₦airaland Forum

By Mkpotu Ekong

In an empowerment programme yesterday, 8th January 2018, the good people of Eastern Nsit Ward 9, Nsit Atai Local Government Area unanimously endorsed Hon. Elder Hon. Mark Esset to contest for a second term as the member representing Nsit Atai in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.



The event took place at the Community School Hall Ibekang, Nsit Atai had in attendance women, youths and political class from all divide.



Moving for an endorsement and vote of confidence on the Rt. Hon (Elder) Mark Esset the Ward woman leader Mrs. Eno Akpan Thomas described him as a man who loves his people and is representing his constituents with dexterity.



Also Hon. Etim Mfon the immediate past Committee member spoke glowingly of the effective representation of the lawmaker. The call for endorsement was seconded by the councillor representing the Ward, Hon. Emmanuel Etuk and the entire people of Eastern Nsit Ward 9.



Hon. Esset while speaking thanked the people for their support to him, Governor Udom Emmanuel and promised to continue in his representation as he is only holding in trust their mandate.



Highpoint of the event was presentation of Empowerment fund to selected constituents, wrapper to the women and several other items.

By Anietie Ekong.

Reading through the article by Aniekeme Finbarr, a Personal Assistant on Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, one is left wondering whether he means well for the Governor or is an agent provocateur on a mission to destroy the good relationship presently existing between the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.

Looking at it on its face value and for whatever it is worth what Mr Finbarr sought to do is to reply Senator Akpabio that contrary to what the Senator had said, indeed the concerns by the elders, youths, women, leadership and the entire people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District is misplaced. It's like telling Senator Akpabio, "shut up sir."
According to media report, Senator Akpabio is quoted to have said “2018 is less than one year to election, all is not well, don’t allow anybody to deceive you that all is well." By countering with this infamous write up that all is well, Mr Finbarr is directly responding to Senator Akpabio. Tellingly, one government sponsored blog puts it succinctly " Udom's aide replies Akpabio: All is well in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District."

Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District is one constituency that has stood by the Governor through thick and thin. This is not just because the zone is being led by Senator Akpabio who against all odds supported Mr Emmanuel and stood by him to be his successor. Ever since then Senator Akpabio and indeed the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District have stood by and supported the Governor. Even political analyst believe that Ikot Ekpene is one zone that the Governor is almost guaranteed a block vote. Through the youths and elders the zone have pledged to support the Governor in his second term bid.

Coming at a time that there has been some form of rapprochement among the elders and the areas of concern being addressed, Mr Finbarr's article is at best provocative and indeed a serious threat to the peace building effort. If unchecked, it has the potential of further alienating the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District from the administration of Mr Udom Emmanuel.

Some form of excitement comes with writing an article for public consumption especially writing on issues of public interest. But it is the taming of such exuberance especially when one is a spokesperson of the government that defines maturity. By stoking the fire and outrightly insulting Senator Akpabio, the Personal Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr Aniekeme Finbarr exhibited none of such.

One of the issues of concern was the seeming abandonment of the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene. On January 13, 2017, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Special Duties Mr Akan Okon along with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mrs Valerie Obot had led journalists on a two hours eight minutes (according to media reports) tour of the fully furnished hotel complex. The Commissioner threw the doors of the hotel open for every doubting Thomas to see that what needed to be done was dotting of the i's and crossing of the t's for the hotel to be functional and indeed promised that by year end the hotel will be operational. At a meeting with Senator Akpabio with youths of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District on new year day the youths expressed concern that the hotel was still not functional as promised by the government, a concern the Senator accepted to address with the Governor. This is what Mr Finbarr is asking Senator Akpabio to shut up. Mr Finbarr may do well to post pictures on the state of the roads in the Senatorial District which he listed as being under construction, a concern the people told Senator Akpabio that nothing much seems to be happening in the zone, a vote basket of the Governor.

In another meeting the elders of the Senatorial District had with their leader they equally expressed concerns that the Uyo - Ikot Ekpene road was yet to receive the attention of the state government. It is a known fact that his predecessor, Obong Victor Attah never supported Chief Akpabio to succeed him. But the ways of God are not the ways of man. As God would have it, Chief Akpabio succeeded Obong Attah. Remarkably, one of the most beautiful roads (dualized and complete with the most modern street lights) ever done in Akwa Ibom State by the Akpabio administration leads to Obong Attah's house. Even if Senator Akpabio did not support Mr Emmanuel the uncompleted section of the Ikot Ekpene road is in Akwa Ibom State and the people demanded to know from Senator Akpabio when the road would receive the attention of the state government just like other roads in the state. And I think the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District stakeholders who met with Governor Emmanuel on January 4, 2018 were quite satisfied with his explanations and efforts. But not so with an overzealous media aide who wants to stoke fire against his boss by insulting the leader of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and inciting the people against the Governor.

Many other issues were raised and the Governor promised to address them. This is as it should be. Senator Akpabio has said several times that his people will support Mr. Udom Emmanuel not only to succeed but in his bid for a second term. He has championed several motions at different fora to adopt the Governor for a second term even as recent as the meeting with the youths of the Senatorial District on new year day.

Writing a highly inflammatory article by a media aide to the Governor to spite and diminish the Senate Minority Leader is most unfortunate and most unhelpful even to the government that he defends.

Mr Ekong is the Special Assistant on Media to the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Akpabio.

By Aniekeme Finbarr|

One of the striking and kenspeckle features of the Udom Emmanuel led administration in Akwa Ibom State is the uncanny disposition to even distribution of projects in the state. Every senatorial district, federal constituency, local government, ward and family has a testimony or two to attest to in this era of superior performance. Since 2015, life touching projects in the state have been clearly and equitably prioritized irrespective of geographical slants, ethnic zones or tribal algebra.

Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District like her two other sister districts have richly benefitted from the midas touch of the economic tsar at the helm of affairs in the state. Navigating through a turbulent national economic climate and depressing economic recession with tangible results is indeed no mean feat, even for the most intelligent leader. There have indeed been eye-catching fruits of good governance for the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District.

In infrastructure, Governor Emmanuel has impacted very positively in the geopolitical axis. The 6.41km Nto Edino Ekwereazu road with two 45 metres span bridges had since been commissioned. The project had looked like an impossibility given its swampy terrain and impenetrable topography. Today, indigenous contractor, Seyang Limited, led by son of the soil Engr Samuel Inyang has made the success story a matter of history. The 4.6km College of Arts and Science road, Nung Ukim in Ikono LGA has also been completed. Handled by Hensek Integrated Services, the road is tastily finished with side and outfall drains.

That's not all, work has advanced greatly on the 14.1km Odoro Ikpe-Ikpe Ikot Nkon-Obotme-Arochukwu road with 110km bridge in Ini LGA. The project is executed through the Alternative Project Funding Approach (APFA) and indeed Peculiar Concerns limited is doing a great job. Work is also ongoing on the 23.25km Ikot Ekaide-Ikot Okoro-Ikot Ibritam road in Oruk Anam LGA under APFA plus the 18.95km Ikot Ibritam-Ekeffe-Ikot Akpan Afaha road with a bridge also in Oruk Anam and Ukanafun LGAs. To consolidate road infrastructure in the axis, Governor Udom Emmanuel is also constructing the Abak-Nsekhe-Ikot AkpaNkuk-Ikot Etim-Ikot Ikara(Phase 3, Section A), ie Ikot Ikara to Ikot Ibritam.

5.1 km length of internal roads are wearing a new look at the Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa, handled by JP Sigma, not forgetting the 4.95km Ibesit Okpokoro/Ikot Ibritam roads. Governor Udom Emmanuel is currently dualizing 25 kilometres of the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road handled by Julius Berger. After several months of contending with court cases and issues arising from payment of compensation, the project is alive and advancing in speed. The total length of the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road is 50kms and crosses Uyo, Itu, Ibiono, Ikono, Essien Udim, and Ikot Ekpene LGAs.

To ensure the economic viability of the district, Governor Udom Emmanuel is committing billions of naira into the 14th storey Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, located in the raffia city of Ikot Ekpene. The facility, which has a total of 146 guest rooms, banquet halls, meeting rooms, spa, indoor and outdoor restaurants, swimming pool, tennis courts, club lounges, roof terraces, fitness centres,etc will strenghten the hospitality sector in Akwa Ibom State.

On May 23,2017, Model Girls Secondary School, Ikot Ekan, Abak was added to the number of schools in Akwa Ibom State. His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel commissioned the school, and gave assurance that, the school will commence admissions for full academic operations with boarding facilities. The school had since commenced in September 2017. Governor Emmanuel’s burning passion for education and bequeathing quality learning in the sector, inspired him to pick up the school, which was hitherto overtaken by weeds and reptiles to complete, after the natives of Ikot Ekang, drew government’s attention to the project. Currently, the school has administrative blocks, first class boarding facilities, including 240 beds, a dining hall with 400 chairs and ten class rooms.

Government’s intervention in the education sector has also extended to the tertiary institutions. At the Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa campus of the University, six major projects have been commissioned by the governor. They include a digital language library, a commercial farm palm oil mill, a commercial farm feeds mill, vegetable screen house, ultra modern Mass Communication studios and a standard performance arts theatre.

Schools in Ikot Ekpene senatorial district are part of the 1401 public primary, secondary and technical schools and four tertiary institutions in the state receiving great attention. In addition to setting up ICT laboratories in some of the public and private schools in the state, Governor Emmanuel has not wavered in funding the free and compulsory education programme, which gives every child of school age resident in Akwa Ibom, regardless of state of origin, access to qualitative education from primary to senior secondary school level.

Final year secondary school students in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District are not constrained by lack of money as the government undertakes payment of WASSCE fees for all students in public secondary schools. This also includes payment of NABTEB fees for all students running into hundreds of millions of Naira.

Healthcare delivery in the North West zone of the state is smooth. The General Hospital in Ikono today wears a new look as Governor Udom Emmanuel continues to revolutionize primary and secondary health care facilities in the state.

Agriculture in the zone is receiving a firm attention with increased investment in the cultivation of cocoa and the rice fields in Ini LGA. Farmers in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial zone would not count fertilizer as one of their problems from May this year, as the State’s automated fertilizer blending plant will come on stream. The fertilizer plant is sited in Abak Local Government Area after a formidable team of extension workers was formed to get feedback on challenges and needs of farmers through their various zones and cells.

Power in Akwa Ibom State has tremendously improved with the increased generation of power by Ibom Power Company and the building of injector sub-stations across the state. Ikot Ekpene Senatorial zone will also get theirs as construction and installation is ongoing to boost agriculture and small scale industries.

Through the pet project of Her Excellency, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel, lives are being touched, innumerable to count. One unique example is that of Mr Uwem Nnah of Ikot Udoe in Ikot Ekpene LGA, a widower with five children. Nnah's story is heart rending as he was subjected to all forms of abuse and dejections coupled with the harsh economic climate. Today, he is a proud owner of a well furnished two bedroom bungalow. Mrs Glory Obot of Obot Akara, Mrs Inemesit Emmanuel Charles of Oruk Anam and several others have been blessed with new and well furnished homes. This does not exclude free medical outreach in the three senatorial districts of the state, interest free loans, business support grants to market men and women, empowering the girl child for self reliance and change

Space would not allow to enumerate what Governor Udom Emmanuel and wife are doing for the women, the homeless, weak and vulnerable. But, it is trite that the state government runs eight homes with over 700 children in its care.

Even in politics, Governor Udom Emmanuel has found in sons and daughters of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district the capacity and trust to work with in the journey to growth and development. This is in line with his political inclusion agenda and a means to reach out to the citizens, empower and touch lives. Notably are the Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, MFR, Secretary to the State Government, Sir Etekamba Umoren, Barr Uwemedimo Nwoko, Attorney-General/Commissioner Ministry of Justice, Professor Victor Inoka , Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Education, Prof Nse Udo Essien on. Commissioner, Ministry of Science & Technology, Dr Glory Emmanuel Edet, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mr Monday Ebong Uko, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Youths & Sports, Mr Ibanga Akpabio, Ministry of Labour, Productivity and Manpower Planning, Mrs Ekemini David Umoh, Special Adviser, Bureau of Rural Development & Cooperative. There are several others on different boards and commissions, agencies, technical committees, departments and units, all serving as aides and interpreting the superior performance agenda. For his special love for the people of the zone, he stood with the National Legal Adviser of the PDP, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem and ensured that he got elected at the just concluded National Convention of the party.

There are obviously expectations but the passion on the part of leadership is right. Governor Udom Emmanuel has displayed sufficient honesty and commitment to deliver good governance, even in the face of dwindling resources and increasing demands. Like the songwriter, the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District have declared faith in the capacity and savvy of Mr Udom Emmanuel, their son and in-law to get the job done and move the zone further. They have said it is well. Once the passion is Right, nothing is impossible!

Finbarr is a public Affairs Analyst

PROPHET EKONG ITUEN PROPHECIES FOR 2018

Prophet Ekong Ituen, the President/Founder of Christ Deliverance Ministries (CDM) Lagos, is one of the leading Prophets in Nigeria whose prophecies are always accurate. Below are his 2018 prophecies during the cross over night service in Lagos...

Men and brethren,

I have the mandate by the Host of Heaven to announce to Nigerians that the coming year 2018 will be far better than the outgoing year. I urge Nigerians not to lose hope because there are better days ahead. 2018 will also be a year of wealth transfer and abundance for God's people.

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is playing his last days in politics, he will never become the president of Nigeria. I urge him to withdraw from the race and retire from politics to avoid shame as he will be messed up and abandoned by peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief John Odigie-Oyegun should prepare to face tough days ahead as the battle to remove him is not yet over. I urge him to pray fervently.

There will be tremendous improvement in economy in Nigeria.

The people of Akwa Ibom state will witness the toughest Governorship election in the history of the state in 2019. Though God has revealed the name of the person that will win the election, which will be made public soon. But for now, I urge Akwaibomites to remain calm.

As earlier predicted, the peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will still face the problem of division and disunity as some members will still drag the party to the court.

A former President of Nigeria will pass on.

Nigerians should pray against a new terror group (ISIS) that will emerge soon in Nigeria.

I know many people will see these as bad prophecies, but for those that have ears, let them listen to the warnings from the throne of God because for those he loves, He reveals himself to them.

God bless Nigeria.

Pastor Chidiebere Azurunwa
for Christ Deliverance Ministries - CDM, Headquarters, Lagos. .

PAST PROPHECIES OF PROPHET EKONG ITUEN THAT CAME TO PASS

“ President Jonathan will not win 2015 presidential election because I have seen the flag falling from his hands, which signifies defeat. He will beg Obasanjo for reconciliation but Obasanjo will be adamant. I urge him (Jonathan) to be careful with some Northern State Governors because they will not be there for him when he will need them most “
PROPHET EKONG ITUEN
Published in:
DAILY SUN - 20/1/2014 PAGE 54.
DAILY SUN - 15/1/2015 PAGE 47.

“All Progressive Congress {APC} will win 2015 presidential election, But will experience serious leadership and economic challenges “
PROPHET EKONG ITUEN.
Published in:
Daily Sun – 20/1/2014 Page 54.
Concord – 15/1/2014 Page 4.

” The incumbent Governors of Oyo and Imo states in the persons of Chief Alao Akala and Mr Ikedi Ohakim should pray against DEFEAT during 2011 Governorship elections."
PROPHET EKONG ITUEN.
*This came to pass when Alao Akala lost to Mr Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State while Ikedi Ohakim lost to Owelle Rochas Okoracha of Imo State.
These were published in:
Independent Newspaper of January 30, 2011 Page 34
The Nation Newspaper of February 20, 2011 Page 68
Daily Sun Newspaper of March 3, 2011 Page 51
Vanguard Newspaper of March 19, 2011 Page 52
Sunday Mirror Newspaper of April 3, 2011 Page 29.

"Senator David Mark may likely win 2015 Senatorial Election, but will not retain his seat as Senate President."
-PROPHET EKONG ITUEN
-Published in:
Concord - 14/1/2015 page 10.
Daily Sun - 15/1/2015 page 47.
Sunday Mirror - 18/1/2015 page 45.

"I foresee tension during and after the 2015 election in Rivers State. ... It is certain there will be serious protest and crisis in Rivers State after election over result."
-PROPHET EKONG ITUEN
-Published in:
Concord - 14/1/2015 page 10.
Daily Sun - 15/1/2015 page 47.
Sunday Mirror - 18/1/2015 page 45.

"APC Presidential candidate, General Muhamadu Buhari should pray against health challenges that awaits him."
-PROPHET EKONG ITUEN
-Published in:
Concord - 14/1/2015 page 10.
Daily Sun - 15/1/2015 page 47.
Sunday Mirror - 18/1/2015 page 45.

“… The militancy in NIGER DELTA is not yet over as a group of New militants that will be more destructive will emerge in 2016 ” This came to pass with the emergence of NIGER DELTA AVENGERS.
PROPHET EKONG ITUEN, During the Cross Over Night Service 31/12/2015
Published in Global Concord Newspaper 7/1/2016 page 6, and Sunday Sun Newspaper 28/2/2016 page 52.

” 2016 will be a bad year for some Judges, It is certain in the spirit, that beginning from 2016, many Judges will be sacked because of corruption “
PROPHET EKONG ITUEN, During the Cross Over Night Service 31/12/2015
Published in Global Concord Newspaper 7/1/2016 page 6, and Sunday Sun Newspaper 28/2/2016 page 52.

” Let me confirm as earlier predicted that Minister of petroleum, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke will end her career in shame as she will be charged for corruption ”
PROPHET EKONG ITUEN.
Published in:
Global Concord - March 25, 2015 Page 11.

“ NDDC Board and its Managing Director, BARR. BASSEY DAN ABIA , that just inaugurated by President Jonathan will not complete their tenure in office because I have seen a replacement ahead ” – PROPHET EKONG ITUEN
NOTE: It is to be noted that this prophecy came few weeks after they were sworn in and was published in:
Concord - 15/1/2014 Page 4.
Daily Sun -20/1/2014 Page 54.
Concord - 14/1/2015 Page 10.
Daily Sun -15/1/ 2015 Page 47.

” The proposed National Conference by President Jonathan would be an effort in futility as it will end up in criticism “.
PROPHET EKONG ITUEN
Published in:
Concord - 15//1/ 2014 Page 4.
Daily Sun -20/1/2014 Page 54.

” Let me confirm as earlier predicted that Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Governor of Central Bank will be forced to retire in a controversial manner and some of his policies will be reversed ”
PROPHET EKONG ITUEN
Published in:
Concord - 15/1/2014 Page 4.
Daily Sun - 20/1/2014 Page 54.

” There will be a serious political clash between Obong Umana Okon Umana and Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State before the end of their tenure ”
PROPHET EKONG ITUEN.
Published in Global Concord Newspaper of AUGUST 14, 2013 Page 4.

” Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) will be engulfed in a serious crisis that will rock the foundation of the party, as there will be division and disunity in their midst. With what I saw in the spirit, the party will not win the presidential election in 2015." PROPHET EKONG ITUEN.
Published in:
Daily Sun 4/1/2013 page 43.
Concord 16/1/2013 page 4.

” ......But God has mandated me to announce to them that the removal of Alhaji Bamangar Tukur will not bring any peace to PDP family, rather it will mark the beginning of the real crisis because there will be a serious defection and disunity in their midst “.
PROPHET EKONG ITUEN
Published in:
Concord - 15/1/2014 Page 4.
Daily Sun - 20/1/2014 Page 54.

“ Ooni of Ife in Osun State, Oba Sijuwade Okunade should pray against a brief illness that will take his life ”
PROPHET EKONG ITUEN
Published in:
Daily Sun - 4/1/2013 Page 43.
Concord - 16/1/ 2013 Page 4.

” Governor’s forum in Nigeria will mourn, there is need for them to fast and pray fervently as one of them will die in a mysterious manner “.
*This came to pass when Governor PATRICK YAKOWA of Kaduna State died in a chopper crash the same year.
NOTE: The fact is that prophecy is a warning and a clue to the plan of God, it can be prevented if the right steps are taken .
PROPHET EKONG ITUEN.
Published in:
DAILY Sun - 19/1/2012 PAGE 38. CONCORD - 25/1/2012

"The Head of State, General Sani Abacha and his deputy, General Oladipo Diya will have a serious clash."
This came to pass when Abacha alleged that Diya had planned a coup to topple him and the duo parted ways.
- PROPHET EKONG ITUEN.
Published in:
MAJESTY WEEKLY - 3/10/1995 PAGE 4.

"A former Nigerian President, (Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe) will die before the middle of 1996" This came to pass when Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe died in May 1996."
- PROPHET EKONG ITUEN.
Published in:
MAJESTY WEEKLY - 3/10/1995 PAGE 4.

"Alhaji Aminu Saleh, Secretary to the Federal Government will be in trouble with General Abacha and will be dropped unexpectedly." This came to pass when no one expected.
-PROPHET EKONG ITUEN.
Published in:
MAJESTY WEEKLY - 3/10/1995 PAGE 4.

"Chief MKO Abiola's case is hopeless, as I have not seen him in divine agenda."
-PROPHET EKONG ITUEN.
Published in:
MAJESTY WEEKLY - 3/10/1995 PAGE 4.

" General Sani Abacha transition programme will collapse as God is not in support of his regime." This came to pass as predicted.
-PROPHET EKONG ITUEN.
Published in:
MAJESTY WEEKLY - 3/10/1995 PAGE 4.

NOTE: Prophecy is a warning and a clue to the plan of God, it can be prevented if the right steps are taken.

CHRIST DELIVERANCE MINISTRIES - CDM
Plot 12, Ogudu/Alapere Expressway,
Ogudu G R A, Phase 2, Ogudu, Lagos State - Nigeria, West Africa.
+234-803-408-6242
+234-816-888-8805
Email : cdmprophetic@yahoo.com
www.christdeliveranceministries.net

Gov Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has been declared as Pioneer Newspaper Man/Governor of the Year 2017.

The declaration which came after a two-day deliberation by an extended committee of media professionals across the South South region of the country, put together by the management of Akwa Ibom Newspaper Corporation (AKNC) - publishers of Pioneer Group of Newspapers has so adjudged the Governor, considering the region-national impact of his industrialization ingenuity which is bound to change the face and story of the South-South region and the country at large by 2018.

The Pioneer newspaper, established about 30 years ago by the Akwa Ibom State government during the administration of Col Tunde Ogbeha, in adjudging Gov. Emmanuel as the Man/Gov of the Year 2017, is of the resolve that the Governor, besides being the 2nd Governor, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, to attract the most foreign investment into the country and making Akwa Ibom State the 2nd most preferred investment destination in Nigeria in the year 2017, is also the first Governor to establish in the country, within the last two years of the present democratic dispensation, a far reaching and first ever Syringe and digital electric meter manufacturing companies in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria.

Recalling that the World Bank’s Country Director, during the year 2017, had adjudged Akwa Ibom State as the Best Business Environment in Nigeria; as well as the Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo’s remarks that the Syringe and Electric Metering Company built by Governor Emmanuel will be the nation’s economic “game changers”; the award committee under the chairmanship of Mr Umoette Umoette, the General Manager/Editor-in-Chief of The Pioneer newspaper maintains that the 400 million capacity production of the Syringe Manufacturing Company is a huge feat, as the capacity is three times more than the only other existing Syringe Manufacturing Company in Africa which is located in South Africa.

According to the committee, the rippling and positive effect of the Syringe and Electric Metering Manufacturing Companies alone on the economy of the nation can only be left to the people’s imagination, considering the employment, business and revenue opportunities these companies are bringing to the nations table.

The committee also scored the Governor highly for the recent acquisition of Diapact CRRT Machine for critically ill kidney patients, and the 7th of its kind in Nigeria; as well as the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport which shall be the only seaport to be developed on a natural harbor.

Also on the Governor’s score card, amidst his various other human capacity investment, infrastructural and agricultural revolution in Akwa Ibom State, is his regular payment of salary/pension, despite the paucity of fund during the recession, as this has put him ahead of others.

The committee which also looked into the Governor 's
relationship with the presidency noted remarkably, the choice of the Governor to accompany President Buhari to the EU-AU Summit held towards the end of last year in Abidjan, as well as the selection of the Governor to go visit President Buhari during the President 's medical sojourn in London last year.

By Aniekeme Akpan

Every Akwa Ibom person is now familiar with his chorus.

These days, once he sets his foot in Akwa Ibom State and drops his bag, the first place he would head to would be  a radio station – PlanetFM, most preferably to repeat his familiar chorus “Akwa Ibom, people, what is the Government spending your money on?”

His younger colleague in the law profession, Barr Inibehe Effiong was perhaps the first to come out publicly to call Ita Enang with the name befitting of him – A shameless, selfish (former) lawmaker who is driven by his stomach.

In an article, Inibehe Effiong had echoed the consensus opinion of millions of Akwa Ibom people on the hypocrisy that defines Ita Enang’s political commentaries when he wrote elaborately on Sahara Reporters that:“….Ita Enang is a very selfish, unprincipled and greedy politician…Enang had practically mortgaged the rights of those he was elected to represent for personal political aggrandizement. What a wicked, hypocritical and shameful cacophony of an expired politician! Our people are no fools; they know that his vituperations are self-centered and utterly frivolous. We cannot carry placards for him because he was never, he is not, and will he will never be our hero. Let him suffer the afflictions brought on him by the ghost of stewardship alone.  As a proud indigene of Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State that Ita Enang has been "representing" since 1999, I know how unpopular he is. Ita Enang is known and celebrated in Abuja but hated at home. He has never won in a free and fair election. Effective representation is more than speaking fanciful and seductive English in Abuja; it encompasses defending the interests of the constituents.  Ita Enang is claiming that he has given out scholarships to his constituents and that he will never be tempted to publish names of the beneficiaries. But that is a big lie. Throughout my university days in the Faculty of Law, University of Uyo, I never heard of any such scholarships. I did not just passed through the university, the university passed through me. So there is no way such scholarship scheme would have existed for students of my constituency that Ita Enang has been "representing" for the past 15 years without my knowledge. Ita Enang is completely out of touch with his constituents. He should first account for the huge constituency allowances he has received since 1999 as a National Assembly member.”

For a lawyer of Sen Ita Enang’s standing, it is rather shocking to hear him sound like a broken record on the issue of Akwa Ibom State finances.

It is common knowledge that the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration had published the approved budget for the year 2017 on the state’s website  where it can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

Funds accruing to Akwa Ibom State as monthly allocation from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) are published on National Dailies and on the website of the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Unlike other states in the Federation, The Governor Udom Emmanuel administration is not failing in its primary responsibility of workers welfare through prompt payment of salaries and other entitlements. The administration is investing heavily on building new infrastructure and revamping old ones. On the flank of industrialization which was one of the agendas of the present administration, there has been an inflow of investors to the state. Turbines of new industries are currently running.

I am sure that Ita Enang knows all these  and is secretly impressed with the trajectory of development in Akwa Ibom under the Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration.

Sadly, since his soul is connected to his stomach, he owes himself a duty to ensure that he fights for his stomach; even if it means telling outright lies and whipping false sentiments to do so.

This is the same Ita Enang who genuinely endorsed Mr Udom Emmanuel as Governorship candidate on Saturday 8th November 2014 under the selfish hope that endorsement will cause him to be favoured by members of his party then - the PDP to return for a Second term as Senator. For Ita Enang, his loyalty is to his stomach first before anyone else around him. His mantra seems to be “As long as it is connected to my daily bread, going out of my way to get it or keep it, can never be a wrong move!”

For a former lawmaker at the National Assembly who never held constituency briefings or executed a single constituency project, one would have thought that Ita Enang would be silent and learn from the likes of Senator Godswill Akpabio and Bassey Albert who are charting newer courses in putting funds they have received for constituency projects into good use. One would have also thought that he would be moving around with deep regrets on how he enriched himself from the funds meant for the people who graciously gave him a mandate to serve.

But the hypocritical and Shameless Ita Enang (to borrow the words of Barr Inibehe Effiong) would not do any of that. He would prefer to jump at any chance to insult the sensibilities of Akwa Ibom people by denigrating the Public office holders in Akwa Ibom who are making efforts at fulfilling their leadership obligations to the people, as a way of distracting them.

From the anger he displays when he goes about to say the things he says, could it be that Ita Enang most times silently wishes that these selfless Akwa Ibom leaders were not making efforts to stay accountable to the people by fulfilling their electioneering promises to them?  Is the misery he is feeling through his selfish act of profiteering from constituency funds when he served as a National Assembly lawmaker in need of company?  

If yes, how come this misery has not disconnected his soul from his stomach? Will he survive this disconnection if it were to happen?

Too many Questions!

Aniekeme Akpan , Port Harcourt-based Medical Laboratory Scientist is also a Public Affairs commentator.

Nigeria’s foremost new generation Church popularly known as ‘Restoration Grace Assembly’, with Headquarters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, cordially invites you to her annual Convention with the theme: ‘Behold, I Do A New Thing’.


Over the years, the Church has been very active in propagating the word of God and imparting lives with the message of our Lord Jesus Christ.Basking in the euphoria of its annual Restoration Convention which holds every January, the program returns again and is billed to commence on Monday 15th to Sunday 21st January, 2018 at the Church Headquarter; Restoration Grace Assembly, located at #2 Effanga Crecent, Off Nsikak Eduok Ave, (2Lane), Uyo.

This Edition will play host to Pastor Charis Essienobong as the host and Rev. (Dr.) Uma Ukpai, Pastor. (Dr.) Sylvanus Ukafia, Bishop (Dr.) Gabriel Nkenang and Bishop Francis Wale Oke as guest ministers.
Spirit filled Gospel music ministers, Nathaniel Bassey and Progress Effiong are billed to minister in songs during the Convention.


The Senior Pastor of the Church, Pastor Charis Essienobong has however invited believers of Christ all around the world to grace this event, as miracles, signs and wonders, and a new level of the supernatural power of God will be made manifest during the Convention.
Another exciting session during the Convention will be ‘Pastor’s Restoration Conference’ that will hold on Thursday 16th to 20th January (9pm daily).

Comfortable and Affordable.

Complimentary Meal.
Internet Service.

24hours Power Supply.

Exotic VIP/Bush bars.

Guaranteed Security.

All fully air-conditioned.

Taxi Service.

Located at Ita Oboho, off NNPC Filling station, Oron road, 2nd turn on your left.

For bookings and enquiries Call 07031158021, 08188772707.

#Ukapisua_HotelBooking
#ComeToAkwaIbom
#AmazingAkwaIbom

#LittleMissAkwaIbom2017
Who among this pretty girls will display extra ordinary talent, carriage, intelligence, confidence and beauty without Make-Up and win the crown?

Come, relax with your family and be entertained as you cheer your favorite contestant to victory.

Date: 21st December, 2017
Venue: Ibom Hall
Time: 2pm

GOVERNMENT OF AKWA IBOM STATE OF NIGERIA

Press Release

RE: Buhari’s cows faring better than Nigerians-Governor’s aide… Akwa Ibom State Government disclaims Media Aide’s comment.

Our attention has been drawn to the story with the above caption that appeared in The Premium Times dated December 14, 2017, and written by Cletus Ukong. In the said story, Mr. Essien Ndueso who is a Personal Assistant to His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel on Media was quoted to have posted on his Facebook Wall, that today “we are in an administration that cows fare better than human beings”- an ill-conceived and obtuse comment on the recent visit by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari(GCON) to his farm in Daura, Katsina State.

We wish to use this opportunity to state categorically that the comment expressed by Mr. Essien Ndueso does not represent in any form, shape, manner or appearance the views of the Government and the good people of Akwa IbomState. The comments attributed to Mr. Nduesotherefore, are his PERSONAL opinion. Even though the nation is going through tough and challenging economic times, we believe and trust the resilience of Nigerians, our ingenuity and innate  capacity to reinvent the wheels, and together, in spite of our political differences, we  remain inexorably tied to our common destiny which requires all  hands on the deck to move our dear nation forward. We hereby, totally and unreservedly disassociate ourselves from the referenced comment.

The Governor and indeed the entire Government of Akwa Ibom State hold President Buhari who indeed is the Father of the Nation in the highest of esteem, and the two Leaders enjoy close and cordial relationship that goes beyond political labels and afflictions. 

Signed:

Ekerete Udoh

Chief Press Secretary/Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Governor

#Ukapisua
Preparations in top gear at Ibom Unity Park(Christmas Village) ahead of the Ukapisua Street groove party coming up on December 26th, 2017. Interested persons are registering with any of the 5 bands of their choice as rehearsals has begun for the carnival.

Former Women Affair/Education Commissioner, Mrs. Eunice Thomas who is the leader of the 'Bridge Band' named after the bridge of no return in Ikot Abasi, Beach Town Band, named after longest beach coast line in West Africa, Ibeno Beach is led by Mr. Edmund Ufang, Chief Protocol Officer to the Governor.
Plaza Band named after Ibom Plaza is led by Prince Enobong Uwah, Blue River Band named after the Ukanafun Blue River is led by Sir. Emem Akpabio, Rolling Hills Band, named after the rolling hills of ITU is headed by Senator Bassey Albert, OBA.
To join any band, goto www.ukapisua.com

Courtesy of Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Akwa Ibom State.

...as APC State Secretary storms polling unit with hoodlums, ammunitions

BY FREDERICK USEN

While citizens of Akwa Ibom State are exercising their civil rights of voting, those of Use Ndon (Ward 4, Unit 7) in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area have been forced to a different experience, owing to a disruption of election in the said unit by hoodlums hired by the State Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Effiong Etuk apparently to attack the Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Comrade Ini Ememobong who is also of the same unit.

Journalists accredited by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission to monitor elections across the state got to the polling unit and only met a crowd of seeming stranded people arguing with themselves.

Enquiry revealed that an indigene of the unit by the name Effiong Etuk who happens to be the state secretary of APC had stormed the unit in company of hoodlums armed with matchets and guns, harassing the Polling Officer.

According to the Polling Officer, "the AKISIEC vehicle went about dropping officials at their polling units and I was dropped here at about 9:45am. I kept calling the supervisor for a security personnel and I was told one would be sent. Since the instruction was that I should not open the materials until there was a security person around, I had to tell the people to be patient.

"While waiting, one Effiong Etuk (AKA Charles Taylor) who is the APC state secretary came here and starting asking me why I want to embarrass him. I told him I was there on official duty for AKISIEC and not to respect or favour any individual of party.

Before I knew it, he came up here and started dragging the bag that contained the materials. When the voters tried to stop him, his hoodlums unleashed violence randomly on everyone. Surprisingly, the polling clerk by the name, Mrs Joe Ekpoatai who was supposed to support me, was instead assisting them to snatch the materials, after which, she absconded with them".

I was beaten mercilessly, I lost my phone in the process".

Another victim of the violence while narrating his ordeal, said, "we were waiting for election materials when they came with dangerous weapons to snatch materials. Effiong Etuk, our brother and secretary of the APC in Akwa Ibom personally wanted to force the Polling Officer and take the materials. When I tried to help the polling officer, one of them hit me with a bottle and broke my eye. See how they nearly damaged my right eye".

Reacting, the PDP Publicity Secretary said, the incident occurred barely five minutes after he was excused by his supporters to attend to an issue in his village residence, adding that chances are that he was the main target of the attack.

His words: "the circumstance is simple. Election is a civil duty and my village is a village that has a lot of educated people. It's not as if the people don't know violence. But the question is, violence against who? The person who is projecting this violence, who did in 2011 and 2015 and repeated same today, unfortunately is my uncle and he is the state secretary of APC.

Like I said, not that we do not know how to do violence, but imagine what would happened if we tried to retaliate. That's why I keep telling my people, I keep warning our supporters that on no account should even a pin be brought anywhere close to voting centre because no ambition is worth the blood of any human.

This is a call to the AKISIEC, the Commissioner of Police, Brigade Commander and heads of other security agencies to ensure that full security is on ground when next election is holding. Being civil doesn't mean we should be taken for granted. We hope the attacked Polling Officer will do his report formally and we also hope the electoral body will act accordingly."

When contacted on phone, the accused Etuk refused speaking to our correspondent on the matter and dropped the line. Several other attempts were futile, as he was unresponsive.

…NSIMA EKERE MOVES TO FREE ARRESTED THUGS
A personal assistant to an APC chieftain Chief Sunny Ibanga, along with his village Youth Leader, were among some hoodlums nabbed by security agents for possession of firearms and engaging in acts of security breech during the local government elections in Ikot Ekpene.
The thugs were apprehended with firearms in Ikot Ekpene inside a Hilux truck belonging to Chief Sunny Ibanga, who is the state caucus member of the All Progressives Congress.
Their arrest brought an end to the wanton violence and mayhem that had send shivers down the spines of innocent voters in Ikot Ekpene in the early period of the election.

Investigations reveal that the Managing Director of the NDDC through his Special Assistant, Uyo Nathaniel has been making frantic efforts to get the suspected culprits off the hook, but to no avail.
The arrest has confirmed the recent Press Statement by the State Government that certain elements had been compromised to cause a breakdown of law and order.

The release had alerted that the said hirelings were conscripted to disrupt the election and cause an atmosphere of insecurity.
The sponsors of the thugs, it was gathered, are from certain political interests outside the state who have threatened to get the culprits out at all cost.
It is not the first time that outsiders have been fingered, attempting connive with opposition elements to cause chaos in the peaceful Niger Delta state.
Efforts to get the NDDC managing director’s reaction were unsuccessful as at 9pm Saturday night.

The State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel in his broadcast to the people of the State, had warned people not to engage in acts that are capable of causing a break down of law and order, assuring the people that Government will deal decisively with anyone who will be caught trying to disrupt public peace.

...Smuggled into contest by Uyio Nathaniel
...Rejected by APC members


Few hours to the Local Government Election, the foremost local government area - Ikot Ekpene, has been thrown into chaos following the discovery that the chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Cletus Essien, is an indigene of Mbiabong Ikot Udofia in Ini Local Government Area.

According to our source, a staunch APC supporter and woman leader, disclosed that stakeholders and people of the Raffia City are bewildered by this audacious act midwife by Chief Sunday Ibanga and supported by the senatorial district leader of the party, Chief Inyangette.

Essien, it was gathered is a cousin to the PDP Chairmanship candidate, Mr. Unyime Etim and nephew to former commissioner for works, Mr. Don Etim.

He was smuggled into the contest by one Uyo Nathaniel as his stooge.

The source further revealed that the state leadership of APC is aware of this misdemeanor but decided to look the other way since it claims there is no written petition before the state working committee against Mr. Essien’s local government of origin.

However, findings show that series of petitions sent to the state exco of APC concerning the matter may have been blocked by Chief Ibanga and Mr. Nathaniel.

“Cletus Essien may carry a falsified certificate of origin, claiming to hail from Ikot Ekpene, but he is not from Ikot Ekpene.

“He is our grandson not a son of Ikot Ekpene. We have a proud heritage and will not allow an alien rule over us. Even though he has lived for several years with us as our grandchild, his birthright is in Ini and we insist that a bonafide son of Ikot Ekpene should lead us", she retorted.

Going further, she cliamed that Essien and his three siblings were brought into Uruk Uso, the great Etim family by their daughter, who married one Jackson Essien from Ini Local Government Area.

Eventually, when the marriage went sour, their mother brought them back to her family in Uruk Uso Ikot Ekpene.

Corroborating this story, Chief Etangsema Etim (names changed for security reasons), a member of the Etim family told our reporter that the family has been thrown into confusion by an outsider that once benefitted from them.

A former transition chairman from the area expressed surprise at the information and said “if this information is true then APC is worse than PDP”.

Similarly, supporters of APC in the local government area have been divided into camps – those supporting Cletus Essien are said to be sponsored by NDDC while the opposing camp are aggrieved groups which reportedly formed a common front working to dislodge those they claim are destroying the party.

Many notable names in the area, who mostly spoke on strict anonymity, have totally condemned the party for attempting to cover up the contemptuous deed. In the same vein, youths from the area have registered their displeasure by the incident and vowed to disgrace the party, accusing the Etim family of mortgaging their rightful heir.

Meanwhile, a one time federal lawmaker from the area, acknowledged the information but called for calm, saying Ikot Ekpene people are knowledgeable enough to make a wise decision.

A PRESS STATEMENT BY RT. HON. VICTOR ANTAI, HON. COMMISSIONER FOR CULTURE AND TOURISM

Protocol:

Gentlemen of the press,

Following our highly successful outing in Orange September, a series of events organized to commemorate the 30th anniversary of our dear state, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism under my supervision has decided to undertake another major event in our conscious and regular efforts to further stamp the state as a tourism destination.

As we all know, yuletide periods in Akwa Ibom State have hitherto been bereft of hyped activities. During this period we usually witness an outflow of human traffic into neighboring states as indigenes and fun seekers leave the state in their numbers to other parts of the country in search of entertainment and recreation.
It is in an attempt to remedy this and spice up the yuletide experience for the citizens of Akwa Ibom State, while effectively marketing our huge tourist potentials that the Ministry Of Culture and Tourism has decided to host “Ukap’isua”, an end of the year Christmas festival.

Ukap’isua, means “the turn of the year” or “the end of the year”. Historically, our people planned and host festivities around this period. We hope to create during this same period, a unique experience that will not only create recreation and entertainment, but also market our huge tourism potentials.

Ukap’isua will commence with the opening of the festival village, located at the auspicious Ibom Unity Park, Udoudoma Avenue, Uyo. The festival village will host relaxation spots, shopping stalls and other recreational facilities. The main events in Ukap’isua will hold on 26th and 27th December, 2017

On 26th December, we will host a major street party/carnival tagged “Street Groove”. The star studded event will see five Bands parading along the carnival routes (University of Uyo mini stadium – Ikot ekpene road – Aka road – UdoUdoma Avenue – Unity Park). The bands will be led by an indigene. Each will be assigned an artist of repute. Talks with the likes of Wizkid, Tuface Idibia, Tiwa Savage, Tekno, Phyno etc are ongoing.




Gentlemen of the press, please permit me at this juncture to unveil the names of the five bands for street groove. They are:

[b]*Blue River Band,
*Rolling Hills Band,
*The Beach Town Band,
*The Bridge Band and
*The Plaza Band.

The bands are named after tourist attractions and historical features in Akwa Ibom state. The bands will further expound on the significance of their respective tourism features in their costumes, presentation and parade, thereby helping to market the tourist potentials of the state.

The general public is encouraged to be part of the bands by registering online at www.ukapisua.com or by picking up offline registration forms at all tertiary institutions in the state, local government headquarters, as well as designated eateries and the state Ministry of Culture and Tourism Headquarters, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Complex, Uyo.

The end of the road event for Ukap’isua this year will be the Mega Beach Fiesta. Holding at the longest beach line in West Africa, the mega beach fiesta will feature beach soccer, volleyball, basketball and other interesting games.

The event will be rounding off with grand five star performances.

Permit me to extend our gratitude to the visionary leader of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for graciously approving these events and programmes.

Gentlemen of the press, I want to appeal that we help to spread word about this event. Let us show the world our rich heritage as a people and see how we can make this yuletide season an exciting one for our citizens and tourists alike.

God bless Akwa Ibom State.

Victor Antai
Hon. Commissioner,
Ministry of Culture and tourism.
Akwa Ibom State.

It's Yuletide again, but in Akwa Ibom we just say "Ukap'isua"!
Where would you rather be?
Join us, let's end 2017 in grand style!
#UdomEmmanuel #ComeToAkwaIbom #AmazingAkwaIbom #Ukapisua

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmanship and councillorship candidates for the forthcoming December 2nd local government elections continue to bask in the euphoria of the seemingly large turnout at the flag-off campaign over the weekend, it has been discovered that a large percentage of the crowd were imported from the neighbouring states.

Investigations revealed that most of those who made the crowd were from Rivers State and coordinated by one of the aides of former Governor Rotimi Amechi, now the Minister of Transport.

A reliable source confided on us amidst laughter that they were coming to Uyo for APC campaign.

Upon enquiry, he said they were paid to join the crowd in Uyo as members of the party were not many in Akwa Ibom.

Further investigations revealed that the negotiation started when the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Nsima Ekere, visited his benefactor, Mr. Rotimi Amechi at Abuja to discuss the fate of the party ahead of the local government election in Akwa Ibom State.

Ekere who also sought solution to the increasing defection from the party to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), appealed to the Minister for Transport to assist the Akwa Ibom APC to have a make-up crowd in order to safe him and his allies from possible embarrassment.

This arrangement, it was gathered, was extended to Cross River State through the Chairman of the NDDC, Senator Ndoma Egba, who mandated his aide to act on the demand.

The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, who was to flag off the campaign, it was gathered, cancelled his trip to Akwa Ibom when his intelligence report informed him of the fictitious crowd arrangement.

Similarly, the National leader of the party, Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had prepared to come with the Vice President, cancelled his trip at the eleventh hour when he was informed that the Vice President had taken a decision not to attend the event.

It would be recalled that the APC had earlier scheduled its flag-off campaign for Tuesday 14th November, but postponed it to Saturday 20th as the earlier date coincided with President Buhari’s visit to Anambra State.

This arrangement, it was further gathered, was to ensure that either the President or his Vice must be present at the flag-off but was frustrated by the turn out of event.

It was also gathered that after the campaign, most of those who came from neighbouring states were looking for friends to accommodate them for the night as it was late to travel back while some could not find their way to the AKTC Park.

In a related development, the crisis which has bedevilled the party following the emergence of the Nsima Ekere-led faction has deepened as the real APC led by Senator John Akpan Udoedehe has perfected plans to hold its campaign next week.

Nsima Ekere's faction is losing its grip at the national level as some of the political gladiators of APC at the national level have started asking question on the fate of the party without the likes of John Udoedehe, Group Capt Sampson Ewang, Rt Hon Emmanuel Ekpenyong, Dr Udoma Bob Ekarika, Bar Joe Ukpong.

... Hotel.ng empowers first batch and for graduands

By Uduak Inwang

The Graduation Ceremony of the 1st Batch of Software development and visual designers internship program 2017 organised by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Science and Technology in Partnership with Hotels.ng came to a close today at the Conference Center of the Ibom E-Library in Uyo.

The event attracted huge attendance from across the technology ecosystem of the State. According to the convener and CEO of Hotels.ng Mark Essien, the tech community in Akwa Ibom State is evolving and within the next 2years, the State will be the biggest software community in Nigeria. With this development, he maintained that Akwa Ibom State will become the biggest Software hub in Africa, he said.

The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Prof Nse Udo Essien speaking at the graduation ceremony highlighted some of the government's achievements to include the reactivation of the technology ecosystem in Akwa Ibom State hence the partnership with Hotels.ng to open up employment opportunities for Akwa Ibom youths.

Also speaking at the event, one of the 50 successful graduands, Miss Mfonobong expressed happiness over the outcome of the training. "I had no laptop but I participated with my phone and I'm excited to be among the finalists of Hotels.ng internship program 2017." she said.

Nsikak Thompson, a finalist who built an android application for Hotels.ng and his 6 man team were awarded a cash price of N250,000 by the CEO of Hotels.ng, Mr Mark Essien. "I want to thank the Akwa Ibom State Government for this opportunity and we expect more of this and we believe that Akwa Ibom State will soon become the biggest Software hub in Africa", he said.

Highpoint of the event was Cash donations by Mr. Mark Essien to 4 teams who successfully created and completed the task given at the end of the 3 months training, the team leaders were Nsikak Thompson who got 250,000 with his 6 team members created Hotels.ng Android app. Richard Umoaffia and his 10 man team got 250,000 for creating Hotels.ng Business Chat App. Miss Mercy Ikpe with her 18 man team got 250,000 for creating a Financial Management Application while Warrie Usenobong and his 10 man developer team got 250,000 and created Hotels.ng Api Documentation.

Others in attendance included the Director of ICT in the ministry of Science and Technology, the ICT aide to the Governor, Mr. Solomon Eyo, CEO of Start Innovation Hub Mr. Hanson Johnson and others..

Students from Uyo local government area have declared their intention to support the Uyo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairmanship Candidate Elder Imoh Okon in the 2nd December local government elections. 

The students made the declaration known during a tour of all tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State by Uyo Students Alumni in collaboration with Uyo Students Association Worldwide. 

The tour was led by Comrade Mike Ekott, a former Student Leader and the Worldwide President of Uyo Students Association Comrade Victor John. Others in the train includes, Comrades Cosmas Eyo, Nyabuk Eberefiak, Iniobong Uko, Enobong Ibanga, Jane Okon, Nsikak Bassey and Idongesit Savior.

The tour which was aimed at bringing the Government closer to the students as well as establishing a good relationship between PDP chairmanship standard bearer, Elder Imoh Okon, and the students from Uyo local government area. 

During the tour to Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Uyo Students appreciated the group and thanked Elder Imoh Okon for involving them in his agenda, describing him as a passionate man who has the people's interest at heart.

The students used the occasion to request for bursary payment and appointment of a former student leader as SA on student matters.

The team also moved to Akwa Ibom State University where one of the students appreciated the wonderful humanitarian work done by the Uyo Vice Chairman nominee, Mr. Emmanuel Edem aka Ukai, under the umbrella of Udom Dakkada Traffic powered by Afon Ama Initiative.

Students in Akwa Ibom State University  also requested for Project allowance to final year students, scholarship and grants, pledging to vote PDP enmasse come December 2nd Chairmanship/ Councillorship election.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mike Ekott, a former Student leader and a grassroot Politician, advised the students who are yet to register for voters card to do so. He charged them to come enmasse on 2nd December to vote for the next Mayor of Uyo City Elder Imoh Okon. 

Ekott also asked for the students to continually support Governor Udom Emmanuel's government polices as the are students friendly. 

The event witnessed the presentation of customized exercise books to the students union by the Worldwide President on behalf of the Divine Choice Campaign Organization.

Akwa Ibom Trade Fair In Brief

The Akwa Ibom State Trade Fair is the premier trade fair in the State. The spectacular 14-day event normally holds from November 20th to December 3rd every year. The Uyo Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture(UYOCCIMA) is the oldest in Akwa Ibom and has been staging the Fair annually, since 2001 to date. Within this period, the Akwa Ibom State Trade Fair has grown tremendously in popularity and provides the platform for trade facilitation and business exchange in the state.

The Chamber comprises of the crème of the state’s top business organizations and personalities, who are able and ready to enter into business interactions with their counterparts all over the world.

The Fair will hold in Uyo the state capital and commercial heartland of Akwa Ibom, which is easily accessible by air and land. The Trade Fair, since inception, has been held at the famous Ibom Hall Grounds. It is about 20 minutes from the Akwa Ibom International Airport (AKIA) which is Akwa Ibom State’s gateway to Nigeria and the world. Located in the middle of Uyo, it is easily accessible from any part of town. Ibom Hall Grounds, which hosted all previous trade fairs in the state, is expansive, well secured and quite suitable for exhibitions.

About Akwa Fair 2017

Akwa Fair 2017, with the theme: Empowering Micro Small & Medium Enterprises: Panacea for Accelerated and Sustainable Economic Growth is designed to be a one-stop-shop for all stakeholders in the MSME development ecosystem.

The Fair, which offers an opportunity of a life time for entrepreneurs will have in attendance the following stakeholders

* Business development consultants
* Raw material suppliers
* Machinery and equipment vendors
* Market facilitators
* Venture capitalist, portfolio managers and development finance institutions with cheap sources of finance
* Regulatory agencies
* Policy makers
* Business networking associations
* Multi-lateral development agencies
* NGOs and foundations

It is estimated that the trade fair will attract more than 200,000 visitors to Uyo during the two weeks long event. The following activities will take place during the fair;

* A general trade fair for exhibitors from all over the country with special days focusing on products and services in each sector of the economy.
* Five conferences and business meetings for focused groups which will be organized on the side lines of the fair in the following sectors

- Technology – With leading ICT companies (software, payment solution, cloud solution and hardware) and manufacturing technology companies (processing and packaging) in the industry presenting with the audience made up of ICT, small scale industrialist, etc.

- Health – With leading drug manufacturing companies, medical equipment companies, reagent dealers and associated companies in the health sector presenting to an audience of Pharmacist, patent medicine vendors, doctors, lab tech, etc as audience

- Education – With leading publishing houses, education consultants, learning aids vendors, inclusive education providers, special subjects tutors presenting to an audience of school proprietors, school administrators, potential foreign university students etc

- Agriculture & Agro allied – Leading research institutions, agro companies, agro processing technology providers and allied companies presenting to an audience of farmers, agro processors, etc

- Investment &MSME Finance – Leading finance institutions and fund managers with portfolio exposure to MSME finance presenting to an audience of entrepreneurs & business executives

* Brand shows, talent hunt and similar activities at night
* Opening and Closing ceremonies with dignitaries in most State and Federal Government of Nigeria agencies, commercial sections of foreign embassies, and special guests present.
Akwa Fair 2017 will deploy the widest publicity in the social, electronic and print media before and during the fourteen (14) day duration of the Fair.

Such extended and intensive publicity invariably presents a unique opportunity for exhibitors to advertise their products, services, inventions and innovations to both Nigerian and foreign audience.

The Fair is strongly supported by the Akwa Ibom State Government, and is always well attended by numerous government agencies seeking new ideas, inventions and innovations necessary for the attainment of the objectives for which they were set up. The Fair brings into focus the full potentials and business opportunities existing in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
For more information or enquiries, please contact:

AKWA Fair 2017 Manager
Enterprise Club of Nigeria
51, Utang Street
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
Tel: 0705 7732305, 08185626126
Email:info@akwafair2017.com
www.akwafair2017.com

The first stakeholders meeting of Primehill Limited in Akwa Ibom state held on Saturday in Uyo, the state capital city.

After extensive deliberations, q & a, interactions, a subscriber won a plot of land, selected via lucky dip.  He won a 500 square meters plot of land at the City Crest estate, Mbiokporo.. 

Mr. Ekong Johnson emerged winner of the raffle draw. His representative at the meeting, niece Miss Mercy Udofia claimed the win on his behalf.

Two staff also received the shocker of their lives. Miss Esther John who started work with the Uyo office at inception in 2016, and Mr Richie 'Preye' Ogolo  were gifted 500 square meters of land each at the City Crest estate, Mbiokporo.

Several subscribers who had interfaced with these two staff expressed appreciation to Primehill for rewarding both in that manner, as they were said to be remarkably hardworking and professional. 

City Crest estate, proposed, is a residential estate created and managed by a private corporate, Primehill Limited.

 The attractive offers of the scheme has been that the general public can own land at comparative cost, hassle-free and with an instalment billing plan. For at least one of the city Crest estates, subscribers can own a plot paying as low as N50,000 monthly.

In what resembled a family atmosphere at the stakeholders meeting, subscribers had opportunity to ask questions, interact, connect with future neighbors and make suggestions towards the estate.

Heads of Primehill and of the estate projects took turns to give updates to the participants and to take enquiry on issues requiring clarification.

1. Congratulations to Akwa United, 2017 Aiteo Cup winners, winning the Nigerian FA Cup 2 times in 3 years. What a record! #AiteoCup



2. Akwa United, powered by Gov. Udom Emmanuel, has won the #AiteoCup for the second time in three years. Good thinking, good product! #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares


3. Akwa United has become the 1st team from Cross River/Akwa Ibom states, Nigeria, to win the Nigerian FA cup. #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

4. The largest football competition in Nigeria, the Federation Cup, is now known as the Aiteo Cup. #AkwaUnited are the current Champions. #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

5. #AkwaUnited of Uyo beat Niger Tornadoes 3-2 by penalties, to win the 2017 #AiteoCupFinal, played in Agege, #Lagos. #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

6. Akwa United had NEVER won any trophy at the National scene before the arrival of Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2015? #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

7. SOMETHING TO REMEMBER!! Akwa United players and officials are the most promptly paid in Nigeria as at today. #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

8. STUNNING! Six players of the #AkwaUnited team are currently active in the National Football Team! #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

9. #AkwaUnited has the highest number of footballers from a single football club in Nigeria. #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

10. Before @MrUdom Emmanuel’s arrival in 2015, #AkwaUnited had always escaped relegation by the whiskers on the last day of matches at the elite division? #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

11. Today’s victory is #AkwaUnited's 1st in Nigeria since the change of tournament’s nomenclature to #AiteoCup. #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCupFinal

12. Victory for #AkwaUnited, today, will lead the team into continental action in the CAF Confederation’s Cup competition. #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

13. Do you know that #AkwaUnited, the Promise Keepers, play their home games in the best soccer stadium in Africa? #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

14. #AkwaUnited is the only team from the old South Eastern/Cross River State to qualify for the Nigerian FA cup final, and also win the trophy. #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

@MrUdomEmmanuel has powered #AkwaUnited into the Nigerian FA cup final for the 2nd time in 3 years. #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

15. @AkwaUnited_fc are #AiteoCupfinal champions! Their second title in the history of Nigerian football.

I have tried very hard to watch from the sidelines the outburst by one of Akwa Ibom's finest in Nollywood who doubles as the SA to Akwa Ibom Governor on Tourism, Ini Edo. The reason is simple, given her brand, l needed to take some time out to get the fine details of the ''water that has passed through the bridge '' before weighing on the subject.

The crux of this bruohaha is that the Nollywood figure is allegedly laying claim to the original idea of Orange September which fortunately was a huge success.

Going by my findings, Joseph Utin and Ubong Ekpe both of Akwa Ibom Tourism Development Company practcally wrote the proposal for the Ibom Fest which couldn't hold sequel to the collapse of Reigners Bible Church at the time it was planned. Being a tourism event it naturally will attract a lot of sponsorship which according to them Edo used effectively her vast connection to attract a lot of resources in from the corporate world, blue Chip outlets and individuals. This had absolutely nothing to do with Orange September event.

The beef is sequel to the tourism consultants insisting that they be properly paid for for their consultancy rather than look the other way by the Actress. Ini Edo got a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN to pen down a petition to the IG of Police to get those Tourism consultants arrested according to my findings.

The story is that they were paid N1m each which was grossly inadequate to the terms of engagement even though the Gov's Aide is of the view that she placed them on a monthly take home of N50,000 .

More revealing is the fact that lni Edo was informed about Orange September plannings by the organisers in her capacity as SA to the Gov on Tourism and she requested that one of the events in the Orange September be given to her to run but the organisers had insisted she comes take up one of the sub committees and head rather than run a component of the Orange September herself for effective supervision she translated her non-acceptance to being absent herself from the entire event. The question is why didn't she raise the alarm at the time if her claim holds water of owning the idea of Orange September? One thing that should be paramount from the foregoing is that people should always learn to keep to their business terms rather than use their privileged positions to scuttle such terns.

The Actress cannot in her good conscience lay claim to the boat regatta, food festival and other content of the successful Orange September.

The Ndoko event for instance was successful because the organisers, Akwa Ibom Ministry of Culture and Tourism had insisted that they supervise all sides of the Orange September to ensure success.

Honestly, l strongly believe that there was no need for this public attention by the Actress as all she needed to do was to sit the consultants down and explain to them the funding status of the failed Ibom Fest as was the case while the Tourism Consultants drafted the proposal for Ibom Fest and see what could be added to the consultants by way of pecuniary benefits . l understand that in an attempt to carry her along during the Orange September given her office, she will always be on the move, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja etc .

In case the Nollywood Actress didn't know this action of hers has given her a low PR before her fans and the question is, how did she get here ?

What is even more worrisome is the fact that, most likely her employer, Akwa Ibom Governor may not have known before she involved the police. The other revelation in the saga is that while the ibomfest planning lasted, Edo used the Tourism consultants office along Oron road, Uyo without paying for the work space.

On a close look at the two proposals, that is Ibom Fest and Orange September, the content and more are not the same Let it not be seen that she is asking for public sympathy for not performing in office coupled with the frustration by Glo, the compelling telecommunications giant having called off her Ambassadorial status.

Can't she reason like Rt. Hon Victor Antai who got three of the consultants cars after a rigorous planning and execution of the Orange September in appreciation. Let her understand that it is not the Tourism consultants making that the Ibom Fest couldn't hold.

Both Ini Edo and Rt Hon Victor Antai are to my mind assets to Akwa Ibom, the thinking should be more on moving our State forward and not this pettiness.

There is no need to get this whole issue twisted and be in the news for the wrong reasons . The successful orange September is NOT the brainchild of Ini Edo as it now being alluded to by her Lawyers but what needs to be addressed is that she needs to reconcile with the Tourism consultants and not intimidate them with police arrest and subsequent prosecution having in mind that, it is amazing what she could have achieved if she was not insisting on who takes the glory ''.

(C) Anny Michaels

THE STORY OF A SCHOOL BOY FRUSTRATED BY HIS TEACHER

By Uduak Inwang
Last night, I went to a pharmacy owned by my Physics Class teacher, Mr. Tony Anderson, at Efficient Secondary School.

He was a very conservative person and straight to the point, having asked what brought me to his table, he also asked me about Twitter and how it works.

I started by telling him that Twitter is a micro blogging site a.k.a social media, initially restricted to 140 characters, but recently increased to 280 for influencers and verified users or handles.

I went forward to tell him my experience on Twitter, which is best used for campaigns and advocacy.

As a blogger, I spend most of my time on Twitter than any other social networks. It also directs my daily website post as I publish about what people are talking about which has become a Trending topic.

Also Sir, a study titled ‘How Africa Tweets’ was conducted by Portland communications in 2015. It shows Nigeria as the second largest Geo-located tweets 360 million. Egypt has the most Geo-located tweets if about 500 million in Africa. Third is South Africa with 325 million tweets.

Given this result, it is safe to say that Nigeria has the second largest amount of users in Africa.

I later took him outside and showed him my new Car given to me by the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Rt Hon. Victor Antai. With excitement, he prayed and congratulated me and immediately called in two of his staff and he goes. "this is Uduak Inwang, he was one of our very Brilliant students in Efficient, class of Senior Secondary 1. Go out side and see what loyalty, consistency and patience can do. Make sure you touch it." He said.

My last memory about Efficient Secondary School was when my Chemistry teacher told me that I will never understand how titration works. To be sincere, I never did. Having been frustrated out of a boarding school, I needed someone who could believe in me and it was Mr. Tony Anderson.

Today, my story has changed from a young boy who was confused due to a Chemistry teachers teaching methods to a renowned Digital Marketing Consultant who is not consulting for my Physics teacher's Pharmaceutical company.

REP your school!

Information Commissioner Meets Unsuccessful PDP Aspirants in Uyo

-Assures them of Govt’s Support

The Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Charles Udoh, on Sunday met with all the chairmanship and councillorship aspirants in Uyo Local Government who failed PDP nomination with assurance that Governor Udom Emmanuel will not leave them behind in the scheme of things.
Speaking at his residence where he met with all the aspirants from Uyo Local Government who failed nomination, Mr. Charles Udoh urged them not to abandon their counterparts who succeeded, but support them to win at various polling units.
The Government Information manager revealed that Governor Udom Emmanuel will always do everything to carry everybody along in his leadership, while calling on them not to defect from the party.
Speaking with newsmen after the event, the Commissioner noted that he was duty bound to reintegrate the aspirants into the party after they failed nomination in the just concluded PDP nomination.

“In the process of election, there are bound to be winners and losers, but that doesn’t mean that losers should be cast aside.

“That is why I am duty bound to call all the councillorship and chairmanship aspirants who failed nomination to tell them that we have a Governor who believes in political inclusion and that they have vital roles to play in the party.”

In his remark, the Uyo Local Government Chapter Chairman, Mr. Idongesit thanked Commissioner for calling all the aspirants for meeting, revealing that the party also has intention of calling all aspirants who failed nomination for meeting.
“If it is not good for today, the future will be good. No matter how your brother emerged the winner, join hands with him.

“Submit to the party, because no two persons can emerge winners of a particular office. Those who won shouldn’t exalt themselves above others.”

In his remark, the Chairmanship Aspirant, Ubokobong Benjamin commended the commissioner for organizing such meeting.

He averred that there is nothing like flawless politics.

“When I contested I knew I would either fail or win, and since I lost,I have called the winner and declared my support.”

Mr. Benjamin called on Uyo leaders who are in government not to sideline them, adding that in politics, nobody is insignificant and nobody is indispensable.
Also speaking , another Chairmanship aspirant, Mr.Etiene Ukpong, said though election is not all about fight, everybody should be carried along.
He urged all the aspirants who failed nomination not to leave the party.

In his words, another chairmanship aspirant, Mr.Okon Nsentib assured the commissioner that he would not leave the party.

Reacting, all the councillorship aspirants from the ten wards of Uyo Local Government, thanked the commissioner for being the first to look for them, adding that they would support the Governor while appealing that they should be appointed as supervisors in the council.

Eminence of Empowerment splashes millions on PDP supporters.
The MD/ CEO of Eminence Oil and Gas, Mr Emmanuel Okon has given out millions of naira as empowerment to the people of Ikot Itieudung, Ward 5 in Nsit Atai Local Government Area.
The even which on Sunday 8th Oct. 2017 at his country home was a routine empowerment initiative of Mr Okon, and was witnessed by the chapter chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Nsit Atai and other distinguished sons and daughters of the area including the Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Reorientation, Mr Joseph Okon.
According to Mr Emmanuel Okon, his passion for empowerment is driven by Governor Udom Emmanuel's giant strides on human capital development initiatives.
He maintained that the initiative is to aliviate the sufferings of those in the villages to give them a sense of belonging in government.
He said that in keeping with his commitment to massively empower the people of Nsit Atai, he has setup a scheme that every month, millions of naira is being shared to beneficiaries to grow their small and medium scale businesses.
He thanked the people for their support for Governor Udom Emmanuel, and urge them to register in the ongoing voters registration so that they will vote for governor Udom Emmanuel come 2019, adding that his target is to empower 5million people.
High point of the event was the distribution of cash to various benefiting groups, villages, and individuals.

PRESS RELEASE

RE: PUNCH NEWSPAPER REPORT ON NIGERIA VS ZAMBIA WORLD CUP QUALIFIER IN UYO

A report in the Punch Newspaper of October 8, 2017, alleged that 5 people were feared dead following a stampede at one of the gates of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo during the Nigeria vs Zambia World Cup Qualifier last Saturday.

I wish to categorically state that the said report is false and tainted with malice.

There was a rush by spectators; who arrived the venue after the match had started, trying to gain entrance into the stadium which led to a few of them sustaining minor injuries.

There were 9 people injured during the incident and all of them were taken to the hospital for treatment while no life was lost. This much was confirmed by the Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer and the Commissioner for Health.

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is probably the best maintained sporting facility in Nigeria today and has no history of poor crowd control as maliciously posited in the report.

It is on record that Akwa Ibom State is reputed as being; not only a peaceful state but a safe and secure state with credible leadership which is one of the reasons why the state has; in the last 18 months, been listed by the National Bureau of Statistics as the 2nd largest Foreign Direct Investment Destination in Nigeria.

We are dismayed that such a report; which has a high potency of painting a negative picture of not only Akwa Ibom but Nigeria as country, was published without verifying the facts. It is instructive to note that the Nigeria vs Zambia match was a FIFA organized match and mischievous insinuations as contained in the said report could easily lead to Nigeria being sanctioned.

It is my sincere hope that the author of the said report will take the pains to ensure the veracity of information in future before publication.

Signed
Charles Udoh
Commissioner for Information & Strategy
Akwa Ibom State

1. The One Goal Project shall build a bridge for peaceful coexistence via constant engagement of young people from all over the country.

Our country today is massively polarized and divided. It is also not news that the youths are the most affected by this divisive tendencies.

The #OneGoal Project recognizes diversity in thoughts and opinions, but believes that disagreements do not necessarily connote disunity.

It is therefore our #OneGoal to unify our country through dialogue, and constant engagement of young persons across the country.

The #OneGoal Project will be launched in Uyo, Nigeria on Thursday, 28th September 2017.

FRANK ARCHIBONG; A REPLICA OF THE DIVINE MANDATE AND THE ONLY WAY FORWARD FOR EKET LGA

The Eagle, over the years has been a symbol of beauty, bravery, courage, honor, determination and grace to man. What makes the eagle stand out is its symbolic exertion of strength, agility, fearlessness and immeasurable capacity to soar beyond altitudes which other birds would find impossible to soar. An Eagle guards her territory jealously, not minding the size or strength of its enemy dares and conquers every difficult situation without fear all in a brilliant display of true leadership. Coming back to Eket Local Government Area, is this not who Hon. Frank Archibong is?
Without mincing words, Hon. Frank Archibong has turned out to become yet another case of God’s will and divine mandate to the people of Eket. Judging from his sterling leadership qualities as transition Chairman, it would suffice to say without pontification that Hon. Frank is the elixir Eket people need at this point in time. He is the Midas with the transforming touch to turn the fortune of Eket around.
Eket on the pages of history has made a name for itself. From being the major oil producing region, it has housed many industrial and tourist attraction sites in the State, been a destination for investors and has birthed many prominent names in different fields of engagement, including his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Deacon Gabriel Udom Emmanuel.
During his tenure as Chairman of the Oil-rich city, the people of Eket testified of the selfless kind of leader Hon. Frank was. The transformation stride in terms of infrastructure, human capacity development, agriculture, as well as heightened security network in the Area was such that the people never experienced from past leaderships. His philanthropy, benevolence and humility backed up with capacity did not go unnoticed, as his Excellency, The State Governor in his wisdom, deemed it fit to appoint Hon. Frank Archibong as Caretaker Chairman, Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
These achievements would have been enough to have him distracted, but for the sake of the people he vowed to represent, he never gave in to side talks. As Caretaker Chairman, Hon. Frank initiated and flagged off a skills acquisition and empowerment program, meant to train women in bead making, hair styling, head-tie proficiency, cake baking, soap making, etc.
Though his liberal nature is synonymous with ‘Akpabio’, Hon. Frank, being a graduate of Business Management and fully in knowledge about the importance of teaching to fish rather than giving fishes, created a future for the Eket people by setting up the entrepreneurship scheme where beneficiaries were trained on various skills. He also backed the trainees up with financial support and a conducive environment for their produce to thrive. What more could Eket people ask for?

In line with the Dakkada initiative of the present administration geared towards building lives independency and knowledge base youths, ‘The Eagle’ had sent twenty four youths from Eket Local Government to undertake training in Mechatronics. After the training, participants were able to detect faults in a motor vehicle electronically through the use of a scanner technology and will be given starter packs to enable them function as planned by the the Honourable.

Frank Archibong, a promising leader, extroversive mixer, deep thinker, generous giver but prudent, is seen by many as the elixir of the lost glory of Ekid Nation. He has all it takes to soar with the Eket people to greater heights.
Now to the Eket people, the question is this; would you let the Eagle lead you? Or just another bird?

Kufre Samuel.
SUG President University Of Uyo (2016-2017)

#DISE, a pictorial exhibition and 2nd event in the #OrangeSeptember celebration, takes place today Monday, 18th September, 2017 at Ibibio Union Museum, Unity Park, Uyo, with the historical evolution of Akwa Ibom State in pictures, from the early days of creation till date on display.

From sweeping landscape scenes to powerful portraits captured by daring individuals, photographs of the arrival and reception of our first military administrator, and full-exposure of thought-provoking, visually captivating photography, #Dise is one event that will make this year's state creation anniversary memorable!

Orange September is a series of events planned to celebrate Akwa Ibom at 30 with a mandate to position the state by showcasing the diverse and enigmatic colours of our collective history, unity in diversity, depth and range of our indigenous entrepreneurship.

Orange - the colour of our state, reflects our lifestyle as a people; optimistic, sociable, hospitable, adventurous and industrious. You can't afford to miss!

Orange September is powered by the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Akwa Ibom State.

Official Hashtag: #Dise #OrangeSeptember

Visit www.orangeseptember.ng

#OrangeSeptember...celebrating who we are! 16th - 22nd September 2017.

#DISE, a pictorial exhibition and 2nd event in the #OrangeSeptember celebration, takes place today Monday, 18th September, 2017 at Ibibio Union Museum, Unity Park, Uyo, with the historical evolution of Akwa Ibom State in pictures, from the early days of creation till date on display.

From sweeping landscape scenes to powerful portraits captured by daring individuals, photographs of the arrival and reception of our first military administrator, and full-exposure of thought-provoking, visually captivating photography, #Dise is one event that will make this year's state creation anniversary memorable!

Orange September is a series of events planned to celebrate Akwa Ibom at 30 with a mandate to position the state by showcasing the diverse and enigmatic colours of our collective history, unity in diversity, depth and range of our indigenous entrepreneurship.

Orange - the colour of our state, reflects our lifestyle as a people; optimistic, sociable, hospitable, adventurous and industrious. You can't afford to miss!

Orange September is powered by the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Akwa Ibom State.

Official Hashtag: #Dise #OrangeSeptember

Visit www.orangeseptember.ng

#OrangeSeptember...celebrating who we are! 16th - 22nd September 2017.

ONE GOAL NIGERIA
The dream of realising a greater Nigeria is embedded in our ability as a generation to cross all lines of hate, ethnicism, regionalisation and religious fanaticism.

Today we envisage a greater and better generation through our unity, focus for economic diversification, doggedness towards the actualization of an economically independent generation through agriculture to retake our place among the committee of states, re-emancipate our naira and reclaim our glory as the Lion of Africa.

This can only be realised when we have 'One Goal,One Vision' and this gathering of young leaders across the nation will avail us the opportunity to change the narratives and take a turn that will aid the actualization of our dreams.

Obande Gideon,
Minority Leader,
Nigerian Youth Parliament and Convener One Goal Project