Akwa Ibom is a great place to get festive, with plenty of different events! From a top-notch food festival to an international business fair, club hangout to a Christmas carol festival, and even a music talent show taking the city by storm, here are our top 5 events you should miss in Akwa Ibom from November 2019 to January 2020! It's a #WetinhappenXclusive!

1. Ibom International Business Fair #IIBF2019 ☑️
November 25th -29th 2019 | Emerald Event Center | 9am-7pm
Ticket: FREE
Inquiries: 08052545454, 08089794344 or 07036429723

2. Uyo Food Festival #UsenNdia2019 ☑️
November 23, 2019 | Discovery Park | Noon
Ticket: N500 (www.ibomtickets.com)
Inquiries: 08173455408

3. DJ Eljoe and Friends #DJElJoeAndFriends ☑️
November 30, 2019 | Pegasus Lounge | 7PM
Ticket: FREE

4. Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival #AkCarolsFest2019 ☑️
December 20, 2019 | Ibom Hall Arena | 6pm
Ticket: FREE
Inquiries: www.akcarolsfest.com

5. ArtMostSphere 4.0 #ArtMostSphere ☑️
January 1, 2020 | Discovery Park | 6pm
Ticket: FREE
Inquiries: www.artmostsphere.com

SOURCE: https://www.wetinhappen.com.ng/five-events-you-should-not-miss-in-akwa-ibom/

Ibom International Business Fair 2019 is a four (4) day event organized to be one of the biggest and one-of-a-kind fair in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. This event presents an excellent opportunity for Akwaibomites at home and in the Diaspora, to showcase their businesses to the international community, and sell to over 2000 participants, investors, government officials expected at the event.

Billed to run from Monday 25th to Friday 29th November, 2019, at Emerald Event Center, Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo, Ibom International Business Fair will be preceded by a FREE BUSINESS CLINIC for SMEs on Friday, November 22, and round-off with an evening of fashion, music, and comedy tagged, Akwa Ibom Got Style Fashion Show, on Friday, November 29, 2019.

Over 60 distinct innovative businesses will network in one space in this four days of massive discount sales!

Exhibition stands are available for creative male and female designers and fashion vendors, food and drink vendors, phones and electronics vendors, kiddies vendors, hair vendors, book vendors, Bridals vendors, Event planners, and Makeup, Skincare, and Cosmetics vendors.

For inquiries, sponsorship, and participation, please call 08052545454, 08089794344 or 07036429723.

Follow event updates on social media at:
Facebook.com/ibominternationalbusinessfair
Instagram.com/ibominternationalfair/

#IIBF2019 #IIBFonWetinhappen

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Countdown to the Yuletide season, Akwa Ibom State Government has reeled out activities to make the celebration thick and boost tourism in the state.

Among other activities designed to keep the people spellbound in the spirit of the celebration are Ibeno Beach Festival, Miss Akwa Ibom Beauty Pageant, Children fanfare, and Food Festival 2019.

This was the hallmark of resolutions reached at the state Executive Council meeting presided over by the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Thursday, at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Uyo.

Briefing Government House Correspondents shortly after the meeting, the Commissioner of Information, Mr. Charles Udoh who was flanked by his counterpart in the Culture and Tourism ministry Mr. Orman Esin, said the Council has graciously approved programs and activities to give the state a unique experience and make it a destination during the festive season.

Hear him: "there is a line-up of activities for the Christmas season one of which is going to be an elaborate Christmas village that will entertain everyone that will come in for the celebration. It will be a place where people will go to unwind and relax. His Excellency the Governor has also approved the hosting of Miss Akwa Ibom Beauty Pageant which will come up this December".

Corroborating Mr. Udoh's explanation, the Culture and Tourism Commissioner added: " We are also going to have the food festival to showcase the unique cuisine we have in the state, it is necessary for us knowing that a lot of visitors are coming into the state for the Christmas's celebration. The Ibeno Beach Fiesta is also designed to be a blast during the season while the Children Fanfare will be held within the Christmas village."

The Information boss told reporters that issues across all sectors of the economy were discussed and approval granted to streamline and harmonize all agricultural projects in the state to attract foreign direct investments; to set up a Committee on implementation of resolutions of the last Education Summit; to upgrade cottage Hospital, Awa in Onna Local Government Area to a General Hospital as well as approval granted the Ministry of Trade and Investment to host first Akwa Ibom Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Summit & Exhibition in the first quarter of next year.

Among other decisions taken at the meeting was the establishment of a labor data bank for Akwa Ibom State, an upward review of approval fees for the opening of private schools and as part of the approval, the Exco mandated that illegal private school operators should be fined five hundred thousand naira.

The Council deliberated and approved the reintroduction of revenue receipts in government-owned hospitals across the state as well as approval for the Ministry of Trade and Investment to embark on two projects; the Ibom 3000 Initiative and a Local Government Project Initiative.

He explained that under the initiative each Local Government will identify and harness a product peculiar to their area.

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Stay Away From Illegal Investiture Ceremony, South-South Engineers Forum tells A'Ibom SSG

...Says Fellowship Conferment secretly planned

The South-South Engineers Forum, a coalition of members of The Nigerian Society of Engineers of the South-South geopolitical zone, has urged the Secretary to the Government of Akwa Ibom State (SSG), Engr Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, to disassociate himself from the planned conferment of
Fellowship of The Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) on him, by Engr Adekunle Mokuolu.

Recall that the Engr Adekunle Mokuolu faction of FNSE had earlier visited Dr Ekuwem and has purportedly concluded plans for a fellowship conferment on the SSG, at an event holding on Saturday, 9th November, 2019, at 4.00pm in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Capital.

But the South-South Engineers Forum, in a statement issued at the end of its emergency meeting on Friday, November 8, 2019 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said the planned ceremony was shrouded in secrecy, without the participation of members of the College of Fellows in Akwa Ibom State.

The forum in the statement signed by Engr Prof. Howells Hart, FNSE, further said Engr. Mokuolu's secret visit with his entourage to Akwa Ibom State to confer Fellowship on the SSG is not known to any of the branches of the professional body in Akwa Ibom State.

It revealed that Engr Uduak Essien who is serving as the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the secret "investiture" ceremony had since September 27, 2019, been suspended as the Chairman of The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ikot Ekpene Branch, for gross misconduct bothering on embezzlement of funds belonging to The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ikot Ekpene Branch.

The group also advised Akwa Ibom State Government and the General Public to dissociate themselves from the ceremony which it said coincides with an earlier scheduled meeting of the South-South Engineers Forum in Port Harcourt.

SOURCE: https://www.wetinhappen.com.ng/stay-away-from-illegal-investiture-ceremony-south-south-engineers-forum-tells-akwa-ibom-ssg/

Engr. Ufot Ebong, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Akwa Ibom State Governor on Technical Matters and Due Process, today, Friday, November 8, 2019, attended the convocation ceremony of Ms Promise Maurice Ben, a 1st Class Graduate from Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), whose education was sponsored by the SSA.

Engr. Ebong, as a way of motivating Promise, promised to attend her graduation in person, if she bags a 1st class on graduation from school.

Promised bagged a 1st Class and Engr. Ufot Ebong was present in person to attend her graduation today and further

A Facebook post made by Engr. Ufot Ebong today reads:

"Promise, the promised kept!! Congratulations on your convocation today at AKSU!!!"

Earlier, Engr Ufot Ebong posted this on Facebook:

I know I shouldn't publicize this, but because I made the "promise" in the public to encourage my younger brethren, I have to respond publicly to your invitation. You are, by your invitation, holding me to my word because you kept your own part of the bargain. I therefore have to publicly commit that I will attend and also host the celebration after. Be rest assured that if you are interested and after your NYSC, that I will offer you employment in a lucrative agric business concern. That's another promise! Congratulations!!!!!

Thank You Engr. Ufot Ebong for keeping the PROMISE! Congratulations Ms. Ben.

Below is a photo of Ms Promise Ben's letter inviting Engr. Ufot Ebong to her Convocation and photos of Engr. Ufot Ebong at the Convocation ceremony.

SOURCE: https://www.wetinhappen.com.ng/man-attends-convocation-of-1st-class-student-he-trained-in-school/

Fabric Enterprise Mobility Company, Nigeria's dedicated mobility partner and a newly launched subsidiary of Amaecom Group, has ended a two-day professional training and induction ceremony for her professional drivers in Uyo.

The training, which was held at the ICT Hall of Mitchell and Mitchelle Business School, Amaecom Complex, Uyo, left participants with a renewed commitment to Fabric's mission of providing the most responsive, customer-focused, technology-driven haulage system and flexible transportation solutions to exceed clients’ expectation.

The event featured the presentation of the new management team of Fabric Logistics/Regional segmentation to ease operational delivery and lectures on Vehicle Operation Procedures and Maintenance, Road Worthiness, Road and Driving Safety, Prohibited and Contraband Items and Security Brief on the safety of vehicles and goods.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Amaecom Group, Dr. Marcel Ofomata, said drivers play a major role in the logistics sector which has contributed approximately eleven percent growth to Nigeria’s economy. He added that with constant training of its workforce, Fabric Enterprise Mobility will offer superior warehousing and logistics management infrastructure to her partners in line with the world’s best practices.

The Chairman also stated that the logistics firm will leverage on the operational structure of Amaecom and her network while being disposed to offer top-notch services to other partners.

Powered by a Mobility Network Technology, Fabric Logistics remains unwavering in her mission to provide the best road freight and transportation management services for the logistics sector with automatic tracking system for vehicles and goods to guarantee the safety of stakeholders’ investment.

Fabric Mobility provides a robust warehousing infrastructure in over 30 branches strategically located across the thirty-six state, with an extensive fleet of vehicles and experienced team of drivers for local, regional and national logistics as well as windows for air and waterways courier/shipping services.

The company has an available infrastructure for door-to-door delivery nationwide coupled with real-time visibility for goods in transit to ensure transparency and confidence in operations. The training was preceded by a carnival float of the Company in major cities in Nigeria including Lagos and Uyo.

SOURCE: https://www.wetinhappen.com.ng/fabric-enterprise-mobility-company-trains-drivers-in-uyo/

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urge the Court of Appeal sitting in Calabar, Cross River State to dismiss the appeal filed by Mr Nsima Ekere, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging the declaration of Governor Udom Emmanuel as the winner of the 9th March 2019 governorship election in Akwa Ibom state by INEC.

Counsel to INEC, Sylva Ogwemoh SAN made the submission at the Court of Appeal while addressing the court on the position of the commission concerning the petition

He said that the court should uphold the tribunal ruling by dismissing the petition as the 1st respondent was duly elected by the majority of lawful votes cast at the election, and that Ekere and APC who are the appellants have not established any cogent, compelling, and convincing evidence and reason cognizable in law why the election should be invalidated.

He argued that the Court of Appeal should follow the verdict of the lower tribunal which based its ruling on the on the two issues framed by the appellant on grounds of pleadings and evidence adduced having completely abandoned the issue of corrupt practice.

He drew the attention of the court to the fact that it is trite that a party who seeks declaratory reliefs are bound to prove its case even when the defendant admits all the claims. And that the burden of proof in negative assertion is on the appellants to prove their allegations beyond all reasonable doubt.

Ogwemoh maintained that when the issues have to do with over - voting and lack of proper accreditation, voter register and complete card reader report are required along with the testimonies of polling unit agents who were directly present at the place of the election.

According to him, "As rightly found by the tribunal, in over 2980 polling units, the appellants only called a miserable 43 witnesses that were mostly non - polling unit agents who only gave hearsay evidence of what they were told. This could not prove the allegations in the petition because the quantity of witnesses called in election petition is as important as the quality of such witnesses. And election petition being sui generis in nature, the principle that mandates polling unit by polling unit proves requires that the right quantity of witnesses be called in prove of allegations made in the petition".

Based on the stated facts above which formed the grounds of tribunal ruling, it is very clear that the Court of Appeal ruling will not be different from that of the lower tribunal since there were already established precedence by the supreme court as stated in the tribunal judgment.

With the adoption of final written addresses by parties in the petition today, the Court of Appeal is set and ready to give judgement.

SOURCE: https://www.wetinhappen.com.ng/nsima-ekeres-appeal-lacks-convincing-evidence-inconsistent-inec/

The Court of Appeal sitting in Calabar, today heard the appeal filed by Obong Nsima Ekere and the APC against the judgement delivered by the Governorship Elections Petition tribunal which upheld the election of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Counsel for the first respondent, Ikpeazu SAN intimated the court of the existence of a preliminary objection seeking the striking out of two grounds of Appeal as there are no issues distilled from the said grounds.

Sylva SAN for the 3rd Respondent also informed the court that he had raised a similar objection as contained in their brief filed on 22/10/2019. He stated that their opposition is limited to ground 22 of the notice of appeal. He prayed the court to strike out the ground as it is deemed abandoned.

In response to the preliminary objection, Appellants’ counsel Okutepa SAN notifies the court that they had filed a reply brief filed in 25/10/2019.

Adopting their briefs the Appellants’ Counsel Okutepa, SAN notified the court that he filed his notice and grounds of Appeal on 7/10/2019. He also filed his brief of argument on 17/10/2019. Three reply briefs were filed by the appellant on 25/10/2019. He raised eight issues for determination by the court. He urged the court to allow the appeal and hold that there was no election held for the office of the Governor in Akwa Ibom State.

The 1st respondent’s brief of argument was filed on 22/10/2019. It was adopted by Ikpeazu SAN, urging the court to dismiss the appeal. He added that the appellants’ counsel even during his adumbration stated that results were entered where elections did not hold and such an allegation, being criminal in nature, deserves proof beyond reasonable doubt, which they did not do before the tribunal. He added that the appellants could not have sought to cancel elections in the whole of Akwa ibom state, using only 11 unit witnesses. He urged the court to dismiss the appeal.

Oyetibo SAN informed the court that the 2nd respondent’s brief was filed on the 22/10/2019 urging the court to dismiss the appeal. He added that the appellants cannot accuse the tribunal of technical justice when they had averred that lack of accreditation was the crux of their case. He reminded that the appellants did not lead any direct evidence to show the non ticking of the voters register all through the petition. He raised the issue of the complaint by the appellant that the court is functus once a ruling has been given, stating that the Supreme Court has authorized courts to expunge at the stage of judgement, evidence wrongly admitted , which they have become aware is inadmissible. He posited that this power to expunge is an exception to the general rule of functus post ruling or judgement.

The third Respondents filed their respondent’s brief of argument on 22/10/2019, which Slyvia SAN now adopted urging the court to dismiss the appeal for lacking in merit. He added that the party who seeks the nullification of an election must do more than mere rhetorics considering that elections are conducted with tax payers money. He invited the court to undertake a careful perusal of the pleadings if the appellant, as petitioner before the tribunal. He also highlighted the obvious contradictions in the appellants’ averments.

Judgement is reserved.

SOURCE: http://www.wetinhappen.com.ng/akwa-ibom-governorship-election-appeal-parties-adopt-briefs-judgement-reserved/

This is to officially announce the 2019 edition of the annual Paradise Music Festival & Awards (PMFA), scheduled to hold on Sunday, December 8, 2019, at The Dome, Calabar Municipal Gardena, Marian Road, Calabar.

The theme of PMFA Season 6 is 'Celebrating Harmony". This year's edition will feature the combination and collaboration of simultaneously released musical works by various talents in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, to produce a pleasing effect for a vibrant industry in the region.

Aristes from this region have in the last one year contested favorably with their counterparts in the mainstream, while many of them have performed on big stages at home and in the Diaspora.

Paradise Music Festival & Awards (PMFA) is the most celebrated, most consistent and prestigious musical awards in South-South, Nigeria.

This year, a strategic partnership has been struck with urban lifestyle radio station, Hit FM and Africa's biggest digital music streaming platform, Boomplay, to make the ceremony glamorous.

PMFA 2019 Nomination List will be released subsequently on the event's official website for creative works released within the period under review (December 2018 - September 2019).

Brace Up for the unusual!

#PMFASeason6 #PMFA2019 #DigitalEntertainers #CelebratingHarmony
#OnlyInCrossRiver #MadeInCalabar

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A report on Jubilee syringe working against the Akwa Ibom State government, published on THE MAIL Newspaper of Thursday, 17 October 2019, and several online platforms, with the intent to blackmail, ridicule and smear the image of Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Limited – JSM, and pit the company against the Government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State, the writer of the poorly investigated article and his paymasters goofed and misfired as their antics and ill intention(s) fly in the face of logic and truth.

While some persons may wish to ignore publications such as the one in question for several reasons, it is often important to refute false publication(s) especially, when the person(s) or institution(s) targeted in the falsehood is not guilty of the issue raised in the story.

As a responsible establishment, we would not have responded to such cheap blackmail, but for the benefit of the good people of Akwa Ibom State and the general public, we are constrained to respond to the plethora of lies and misleading narratives told by the writer and his paid agents. This unpopular and ill-conceived attempt to smear the image of Jubilee Syringe if not refuted could send wrong signals and create wrong impression in the minds of the general public about the company.

It is unfortunate that politics in this clime has become a tool that is deployed by politicians to gain mileage or advantage in their pursuit without regards to morality. Blackmail, character assassination and mudslinging are sadly common denominators that are employed with all the attendant damage to the society. This is obviously the position we have unfortunately found ourselves as a company. But as a focused body, we will not succumb to blackmail. We will pursue our cardinal objective of creating job opportunities for Nigerians, especially, Akwa Ibomites as the largest syringe factory in Africa.

The writer in the article erroneously claimed that “the company, since it began operations in the state in 2017, has not remitted personal income tax it has been deducting from the salaries of its workers to the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, until weeks ago when pressure from organised labour began mounting on them” (sic). This is not only a display of insincerity but the height of infantilism by the originator(s) of the story. Jubilee Syringe is NOT indebted to the AKS Board of Internal Revenue in anyway whatsoever. The company is up-to-date with its record books especially regarding remittance and could not have diverted such funds for another purpose as insinuated by the writer. We emphasise that Jubilee Syringe is in tax compliance and the state government has not lost any revenue on account of our company. As a matter of fact, Jubilee Syringe is one of the very few organisations in the state that has one hundred percent record in tax remittance to the state.

Again regarding remittance of workers’ pension, the company has on record all pensions deducted from its employees in accordance to Pension Reform Act, duly remitted to Pension Fund Administration – (PFA) account. It is therefore comical for people whom we expect should know better to feed the public with unverifiable information in an attempt to disrupt the peaceful coexistence currently enjoyed by both the Akwa Ibom State government and Jubilee Syringe. We wish to advice that they refrain from such ignoble and irascible conduct.

More fundamentally, the writer, in his myopic and twisted submission wrote: “in attempt to save face and hide from the dirty deals, the management of the company had on February 27, 2019 sacked the Union Leader and members of Jubilee Syringe branch of Steel and Engineering Workers Union of Nigeria (SEWUN) without recourse to laid down labour laws”. Again, a display of juvenile journalism. Writing without proper research? Where is the ethical demand of balanced reportage?

The company is not aware of SEWUN or any other Union to be in existence within Jubilee Syringe. This automatically exposes the hollowness of the claim by the writer that the company sacked the union leader and members of the company. We challenge the writer or anybody for that matter to come up with evidence of existence of any such union.

As the largest syringe producer in Africa, we rely heavily on our work force to achieve maximum productivity. Our production of 400 million syringes annually can only be achieved by diligence and corporation of our dedicated employees. The management and employees of Jubilee Syringe have set themselves a high bar of reaching every corner of Africa with syringes proudly produced in Akwa Ibom. Ineptitude and laxity are inconsistent with this grand vision. When four workers of Jubilee Syringe repeatedly demonstrated their lack of commitment to the vision, the company had no recourse but to terminate their appointment.

As a responsible organisation that is conscientious and committed to the rule of law, Jubilee Syringe paid the four sacked personnel one full month salary in lieu of termination notice according to Nigerian Labour Act. The sacked workers nominated a means through which the payment should be made and the company granted their request. They acknowledged the payment without protest.

We therefore call on the general public to disregard the article, as the issues raised therein are false in its entirety. It is obvious that this is the handiwork of few unconscionable persons, who are bent on tarnishing the image and reputation of responsible people and organisations for their selfish gains.

We would like all Akwa Ibomites to know that Jubilee Syringe will not bow to blackmail and extortion and no matter what obstacles these unscrupulous puppeteers lurking in the shadows throw at us, we will overcome them. Jubilee Syringe will do everything within its power to ensure a cordial relationship between Akwa Ibom State government, its agencies and institutions, particularly the Revenue Services according to the law. The company will continue in its already robust relationship with the health service providers, the host community and the general public.

Signed by Management

SOURCE: https://www.wetinhappen.com.ng/sacked-personnel-were-nonchalant-to-work-jubilee-syringe/

Some more photos!

More photos..

#MakeUpForBreastCancer: Man Wears Makeup, Gele For Breast Cancer Awareness

Akwa Ibom-born blogger and Publisher of www.wetinhappen.com.ng, Aniekan James Ekah, today, set the internet on fire by making up like a woman to create awareness about breast cancer.

The blogger who took to social media a few days ago to announce his plans to create awareness about breast cancer uniquely said, the essence of his campaign was to raise awareness about breast cancer and campaign for the reduction of stigma through education on symptoms and treatment.

During the makeup session, Aniekan displayed carefully crafted placards with information about breast cancer, its causes, risk factors, self-examination and location where the public could get help.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to education, raising awareness and funds to battle the disease.

Given the prevalence of the disease, Aniekan has encouraged the public to get involved by volunteering, educating others, sharing tips on how to lower breast cancer risks, discourage stigmatization and promote self-examination.

The event went live on his Facebook and Instagram pages @aniekanekah with the hashtag #MakeUpForBreastCancer.

Here are exclusive photos of the session!

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Frontline girls, cheerleaders, ushers, chaperons, red carpet hosts, artistes, dance groups, comedians, musicians and vocalists in Akwa Ibom State should jump on this one!

Auditions is hereby announced for people in the categories mentioned above to be part of #IbomChristmasVillage 2019, a 32-day experience of pure fun and entertainment spiced with an unhindered access into the heart of Akwa Ibom's hospitality.

Do fall in the categories mentioned above? This is your opportunity to rock the big stage!

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO BE A PART OF THIS AUDITIONS?

1. SHARE THIS POST!
2. Mark that date(s) on the calendar.
3. Call the numbers in the flyer to book a spot! 4. Turn up at the venue on time as slots are limited!

Why wait? DO IT NOW! Just do it, NOW!

[b]SOURCE: [/b]https://www.wetinhappen.com.ng/ibom-christmas-festival-village-2019-auditions-apply-now/

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to education, raising awareness and funds to battle the disease.

This year, Akwa Ibom's pioneer blogger, CEO of WetinhappenPR and Publisher of www.wetinhappen.com.ng, Aniekan James Ekah, is launching a unique awareness campaign against breast cancer.

Aniekan hopes to raise awareness about breast cancer during a full makeup session to be handled by Jakem Signature and streamed live on Tuesday, October 15, by 2 pm.

A post he made on Facebook reads, "#MakeUpForBreastCancer is my way of raising awareness about #BreastCancer and campaigning for the reduction of stigma through education on symptoms and treatment. #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth �️���".

Speaking to reporters in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, Aniekan said he is excited about October because his family welcomed a baby girl on October 1 (Independence Day), adding that he considers the campaign a way of giving back to society.

Given the prevalence of the disease, Aniekan encouraged the public to be knowledgeable about the symptoms of the disease while seeking medical attention early, before the situation becomes worse.

"Everyone can get involved by volunteering, educating others, sharing tips on how to lower breast cancer risks, discouraging stigmatization and promoting self-examination. You or someone you know may develop breast cancer. Rich or poor, famous or unknown, the disease treats everyone the same." He added.

About 1000 people are expected to follow this event live from across the world and Aniekan invites everyone to follow his social media handles (@aniekanekah) on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to watch how he will be made up and also learn about cancer in the process, with the hashtag #MakeUpForBreastCancer.

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1. Do you know that Justice Tahir Sheriff that gave the judgement in favor of Sen. Godswill Akpabio is a cousin to Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi state?

2. Do you also know that Sen. Godswill Akpabio got across to him through Gov. Bello and that it's Sen. Godswill Akpabio that is sponsoring Yahaya Bello's relection? So far, he has spent over N800million on Bello's reelection.

3. Do you know that he was planted as a mole in the tribunal to work for APC Candidates but that he could not deliver?

4. I think I should bring to your attention that Justice Tahir Sheriff failed three times in law school before he was granted "let my people go" after the intervention of eminent personalities from his state of origin.

5. Do you know that the N300Million Sen. Godswill Akpabio gave him was given to him in two installment through Akpabio’s family friend who lives at Asokoro in Abuja and that it was Sen. Godswill Akpabio that bought the house for him when he was the governor of Akwa Ibom State?

6. Do you know that he ran away from the court when he got to know that Akpabio's supporters were in court to beat him up over his inability to convince other judges to rule in favor of Sen. Godswill Akpabio but refused to refund the money he collected too?

7. Do you know what Justice Tahir Sheriff as we speak still have a pending case with the Nigerian Judicial Commission? He tried bribing a judge and was caught red handed. The case is still on going.

8. Do you know that he paid N65Million just to be appointed into the Akwa Ibom state election tribunal and that it was Gov. Yahaya Bello that paid the cash for him?

NOW YOU KNOW!

The new management of Uyo City Polytechnic, Nduetong Uko, led by Dr. Emmanuel Ekott, Chairman of Heritage Polytechnic, Eket, hereby calls for application from candidates for admission into Uyo City Polytechnic for the following courses and programmes.

ND PROGRAMMES (FULL TIME/WEEKEND)
Science laboratory Technology
Mass Communication
Public Administration
Business Administration
Accountancy
Marketing
Statistics
Electrical/Electronics Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Science

HND PROGRAMMES (FULL TIME/WEEKEND)
Mass Communication
Public Administration
Business Administration
Accountancy
Marketing
Statistics
Electrical/Electronics Engineering (Telecom option)
Computer Engineering
Computer Science

Admission forms are now available at the office of the Registrar, Uyo City Polytechnic.

For inquiries, please call 08134550199, 08169526057, 08037928373

Being the text of the Press Conference on the judgements of the National and State Assemblies election Petition Tribunal by the Peoples Democratic Party Akwa Ibom State.

When the idiomatic expression a bad Workman blames his tools was birthed, we are certain that it was prophetically providing the most apt words to describe the ill preparedness, scaremongering and buckpassing attitude of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State. How else can you describe people who protested the location of the Tribunal before the tribunal was even constituted? Since then, They have been shouting to high Heaven over non-existent issues. When the tribunal started, they filed processes that were manifestly and incurably defective. Now that the natural consequences of their actions have manifested, instead of taking a sincere introspection, they have decided to apply their stock in trade - pass the buck.

Let us undertake an analysis of their cases and why they failed:
In the case against Pat Ifon, the APC and their candidate filed the petition with a wrong heading of the court, wrong name of the Federal Constituency, non-compliance with Electoral Act and inability to prove allegations of corrupt practices in line with Section 135 of the Evidence Act. How is the PDP or the Tribunal responsible for fatal mistakes made by the lawyers of the APC?

In Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, the Petitioners claimed that “ in majority of the polling units in that Federal Constituency, electoral materials were hijacked and therefore elections could not hold and many of the voters were disenfranchised”. The tribunal held and correctly too, that in proof of this allegation, the petitioners did not lead evidence to substantiate their claim by showing hijacking in majority of the over 270 polling units in the federal Constituency. It held further that the few units where the APC called witnesses, even if the results there were canceled or given to the APC, the figures from the unchallenged units(which were in the majority) will not alter the result as declared by INEC. For disenfranchisement, is it not amazing that the petitioner did not call any disenfranchised voter to testify? What could the tribunal have done in this case, other than to hold that their claims were not substantiated?

In Victor Antai’s case, the entire Petition was fraught with unimaginable mistakes, which the petitioners and their counsel conceded, for example the petitioner intermittently used Uyo and Oron federal Constituencies in his petition; used grounds alien to the Electoral Act in seeking redress and sought contradictory reliefs. Additionally, they filed an affidavit where 23 paragraphs therein, contained vague, imprecise and nebulous claims of alleged errors occurring at polling units, without stating the exact polling units where these alleged errors happened. The petitioners in their characteristic untidy manner, brought witnesses who were either totally confused or were certified liars. Their PW3 stated that he did not vote and did not see when results were entered, but insisted that he knows there was manipulation- nothing more witless has ever been said since the creation of man.

In Godswill Akpabio’s case
The majority judgement of the tribunal is a soothing balm to the people of Ikot Ekpene senatorial district (North West)who massively rejected him at the polls.They ensured that he lost convincingly in eight LGAs, had a slim victory in one. He supervised a reign of terror and harassment against his people in Essien Udim but still could not get a result to fertilize his ill-fated return to the senate. The judgement is therefore a confirmation of the sanctity of the ballot and the tribunal must be commended for their integrity and resoluteness. They stood against financial inducement, intimidation and blackmail to deliver a majority judgement that is firmly rooted in Law and reflective of the socio-political temperature of the Senatorial District. The world can only imagine the pressure that the tribunal would have come under from the National Comedian and ignoble proponent of “what money cannot do, more money can do”. Truly God has shown himself mightier than men, who think themselves powerful.

We wish to remind the APC, especially their youths who recently through their State Youth Leader, issued a press statement demanding among other things that “ the President Muhammad Buhari,the National chairman APC and other stakeholders of the ruling party should not sit back to watch this injustice done yet again to the APC family in Akwa Ibom State”, that this is a call for extra judicial intervention, which if read alongside their 2015 exposed playbook and the following intimidation of the judiciary that was witnessed then, indicates their desperation to subvert justice, which is most condemnable and anti-democratic. We challenge them, like we have done severally, to produce any thread of evidence , against the judges, apart from the habitual blackmail occasioned by a warped thought process inherent in their party. If they have any issue against the judges they should direct their petition to the NJC. Again, we refer the APC to the ruling in the Bulkachuwa’s recusal demand which remains in force as of date “Concerning the complaints of the petitioners/applicants to the extent that the affinity between the Honourable President of this court will engender a likelihood of bias on the part of the Honourable President of this court if she remains the Presiding Justice, I am of the firm view that enough materials have not been placed before this court to show that the Presiding Justice of this panel is likely to be biased against the petitioners/applicants in the hearing and determination of the petition...I am of the view that the fact that the Honourable President of this court is the wife of Honourable Adamu Mohammed Bulkachuwa and the mother of Aliyu Haidir Abubakar are not weighty enough to impute likelihood of bias against the President of the Court of Appeal. The two of them are not parties to the petition before us, and have not shown to be listed as witnesses of the 3rd respondent (the APC) in the petition before us...There is no allegation made against the spouse or the son of the Honourable President of this court in the petition of the petitioners/applicants...Their relationship with the Presiding Justice of this panel is not at all capable of causing likelihood of bias against any of the parties in the petition...The full court has been empanelled consisting of five Justices of this court, in full appreciation of the importance of due process and just dispensation of justice in the hearing and determination of this case relating to the presidential election, notwithstanding that the court will be duly constituted if it consists of at least three Justices of the Court of Appeal..“.

Justice Ijohor did not sit alone but with two other judges and her husband was not a party before the tribunal and therefore was very competent to hear and determine the matters before the tribunal. Justice Ijohor and indeed any other Tribunal Judge cannot be held responsible for the way the APC cases went, especially considering the fact that they had known ab initio that they had no case, but only approached the tribunal as a face-saving mechanism, while earnestly seeking for federal appointments.

We urge the general public to ignore the illogical, baseless, senseless and slow-witted utterances made by the All Progressives Congress Akwa Ibom state and treat them as their usual straw-clutching antics and the last kicks of a dying horse. The people have stated through their votes that Akwa Ibom state is not a fertile ground for the APC and will never be...That is the inevitable truth!

Comrade Ini Ememobong, ANIPR,
State Publicity Secretary
Peoples Democratic Party,
Akwa Ibom State
12092019

PRESS RELEASE

AKWA IBOM @ 32: IBOM ANNIVERSARY GOLF TOURNAMENT HOLDS ON SATURDAY!

Ibom Golf and Country Club has concluded arrangements to organise a golf tournament tagged; “IBOM ANNIVERSARY GOLF TOURNAMENT” as part of activities marking the 32nd Anniversary of Akwa Ibom State creation.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Uyo, by the Captain of the Club, Rt. Hon. Usenobong Akpabio.

According to Barr. Usenobong Akpabio, the event which is the fourth of its kind since inception of the Ibom Golf and Country Club, is billed to commence on Friday, 20th September, 2019, to Saturday, 21st September, 2019, at the Ibom Golf and Country Club located at Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Nwaniba Road, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The statement reeled out activities lined up for the event as: Friday, 20th September, arrival/registration, 12noon at the Club House; Practice Round, 12 noon – 6:00 p.m.; welcome cocktail to hold 8:00 p.m. at the Rose Garden section of Ibom Golf and Country Club, while activities for Saturday, 21st September, 2019, are: tournament Tee-off by 7:00 a.m.; buffet/prize presentation will take place at 5:00 p.m. at the Club House.

The press release which called on golfers in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria and beyond to be part of the events also invited members of the general public to grace the occasion.

Today the Unity Hall of Mkpat Enin Local Government Council was agog with life as the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Deaconess Martha Udom Emmanuel and other dignitaries converged for the Grand Women Empowerment Celebration and SME Exhibition.

The event which was tagged" Repositioning Women for Success" was organized by Mboho Uforo Mkpat Enin (MUME) the pet project of wife of the Executive Chairman, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Mrs. Ima-Abasi Ekanem Brown.

Speaking at the event, Deaconess Emmanuel applauded Mrs Brown for the significant and important initiative which aligns with the vision of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel's drive to empower Akwa Ibomites to greatness.

Mrs Ima-Abasi Brown through MUME has positively impacted on the lives of Mkpat Enin women to be independent, financially stable and contribute to the well-being of their homes.

120 women were given financial support as Startups for businesses while 60 other women received #50,000 naira each as grants.

#MbohoUforoEmpowers

SYMBOL OF IBOM HOTEL AND GOLF RESORT is a search for a brand ambassador for Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort.

This is the first time, this is happening since the hotel was commissioned in 2007.

SYMBOL OF IBOM HOTEL AND RESORT is expected to be an embodiment of physical beauty, intelligence, good character and appealing personality.

Selection Date is slated for September 15, 2019 at Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, 2pm.

Interested persons are adviced to click on this link and drop their pictures.

https:///IL69WHKXcdeCLNrOyHT18g

This event is powered by Ministry of Culture and Tourism in partnership with Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort.

Our attention has been drawn to a press release published in a local newspaper and circulating in the social media by a group claiming to be Iban Afe Annang, and signed by one Obonganwan Obonodo Uko, as president of the group.

This publication is not aimed at joining issues with the ignorance displayed by the said women, but it is intended to put the facts in correct perspectives, so that members of the public who may come across such release will not be misguided.

We wish to state categorically that Iban Afe Annang are virtuous women consisting of distinguished Annang women with Obonganwan Christiana Pius Eside, wife of Itai Afe Annang as the president and Obonganwan Rita Okon Ebong as Secretary.

That none of the signatories in the said release is a member of our executive or even ordinary member of Iban Afe Annang.

That Iban Afe Annang, just like the main body, Afe Annang, has no destructive tendencies, but work towards the development, unity and progress of Akwa Ibom State.

As virtuous women, Iban Afe Annang remains loyal to constituted authorities and respectful to heroes that laid the foundation of development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.

We condemn in strong terms, attempts by any person or group in whatever guise, to disrespect the person of the Executive Governor Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel and other distinguished elders in the State.

We hereby remind the self-styled and usurpers of Iban Afe Annang that:

• Mr. Udom Emmanuel is the divinely enthroned Governor and popularly elected by the people of AKwa Ibom State.
• That power belongs to God and that for now, He has bestowed it on Mr. Udom Emmanuel who has used it to transform Akwa Ibom from a purely civil service to an industrialised state with the wheels of 16 industries currently running and more, such as
- Flour Mills and Plywood industries that are about to make the roll in few weeks;
- the three times a day flight from Uyo to Lagos and Abuja by Ibom Air;
- the new look Ikot Okoro, Ikono, Ituk Mbang, Iquita General Hospitals in structure, equipment and motivated personnel;
- and the fact that new grounds have been broken in agricultural development with the production of stone-free rice in Akwa Ibom based rice mill.

May we caution the self-acclaimed president of Iban Afe Annang and her cohort to desist from leading a destructive crusade as the government of Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel had since settled down focussing on his eight-point Completion Agenda in the overall interest of all Akwa Ibom people.

Let us caution again that women of substance do not cast aspersions on others for selfish political gains. You must realize that the Almighty raises up the humble and resist the proud.

We, the Iban Afe Annang do hereby disassociate ourselves from the media publication and strongly advise the signatories and their co-travellers to find better ways to engage themselves, as traders in character assassination for selfish gains that could only last them for a while.

We advise Obonganwan Obonodo Uko and her sponsors to note that elections have since been concluded with winners and losers declared long ago. We hereby caution that these usurpers should henceforth stop fanning embers of disunity, which had since been put to rest in Akwa Ibom State. Now, Akwa Ibom needs peace, devoid of distractions.

Do well to save yourself and families from the Law of Karma.

A word is enough for the wise!

Signed:

1. HRM Obonganwan Christiana P. Eside
(Wife of Itai Afe Annang)
President Iban Afe Annang
2. Lady Aniefiok A. Akpan
Vice President Iban Afe Annang
3. Obonganwan Rita O. Ebong
Secretary General Iban Afe Annang
4. Christiana John Okodi
Treasurer Iban Afe Annang
5. Obonganwan Winifred John Ekanem
Financial Secretary
6. Obonganwan Janet Umoiyoho
Assistant Secretary
7. Useneno Tom
Ex-Officio
8. Obonganwan Lucy Udo
P.R.O
9. Magdalene F. Udom
Adviser

The All Progressives Congress, Akwa Ibom State has in their characteristic tradition made lying and deception their Nicene creed and clothed themselves with insolence as a fitting mandarin jacket. In a recent publication, the broom carrying movement shamelessly deprecated our revered traditional rulers for demanding a cessation of virulent media attacks on the Governor. The admonition by the traditional fathers was made in utmost good faith, to caution the APC and their shameless leaders from further sponsoring media campaigns against the Governor. The statement was not to dissuade them from continuing in their potentially fruitless legal circumambulation, but to caution against baseless, unsubstantiated and very shameless accusations against the Governor, INEC, Religious Leaders etc. The APC through their leadership has accused almost anybody and anything within sight as being instrumental to their electoral loss. These allegations, when heard, tend to reduce the intellectual standing of the average Akwa Ibom citizen in the estimation of rational people. In fact the leadership of the APC in the state and their candidates had since become examples of disgraceful political misadventure.

The release alleged that the Paramount Rulers did not act within the realms of neutrality in issuing a statement asking for cessation of media hostilities. The APC forgot that while on their campaign, they had conscripted some village and clan heads into their campaign trail. They have forgotten that they jubilantly posted videos and news of some paramount rulers who openly endorsed their candidates. By their action they have reinforced our speculation that the APC leadership in the state is suffering from chronic selective amnesia.

The APC, in and out of the tribunal has been the synonym of confusion, befuddlement and stupefaction. They have adopted doublespeak, flip flop and scenario creation as a strategy, but unfortunately, available results show that it has been a bad strategy. The world must be having a huge laughter with the succumbing submission made by their ‘walking stick’ Governorship candidate, who earlier, alongside the National Comedian, boasted to the world that their party won 26 Local Government Areas during the Governorship elections and that they were heading to the tribunal to ‘reclaim’ their mandate. However, when he and his party arrived the tribunal and discovered that the only mandate they had was an agreement to use armed thugs to rig elections while killing and maiming innocent citizens, they abandoned their ‘tales by moonlight’ victory claim and took up the defeatist exclamation that “elections did not hold”. While we sympathize with him and his ilk, we wish to remind them that King Solomon when faced with a similar situation where two women were laying claim to a living child, had laid the locus classicus for future determination of such cases. Akwa Ibom people know the truth and we are hopeful that the Tribunal and all other courts in the land will apply the extant Law to the facts presented and confirm the overwhelming victory of Governor Udom Emmanuel and other PDP candidates in the 2019 elections.

We apologize to our revered royal fathers for the unmerited insults hurled at them by people who strenuously tried to gain their support through financial inducements, devilish political horse trading and threats. Having played God and lost favour with men, they are irredeemably pained and have found comfort in spewing shameless lies and exhibiting irreverent behaviour. The Akwa Ibom public is well aware of their atrocious disposition and can therefore not take them seriously.

Our traditional rulers as custodians of our customs, values and traditions must be respected and they have a right to intervene when situations arise that can bring disrepute to our corporate identity and threaten our peaceful existence.

Signed :

Comrade Ini Ememobong
State Publicity Secretary
Peoples Democratic Party
Akwa Ibom State
02092019

SOURCE: https://www.wetinhappen.com.ng/deception-and-insolence-apcs-nicene-creed-and-mandarin-jacket/

1. Full Life Christian Center, Nsikak Eduok
2. Holy Ghost Ambassador Int'l, Ekpanya Street
3. Power City International, Nwaniba (Choir)
4. Zenith Bank, Udo Udoma
5. Akpan Andem Market (Fridays from 6pm)
6. God's House of Refuge, Ikot Ebido
7. ENI Stores, Edet Akpan Avenue (from 7pm)
8. Oku Street (Thursdays to Sundays)
9. Ella Dear Beauty World, Johnson Street
10. Winners Chapel, Ikot Ebido
11. Qua Iboe Church, 2 Abak Road
12. Royalline Technologies, Oron Road
13. Nteps Supermarket, Ewet Housing
14. Akwa Ibom International Airport
15. EEMJM Hotel (Gym Room)
16. Le Meridien Hotels & Golf Resort
17. Perfect Touch Salon (Itie Nsisong)
18. Ibom Tropicana - (Sundays from 4pm)
19. NUJ Press Center, Information Drive, Uyo
20. De Choice Mall, Ikot Ekpene Road
21. ME Lounge, Osongama (7pm down)
22. Jess Lounge, Ewet Housing
23. Bend Down Boutique, Urua Itam
24. Federal Secretariat, Abak Road
25. Itie Friday, Barracks Road
26. Government House Press Center, Uyo
27. O.O.Obu, Abak Road
28. Unity Park, Udo Udoma (Saturdays 7am-noon)
29. DiDi Wraps, Udobio Street
30. www.wetinhappen.com.ng

Please help somebody. Share! #WetinhappenPR

Disclaimer!
The ladies whose faces appear in this post are just models! I repeat, just models! �

By: Aniekan James Ekah - http://www.wetinhappen.com.ng

Lack of access to working capital for micro-entrepreneurs and small business owners who desire to borrow for business purposes to enhance their businesses will soon be a thing of the past as the Ministry of Trade and Investment, Akwa Ibom State, has expressed readiness to foster a sustainable partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI).

This was made known at a meeting between the Honorable Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Akwa Ibom State, Prince Akpabio, and Mr. Richard Imonije, State Manager, SME Group, Bank of Industry, on Thursday in Uyo, the Akwa State capital.

Speaking during the meeting, the Commissioner acknowledged the contributions of the Bank of Industry in addressing Nigeria's rising economic profile in line with its mandate to provide financial assistance for the establishments of new enterprises, the expansion, diversification, modernization of existing enterprises, and the rehabilitation of ailing industries, stressing that, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are becoming increasingly important for the creation and development of a modern, dynamic and knowledge-based economy, that is why, Governor Udom Emmanuel, who runs a listening government, sensitive to the plights of SMEs in the state, will stop at nothing but to provide the necessary support for entrepreneurs by creating a comfortable business environment and partnering with relevant agencies to attract funding for SMEs in the state.

Akpabio further stated that the Ministry of Trade and Investment had already hit the ground running by creating a forum of interaction with SMEs across the state and that the July edition saw over 500 Entrepreneurs coming to share their success stories, challenges, and prospects with the Ministry, maitaining that such forum has helped the Ministry identify factors affecting the development of SMEs, and that necessary steps will be taken within the shortest possible time, to alleviate basic challenges while creating new opportunities for SMEs in the state.

In his reaction, Mr. Imonije said the purpose of his visit was to create a synergy between the Ministry and Bank of Industry (BOI), as his office oversees the relationship between BOI and SMEs in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. He added that the BOI has earmarked One Billion Naira for SMEs financing in Akwa Ibom State to stimulate the local economy but some of these businesses lack basic Economic instruments like C-of-Os to access these funds while he decried the attitude of some SMEs towards business development, financing, and innovations in Akwa Ibom.

Mr. Imonije used the medium to pour encomiums on the Governor for his Industrialization Drive and Commerce and Investment Boss for the feat recorded so far in interpreting the visions of the state Governor, assuring the ministry and Akwa Ibom State Government that Bank of Industry (BOI) is on ground to partner with credible business operators in Akwa Ibom and not "portfolio businessmen" whose stock in trade is to divert funds.

Responding, the Commissioner said that Governor Udom Emmanuel's Completion Agenda seeks to create an enabling economic environment where at least 30,000 Micro, Small and Medium Scale Businesses across the State are established in addition to more than 20,000 Businesses that are to be boosted, in line with his Dakkada Philosophy, and that the Ministry of Trade and Investment, under his watch, will fast-track the approval and subsequent release of C-of-Os to credible businesses duly registered in the state, whose tax papers and other relevant documents are up-to-date, so that they can access these funds, inject same into their businesses while stimulating the local economy in the process.

Prince Akpabio used the opportunity to intimate his august visitor about the test run of Kings Flour Mill, Onna, one of the investment strides of Governor Udom Emmanuel, adding that the 500 metric tons mill, built on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with hi-tech and fully automated machines, can process 24,000 bags of flour daily and that on full utilization, the mill will create jobs for the teeming youth population with an expansive value chain for the people.

#SMEsCompletionAgenda
#AKSTradeAndInvestment

SOURCE: https://www.wetinhappen.com.ng/smes-financing-akwa-ibom-to-partner-bank-of-industry/

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” – Acts 20:28.

The earth and everything in it is the Lord's. Out of sheer love for humankind, God made man in His image and likeness. He graciously handed over the care of His creation in the hands of man - Genesis 1:26. When Jesus came in human form after man had rebelled and forfeited his place in God, Jesus commissioned men to join him in reconciling the lost through him to God the Father - Matthew 4:19. In obedience to that great commission therefore, men have had to put aside other personal endeavours to attend the Master's Call.

Archbishop Dr. Cletus Bassey is one of the few who heeded this call to serve God and humanity by carrying the gospel of Christ everywhere as enabled by the overflowing grace of God.

It is quite surprising and pleasantly so when one considers the Archbishop's chronological age and juxtaposes that with the 40 eventful years he has spent already at the Master's Service. In the light of this startling reality therefore, it becomes pertinent to critically probe the rationale behind Archbishop Dr. Bassey's choice to take to ministry that early at a time when Nigeria was not as uncertain.

This becomes necessary because, at that time, it wasn't as difficult for young people to survive in Nigeria so, one cannot possibly say he came into ministry to make ends meet as is the case today for many who claim to serve God.

Besides, being a preacher at that time was not so attractive and desirable. Again, if big names in ministry were not making it 'big' at the time, what then would a young man his age do differently?

It therefore follows naturally that Archbishop Dr. Cletus Bassey followed a conviction deeper than anticipated physical and material gains attached to such undertaking by many. It is that conviction that kept him through those good 40 years.

Having done 40 years with his strength still full, it becomes necessary to sit back, appraise the journey thus far and refuel for greater tasks ahead. This informed the 40th Anniversary Lecture on the theme: REDEFINING OUR LEADERSHIP CONTEXT IN MODERN DAY CHRISTIANITY.

The lecture delivered by Nigeria's first Professor of Rhetorics, Professor Peter Esuh of the University of Uyo, who harped extensively on the role of church leaders. Professor Esuh highlighted the negligence of the church leadership in Turkey which led to the fall of the church. He therefore encouraged the leadership of the church in Nigeria to brace up to the many challenges in the Nigerian state if she must survive the times. It was indeed an excellent presentation by the erudite and well spoken professor whose oratorical prowess captured and sustained everyone's attention through the enlightening and professorial lecture.

The celebration of the 40th Priesthood Anniversary which had as its Planning Committee Chairman, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi Ph.D, attracted the Nigerian Senate and the Presidency to the Anniversary Lecture held at the Ewet Housing Estate Auditorium of Destiny International Missions. Leading the Nigerian Senate was the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Dr. Ahmed Lawan who was represented by Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor, CRS central, who served as Father of the day. Also The Deputy Senate President was able represented by Senator Sandy Onor. The Special Guest of Honor was His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. while Distinguished Senator Dr. Ita Enang, Senior Special Adviser to the President (Senate) and Mr. Femi Adesina, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity added executive flavour to the event.

Others who added federal government presence to the event include: Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi - Delta North; Distinguished Senator Mathew A. Urhoghide - Edo South; Distinguished Senator Alimikhena Francis Asekhame - Edo North, Distinguished Senator Laah Danjuma Tella - Kaduna South and Hon. Prince Flavian Obidigbo Enwezoh.

Speaking at the event, the Senate President represented by Senator Sandy Ojang Onor commended Archbishop Dr. Cletus Bassey for his commitment to the service of God and his excellent leadership qualities. The Senate President urged the Christian community to continue to pray for the peaceful coexistence and progress of Nigeria. He pledged his willingness to partner with the man of God at all times and prayed God to strengthen the Archbishop for greater exploits.

In his remarks, Senator Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu said he is always excited anytime he is in the presence of God. Senator Orji Kalu said he is a man of Destiny. Recounting his days in the University of Maiduguri, Senator Kalu said he refused to get back to studies when the university authority called him back in isolation after being sent away alongside other students. I demanded the recall of all students sanctioned by the university and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Jubril Aminu took me as his son for my stand on the issue. "I've come to understand that the Senate is a very simple place. I see the Senate as a secondary school class with the Senate President as our class monitor. Being a man of few words who likes to to do more of planning and strategising behind the scene, I have come to discover that some of our senators are very useful." He said he could not hesitate to honour Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi's invitation as he has found her to be very useful and instrumental to the success of the 9th Senate so far.

The Anniversary Celebration which rounded off with a Mega Thanksgiving Service on Sunday 11th August, 2019 drew the who is who in Akwa Ibom State Government, clergies and traditional leaders.

Notable amongst dignitaries at the thanksgiving service were HE, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State ably represented by the Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government - Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem; the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo MFR represented by Mrs. Florence Obong; Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Godwin Abraham; the Deputy Speaker Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Princess Felicia Bassey; Hon Commissioners, permanent secretaries, Directors, and other government functionaries. Amongst the clergies were Archbishop Elijah Mboho, Reverend (Mrs.) Philomena Ukpai, Prelate Dr Isaiah Isong, the Executive Secretary of National Christian Pilgrims Commission - Reverend Tor Uja, Reverend Angela Ashong who preached at the service, the Vice Chairman and Secretary Akwa Ibom Christians Assembly, Evangelist Ukpong Smith and Pastor Umo Eno, SA to the Governor on religious Matters- Rev Akwatang and many others.

The service equally had traditional leaders prominent amongst whom were Ntisong Ibibio III - Obong Engr. Essien Udo Ekidem; Paramount Ruler of Uruan Local Government Area - Edidem Ekanem and others.

It was a rewarding time in the presence of God for all of 4 days and Archbishop Dr. Cletus Bassey expressed gratitude to God and gratefulness to the many who gathered from far and near to celebrate the faithfulness of God in his life and ministry.

#ManoftheMoment #CletusBassey #40YearsinMinistry #DestinyInternationalMissions

SOURCE: https://www.wetinhappen.com.ng/archbishop-cletus-bassey-40-years-at-the-masters-service/

More photos...

...says Akwa Ibom economic future is secured

The Honourable Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Akwa Ibom State, Prince Akpabio, has applauded efforts of the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration to rewrite the economic fortunes of the state through Industrialization as guided by the Governor's Completion Agenda.

The Commissioner made this known while expressing satisfaction over the successful test run of Kings Flour Mill, at Mkpok in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Prince Akpabio said the Governor's desire to create wealth for the people and jobs for the teeming youth population is yielding positive results as realities on the ground have shown that Governor Udom Emmanuel is securing the economic future of Akwa Ibom state by investing and attracting commercial ventures with futuristic relevance in the economic advancement of the state and by extension Nigeria.

Kings Flour Mill, one of the largest wheat flour mills in Africa, has a fixed production line to process flour and semolina and can produce 24,000 bags of flour (500 metric tons) daily. It is built on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with hi-tech and fully automated machines.

The Mill, billed for Commissiong in September this year, will be famous for its advanced processing technique, complete machine assembly, low power consumption as well as convenient operation and maintenance.

#SMEsCompletionAgenda
#AKSTradeAndInvestment

By: Aniekan James Ekah

SOURCE: https://www.wetinhappen.com.ng/akpabio-applauds-udom-over-successful-test-run-of-flour-mill/

APC Urges EFCC To Probe Bayelsa Internal Revenue Dept, Finance Commission

...Bayelsa State APC Chairman Insists EFCC Must Look Into The Financial Books

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been urged to probe Bayelsa State Internal Revenue Department and Finance Commission.

The call was made by the All Progressive Congress in Abuja and the Bayelsa State APC Chairman, Hon Jothan Amos.

A source at the Party National Secretariat, who disclosed this to our correspondent, said the ruling party is asking the anti-graft commission to go into the books of the state finance, as the numbers of aspirants that picked forms to run for the state governorship election were allegedly funded by the state money.

The source added that some of the aspirants were not only funded from the state resources, but that the funds came from the state internal revenue.

The source said: "Most the aspirants, who bought forms were sponsored and funded with state money. Specifically, the funds used were gotten from the Internal Revenue. We want the EFCC to look into the books of this department and also the finance department."

It was gathered the a total of 21 aspirants have picked forms to fight for the PDP ticket at the cost of N21 million each. A rough calculation shows that the total cost is placed at N441 million.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed November 16 for Bayelsa State governorship election.

A source, who also spoke to our correspondent from Bayelsa added that the APC State Chairman, Hon Jothan Amos, insisted that the state revenue board must be probed by the anti-graft commission.

The source added that the position of the state APC is that state money cannot be used for personal issue, adding that "people are suffering and the money meant to address their plight, is used for personal aggrandizement.

"We cannot fold our arms and watch people, who are supposed to defend the interest of the citizens, using their money for personal interest."

SOURCE: https://www.wetinhappen.com.ng/apc-urges-efcc-to-probe-bayelsa-internal-revenue-dept-finance-commission/