle Rochas of Imo were in Asan Ibibio, Uyo, on Monday to witness the grand reception of Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel by Ibibio Nation - the 4th largest ethnic group in Nigeria.

When it was his turn to speak, Governor Fayose said, "When I drove in here today and saw this sea of heads, I said 'God thank you ooo'. So is this what the enemies wanted to wish away using the Supreme Court last year? God forbid! Rochas (Okorocha), when you get back to Abuja, report to them ooo. Report to APC. Listen, report exactly what you saw here. Report the sea of Heads that you saw.….tell them, tell APC, tell INEC, tell them that... Read on! Click http://www.wetinhappen.com.ng/see-what-fayose-asked-rochas-to-tell-apc-in-uyo/

Abia State Governor Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, arrives Ibom Intl. Airport for the grand reception of Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr Udom Emmanuel and Wife Martha, organised by Ibibio Nation today Monday 10th July 2017, at the Asan Ibibio, Uyo. Welcome Your Excellency!

SOURCE: http://www.wetinhappen.com.ng/ibibiohonoursudom-ikpaezu-arrives-akwa-ibom-photos

On Monday July 10, the Ibibio nation, Nigeria’s 4th largest ethnic group, will roll out the drums to celebrate one of its own, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel and his wife.

The event, which is a grand reception for the state chief executive and the first lady of the state, holds at the ancestral Asan Ibibio grounds, Ikot Oku Ikono, in Uyo local government area.

According to the Chairman, Central Planning Committee and former Military Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, the occasion is a further demonstration of the oneness of purpose of the Ibibio nation in support to an illustrious son who has discharged his duties meritoriously.

Nkanga said that despite challenging economic times, the governor has remained resolute in his pursuit of people-oriented governance and sustainable development in Akwa Ibom State after just 24months in office.

"Governor Emmanuel has brought to bear his wealth of knowledge and experience to keep the State’s economy afloat, with bold footprints in the industrial, agricultural and other sectors. Recall that the National Bureau of Statistics in its 2017 reports listed Akwa Ibom as the state that attracted the highest Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria in 2016 after the commercial capital of Nigeria."

According to Otuekong Nkanga, "the event is expected to bring together eminent Ibibio sons and daughters; friends and associates from within and outside Nigeria.

He enjoined all indigenes and residents of Akwa Ibom state to grace the occasion, as a show of solidarity with the Ibibio Nation and support for Governor Emmanuel, who has demonstrated dynamic and purposeful leadership.

A miracle takes place when there is a sudden functional change that eludes human comprehension. In socio-economic and political parlance, someone or society is said to experience a miracle when it there is a sharp transformation or progress that was unplanned, astonishing and incomprehensible.

At the global stage, the Asian economic miracle remains one of the most fundamental transformation the human society has known of since the end of the cold war in the 1991. This miracle, though prevalent in most of the East Asian countries, the four dragons or tiger: HongKong, SouthKorea, Singapore and Taiwan, had the most far-reaching touch.

It should be noted that the concept of the four Asian ‘’Tigers’’ or four Asian ‘’dragons’’ is a term used to explain the economic revolution which took place in the highly free-market and developed economies of Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.

These nations were notable for maintaining exceptionally high growth rates( in excess of 7 percent a year) and rapid industrialization between the early 1960s (mid-1950 for Hong Kong) and 1990s. By the 21st century, all four had developed into advanced and high-income economies, specializing in areas of competitive advantage.

Hong Kong and Singapore for instance, have become world-leading international financial centers, whereas South Korea and Taiwan are world leaders in manufacturing information technology. Their economic success stories have served as a role model for many developing countries, especially the tiger club economies.

In Akwa Ibom State, there is a conscious effort by the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel at putting in place the requisite macro-economic policies and institutional framework that would set the stage for an economic miracle. For instance, the 5- point Agenda of Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel which encapsulates poverty alleviation, wealth creation, political & economic inclusion, infrastructure consolidation & expansion and job creation explain the pertinence of sound public policy to the overall process of development.
Little wonder, the Governor evolved a Foreign Direct Investment Committee in the state headed by a seasoned investment expert, Gabriel Ukpe to interface with foreign investors on behalf of the state.

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT

From his inception as Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has instituted sound polices capable of promoting equity and growth in the state. Fundamentally sound development policy is a major ingredient in achieving rapid growth.
Macroeconomic management in the state is unusually good and macroeconomic performance unusually stable, providing the essential framework for private investment. Some of the chunky private investments in the state include the 2 billion capacity syringe factory, a high capacity flour mill, a metering plant and the Coconut Refinery, amongst others.

Also, there are policies to increase the integrity and corporate governance. In this connection, the importance of the Bureau for Technical Matters & Due Process headed by a reputable technocrat and seasoned corporate governance expert, Mr Ufot Ebong cannot be overemphasized.

The free and compulsory Education policy in the state has been deepened. It is focused on primary and secondary schools. Technical training and skill acquisition programs are also encouraged to generate rapid increase in labor force . It should be noted that unhindered access to basic education accounted significally to the success of the meji restoration (the great economic leap) in japan.
Thus, the case of Akwa cannot be an exception, as skilled and highly developed manpower beckons in the nearest future.

Agricultural and agro- related policies in Akwa Ibom are aimed on productivity and negates tax on the rural economy. Today, Akwa Ibom is self-sufficient into tomato, cucumber, cocoa, cassava and other produce. These commodities were hitherto bought from the northern and western parts of the country and at exorbitant prices.
Recently, courtesy of FERep, the pet project of Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel, wife of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, 3 Cassava Processing Factories were resuscitated and commissioned in the three senatorial districts of the state. Of course, it is expected that this robust initiative would cause a boost in good production in state, while creating jobs and alleviating poverty.

ATTRACTIVENESS OF PRIVATE INVESTMENTS:
Udom Emmanuel’s policy on investment has sustained and engendered rapid growth with a fair income distribution pattern which has led to unprecedented economic growth. Recently the nation bureau of statistics (NDS) in its report for first quarter, noted that Akwa Ibom is the second largest foreign exchange attraction from importation of development capital in Nigeria with $18.36 in foreign direct investment (FDI) and other investment component of capital importation behind Lagos.

SOUND PUBLIC POLICY AND GROWTH:
The role of public policy in orchestrating growth, accumulating human and physical capital for investment in the state cannot be overemphasized.
In his bid to use public policy to actualize his development blueprints, Governor Udom Emmanuel has developed a framework that links rapid growth with (1) accumulation (2) effective allocation and (3) technological catch up.

Governor Emmanuel’s policy choices could be classified into two groups: (1) fundamental and selective interventions. The important policies within these include macroeconomic stability, high investment in human and intellectual capital and openness to foreign technology. Selective intervention include industrial promotion, local content and provision of security.

In the area of human capital development, it must be emphasized that indigenous professionals have been sent abroad for training programs in meter and syringe production. This would enhance the process of the technology transfer and ‘reserve engineering’. Reverse Engineering, as a process of ‘stealing technology’ through re-invention accounted for the quick technological development experienced by the newly industrialized countries (NICs) of south East Asia.

Closely related to the above is the local content policy of the state Government in the construction industry. Viable local concerns such as BENEST, VERINI, HENSEK and SEYANG Construction Companies, among others have been engaged and this hassled to the avalanche in construction labor, technological development, while alternating poverty to a reasonable level. Capital flight too has been discouraged, implying that the local economy would experience a tremendous boost.

Summarily, taking into cognizance the development blueprint laid down by Governor Udom Emmanuel anchored on the 5-point Agenda, it is apparent that an economic miracle beckons in Akwa Ibom State. Unarguably, sound public policy and strategy are the primary considerations for this great leap!

Uwemedimoh Umanah, an International Public Affairs Analyst, writes this piece from Uyo

PRESS RELEASE

Re: Ibom Specialist Hospital is not fully equipped: putting truth to the lie by mischief makers.

We have read with amusement the banner headline in some local tabloids and on the social media to the effect that His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Governor, Akwa Ibom State had stated that Ibom Specialist Hospital is not fully equipped.

Our initial reaction was to studiously ignore the story as the handiwork of mischief makers and agent provocateurs who are bent on starting a narrative that is at best geared towards drawing some political capital out of a decidedly non-existent issue, but doing so, would have amounted to ceding the ground for the lie to hold.

Let me state here categorically that His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Governor of Akwa Ibom State did not; within the context and tenor of the statement categorically say that Ibom Specialist Hospital is not fully equipped. The said statement was taken out of an excerpt of an interview His Excellency granted a cross-section of the media recently in Lagos, of which Thisday newspaper reporter, Olawale Olaleye was one of those reporters who interviewed him.

For the avoidance of doubt, this is exactly what the Governor had said when the reporter asked him why some prominent Nigerians still do not deem it fit to patronize the hospital. “it is one thing to have the facilities; it is another thing for the facilities to get to where they produce optimum results. So, where we are today, WE HAVE GONE SOMEWHERE. But I can say that we have not fully equipped it to the level of the vision we have that is why we called on the Minister (of Health) that we need to partner the Federal Government.”
What His Excellency meant with the above excerpt was that Ibom Specialist Hospital is on solid ground and that we have made tremendous progress with the facilities the hospital has, but that more facilities are needed to take it to the vision that led to its establishment by the State Government.

It is therefore, the height of mischief for someone to misconstrue the statement and gave it a narrow and politically expedient narrative that suits their notion. All over the world, medical science is an evolving enterprise with new technologies and updates, hospitals as a result, are equipping and re-equipping to keep up with the pace of new technologies, and if the Governor said that though the facilities we have currently are great, but we need to equip the hospital with additional facilities to meet the vision, it is very sad for people to try to play politics with such an honest and globally acceptable fact.

We recognise that the political season is upon us, and desperate individuals will, as a result, attempt to cause division and create imaginary issues, Governor Udom Emmanuel, however, is determined to continue the erection of a skyscraper for the good people of Akwa Ibom State from the solid foundation and structure that his mentor and the immediate past Governor, the Senate Minority Leader of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio (CON) had erected. Every attempt by certain individuals or politically sponsored groups to derail His Excellency from that vision will amount to a waste of their time and resources.

Governor Udom Emmanuel is a bridge-builder, and one of the planks in his Five-Point Agenda is political inclusion. He has gone the extra mile to ensure that all Akwaibomites are invited to come on board the train of the Akwa Ibom Project no matter their political affiliations. He remains dedicated to that noble ideal.

Signed:
Ekerete Udoh
Senior Special Assistant, (Media) and Chief Press Secretary to Governor Udom Emmanuel

The attention of the Government of Akwa Ibom State has been drawn to an interview granted by the Governor His Excellency Mr Udom Emmanuel, and published on ThisDay Newspaper of Sunday June 25,2017, with the headline, "Emmanuel, There Is No Alternative to PDP Yet".

While we align ourselves with the contents of the interview which are excerpts of the views expressed by His Excellency, the Governor, we completely dissociate ourselves from the introductory aspect of the publication which tends to cast aspersion on the records and achievements of the immediate past Governor and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio. The said sentence read, “As a banker, his experience and exposure came handy and today, Akwa Ibom is generally believed to have fared better than the days of the lousy ‘uncommon transformation’ with a relatively conservative but generous effective approach to governance.”

Governor Emmanuel holds Senator Godswill Akpabio in high esteem and like every well-meaning Akwa Ibomite, the governor appreciates the successes of the uncommon transformation era as the foundation of today’s Akwa Ibom which his administration is building on.

It was against the backdrop of those successes that ThisDay Newspaper bestowed on the former governor, a prestigious title of "Emerging Tiger" in 2009.

His Excellency Mr Udom Emmanuel operates a government of political inclusion and has maintained a policy of uniting every Akwa Ibomite beyond all divides in the task of developing the state and as such is totally against such negative remarks against past leaders or other stakeholders from the state.

We therefore urge the general public to discountenance the said comment which we believe was made in error by the newspaper.

Charles Udoh
Hon. Commissioner
Information & Strategy

Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr Udom Emmanuel was among the dignitaries that witnessed the double celebration of 60th birthday and 35th marriage anniversary of the State Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev. Ndueso Ekwere, held today Sunday 25th June 2017, at Qua Iboe Church Ibiaku Itam 2, Itu Superintendency along Calabar-Itu Highway.

SOURCE: AKSG New Media

The relationship between The Akwa Ibom State Government and The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC has struck a new rhythm as the Commissioner for Works, Akwa Ibom State, Mr Ephraim Inyang-Eyen thursday afternoon joined the NDDC Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State Mr Samuel Frank to inspect the J Line Ewet Housing Road in Uyo handled by the NDDC.

Inyangeyen said the state government is open to Federal agencies who are in Akwa Ibom State to deliver quality infrastructure and other life touching projects.

SOURCE: AKSG New Media

Residents of Ewet Housing, Osongama, Shelter Afrique and other areas, have poured encomiums on Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, over steady power supply in their domains.

The TOWN CRIER roaming reporter, who sampled the opinion of inhabitants of the above-mentioned areas, reported that, the people were in euphoric mood, as a result of the steady power supply they have experienced recently.

However, from his day one as the State Chief executive, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has been emphasizing his commitment towards providing steady power supply to the people, in order to boost his industrialization policy.

The TOWN CRIER observed that apart from securing a licence by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to the state-owned Ibom Power Company to upgrade the Ibom power plant from a 191 megawatts to 685 megawatts capacity, many substations have been built in some parts of the State, as a strategic move to having uninterrupted power supply.

Engr Donatus Akpan, a resident of D Line in Ewet Housing, and owner of a table water company, while responding to our reporter said, “We are enjoying electricity of recent in this area. Even though they sometimes take the light, it is just for some minutes, say 20 to 30 minutes. What we are witnessing now is different from how it was before this government came in. During the previous administration, electricity was rationed. They would give us for five hours only, and then give to other areas of the town for another five hours. Sometimes it might not even come at all, leaving our businesses to suffer. But today it is different. I must say we are doing well now with steady power supply and we thank the government for it. ”

A fashion designer, Abigail Inwang, whose shop is on Oron Road, close to Okopedi Itiam Primary School, was highly elated with the improved power supply in their area and had this to say:

“I don’t know who is responsible for the steady electricity that we have recently. I thought they were allowing the light to stay permanently during ending of the month so that customers would be happy to pay their bills the following month. To my greatest surprise, I discovered that the light was still constant many days into the new month and till this moment. If they take it, few minutes or say one hour, light will return. The four litres of petrol that I bought since last month to take power my generator is still stored in the gallon untouched”.

However, generator distributors are not totally happy about the move as this has deeply affected sales of the generators.

In the words of Chukwuemeka Ukadike, a Sales Manager at Ukadike Power House, “Since they fixed the electricity issue, people no longer buy generators, and this has affected our business. There is nothing we can do since government has done what it wanted to do on power supply. Even though it is affecting us we just have to endure. I remember we made much sales and a lot of profit before this government took over. It was good for us then but since it is like this now we don’t have to be selfish.”

Meanwhile, independent findings by the paper revealed that, the State government, apart from her current achievements in the power sector and sweet stories, was on the verge of rehabilitating the 132KVA lines to be used in the distribution of the power, not only to Uyo, the State’s capital, but to other parts of Akwa Ibom, including Ikot Ekpene, Eket, Ikot Abasi, Oron, Okobo, Mbo, Urueffong Oruko, Udung Uko, Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo, Abak, Oruk Anam, Etim Ekpo, Uruan, Local Government Areas among areas.

Henshaw Nyong | AKSG New Media

The Akwa Ibom State Government has concluded plans to partner with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for the establishment of 31 skills development centers in the state.

Governor Udom Emmanuel disclosed this while receiving the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Aisha Alhasan, at the Exco Chambers, Government House, Uyo.

The Governor, who expressed delight over the partnership, directed the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Glory Edet, to meet with the Minister next Monday to finalize modalities for the take-off of the project.

“Since you said that you are ready to partner with us on this, that is really fantastic and the commissioner will not let you rest until the project is realized, because this will really help our Women a lot.”

Governor Emmanuel informed the Minister of the various developmental programmes of the state and measures put in place for the sustainability of those programmes, saying that her visit synergised with the vision of the state to set up skill development centres for women and the youths.

“If you want to build a society, first of all build a home, and if you want to build a home, build the woman in a home. The woman will build a home and the home will build a society. That’s a very simple philosophy and that’s what we are looking at and it starts from that girl child.

He revealed that several laws have been propagated in the state to ensure the safety and wellbeing of women and children, saying that “recently, I commissioned a rehabilitation center, to carter for little girls abused anywhere either through rape or any case, I have a judge of the high court there.”

Mr Emmanuel furthered that to boost the efficacy of the center, he sent some medical equipment he had just imported from the US.

“Even though parents don’t come out but the way we are also executing the law right now, I think that any man must be possessed to still go ahead and rape a little child and if you do that, the law will not wait at all and I have warned both the police and those in the court.”

The State Chief Executive also threw his weight behind the Social Investment and Home Grown School Feeding programmes, assuring that all required documentations have been perfected.

“We play collaboration and not opposition that’s why you always see us in the forefront of supporting what the Federal Government does. At the end of the day, it is not the platform you use in service that matters, it is how you serve and God will always ask us to give account of what we did with the opportunity He gave us to serve.”

He posited that, “Platform partisanship is purely out of ignorance that people allow that to becloud the responsibility God had given them. Power is given by God and must be used the way God directs. People see power only when you are in Government. Power starts right from the headship of a home.”

“We also have a philosophy where we also believe that these women can also believe in themselves. We call it the Dakkada philosophy which means you must rise to the faith of greatness.

Governor Emmanuel raised the issue of the poor state of federal prisons in the state which has been threatened by gully erosion and is almost inside the ravine, saying that he has proposed to relocate the prisons.

He said if the Federal Government could actually reimburse 50% of what the state has done in the past, it would go a long way.

“We relocated major prisons, in fact one of the first prisons in the whole country at Ikot Ekpene. Even the police station there too, a major police station needs to be relocated. We don’t want to wait for Federal Government, but reimburse us on what we had done in the past, we can actually relocate them.

The Governor appealed to the Minister to raise the issue of the state of federal prisons in the state when she returns to the executive council “for the Minister of Finance and Minister of Works to at least look at some of these states that have spent so much money on federal projects.”

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Aisha Alhasan, had earlier said that the team was in the state to sensitise and advocate on many things currently being executed by federal government and to ask for collaboration of the state.

He thanked the state for the warm reception, uncommon hospitality they enjoyed from the people of Akwa Ibom State since their arrival on Monday, and pleaded continued collaboration with federal government.

“All that we have come to advocate and sensitise people on or talk about, you are already doing it and even doing more. Is it the implementation of the child right act which had been domesticated here since 2008, if it is that, you have gone far beyond states that even domesticated before you.

“Everything about protecting rights of children in Akwa Ibom State is already on cause. It is one of the things I always tell states when I go, those that have not domesticated, to please domesticate so that our children and their rights can be protected and they will be taken care of. You have already done that and you are implanting fully, thank you.

“Is it about empowering women? The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Glory Edet, has told me of so many programmes and they are the things I normally appeal to State Governors to do for women, you have been doing them. I now see that you are a true champion of Nigerian women especially the Akwa Ibom women.”

SOURCE: AKSG New Media

The Commissioner for Works, Mr Ephraim Inyang has insisted that no lesser than 700km of road are at various stages of completion in Akwa Ibom State, and that Governor Udom Emmanuel has no business deceiving his people.

Reacting to counter claims on the roads, the Commissioner maintained that, “anyone who has doubts about this figure should come to my office and I will put papers together and prove to him that this government has actually done or is doing more than 700kms of road.”

He said that “without mincing words the facts are practically on ground for anyone to verify.”

Mr. Inyang who narrated that with dualisation of roads, the road becomes twice its actual length explained further that the 29 kms road project, “from Etinan to Onna with a spur to Ndon Eyo, gives you 58km. When you talk about 19km from Ikot Oku Ikono to Etinan, you are talking about 38km; when you talk about 19km Eket – Ibeno road, which is 38km. When you talk about 22km from Etinan to Eket, you are talking about 44km.”

The works boss who was apparently miffed by the attitude of some skeptics over the sincere moves of the governor, furthered that, “when you look at the airport road, from the airport where we gave two contractors to Uya – Oro, that is another 43km, you are now talking of about 86km.When you talk about Ikot Eka Idem in Oruk – Anam local government that alone for the two contractors is 43km.”

He again re-iterated the desire of the Akwa Ibom state Government to partner with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the development and dualisation of the Abak-Ekparakwa-Ikot Abasi road. Saying that the road which leads to the industrial city area of the state, was included in the master plan of Akwa Ibom State.

“The road which the NDDC claimed interest about three months ago, has still been left unattended to, as no contractors has been seen on site,” and added that “this government, by the end of June, would have probably exhausted our patience by waiting for the imaginary NDDC contractors.”

SOURCE: AKSG New Media

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Charles Udoh, in this interview, bares his mind on claims by the management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) fixing appointment with the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, through text message.

Excerpts:

There has been a session in the media that there have been attempts by the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) especially the Managing Director, Nsima Ekere, to have access to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and the spokesperson for the NDDC, Anietie Usen, in a recent interview, said that Mr Ekere tried corresponding with the Governor via text messages. How true is this?

That is laughable because, for someone as high as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Obong Nsima Ekere, who was once the Deputy Governor of the State, to insinuate that he is having difficulties accessing the Governor, is not true. We all know how the Governor embraces and gives direct access to senior citizens of the state in public functions and every situation. It is improper for anybody to insinuate that the NDDC boss wanted to visit the Governor by text message. Even in my small office, I receive nothing less than 100 text messages a day. Unless you do nothing else than to seat and read text messages, there are chances that some of those messages will fall off the radar.

What I expected of the NDDC was, if they seriously wanted to have an appointment with the Governor, to write a formal letter with acknowledgement sheet. If they presented that to the public that they wrote the Governor and he did not grant them audience, then it’s legal. But when you wake up and send him text messages and he doesn’t read, that is totally illogical.

Governor Udom Emmanuel has clearly stated in one of his five-point agenda – political and economic inclusion, and has demonstrated it. Ask this same NDDC boss, where was he when the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, visited Akwa Ibom State with other APC chieftains? Has he ever attended any government function before; even when invited? His claim that he tried reaching the Governor through text message does not hold water. It is just an escapist ploy to distract people from the course of governance.

There seems to be personality clash between NDDC and Akwa Ibom State Governor. Sometimes projects that are supposed to be shared to be developed are being politicised. What is really happening?

Any serious-minded state or country has her developmental plan which includes roads network. For anybody to want to infiltrate the state to want to build road, you need to align with the government to be sure that your roads lead to the major economic nerves of the state otherwise, you will disrupt the economic plan of the state. It is like saying that you want to build a house in Abuja, you must seek approval to know where to build, so that you won’t build a business office in a residential area. We are not saying they should not come and execute projects, but talk to us to show you where we need those things. There are too many abandoned roads in the state. Even the ones completed, few rains wash them out.

We are not at loggerheads with NDDC. We are entitled to NDDC projects because we are a major oil producer in Nigeria. All we are saying is do it right. Don’t come and give us one generator and be proud to say that you have done something for us. That is nothing. I can buy that generator on my own. Don’t come and disrupt our developmental plan. We are not building roads for fun but to link major nerve centres.

For example, in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, which is to host industrial city and the jetty project of the government, government’s plan is for a dual carriage way to that area. Recently, we had NDDC going on the media to say that they wanted to construct a road there and Governor is not allowing them. What kind of road are they trying to construct there? A single carriage way? Whereas the government wants a dual carriage way to evacuate traffic and enhance free flow of economic activities in that area. That is where dialogue comes in. So that if you want to construct a bush track, we can easily show you where would be appropriate. Don’t build a bush track where we need an expressway. This issue is not only in Akwa Ibom, other states in the Niger Delta region are also complaining of the same issue

SOURCE: AKSG New Media

Special Adviser Bureau of Political And Legislative Affairs, Barrister Ekong Sampson, Chairman Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISEC) Mrs. Gloria Ukpong and other members of the Commission in a meeting with Governor Udom Emmanuel at Government House, Uyo. Top in the agenda: Modalities for the conduct of Local Government Elections.

SOURCE: AKSGNewMedia

Indications have emerged that the age-long boundary conflict between the people of Itu in Akwa Ibom State and their Ikot Offiong neighbours in Odukpani, Cross River State would soon be brought to an end as the National Boundary Commission wades into the crisis.

Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr Udom Emmanuel gave the indication when he played host to a five - man delegation from the National Boundary Commission and office of the Surveyor General of the Federation led by the Director General National Boundary Commission Dr Mohammed Ahmed at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Uyo.

He noted that commissions of enquiry had been set up to investigate and review the boundary crisis with reports submitted without implementation, and called on the commission to review the reports and make appropriate recommendations with a view to resolving the contentious boundary issues and put an end to incessant destruction of lives and property among the two states.

National Boundaries Commission Wades into Akwa Ibom, Cross River Crisis
Governor Udom Emmanuel presenting a souvenir to the Director General of National Boundary Commission, Dr. Muhammad Ahmad, during a courtesy call by a six-member team in-charge of Internal Boundaries at the Government House, Uyo.

Governor Emmanuel condemned attempt by some states to distort the already gazetted map to favour them in their geographical locations stressing that such acts are inimical to the peace process and urged the commission to make independent findings and rely more on the gazetted map to give a final resolution .

He pledged the State’s determination to uphold peace without mortagaging her territorial boundaries and expressed the hope that the sensitization campaign would unravel perpetrators of the violent clashes.

While welcoming the team to the State, Governor Emmanuel described the visit as a timely intervention in the disputting land, and expressed optimism that the sensitization programme would afford the two states opportunity to present their cases to enable the commission resolve issues bothering on the contentious land.

Earlier, the Director General, National Boundary Commission, Dr Mohammed Ahmed, stated that they were in the state on a sensitization programme which would enable the two states reach an agreement on the demarcation of the disputed land which has led to destruction of lives and property.

He assured that the team would be fair in its decision and used the occasion to canvass government’s support for the success of the exercise.

Dr Ahmed who was accompanied by the Director Internal Boundaries National Boundary Commission, Surv. Adamu Adeji and Director Internal Boundary, Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation Surv. George Tekari, spoke of the giant strides of the state administration and commended Governor Emmanuel for the spate of development witnessed in the state thinking him for the hospitality accorded the team on arrival in the state.

Also speaking, the Surveyor General of the Federation Ebisinter Awudu, commended the Governors of the two states for their maturity and peacful disposition saying that the sensitization campaign would broker peace and bring about a permanent solution to the crisis.

Present at the courtesy visit were Deputy Governor Mr Moses Ekpo , Secretary to the State Government Sir Etekamba Umoren, Head of Civil Service Mrs Ekerebong Akpan, Members of the State Executive Council, State Surveyor General Mrs Emem Isang and Permanent Secretaries.

SOURCE: AKSGNewMedia

Governor Udom Emmanuel presenting a souvenir to the Director General of National Boundary Commission, Dr. Muhammad Ahmad, during a courtesy call by a six-member team in-charge of Internal Boundaries at the Government House, Uyo. #GovernorUdomisWorking

AKSGNewMedia

A CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO HIS EXCELLENCY MR UDOM EMMANUEL, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF AKWA IBOM STATE ON HIS VICTORY AT THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA BY MRS MEFLYN ANWANA

On behalf of Akwa Ibom State new media Practitioners , I celebrate with His Excellency Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State; Her Excellency Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel, the first lady; the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State; on the confirmation of His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel as the Governor of our dear Akwa Ibom State by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The Supreme Court ruling is a confirmation both of the perfect will of God and of the irrefutable choice of Akwa Ibom people. It also reinforces the confidence our people have in the judiciary. This is a good development for the advancement of democracy in our nation Nigeria and Africa at large as it goes a long way to pattern true democracy for other African nations.

Transparent, accountable,Competent and Committed leadership,is the model Leadership people crave for world over Governor Udom Emmanuel is a model of this kind of leadership and this Victory shows that In the April 2015 elections, Akwa Ibom people overwhelmingly voted for him therefore no amount of opposition can contest that mandate.

It is time for Akwa Ibom people from all political parties and all ethnic subgroups to rise up and support our God-ordained Governor .
Let Us all rise to the faith of greatness
Akwa Ibom, ‘Dakkada’!


God bless Governor Udom Emmanuel!
God bless Akwa Ibom State!!!

Signed:
Mrs MefLyn Anwana
Media Aide to Governor Udom Emmanuel, New Media

…DEVISES FALSEHOOD AGAINST MAN OF GOD

The Akwa Ibom State opposition party, All Progressive Congress (APC), has taken its desperate efforts to gain relevance to another futile level, with tones of falsehood against Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), who was on a two-day visit to the state on Wednesday at the Government House, Uyo.

The APC, in one of its media outlets, Global Post newspaper, on Thursday, 21 January, 2016 edition, published a concocted lie under its headline: “Prepare To Vacate Government House –Redeemed Pastor, Adeboye Tells Udom Emmanuel *As Crowd Booed A’Ibom Governor”.

In the publication, the APC-sponsored newspaper reported that “The senior pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has informed the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, that the Supreme Court of Nigeria will end his tenure next month.”

It also alleged that the state Governor had welcomed the Redeemed Pastor happily with the hope of receiving prophesy of winning, but was shocked when he was informed that his tenure will be terminated at the Supreme Court next month.

Misquoting the Man of God, it reported that Pastor Adeboye said “be careful that the glory not depart from you. You may not be favoured by the outcome of the Supreme Court…”

The APC is going too far in its lies against a man that God sent on a Divine Visitation to the state and this can incur the wrath of God on the state.

Contrary to the false propaganda, Pastor Adeboye, in his speech actually said, "It is well with Akwa Ibom State as it gives God a prime place in its administration through laudable Christian programmes which draws Men to God." He called Governor Udom Emmanuel his "spiritual son."

He congratulated Governor Emmanuel on his elevation to the helm of affairs of the State and prayed God to imbue him with divine grace and wisdom to lead the state aright.

The governor received a standing ovation when he was introduced, unlike what the APC publication cooked that the Governor was booed.

A video of the event published on youtube saw the crowd being on a standing ovation when Governor Emmanuel delivered his welcome address which threw Umana and his wife into a state of total confusion.

Umana Okon Umana, the defeated APC candidate who was at the stadium was seen fidgeting and confused amidst the popularity enjoyed by the governor. He was stopped by the protocol officer when he wanted to join the Governor and other leaders of the state on the Red Carpet and to take a seat with them.

Gov. Udom Emmanuel receives standing ovation as Pastor Adeboye GO of RCCG preaches to AKS People. Watch Video!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i3sbT13AWo

…DEVISES FALSEHOOD AGAINST MAN OF GOD

The Akwa Ibom State opposition party, All Progressive Congress (APC), has taken its desperate efforts to gain relevance to another futile level, with tones of falsehood against Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), who was on a two-day visit to the state on Wednesday at the Government House, Uyo.

The APC, in one of its media outlets, Global Post newspaper, on Thursday, 21 January, 2016 edition, published a concocted lie under its headline: “Prepare To Vacate Government House –Redeemed Pastor, Adeboye Tells Udom Emmanuel *As Crowd Booed A’Ibom Governor”.

In the publication, the APC-sponsored newspaper reported that “The senior pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has informed the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, that the Supreme Court of Nigeria will end his tenure next month.”

It also alleged that the state Governor had welcomed the Redeemed Pastor happily with the hope of receiving prophesy of winning, but was shocked when he was informed that his tenure will be terminated at the Supreme Court next month.

Misquoting the Man of God, it reported that Pastor Adeboye said “be careful that the glory not depart from you. You may not be favoured by the outcome of the Supreme Court…”

The APC is going too far in its lies against a man that God sent on a Divine Visitation to the state and this can incur the wrath of God on the state.

Contrary to the false propaganda, Pastor Adeboye, in his speech actually said, "It is well with Akwa Ibom State as it gives God a prime place in its administration through laudable Christian programmes which draws Men to God." He called Governor Udom Emmanuel his "spiritual son."

He congratulated Governor Emmanuel on his elevation to the helm of affairs of the State and prayed God to imbue him with divine grace and wisdom to lead the state aright.

The governor received a standing ovation when he was introduced, unlike what the APC publication cooked that the Governor was booed.

A video of the event published on youtube saw the crowd being on a standing ovation when Governor Emmanuel delivered his welcome address which threw Umana and his wife into a state of total confusion.

Umana Okon Umana, the defeated APC candidate who was at the stadium was seen fidgeting and confused amidst the popularity enjoyed by the governor. He was stopped by the protocol officer when he wanted to join the Governor and other leaders of the state on the Red Carpet and to take a seat with them.

Governor Udom Emmanuel receives standing ovation as Pastor Enoch Adeboye General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God preaches to Akwa Ibom People at Uyo Township Stadium on Wednesday 20th January 2016. The people are so in love with their Governor.

Watch Video!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i3sbT13AWo

No Akwa Ibom worker has been asked to forfeit salaries

By MefLyn Anwana

The story published on social media which points to the fact that the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has asked Civil Servants in the state to forfeit one year and two months salaries is completely false and misleading.

In a meeting with newsmen the commissioner for finance ,Aks Mr Akan Okon stated that the issue of employment into the civil service has been disabled by fraud but
that Akwa Ibom civil servants legitimately employed, receive their salaries as at when due

He noted there were issues involved in the last recruitment exercise done in the State and as such an approval was given for a specific number of persons to be employed in which case the employment was done at about 150 per cent above the specified number thus, it was rather rackety, as some were going around with fake employment letters.
"Government has set up a committee to look at all these issues with a view to separating those who have been genuinely employed by Government from the fake ones and as soon as that is done, the genuine one will receive their salaries. There is no right thinking Akwa Ibom person that will allow monies to be paid to those who are not qualified to be in the civil service. Let me tell you that some of those that were given appointment letters never had their secondary school certificates but they have offer letters for graduate positions. I believe the right thing should be done and Akwa Ibom people I know would want the right thing to be done .

MefLyn Anwana is the Special Asssistant
To Governor Udom Emmanuel,New Media

No Akwa Ibom worker will forfeit salaries..Governor Emmanuel



The misleading story on social media that Civil Servants in AkwaIbom state have been asked by Gov Udom Emmanuel to forfeit one year and two months salaries can be described as Machiavellian

In a meeting with newsmen the commissioner for finance ,Aks Mr Akan Okon stated that the issue of employment into the civil service has been disabled by fraud but
that Akwa Ibom civil servants legitimately employed, receive their salaries as at when due

He noted there were issues involved in the last recruitment exercise done in the State and as such an approval was given for a specific number of persons to be employed in which case the employment was done at about 150 per cent above the specified number thus, it was rather rackety, as some were going around with fake employment letters.
"Government has set up a committee to look at all these issues with a view to separating those who have been genuinely employed by Government from the fake ones and as soon as that is done, the genuine one will receive their salaries. There is no right thinking Akwa Ibom person that will allow monies to be paid to those who are not qualified to be in the civil service. Let me tell you that some of those that were given appointment letters never had their secondary school certificates but they have offer letters for graduate positions. I believe the right thing should be done and Akwa Ibom people I know would want the right thing to be done .

Akwa Ibom State Government, in partnership with Julius Berger, has concluded plans to establish Sports Academy in the state with coaches from Germany and other countries of the world to develop talents in the game of football and other sporting activities.

Governor Udom Emmanuel dropped the hint during an interaction with team managers and players of the state - owned Akwa United Football Club at the Government House, Uyo.

He commended the technical crew and the players for being able to make it to the final of the tournament and charged them to strive with all their passion to come top in the Federation Cup.

Governor Emmanuel said he had approved the release of one hundred million naira for the settlement of outstanding financial commitments of the club and informed them that they have all it takes to make history stressing that "once the passion is right, nothing is impossible."

The Governor charged them to strategise and play as a team to clinch the trophy, adding that as a team, every individual in the round leather game is important and that they should remain focused in their aspirations.

"Ninety minutes of the game can change your life as your performance in the tournament would expose you to foreign clubs and stardom." The Governor advised.

Governor Emmanuel described footballers as one of the fastest growing income earners in the world and said that his administration will stop at nothing to equip talents and expose them to the world market. This, he explained, will justify the vision of establishing an international sports stadium in the state.

The State Chief Executive used the occasion to announced plans to establish ten sports centres in the state to further boost sports development and aid in talent hunt, adding that facilities in the Uyo Township Stadium would be upgraded for the hosting of local matches and training of the players and particularly congratulated two indigenes of the state, Mr Edidiong Essien and Mr Akpan Udoh, who were part of the Under 17 Golden Eaglets that won the just concluded 2015 FIFA World Cup in Chile.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Monday Uko, expressed appreciation to the Governor for making funds readily available to clear up outstanding financial commitment and assured that the team is in high spirits to bring the trophy home.

He thanked the Governor for his sports friendly disposition and noted that it is a thing of pride for the team to attend the feat of escaping relegation and playing up to the final in the Federation Cup tournament.

Also, the captain of the team, Otobong Effiong, expressed appreciation to the Governor for the fatherly advice and improvements on their welfare and pledged to clinch the coveted trophy to the state.

The Akwa Ibom State Football Club, will on Sunday this week, lock horns with the Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi, Benue State at the Onikan Stadium, Surulere, Lagos State.

SOURCE: AKSG Team New Media

Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr Udom Emmanuel, has called on Youths to see education as a foundation for self actualisation.
This, he said would stimulate their thinking and propel them to break new grounds to enable them cope with the challenges of today's dynamic society.

The Governor made the call at a Variety Night organised for the Batch 'B' National Youth Service Corp members, at the State Orientation Camp, Nsit Atai Local Government Area.

He observed that the dynamic nature of today's society is dictated by ideas rather than certificates and that it has become expedient for graduates to look beyond their fields of specialization in their quest to make ends meet.

He explained that Man's rise to greatness is shrouded in segments which he identified as foresight, insight and hindsight and advised the Corp members that as they have left their comfort zones to take up their destinies, it behove on them to be guided by the believe that their attitude would determine their altitude of breakthrough in all their endeavours.

Governor Emmanuel therefore used the occasion to advised the Corp members to leave indelible footprint in their places of primary assignment and mentor other youths to embrace education stating that windows of opportunity abound for them to acquire skills that would sustain them and make them employers of labour.

The Commissioner for Youth And Sports Mr Monday Uko, who set the tone for the night of interaction, said that the event was put up to enable the Corp members unwind from the hectic camp activities.

He thanked the Governor for keeping to his promise to update facilities at the Camp and stated that work on the hostel block and toilet facilities have reached advanced stages of completion.

He particularly commended the NYSC officials for dedication to duty as well as the Corp members for their high sense of maturity during their stay in the Camp and charged them to exhibit such sense of self probity in their assigned places of service.

Earlier, the NYSC State Cordinator Lady Ngozi Chukwuka, spoke on the youth friendly disposition of the Governor describing him as the father of the Youths. She expressed appreciation to the Governor for his decision to provide additional facilities in the Orientation Camp.

The State Coordinator noted that the facilities would go along way to alleviate the suffering of the Corp members and specifically lauded the Youths Commissioner for identifying with the Corp to ensure a hitch free camping.

At the event, the Governor inspected the hostel project embarked upon by his administration and also received Souvenir and artifacts produced by the Batch 'B' Corp members.

The Governor, in appreciation, splashed the Corp members with cash to take care of transportation to their places of primary assignment. The variety night was spiced with performances by musical artistes and Comedians.

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Photo Description
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Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr Udom Emmanuel (2nd right), Commissioner for Youth And Sports Mr Monday Uko (extreme left), and the latest Dakkada Ambassadors, Edidiong Essien and Akpan Udoh, of the under 17 Golden Eaglets.

SOURCE: AKSG Team New Media

Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel has advised the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to uphold professionalism in the discharge of its responsibilities so as to sustain the already-built confidence of Nigerians in the commission.

The Governor stated this while interacting with members of the Commission who were on a courtesy visit to him at Government House, Uyo.
He noted that the commission which is a reputable anti-graft agency has commanded the respect of Nigerians following its operations and understanding of the workings of a democratic setting.

Mr. Emmanuel said given the integrity of members of the Commission selected purely on merit, it is impossible to believe that the Commission can be compromised or reduced to a tool for political witch-hunting and urged the commission to prosecute on conviction rather than on directives.

The Governor maintained that the operations of the State is anchored on transparency and accountability which is key to the industrialization blueprint of his administration.

He said that Akwa Ibom people are noted for their integrity and openness in all their dealings and this has earned them public trust and confidence all over the world.

The Governor however decried the attitude of frivolous petitions by some of its citizens describing such petitions as smear publications rooted on misunderstandings or sheer mischief.

While commending the Commission for hosting a workshop to create awareness on corruption, Governor Emmanuel used the occasion to enlist the services of the anti-graft agency in the training of political office holders as well as its workforce stating that such programmes would go a long way in sensitizing the people on the dangers of engaging in corrupt practices.

Earlier the Leader of the delegation and Secretary South South Zone of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Mr. Elvis Oglafa, said the visit was to intimate the Governor on the sensitization programme held in the state and to take the anti-corruption campaign to the doorsteps of the people at the grassroots.

The Secretary who said that Akwa Ibom is one of the states with low reports of petitions, advised the people to develop positive mindset for public office holders explaining that most of the petitions written about those in positions of authority were based on misconceptions and disagreements.

Mr. Oglafa however called on the people to keep watchful eye on those whom they entrust public offices stressing that the responsibility of checkmating the excesses of those occupying positions of authority should not be left in the hands of the commission alone as every member of the society has a role to play in fighting corruption.

He commended the leadership of the state for sustaining superior performance in terms of infrastructure and capacity building programmes and thanked the Governor for the warm reception accorded them.

Also, the Chairman Advisory Consultative Committee of the commission, Dr. Asikpo Essiebibok, urged the people to acquaint themselves with the laws governing the operation of the agency and guard against writing spurious and unsubstantiated petitions against government officials.

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Photos
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Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel presenting a souvenir to the Secretary Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), South-South, Mr. Elvis Oglafa during a courtesy call on the Governor at the Government House, Uyo.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel (middle), His Deputy, Mr. Moses Ekpo (2nd left) in a group photograph with Executive members of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), South-South during a courtesy call on the Governor at the Government House, Uyo.

Source: AKSG Team New Media

TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR A TRIUMPHANT LANDING!

As I take a final bow out of the State Civil Service after what I would term a most meritorious and fulfilled service years, I return all glory and honour to the One who gave me life, the Lord Almighty for His sustaining grace, wisdom, guidance and direction. To Him alone, I say, be thou exalted, my Lord and my God, forever and ever.

I am deeply indebted to all my mentors and benefactors during my growing years in the service who led me through the path of honour and integrity; inculcating in me at all times, the passion and zeal for Service excellence beyond pecuniary gains.

Particularly, I most sincerely appreciate the immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Godswill Akpabio for giving me the opportunity to serve as the Head of the State's Civil Service. I owe a lot of gratitude to the distinguished Minority leader of the Senate, for the support and goodwill extended to me during my tenure which ensured that I record the modest achievements I did during the more than four years of superintending over the State Public Service as Head. May God richly bless you, Sir.

To our amiable State Governor, His Excellency, Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, I lack words to express my depth of gratitude to you, Sir, but suffice it, Your Excellency to say that, you are a father with a heart of Gold, principled and focused, a man imbued with a divine sense of discernment, and one not easily swayed by the antics of men. With you on the saddle, Sir, I foresee even a bigger picture of a more prosperous and greater Akwa IbomState ahead of us. I shall therefore continue to relish for years, the months I was privileged to serve under your Excellency.

To all my colleagues Permanent Secretaries, Directors in the Service, Labour Leaders, and indeed all my workers, I say a million thanks for your support, advice and goodwill. May I note that, whatever achievements we were able to record were outcomes of your dedication and commitment to duty. You were indeed key members of my glorious team.

May I now use this opportunity to congratulate my sister, friend and reliable Colleague, Mrs Ekereobong Akpan on her appointment as the new Head of Civil Service. She is indeed a worthy Choice by His Excellency. My sister, your work has always spoken for you. As you therefore assume this demanding and very challenging office, I urge you to allow your known virtues of honesty and integrity to answer all criticisms. Welcome on Board. God's grace shall surely see you through, in Jesus name.

To all my workers, I pray you to give your full support to the new Head of Civil Service. You must do well to totally rededicate yourselves to duty. In the Dakkada spirit, I urge you all to, arise to the faith of our Greatness, arise from rumour mongering, gossips and the Pull-him down syndrome.

At this point, may I tender my sincere apologies to all those I might have offended inadvertently, though, in the course of my sojourn in the Service. I humbly crave for your forgiveness. Equally so, I let go of any hate in my heart which could have arisen against anyone while on this more than 35 years journey. As the Holy Book says, to err is human, to forgive is divine.

Finally, since life is all about cherishing the past, facing the present and moving ahead towards new milestones, I take leave of you to say that, it is time for me to move on to conquer new battles and scale new heights, because like Paul said to Timothy, '' I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith'', and I am now bowing out triumphantly. To God be The Glory.

Thank you all and remain blessed!!!
DR. (MRS) CECILIA UDOESSIEN
OUT GOING HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE

Source: AKSG Team New Media

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has called for the automation of pension funds of its workforce through the Electronic Banking System, saying that the measure would ease the difficulties retirees encounter in accessing their entitlements.

The Governor made the call while exchanging views with Executive members of the Committee of Electronic Banking Industry Heads of Nigeria (CeBIH) who called on him at the Government House, Uyo.

He announced that he has open up discussion with the Nigerian Pension Commission (NPC) to evolve a fault prove pension scheme that would be embraced by the workforce and explained that the electronic banking system creates easy access for a worker to access his contributions as well as engage in other future plans.

“I have discussed with the Nigerian Pension Commission (NPC) and they said we should first of all embrace the contributory pension scheme. I discovered that some public servants wait for retirement before thinking of building a house. This put so much pressure on them, but with the contributory pension scheme, people can plan their finances ahead of time,” The Governor stated.

Governor Emmanuel explained that the e-banking system will facilitate payment of salaries and the use of credit cards as means of transactions and that the system provides for convenience in transaction as well as reduce the incidence of theft. He decried the current practice of using cash instead of the automated card system for every transaction and called on the committee to sensitize the people on the benefits of the innovation, stating that it has been used in conventional transactions.

The Akwa Ibom Governor used the occasion to draw attention of the committee to pockets of complaints on the application of Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), stating that some people, particularly civil servants, in the last couple of weeks, have been unable to withdraw from their accounts and called on the financial institutions to also incorporate manual means of verifying people’s accounts through the use of incidence form.

The state Chief Executive called on financial institutions to partner with the state government in combating crime, stating that one way of achieving this is by donating vehicles to boost surveillance. He commended the committee for the choice of the state in their annual retreat and assured them of a happy stay during the event.

Earlier, the Chairman, E-Banking Committee, Mr. Ayotunde Kuponiyi, stated that the committee, which came on board in 2008, has the objective of fostering the growth of electronic banking system in the country.

He said that the Committee plays an advocacy role alongside the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on the current cashless policy of transaction and particularly commended the Governor for the development strides witnessed in the state.

Mr. Kuponiyi pointed out that the vision of industrialization which forms the bedrock of the administration’s blueprint informed the choice Akwa Ibom State for the E-Banking Retreat slated for December 3rd, 2015. He expressed appreciation to the Governor for hosting them and promised to partner with the administration in its development strides.

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Photos :
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Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel (middle), his Deputy (extreme left), Chairman, Committee of E-Banking Industry Heads of Nigeria (CeBIH, Mr. Ayotunde Kuponiyi (left), Head, Cards and E-Banking, Ecobank Plc, Uju Umeh and Vice Chairman and Head of E-Banking, Wema Bank, Dele Adeyinka, during a courtesy visit to Governor Emmanuel at Government House, Uyo.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel presenting a memento to Chairman, Committee of E-Banking Industry Heads of Nigeria (CeBIH), Mr. Ayotunde Kuponiyi, during a courtesy visit to Governor Emmanuel at Government House, Uyo.

Source: AKSG Team New Media

Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel is currently meeting Stakeholders of the Press in Uyo.

In view of the Mandate of the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration to consolidate on the gains of Uncommon Transformation witnessed across Akwa Ibom State today, it is worthy of note that Governor Udom Emmanuel has taken impressive steps which have removed doubts from the eyes of skeptics in the state about his sincerity and commitments to completely industrialize the state.

– Ground Breaking Ceremonies
1. DAAR Communications Broadcasting Complex, Abak
2. Led factory at Itam
3. Shoprite at Ibom Tropicana
4. Automobile Assembly Plant at Itu

ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS APPROVED
1. Ndon Eyo Etinan road
2. 3.5km Ikot Udom with 15m span bridge in Ibiono Ibom
3. 5km Ikot Usop – Ikot Edeghe – Ikot Ekpuk road with 30m span bridge in Mkpat Enin
4. 1km Awa Iman road in Onna
5. Construction/remodelling roads in Eket Metropolis
6. Dualization of Etinan-Onna with two bridges
7. Dualization Ikot Oku Ikono – Etinan road with Flyover at Ekom Iman
8. Construction of Ikot Ebekpo – Ikot Ebidang Road in Onna
9. Urbanisation of Oron and drainage control system

– YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMMES
1. Special Pilgrimage and Empowerment training of 100 youth in Isreal for Mechanised Farming
2. Training of 1000 youth on Oracle Database Administration
3. Training of 329 youth on film production
4. Training of 200 youth on Power Sector
– Interest-free loans of over N2b to thousands of Akwa Ibom People
– Payment of compensation to over 2000 flood victims
– 18-20 hours of power supply in areas that have been connected by PHED
– Payment of outstanding salaries to Primary School Teachers
– Payment of outstanding gratuities to Pensioners
– Erosion intervention at
– Remodelling of St. Luke Hospital, Anua
– Revamping of Peacock Paints Industy
– Erosion control is at School of Nursing, Anua.

Akwa Ibom Dakkada!

Source: AKSG Team New Media

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has again spoken of his commitment to implement free and qualitative education policy which would help every Akwa Ibom Child stand out among his contemporaries anywhere in the world.
Governor Udom Emmanuel who was the guest speaker at the 8th Teachers’ Award for Excellence in Akwa Ibom State Public Secondary Schools, organized by Inoyo Toro Foundation at Le Meridian Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo, at the occasion, announced plans to establish ten model Secondary Schools in the Ten Federal Constituencies of the State.
He said the Institutions, when established, will address the basic educational needs and develop talents that would enable every Akwa Ibom Child to rise and achieve his full potential.
The Governor said that his administration would give priority attention to the training of teachers to enable them impact knowledge to the students under their care.
To achieve this, he said that eighty percent of Inter-ministerial projects would be directed to the educational sector to provide conducive learning environment for the children and that his administration has ensured prompt payment of teacher’s salaries as well as entitlements of the retired school teachers.
He commended the Inoyo Toro Foundation for organizing the programme to reward excellence and congratulated the award recipients for distinguishing themselves in their various fields.
Governor Emmanuel, pointed out that the industrialization policy of his administration is aimed at creating wealth and employment for the youths on graduation in their studies.
The Governor hinted that license has been given by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to upgrade the current power generation from One hundred and ninety One to Six Hundred and Eighty Five Megawatt in the Ibom Power Plant.
This infrastructure, according to the Governor, would enhance uninterrupted power supply and boost the industrialization programme of his administration.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Award Screening Committee, Dr. Enobong Joshua, said the event which started eight years ago was organized to celebrate excellence in the teaching profession.
He listed modalities used in the assessment to include; appraisal of learning environment, availability of laboratories, Libraries as well as performance of the School in external examinations. He added that the teacher is also assessed on his productivity and professional competence in his subject area.
Dr. Joshua said that this year’s award was in the area of Mathematics, English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics and Fine Arts.
He expressed appreciation to the Governor on his investment in education and thanked the consultant for his role in ensuring a smooth selection process.
Dr.Joshua advised teachers in public schools to be more committed to their duties and congratulated them for their success in mentoring the future leaders of our state and Country. He charged the winners not to rest on their oars but strived to maximize their potentials.
The event featured Cash and plagues presentation to award winners in various categories.

Source: AKSG Tean New Media