₦airaland Forum

Night shots of the stadium

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The Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, joined by the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and former Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema, are special guests in Eket, Akwa Ibom State to inaugurate a brand new Stadium, built by Governor Udom Emmanuel to replace the earlier dilapidated stadium in the area.

The 18,000 capacity stadium was commissioned at about 6pm by the Niger State Governor to the admiration of all who were present.

The inauguration was followed by an exhibition game that saw Akwa United beating Katsina United 2 goals to 1.

Thank you Governor Udom Emmanuel

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The serene communities of Udung Uko local government area will be ignited on Tuesday as Governor Udom Emmanuel looks set to lead several dignitaries for the inauguration of the first ever road project constructed in the coastal area since the State’s creation in 1987.

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State is expected as Special Guest at the occasion.

The road comprises a 9km Eyotai- Ulliong - Eyobasi main alignment and a 3km spur into Edikor.

Udung Uko local government Secretariat, the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of the area and several prominent communities are linked by the new road.

It is a deliberate policy of the Governor Emmanuel led administration to open up rural communities and arrest rural-urban migration in line with his second term Completion Agenda.

The commissioning ceremony takes place by 11am.

Media Unit
Govt House, Uyo
#Udomisworking

Photos of the commissioning

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo today performed the commissioning of the 29km Etinan-Ndon Eyo Road constructed under the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration in Akwa Ibom.

The dualized road comes with two cable bridges and spur from Mbioto-Ekpene Nten in Etinan to Ikot Akpan in Onna Local Government Area.

Also commissioned today was the 2.59km Atiamkpat-Ikot Ese Ishiet road with spur in Onna.

The Etinan-Ndon-Eyo road handled by a Chinese construction firm, Wizchino Engineering, connects several communities in Etinan and Onna with the East-West road and grants access to the industrial belt of the State.

The dual carriage - 6 lanes Road also comes with walkways, street lighting, cable bridges, has three beautiful roundabouts, with two adorned with the Dakkada icon.

Governor Emmanuel's vision for the network of roads in Akwa Ibom is to connect the 31 LGAs of the state to the capital, save enormous amounts of travel time and provide access to several destinations across the state in a relatively short time.

With the tremendous economic impact that roads and road transport-related sectors have on the Akwa Ibom economy, Governor Udom Emmanuel is leaving no stone unturned in opening up more access into and across the state.

Major road projects undertaken and completed by Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration include the 25km Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road, 9.5km (10-lane) Idongesit Nkanga Avenue, 19.3km Anua-Mbak-Ifa-Ishiet Road, 29km Etinan - Ndon Eyo Road, 11km Ekom Iman Flyover, and the 6.41km Nto Edino-Ekwereazu road (with two bridges), among others.

Efficient road infrastructure is what the people want, and this is what Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel is offering to his people.

Access roads are the arteries through which economies pulse. They connect sellers to markets, workers to jobs, students to education, and the sick to healthcare facilities.

Governor Emmanuel's vision for the network of roads in Akwa Ibom is to connect the 31 LGAs of the state to the capital, save enormous amounts of travel time and provide access to several destinations across the state in a relatively short time.

With the tremendous economic impact that roads and road transport-related sectors have on the Akwa Ibom economy, Governor Udom Emmanuel is leaving no stone unturned in opening up access into and across the state.

Major road projects undertaken and completed by Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration include the 25km Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road, 9.5km (10-lane) Idongesit Nkanga/Clement Isong Highways, 19.3km Anua-Mbak-Ifa-Ishiet Road, 29km Etinan - Ndon Eyo Road, 11km Ekom Iman Flyover, and the 6.41km Nto Edino-Ekwereazu road (with two bridges).

Governor Udom Emmanuel envisages an Akwa Ibom where industrial and commercial development, retail development, housing development, more employment for the teeming population, and efficiency of businesses will be the order of the day.

With significant achievements in industrialization, aviation development, rural and riverine development, agriculture, human capacity development, security, small and medium scale enterprises, and infrastructural development, in no distant time, Akwaibomites will begin to ply Udom's highways to success as construction of more access roads are currently in advance stages.

We are MOVING FORWARD. Better days ahead!

#AkwaIbomAt35
#LegacyofImpact

© Aniekan James Ekah

Thursday, September 15, 2022

1. Courtesy call on His Excellency, the Governor, by Wives of Nigerian Governors.
✅ Office of the Governor
✅ 11am

2. Commissioning of the Center for Victims of Gender Based Violence & Skills Acquisition
✅ Uyo
✅ Noon

Anniversary Theme: Moving Forward
Click [url]#AkwaIbomAt35[/url] to see more!

#UdomsLegacy
#CompletionAgenda
#LegacyofImpact

Members of PDP Ward2Ward, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, ably led the State Coordinator, Hon. Patrick Christopher Iwok stormed Abuja on Thursday for the just-concluded PDP Ward2Ward Conference held at the Alhaji Musa Yaradua International Conference Center, Abuja.

The event had as its theme WALK AND TALK ATIKU, and it featured presentations from leaders and members of the group across the 36 states of the federation.

PDP Ward2Ward Conference afforded Members from Akwa Ibom an opportunity to network with others while reaffirming their total commitment to the mass mobilization of voters for all PDP candidates, especially its presidential flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar.

Speaking to reporters at the event, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of PDP Ward2Ward, Hon. Patrick Christopher Iwok said members of the group have resolved to throw their weight behind all PDP candidates within the voting line, especially their presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2023 general election.

He added that Atiku Abubakar is the only candidate who has shown enough willingness and capacity to tackle Nigeria's challenges, noting that Atiku is deeply passionate about rescuing Nigerians from the widespread pains as currently experienced across the country.

"Atiku/Okowa ticket is quite balanced. With the support of Nigerians, their political sagacity, and experience, the nation will heal faster from all the pains inflicted on citizens by the APC-led administration." Iwok said.

He noted that PDP Ward2Ward is getting stronger in Nigeria and Akwa Ibom especially, as more members are signing up due to the accommodating leadership style of the State Exco and the love Nigerians have for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and the PDP.

While acknowledging that PDP Ward2Ward is indeed The Power House, Hon Iwok commended the leadership of the National Coordinator of the group, Hon. Mrs. Ada Frederick Okwori, for making sure that PDP Ward2Ward is rated high amongst support groups by the Principal, and incoming President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

He further thanked the South/South Zonal Coordinator, Hon. Leonard Onengiye Tamunoigbeinbia, for superintending perfectly well over all the six states of the region, by extension, the entire South.

PDP Ward2Ward Campaign Group is a leading support group of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, with chapters across all Nigerian states.

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MRO NEARS COMPLETION

Governor Udom Emmanuel is changing the outlook and capacity of the Victor Attah International Airport from a mere aircraft landing bay to a world class airport that can handle International flights operations, cargo services and repairs/maintenance of all manners of aircraft.

This is in line with Mr Emmanuel’s promise to transform Akwa Ibom into one of the best aviation hubs of Africa.

The nearly completed terminal building is currently undergoing installation of mechanical and electrical components and looks set to meet the vision of the State Chief Executive. It comes with:

��A digital self check-in by a robot, (pre-planned before COVID-19, and a clinic.

��Five bridges, seven elevators, and four escalators which are pressure sensitive and only move when a passenger is detected.

��Special roofing that can last up to 200 years without changing its colour.

��Very high security architecture with access through fingerprint, digital pass or card pass.

��Four methods of fire prevention: fire extinguishers, fire water sprinkler system, fire detectors, FM 200 ie automated fire suppression system.

The terminal which is designed to accommodate one million passengers per year, occupies a total area of about 30,000 square meters.

Also nearly completed is the 1st ever Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul facility of the airport which is estimated to be 91% completed.

The airport also comes with a second runway and new aprons for all categories of aircrafts.

To handle the impending influx of massive traffic to the airport, Mr Udom Emmanuel is expanding the dual carriage Uyo - Airport Road, into an Eight-Lane Highway.

With Aviation Development as one of the fundamentals of his Eight Points Agenda, #MrUdomEmmanuel is silently exhibiting character and competence in fulfilling his campaign promises to the state.

#CompletionAgenda
#UdomLegacy
#AkwaIbomisWorking
#UdomEmmanuelisBest

It's Wamba Mangana! Yes, Wamba Mangana! That's how we call these beautifully crafted huts decorated with artworks, designed for comfort and strategically positioned for privacy.

Wamba Mangana is the ideal spot for family gateways and relaxation. There are 20 of these huts furnished with tables, chairs and a private entertainment center.

Get in touch with nature in an environment perfect fit for family outings, lone times, retreats or romantic getaways.

Visit us today at Nwaniba Village after Ibom Icon Hotel Roundabout, Uyo.

Bar | Restaurant | Swimming Pool | Beach | Nightclub

☎️ 08020798663

#WetinhappenPR

1. Save her picture.
2. Save another of your girlfriend's picture.
3. Save your crush's picture.
4. Save two of your guys picture.
5. Save one picture of a church member whose birthday is also the same day.
6. Wish all of them a happy birthday at the same time.
7. If your girlfriend complains that she wants her birthday wish separately...
8. Start a social media series and call it Top 10 Girls Who Are Celebrating their Birthdays today or Top 10 anything, just be creative.
9. Don't make your girlfriend's picture the first one in the series o! Let her picture be like No. 5 or No. 7, so Madam won't suspect.
10. One bad thing is that you will continue to do Top 10 this and Top 10 that until you tire.

PLEASE NOTE

This account has been hacked. It is the hacker that made this post. The owner of this account is receiving treatment in the hospital as we speak. He is not feeling fine.

T for Thunder⚡⛈️�️

Amaiso Itongeshiet a.k.a Mercy Eshiet of Utu Nsekhe, Etim Ekpo LGA in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State, a Nollywood actress has been nominated by stakeholders of BOOT PARTY as the running mate to the gubernatorial flagbearer, Mr. Akan Ekpenyong.

Unveiling the DEPUTY GOVERNOR in a press conference shortly after the party's PRIMARIES, the BOOT PARTY GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, assured that AKAN EKPENYONG/MERCY ESHIET TICKET means a beautiful tomorrow for the youths and children of Akwa Ibom state, as their programs and policies will focus on the next generation.

He called on all well-meaning Akwa Ibom people to support their ambition BECAUSE OF THE FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN.

Responding, the DEPUTY GOVERNORSHIP candidate thanked the stake holders for finding her worthy to occupy the position.

She promised to work with the governorship candidate to sell the manifesto of BOOT PARTY to the electorates, and the good people of Akwa Ibom state in general.

She further expressed optimism that the party will come out victorious come 2023 general election.

The 8th edition of the prestigious African Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) was held yesterday at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, with its usual glitz and glamour.

Best Actress In a Drama
Osas Ighodaro – Rattlesnake : The Ahanna Story

Best Actor in a Drama
Stan Nze – Rattlesnake : The Ahanna Story

Best Actress in a Comedy (Movie/TV Series)
Funke Akindele-Bello – Omo Ghetto the Saga

Best Actor in a Comedy (Movie/TV Series)
Broda Shaggi – Dwindle

Best Supporting Actress (Movie/TV Series)
Omowummi Dada – Country Hard

Best Supporting Actor (Movie/TV Series)
Odunlade Adekola – Jankariwo

AMVCA Trailblazer Award
Teniola Aladese

Best Director
Ramsey Nouah – Rattle Snake: The Ahanna Story

Best Art Director (Movie/TV series)
Tunji Afolayan – Amina

Best Picture Editor
Tunde Apalowo – For Maria Ebun Pataki

Best Sound Editor (Movie/TV series)
Jim Lively and James Nelson – Amina

Best Lighting Designer (Movie/TV Series)
Mathew Yusuf for Rattlesnake- The Ahanna Story

Best Writer (Movie/TV Series)
Manie Oiseomaye, Donald Tombia and Biodun Stephen – Introducing The Kujus

Best Cinematographer
Muhammed Atta Ahmed – Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story

Best Makeup
Balogun Abiodun – Omo Ghetto The Saga

Best Costume Designer
Millicent T. Jack – Amina

Best Indigenous Language Movie or TV Series (Swahili)
Freddy Feruzi – Obambo

Best Indigenous Language Movie or TV Series (Hausa)
Rogers Ofime for Voiceless

Best Indigenous Language Movie or TV Series (Yoruba)
David Akande, Demola Yusuf and Edgard Leroy – Alasie

Best Indigenous Language Movie or TV Series (Igbo)
Uche Nnanna Maduka – ‘Nne-Ka

Best Television Series (Drama/ Comedy)
Rogers Ofime -The Mystic River

Best Documentary
Saitabao Kaiyare, Mumo Liku, Elena Schilling, Daniella Fritz and Ann Katrina Boberg – If Objects Could Speak

Best Short Film Or Online Video
Taiwo Ogunnimo – I Am The Prostitute Mama Described

Best Online Social Content Creator
Oga Sabinus – Mr Funny

Best Movie (Southern Africa)
Hairareb- Dantagos Jimmy-Melani

Best Movie (East Africa)
The Girl In The Yellow Jumper- Morocco Omar

Best Movie (West Africa)
Collision Course – Bolanle Austen-Peters and Joseph Umoibom

Best Soundtrack (Movie/TV Series)
Gold Coast Lounge – Pascal Aka and Raquel

Best Africa Magic Original Comedy Series
The Johnsons

Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series
The Rishantes’ – Dimbo Atiya

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Popular fitness instructor, choreographer and CEO of Behind Dance Academy, Ukeme Boniface, a.k.a Flexzee Tunez, got married today to his heartthrob, Aniebiet Emmanuel, at the Ikoyi Marriage Registry, Lagos.

His sweetheart, Aniebiet, is a trained professional dancer, choreographer, fitness instructor and a Project Manager.

A release by his management says the Solemnization to Holy Matrimony will hold on Saturday, June 11, 2022, in Lagos.

Flexzee appeared in the first season of the Airtel-powered reality television show, Nigeria's Got Talent, and made it to the semi-finals.

The Uruan-born dancer scaled through the Port-Harcourt zone of the competition beating 4,000 others to make it to the the selection state.

Flexzee led Team Akwa Ibom to win the ‘Etighi Amplified’ Dance Competition which was held in Uyo and Calabar.

#WetinhappenPR

An ex-staff of Royalline Group, purportedly the Head of Operations, has been arrested and detained for questioning at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Ikoyi, Lagos State, on allegations/petition of fraud leveled against her by the Management of the company.

Reliable sources disclosed that the suspect – Miss Valentine Tokoni Amakari (26), admitted during interrogation that she allegedly committed the fraud valued at about N13.2m (Thirteen Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira).

Insights reveal that the overzealous staff used her computer system access privileges to build up fake customer deposits receipts, then have proceeds transferred directly to her bank accounts.

In other circumstances, Miss Valentine devised and used designated fronts and errand individuals to fetch cash directly over the counters for onward delivery to her.

Operating with some accomplices, Miss Valentine was able to employ and sustain her fraud project undetected for years until diligent audit officials’ searchlight was able to detect the anomalies. Her statement has led to the arrest of other accomplices in the crime.

Amount recovered from the kingpin could not immediately be ascertained, but a source familiar with the case says that not less than N1,200,000.00 (One million, Two Hundred Thousand) Naira had been recovered by the Police.

The source confirmed the establishment of a fraud case involving one Val - describing it as bewildering and unsettling to the consternation of staff, even as officials declined an inquiry at Royalline Group head office in Lagos.

The source declined to give further details, referring the enquirer to top management for further comment on the case.

Besides cash, other items recovered were an iPhone 12 Promax worth N750,000 and a Huawei pad worth N500,000.

Ms. Valentine's case has been moved to Chief Magistrate Court 1, Yaba, Lagos State, and the case adjourned till June.

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...doles millions of naira to support GEMS AFRICA trainings, project based assistance to beneficiaries

by Mfonobong Ukpong

Akwa Ibom born Nollywood star, Ini Edo, on Sunday 1st May, 2022 celebrated her 40th birthday with the Women of Onna, her home town. 40 Women drawn from across the villages and wards in the local government area received seed capital to boost their small scale businesses and other training packages for over 140 women.

Distributing the packages to the women at Onna Council Hall, said she decided to use the occasion of her 40th birthday to identify with the women, and to encourage them to be self-reliant, setting a stage for women and girls through the GEM Africa Initiative to be trained and equipped to proffer local and global solutions across variant sectors of the economy.

The Award-Winning actress Ini Edo who is the Special Assistant on Tourism Development to Governor Udom Emmanuel seeks to use this position to reach thousands of women across Africa. The GEM Africa Initiative, Girls Empowerment and Mentoring Scheme is poised to discover, train and utilize aspiring female leaders and entrepreneurs for economic advancement and financial liberty.

Reacting, the Chairman of the local government area, Elder Iniabasi Ekanem hailed Ini Edo for her generosity and thoughtfulness, and prayed God to reward her effort. While acknowledging her exploits in the entertainment industry in the past 20 years, the Onna Council boss described her as a pride to Onna, and indeed Akwa Ibom lauding her strides in the film industry. He congratulated the beneficiaries of Ini Edo's empowerment packages, and charged them to make judicious use of the funds in growing their businesses. The event featured folklore , traditional dances
etc.

GEMS AFRICA Masterclass 2020 debut engaged a full scale incubator and accelerator programme for girls and women in digital skills where participants were awarded certificates at the end of programme, while others got project based assistance to start a career in digital media /marketing.

In attendance were, the Special Assistant to Governor Emmanuel on Entrepreneurial development, Mrs. Meflyn Anwana, Mr. Aniefiok Macauley, Special Assistant to Governor Emmanuel on media, Mr Sunday Umanah, and a cross section of allied organizations.

Hensek Engineering: Re-writing Brilliant Narratives Of Infrastructural Possibilities

- Samuel Ayara

As with charity in societies around the globe, development must always stay conscious of the home as the nucleus that bears the brunts, causes and effects of every action; be it environmental, social or economical. This in part explains why most of the top ten construction companies in the United States of America are American indigenous Civil Engineering Companies, with Bechtel topping the league, while the Turner Corporation, AECOM, The Whitting Turner and Kiewit Corporation following in the order of their listing. The underlying drift in this is the assurance that a firm with maximum American interest would better serve their society.

Just like the liberal American society, in Germany, the first five of the top ten construction firms include Bagels Baumaschinen, Zeppelin, Multimon, Miltex and Max bogl; dominating the top five spots does not make the rest of the first twenty construction outfits in Germany foreign owned. The story takes same drift across Europe and the Asian continent; even struggling climes of the western world, will hardly trust their development in the hands of foreigners.

Remaining a shopping ground for never do wells have become the lot of most of the African continent, which has almost aimlessly opened out to foreigners, and in the circumstance given up all that could pass them for a sovereign people, with keys to their development safely tucked in the loins of non-nationals. Nigeria in its listing of best construction companies clearly betray local content, lining out Julius Berger, Setraco, Reynolds, ELALAN and Costain (marginally Nigerian owned) as first five of her ten best civil engineering outfits.

Nigeria is not alone in this darkness of foreing dominance and inability to grow a system that encourages indigenous participation, Ghana in the same region also lists Arup, Mitcheletti & co, Aurecon, Joshob construction and Desimone construction as their top five construction firms, with all on its listing owned by foreigners, while they are completely condemned to the downwardly spiralling economic realities of capital flight.

This receding presence of indigenous fronts in civil engineering holds more blames for the government than the professionals - upon graduating and obtaining required certifications to practice civil engineering, the Nigerian government has glaringly abandoned graduates of this field to fate in the capitally intensive endeavour of setting up civil engineering firms. Elsewhere, the government has a way of bringing these professionals together and getting them empowered to function, this is where ours' is grossly short on capacity building.

Leading the change from this dark narrative, Governor Udom Emmanuel in Akwa Ibom State has arguably done more than any state administration in Nigeria at encouraging indigenous construction firms and entrusting them with very sensitive projects, which some have been delivered within time and to specifications. A classical example of state sponsored leap in capacity is the continuous rising of a homegrown construction brand that has been positioned to square up in the national league of construction firms; the Hensek Integrated Services, owned by Engr. Uwem Okoko, an Akwa Ibom son.

By sheer commitment to sustaining an expansive rise, Hensek has proven in ways than few that the hitherto lack of confidence to deliver on jobs can be replaced with precised delivery that guarantees user satisfaction. For the Ikot Abasi born construction entrepreneur, his advent on the Akwa Ibom construction space has cemented plausible goodwill for other indigenous hands in the construction industry, as they have necessarily found a standard to pattern their delivery after. This is good for the state, we can now agree that indigenous contractors are not synonymous to failed and abandoned projects.

Not much defines capacity than seeing him lead his team to succeed where others were adjudged to have failed. A 2021 visit by the Uyo branching the Nigerian Society of Engineers to some of his project sites was quite instructive as it offered convincing grounds to submit that in keeping to professional standards, Hensek has not only made the state proud, but has shown class distinction at preserving the values of his profession. Little then wonders his not long ago fellowship investiture by the Nigerian Society of Engineers; one of the very few our state is blessed with.

With an estimated staff strength of over one thousand, I have seen a fellow who almost amounted to naught rise to the ocassion of a productive living, since joining Hensek Integrated services; this could only have been possible because Okoko stepped in to bridge the gap of confidence and in the process won a chunk of the space we used to watch lesser qualified foreigners dominate. It has been consoling to realize that major work sites around the state is now devoid of chimney-styled men who dehumanized workers in such manners that made labour distasteful.

In expanding capacity, Hensek has shown through numerous examples how much the people can grow when an indigenous brand grows. Not only has capital flight been checked, his scale of commitment to corporate social responsibilities is such that has never been experienced in the state; from massive medical outreaches, to entrepreneurial suports, educational grants and other social interventions, Uwem Okoko in sustaining the streak in quality deliveries, has shown that charity can better begin at home when a home figure is supported to stand.

On the firmament of infrastructural interventions is the imposing presence of Hensek integrated services, and in such manner that has seen him spread tentacles to almost all of the state's ten federal constituencies. How he sustains this energy and not compromise quality is manifest in the top of the class outcomes his jobs have recorded; with attendant lesser post construction consequences, which is a departure from the poor adherence to environmental impact analysis and professional advices that in times past got government always running to project site to salvage unpleasant situations.

Investing patriotism in building infrastructures in Akwa Ibom clearly stands Hensek out as an idea we must strive to preserve if we seek to keep experiencing the class act he has so far brought to bear in his deliveries which so far include Construction of 12.1Km Ikot Akpan Abia-Oboyo Ikot Ita-Enen Nsit Road in Nsit Ibom LGA, the 9.5km Ring Road III from Aka Road - Nwaniba Road, 17.84Km Ikot Ikpo Inua-Ikot Etenge Ndon-Atan Eka Iko- Ikot Akpabio-Ikot Okpok-Ikot Efre Road with 4No Spurs and 3No. Bridges in Ikot Abasi LGA, 3.5km Ring Road II from Aka Road to Abak Road, Uyo LGA, Expansion of Airport Road, 4.6km School of Arts and Science Road Ikono, Mkpok-Okat Road in Onna LGA, 13.7km Obotme-Ukpakon-Nturi-Okpoto- Ikpanya Road with 30m span Bridge in Ibiono Ibom/Ini LGAs, these clearly excludes the mono-kilometre roads and countless interventions the company has undertaken in the last six years.

It is by far unassailable that this doyen of civil engineering services has in the last ten years expanded his equipment base in a manner our clime has never experienced with an indigenous firm. These strides have been phenomenal of the preparedness he arrived the construction sector with, when he took the bull step of incorporating Hensek Services in 2006; a time most people thought such investment as a risk they could not dare. So far Hensek holds the bragging rights for an expansive equipment inventory, which has taken off the burden of relying on people outside the state for construction essentials; little wonder that he reserves the right of first refusal for every job the state government revoke from non-performing contractors.

In emphasizing the urgency of growing capacity for other indigenous engineering brands to emulate, we must be concerned about the staying power of our indigenous firms, if Akwa Ibom must attain such heights of reckoning that the larger Nigerian society will come to the light of our commitment to scaling up local capacity to measure up with reputable international standards. We must not lose the deliberate inroads Hensek has won in this regard and must strive for a future our indigenous firms can completely replace foreign companies in every possible specialty.

Akwa Ibom will grow to help bridge Nigeria's infrastructural gap when Hensek and more of his kind are developed to rise to the challenge; no time is too late to commit heart, mind, might and will in metamorphosing our indigenous brands to ideas the world cannot ignore; it is a truism that when the passion is right, nothing is impossible.

Samuel Ayara writes from Ibong Otoro in Abak LGA.

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This is the Smart International Terminal Building project site at the Victor Attah International Airport being constructed by Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration.

It is quite exciting to see the huge investments done so far in view of repositioning the State as an aviation hub in the Gulf of Guinea.

The smart terminal was modeled after the Dubai International Airport and is billed for commissioning by December, 2022.

Some key features of the unique smart terminal are:

1. A digital self check-in by a robot, pre-planned before Covid-19

2. Automated luggage screening and weighing.

3. Video/Scene Analytics
- Static object detection, suspicious packages, etc
- Foot traffic analysis
- Queue detection
- Facial recognition
- Traffic monitoring
- Incident analysis
- Vehicle counting
- License plate readers

4. Moisture Control Technology (Damp Proofing) for Hot Seasons.

5. New Technologies and Best Practices Involving Synchronized Motors, Regeneration Converters, Control Software, Optimization of Counterweights and Cabin Lighting to Yield Significant Savings.

6. Daylighting and advanced occupancy and Dimming Functions to eliminate over-lit spaces.

7. Intelligent Transport Management Systems

8. Fully Integrated Alarm and Voice Evacuation System.

9. Infrared toilet system with automatic flushing system.

10. Automation of Immigration Processes and Centers.

Happy Easter to us All

Media Unit
Govt House,Uyo

#UdomForNigeria

Number 12 is a must-read! Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, on Sunday April 17, 2022, made one of the most inspiring speeches we’ve ever heard. Unlike every other speech, this year’s Easter Broadcast came with an in-depth analysis of the Governor’s visions and aspirations for the state.

My colleagues and I went over the Governor’s message, digesting every bit of the well-scripted piece, thus, arriving at these highlights.

Ladies and gentlemen, here are 12 Intriguing Points Governor Udom Emmanuel Made in his 2022 Easter Broadcast.

Savour!

1. A State (Akwa Ibom) that was once defined as a purely Civil-Service oriented entity, today, is being hailed nationally as “Nigeria’s Best Kept Secret.” We have shown the world that when the passion is right, great and enduring things can also happen.

2. My dear Akwaibomites, in the last seven years, we have, laid a foundation of growth and development that would, like Dubai, was in 1985, blossom in the next few years into a fast industrialising and glittering State where, the people’s aspirations would be met; where from Land, Air and Sea, our State would be the cynosure of all eyes, where the economy would be private-sector driven, where our youths would be engaged, where the brightest and the best among us would enjoy incredible opportunities for growth and fulfilment.

3. My dear Akwaibomites, this is the way modern societies that we travel to, and love, were grown and established. That is what I am doing for our people and posterity will remember and celebrate us for seizing the moment.

4. The signs are there for even our critics to see. Is it in Aviation Development? I am sure, my dear people have seen the glittering, International Terminal at the Victor Attah International Airport, which upon completion, would be the best of such in our Nation and indeed Africa.

5. I am sure you have also seen our Maintain, Repair and Overhaul (MRO,) which can take four Boeing 737 and four Airbuses A320 aircrafts, and indeed all the aircrafts in our fleet, a gigantic project which is almost 85 percent ready, and is expected to be commissioned soon.

6. Is it the world-class Taxiway, which can land a Boeing 747 which is also to be commissioned soon? Is it Ibom Air, which has become a reference point for excellence in the Nigerian aviation industry? My fellow Akwaibomites, we are laying a solid foundation for an emerging industrial Tiger that Akwa Ibom is poised to become.

7. As you leave the airport, I am sure you have seen the expansion of the road to an 8-lane boulevard. All over the world, the heart and character of a city is defined and shaped by what people see as they enter into the city centre. The 8-lane road from the airport leads into a city centre where visitors will be greeted by another 10-lane Ring Road Three, which promises to be one of the best boulevards in the nation. Even our naysayers have acknowledged the beauty of this road.

8. It bears repeating that the Akwa Ibom story is a national story, a story of achievements where others thought such couldn’t be done. A story of a subnational without the control of policies but has been able to attract huge investments in critical areas of healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, industrialization etc.

9. As the political season dawns, I urge our stakeholders across the political divide to eschew hatred, anger and violence. I urge them to understand that politics will come and politics will go, but the spirit of the Akwa Ibom Enterprise will endure and continue to flourish.

10. There is no political office that should compel us to shed the blood of our brothers or sisters. There is no ambition that is so deep and sacred that we would be willing to turn our State into a cauldron of violence, in order to satisfy our craving for power. All powers belong to God and He alone, grants such to whom He has favoured.

11. Akwa Ibom has in the past seven years, remained an oasis of peace and tranquillity, and on this, I salute our resourceful youths who have decided to maintain the peace and invest in the future that is about to dawn – a future of plenty, a future of fulfilment and a future of growth and development.

12. We will never go back to the years of violence and the years where we couldn’t sleep with our eyes closed. We will not return to the years where kidnapping and politically motivated killings numbed our sensibilities and made us question the central purpose of governance, which is the security of lives and property. Akwa Ibom people have collectively and unanimously said goodbye to those years, and have welcomed the era of peace and security. Anyone who markets violence should and must be rejected.

Governor Udom Emmanuel ended his speech by saying “That Same God that has stood by us all along on this journey of growth and development, I trust will see us through the coming years. For us all in Akwa Ibom State, it is “Forward Ever, Backward Never.” So help us God!”

Full text of the Governor’s speech is available at https://akwaibomstate.gov.ng/easter-broadcast-by-his-excellency-mr-udom-emmanuel-governor-akwa-ibom-state-17th-april-2022/

© Aniekan James Ekah

Members of the Akwa lbom State Delegation to the Maritime Sector and Harbor Development programme in South Korea today made a presentation of Ibom Deep Seaport and Ibom Industrial City to the Management of Busan Port Authority (BPA).

The delegation led by the Chairperson of the Technical Committee for the Realisation of Ibom Deep Seaport, Mrs. Mfon Usoro, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem-SSG and MR Akan Okon Commissioner for Economic Development and lbom Deep Seaport made the presentation to the Management of Busan Port Authority (BPA), led by the Vice President Global Division/ Head of overseas Business Department, KOO Ja-rim, Lee Se-Jin, Associate Manager Overseas Business Department and
SEO Yeong- Man, Deputy Manager Overseas Business Department.

BPA is a state- owned company under the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries lunched in January 2004 for the development, operation and management of Busan Port. The Port is the Gate way of NE Asia, next to China, Japan and Russia, with a water depth of 17m- 18m.

With about 132,134 employees, Busan Port is the second largest transshipment hub port in the world with 279 weekly liner connectivity service. It is currently investing in 3 projects in progress in Netherlands, Spain and Indonesia.

Squid Game, according to Wikipedia, was released on September 17, 2021. It is Netflix's most-watched series. With 142 million households watching in 94 countries, the movie amassed 1.65 billion viewing hours during its first four weeks from launch.

Just as Netflix is changing the world of entertainment by creating compelling original programs, #PyramidLounge is changing the face of nightlife in Uyo.

Pyramid Lounge is kicking off the yuletide season with #SquidGameParty- a Squid Game-styled party where attendees are required to wear Squid Game costumes.

The costume is a red jumpsuit with a unique mask. In the movie, the characters numbering over 400 had to wear masks to protect their anonymity.

Squid Game Party holds December 3, 2021, at Pyramid Lounge, opposite Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Center, Uyo. The show kicks off at 9 pm.

Themed parties like the just-concluded #Fashion87th indicate that Uyo is evolving! Squid Game Party is just another proof!

Masks are now available for pickup! DM Ekamma Udoh or call 08140436211 to get one.

The feeling will be different. It is a promise!

Plan to attend!

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Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. (Lady) Emem Ibanga, on Friday commissioned three borehole water projects, donated cars to her supporters and empowered her constituents business startup grants.

The Chairman stated emphatically that the projects were undertaken from her personal efforts with a desire to address the needs of her people.

Communities that benefitted from these projects include Ikot Nyoho Edoh, Ikot Ubokudom and Afahabang. These are part of villages in Nsit Atai that have been yearning for portable water supply for over 4 decades.

Lady Emem Ibanga admonished the people to ensure that whatever projects sited in their villages are maintain and protected.

Human survival is dependent on water, thus the commissioning of these water projects in Nsit Atai.

Commissioning the project at Ikot Nyoho Edoh, Wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr. (Mrs) Martha Udom Emmanuel, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, lauded Emem Ibanga for her commitment to the development of Nsit Atai.

"These are projects that will directly touch the lives of the people, and Her Excellency is happy to commission such projects", Dr. Adiakpan said.

The Commissioner for Finance, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Linus Nkan, who commissioned the projects at Ikot Ubokudom and Afahabang commended Emem Ibanga for her passion for service and the wellbeing of Nsit Atai people.

The highpoint of the event included the presentation of a Toyota Camry salon car to a youth leader in the area, Commissioning of Water projects and presentation of generating sets, empowerment of youths with startup funds, donation of cash gifts to persons living with disabilities.

Others are the payment of education grants to students of the area studying in tertiary institutions, presentation of wrappers and cash gifts to town criers.

Wrappers and cash gifts were presented to wives of village heads, women groups and youths.

Eminent personalities who attended the event included the Council Chairmen of Uyo, Obot Akara, Udung Uko, Ibesikpo Asutan, Abak, Itu, Nsit Ibom, Uruan, Vice Chairmen of Itu, Abak, Uyo, and Nsit Atai.

Others are the PDP Zonal Officer, M.C. Akpan, PDP former Chairman, Prince Uwem Ita Etuk, PDP Chapter Chairman, Nsit Atai L.G.A, Paramount Ruler, Nsit Atai, Prof Trenchard Ibia, Fmr. Commissioner for Agriculture, Representative of Honourable Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Chrysantus Okon, and stakeholders of Nsit Atai extraction.