₦airaland Forum

AN OPEN LETTER TO OUR DEAR GOVENOR PASTOR UMO ENO

SUBJECT: Enhancing Food Sufficiency in Akwa Ibom State: A Call to Empower Local Government Councils and Develop Food Processing Industries in the State.

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits.

As a concerned citizen deeply committed to the progress and prosperity of our dear State, I am compelled to use this medium to share some insights and recommendations aimed at enhancing food sufficiency in our State.

I commend your unprecedented dedication to the well-being of our people together with your administration's efforts to prioritize agriculture as a fundamental pillar of our economic development. However, I believe there is tremendous potential to amplify these efforts by empowering our Local Government Councils with comprehensive training programs and access to modern agricultural machinery.

First and foremost, I propose the implementation of comprehensive training programs for professionals within each Local Government Council. By harnessing the expertise of Agronomists, Soil Scientists, Agricultural Engineers, and other relevant professionals, we can develop tailored strategies to optimize food production based on the specific soil types and climatic conditions prevalent in each Local Government across our State.

These training initiatives should encompass a wide range of topics, including modern farming techniques, sustainable agricultural practices, crop diversification, and post-harvest management. By equipping our Local Government Professionals with the latest knowledge and skills, we can enhance their capacity to support farmers and drive agricultural innovation at the grassroots level.

I implore your administration to prioritize the provision of modern agricultural machinery and equipment to Local Government Councils. Tractors, Plows, Harvesters, Irrigation Systems, and other mechanized tools can significantly increase the efficiency and productivity of farming operations, enabling farmers to cultivate larger areas of land and achieve higher yields.

Furthermore, I propose a strategic focus on crop diversification and the promotion of improved varieties that are well-suited to the unique agro-ecological conditions of each Local Government Area. By collaborating with agricultural experts, research institutions and seed companies, we can identify high-yielding, climate-resilient crop varieties that will thrive in Akwa Ibom State's unique agricultural landscape and microclimates.

In line with these efforts, I believe it is essential to explore the establishment of food processing factories in the near future. By adding value to our agricultural produce through processing and packaging, we can create additional income streams for farmers, reduce post-harvest losses, and meet the growing demand for processed foods in Local and International markets.

My Dear Governor, by empowering our Local Government Councils and fostering the growth of agro-industrial enterprises with training, machinery, and improved crop varieties, we can achieve sustainable food security and economic prosperity for all residents of Akwa Ibom State and generations to come. I implore you to consider these recommendations and continue your unwavering commitment to the advancement of our agricultural sector and support grassroots development.

Our dear state is blessed with very fertile land mass and hardworking/dedicated people. I have no doubt that this initiative will not only ensure food sufficiency but will also provide direct and indirect employment to our teaming unemployed/underemployed youths and also discourage rural to urban migration.

Thank you for your steadfast leadership, dedicated service and commitment to the welfare of our people. Together, we can build a brighter future for Akwa Ibom State, where every citizen has access to abundance of nutritious food and opportunities for prosperity. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact of your leadership on our journey towards a more food-sufficient and prosperous Akwa Ibom State.

Yours sincerely,
Sir Engr. Victor Umoren, JP
From Ikot Ekpene L.G.A.

THE BENEFIT OF INCLUSION

Before we begin, let us establish some scenarios in our minds eye.
Imagine waking up one day, you try to open your eyes, you feel they are opened but you don’t see a thing; Imagine yourself trying to push out a word from your mouth and as hard as you try, nothing meaningful comes out and you discover like Zachariah in the Bible that you are Deaf; Imagine seeing yourself in the hospital one day, you try to feel your legs but the Doctor approaches you and tells you, “Sorry, you can’t walk again.
Imagine!
Are you saying God forbid? I say God forbid too.

As awful as the above statements appears, there are thousands living these lives, some from birth, some by accidents, some sicknesses, etc. If you were in these shoes, how would you have loved to be treated?
Most times we forget that we contributed absolutely nothing to our creation and no matter how we try, we can’t control tomorrow, we forget that God would have decided to create us different, short or tall, black or white, male or female, blind or with sight, Deaf or with Speech, Crippled or with functional legs, etc. That we are the way we are is completely God’s will not ours or do you think God made a mistake when He created this ‘Special’ sets of persons, do you think there was a mistake in their creation?
Are you seeing where I’m driving at?
Let’s try putting the horse before the cart. What is Inclusion? Naija People will say, “Wetin be this Inclusion sef”? Inclusion from the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary means the action of including somebody/something or of being included. The opposite of this is Exclusion.


IN SCHOOL/EDUCATION SETTINGS

Inclusion happens when all students, regardless of any challenge they may have, are placed in age-appropriate general education classes that are in their own neighborhood schools to receive instructions. Successful Inclusive education happens primarily through accepting, understanding and attending to student differences and diversity, which may be physical, cognitive, academic, social and/or emotional. Inclusion is solidified when basic equipment and facilities are put in place to cater for and include persons with and without disabilities.

IN CHURCH SETTINGS

Inclusion happens when our preachers makes sure the word of God preached/proclaimed gets to all - irrespective of the persons condition. It happens when our church institutions gets interested in the lives and wellbeing of the rich and poor alike, learning the language of all including the language of the Deaf, Blind, etc. Creating a fold where all are equal and treated equally as we are in the eyes of God. Nelson Mandela in one of His Quotes said “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language - that goes to his Heart”

IN OUR SOCIETY

Inclusion happens when we make the environment convenient for all to breath, live and enjoy life to the fullest, when we accept all no matter the color, race, stature, etc. Inclusion happens when Government and cooperate bodies make laws having the disabled of the society in their minds and treating all the same. Creating enabling environments for all to grow together. Creating an inclusive world where the disabled are encouraged and not pitied.

The list is endless.

IN CONCLUSION

In our daily lives, let us always remember that whoever we are and however we are, God made us that way. Life is sweeter and more enjoying when we accommodate and encourage others. No one is perfect.
In all we do, let’s always remember that when the game of Chess is over, the KING, QUEEN, KNIGHTS, ROOKS, BISHOPS, CASTLE and PAWNS goes into the same box.

I will give it to Kingsley Moghalu of the Young Progressives Party (YPP). He was just so grounded, prepared and he sounded experienced. What's your take? Who do you think did best?

After the presidential debate last night, I strongly wished the candidates of the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) Fela Durotoye, Oby Ezekwesili of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) and Kingsley Moghalu of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) could agree on a consensus candidate to stand against the APC President Buhari and PDPs Atiku Abubakar. Joining forces together will go a long way in giving the PDP and APC a good fight. Separately, I don't see them standing a chance.

Op they are only Deaf, no one is dumb.

Meanwhile, there's an Inclusive School {school for the deaf and Hearing students} in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. Avail your ward of this golden opportunity to learn in a unique way.

Is this really Nigeria's World cup team? I bet, this team can't even sail thorough the group stage of AFCON

NwaChibuzor:
That woman is not serious at all. Instead of her to calculate her labour week and get admitted in a hospital shes there giving birth in a plaza. Also she is very foolish. During hard times like this, she is supposed to lock up and avoid pregnancy. Her mates are accumulating money shes there accumulating sp**m. Now I wonder what shes going to feed that poor child after weaning it. Maybe na stone she go give am chop.

You are as useless as the 'P' in the word Psych

DODOL Launcher is the Best

I'm So Sorry
It's just so sad That I hurt you still I feel so bad Can't take my meal I seem so mad That's how I feel I hurt you bad Your Joy i steal.

MyLuv,myHeart, myBeloved Wife Sometimes I act just like a boy, I'm sorry dear, myDarl for life For all the times I make you Boil.

I really shouldn't be doing this For the sake of our unborn kids I should be giving you a kiss Rather than taking away the peace I'm sorry dear & I say please I'll make you smile & it won't cease.

I'm sorry dear myWife, myAll, For all those chats, the texts and calls Please, stand by me or lest I fall Without you dear my life is null.

I'm So Sorry
It's just so sad That I hurt you still I feel so bad Can't take my meal I seem so mad That's how I feel I hurt you bad Your Joy i steal.
MyLuv, myHeart, myBeloved Wife Sometimes I act just like a boy, I'm sorry dear, myDarl for life For all the times I make you Boil.
I really shouldn't be doing this For the sake of our unborn kids I should be giving you a kiss Rather than taking away the peace I'm sorry dear & I say please I'll make you smile & it won't cease.
I'm sorry dear myWife, myAll, For all those chats, the texts and calls Please, stand by me or lest I fall Without you dear my life is null.

CHANGE!

This is a total abuse of power. An example should be made of him so as to send warnings to others.

The state of of IBB Road uyo in Akwa Ibom State after the rain. Government should do something about it please

Abeq, when them go reach aba-ikot Ekpene Road? That is the worst federal road in Nigeria

Customers of Diamond Bank, Ikot Ekpene branch stranded over power failure. Bank security door not opening. No movement in or out of the bank. I pity those inside though.

Customers of Diamond Bank, Ikot Ekpene branch stranded over power failure. Bank security door not opening. No movement in or out of the bank. I pity those inside though.

It was publicly disclosed in a statement released on Thursday, October 8, that Nigeria’s former petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has cancer. It should be recalled that the ex-minister who served under Gooodluck Jonathan’s administration was said to have been arrested a week ago in London over bribery allegations and later that day released on bail. The legal action has purportedly started, with new details emerging every day on the matter. In a fresh development the reports providing personal issues have transpired. According to The Nation, Diezani’s attorney Oscar M. Onwudiwe yesterday released the statement in which he shockingly denied all the allegations, including arrest and questioning. “The Madueke family is appalled at the ongoing media frenzy against Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke following an invitation to her by the British authorities last Friday for reasons which have yet to be disclosed. “For the avoidance of doubt, the family would like to state categorically that it has no issues with any persons from the family being invited anywhere in the world to answer questions about their private or official conduct. “The Madueke family believes in law and order, honour and due process. It is a deliberate and vicious campaign to demonise members of the Madueke family, with all manner of frivolous allegations. “It is worth emphasising that Mrs Alison-Madueke was never arrested or detained and her passport was never seized. She was merely invited, and she honoured it promptly.
“The Madueke family, like most other families, have their own challenges. For instance, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke has been receiving treatment for cancer in the UK which started while she was in office. “The health crisis has unfortunately exacerbated in recent times. She completed months of chemotherapy just last week and she is scheduled to undergo surgery next week in London. “The family has been bearing this challenge with prayers and as much grace and fortitude as possible; and would plead with all reasonable Nigerians to pray for her recovery so that she can face this allegation and give account of her stewardship. Yes, she can— and very well, too. “The Madueke and Agama families would want the decent public to know that neither Ugonna nor Somze or Abiye or anyone related to the two families was picked up or arrested or invited for questioning by anybody whatsoever. Ugonna’s father (the Rear Admiral) has been in Lagos and working in his office. “The lies about his having travelled with a team of lawyers should please stop. The Madueke family has taken a decision on how to appropriately deal with those who are on a mission to soil their hard earned family name.” Based on the update by Sahara Reporters, Alison-Madueke has breast cancer and her husband will soon travel to the UK to support his spouse.

It was publicly disclosed in a statement released on Thursday, October 8, that Nigeria’s former petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has cancer. It should be recalled that the ex-minister who served under Gooodluck Jonathan’s administration was said to have been arrested a week ago in London over bribery allegations and later that day released on bail. The legal action has purportedly started, with new details emerging every day on the matter. In a fresh development the reports providing personal issues have transpired. According to The Nation, Diezani’s attorney Oscar M. Onwudiwe yesterday released the statement in which he shockingly denied all the allegations, including arrest and questioning. “The Madueke family is appalled at the ongoing media frenzy against Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke following an invitation to her by the British authorities last Friday for reasons which have yet to be disclosed. “For the avoidance of doubt, the family would like to state categorically that it has no issues with any persons from the family being invited anywhere in the world to answer questions about their private or official conduct. “The Madueke family believes in law and order, honour and due process. It is a deliberate and vicious campaign to demonise members of the Madueke family, with all manner of frivolous allegations. “It is worth emphasising that Mrs Alison-Madueke was never arrested or detained and her passport was never seized. She was merely invited, and she honoured it promptly.
“The Madueke family, like most other families, have their own challenges. For instance, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke has been receiving treatment for cancer in the UK which started while she was in office. “The health crisis has unfortunately exacerbated in recent times. She completed months of chemotherapy just last week and she is scheduled to undergo surgery next week in London. “The family has been bearing this challenge with prayers and as much grace and fortitude as possible; and would plead with all reasonable Nigerians to pray for her recovery so that she can face this allegation and give account of her stewardship. Yes, she can— and very well, too. “The Madueke and Agama families would want the decent public to know that neither Ugonna nor Somze or Abiye or anyone related to the two families was picked up or arrested or invited for questioning by anybody whatsoever. Ugonna’s father (the Rear Admiral) has been in Lagos and working in his office. “The lies about his having travelled with a team of lawyers should please stop. The Madueke family has taken a decision on how to appropriately deal with those who are on a mission to soil their hard earned family name.” Based on the update by Sahara Reporters, Alison-Madueke has breast cancer and her husband will soon travel to the UK to support his spouse.

Tears, agony, anguish and sorrow will from
ending September be the lot of government
workers in Akwa Ibom State as the Governor
has secretly ordered a 50% deduction in their
salary under the guise of Personal Income
Tax. The fraud is to be implemented with
immediate effect starting from workers September 2015 salary.
The Governor who earlier denied the State is not broke has already directed all heads of Ministries,
Departments and Agencies (MDA’s) to start implementation of the 50% deduction as a way to boast
government income to make up for the bankruptcy of the state he inherited from his predecessor. The circular
dated September 9,2015, a copy of which was exclusively obtained by our reporter from the Ministry of
Finance was signed by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akan Okon.
To ensure the fraudulent stealing is kept under wraps, civil servants are not aware of the new policy and will
only realise something is fishy when they go to get their September salary. Only payroll staff were informed
through the circular. The decision not to inform the workers is to avoid a likely revolt. As a way to compromise
the workforce, the State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Etim Ukpong has been secretly offered the sum of #20
million to look the other way while the illegal deduction is done on workers whose interest he was elected to
protect.
The circular with reference number MF/S/126/S.I/VOL.II/23 and dated 9th September, 2015, titled “Finance
Circular No 3 of 2015: Implementation of Approved Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) of 2011 in the Civil/ Public
Service of Akwa Ibom State was addressed to the Secretary to the State Government, Honourable
Commissioners/ Special Advisers, The Head of Civil Service, Permanent Secretaries, The Clerk of the Akwa
Ibom State House of Assembly, The Chief Registrar, Akwa Ibom State Judiciary Headquarters, Chairmen of
Commission/ Boards/ Parastatals, Heads of Extra – Ministerial Departments and Heads of State Owned
Tertiary Institutions.
The circular read in parts, “Sequel to the approval of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom
State for the implementation of Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) of 2011, it is imperative for all Ministries /
Departments and Agencies (MDA’s) to effect the tax deduction as per the attached tax table applicable to
them”.
“In order to cushion the effect of its implementation, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom
State has graciously approved a rebate of 50% across board to workers in the Akwa Ibom State Government
payroll with exception of those on political appointment”.
” All Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA’s) are please requested to comply strictly with the content of
this circular”.
” This circular takes effect from September, 2015″.
” Please bring the contents of this circular to all payroll staff for strict compliance “.
The governor’s decision to resort to stealing from workers salary was arrived at when the state could not pay
for some new contracts he awarded since assumption of office. His predecessor, Akpabio had allegedly stole
and looted every available money in government coffers but the Governor in trying to play his role as a stooge
of Akpabio denied the state is broke but when the reality dawn on him that there is no money to execute any
project he has awarded contract for, the conspiracy to get additional funds from workers salary was hatched
between the Governor and his finance Commissioner. Already, a request for a #10 billion loan by the Governor
is before the State House of Assembly for approval. Each member has been alleged to have been given a
brown envelope of #10 million each to pass the #10 billion loan request.
Reacting to the 50% salary deduction, a Director in the Ministry of Education who pleaded anonymity said the
directive apart from showing that the Governor and his finance Commissioner as fraudsters, is sheer
wickedness on the part of the Governor by directing a whopping 50% deduction of workers salary in the name
of tax. “Something is not right and neither the Governor or his finance Commissioner is saying the truth on the
true financial health of the state “, he declared.
Also speaking, a staff of the Ministry of Agriculture who pleaded not to brought named for fear of victimization
said any attempt to dupe Akwa Ibom workers in order to have money for fresh election will be resisted. He
warned that Akwa Ibom workers will not hesitate to Petition the anti corruption agencies should any illegal
deduction be effected in the September salary of workers.
In a related development, crisis is brewing between the Governor and one of his Commissioner (name
withheld) over a #100 million cash gift to the PDP Acting National chairman, Uche Secondus and the National
Publicity Secretary, Plusses Metuh who were guests of the State government in similarity to the Governor in
the wake of the DSS raid of the presidential lodge.
During the visit, Udom was alleged to have ordered the duo to be given #100 million as “transport fare” back to
Abuja. Though the siphoned money was a secret, the bubble first burst when Secondus and Metuh were at the
airport preparatory to their departure. The VIP lounge was occupied by a VIP passenger who was Just arriving,
which forced the PDP chieftains to use the normal check in passage. It was when trying to pass the security
check point to board their private jet back to Abuja that the security scanning machine detected the huge cash
but with government influence, there was no way airport security could question them on the source of the
money they were ” trafficking “.
The Commissioner was incensed with the Governor dolling out a whopping #100 million to two PDP NWC
members who only took advantage of the governor’s naivety and state of desperation and confusion
occasioned by the raid. Many PDP chieftains who spoke with our reporter on condition of anonymity queried
the rationale behind the Governor giving Secondus and Metuh #100 million from a mere visit when the state is
almost broke and workers salary not paid.
Efforts to speak with the Governors Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ekerette Udoh to get the government reaction to
the issue was unsuccessful as he did not pick calls made to his mobile phones. The State Commissioner for
Finance too declined answering his phones when contacted to get his response to the illegal 50% salary
deduction.

How did this make front paqe?

Patiently waiting for the details. I hope all the promises of the US Government was not hung on his acceptance.

EVILFOREST:
Let's keep KILLING in NIGERIA and Keep BLAMING DEVIL..

I dey pity DEVIL now.

DEVIL don tire.

Anyway, i got to know this CASE few days ago from a colleague of mine.

MUST be an ANANG man.

All because of POOOOSY

Ode! Nsit Ibom na Annang? Annang men value and respect their wives.

Am i truly the FTC? I'll buy em ol

I don't care #MTN USING THE HEADS OF NIGERIAN SINCE OBASANJO'S REGIME#

[quote author=naijainfogalery post=32921305]There are different reasons why men patronise prostitute

1. Low self esteem
2. Crazy sex drive
3. No strings attached, no nagging, no headaches - Some men dont just want those relationship headaches
4. Ways to move on after a serious heartbreak
5. lack of self control
6. Affordability (some areas goes from as low as 200 naira)
7. Shyness because you wont have to talk much

i am Totally against men patronising prostitutes.

Contrary to public opinions, Prostitutes are actually cleaner (healthier) than most girls,
1. A prostitute wont allow you go with her without a condom or use your own condom
2. You cant release into a prostitute so there wont be any form of fluid discharge so there is basically no skin contact,

This is a man speaking from raw experience

naijainfogalery:
There are different reasons why men patronise prostitute

1. Low self esteem
2. Crazy sex drive
3. No strings attached, no nagging, no headaches - Some men dont just want those relationship headaches
4. Ways to move on after a serious heartbreak
5. lack of self control
6. Affordability (some areas goes from as low as 200 naira)
7. Shyness because you wont have to talk much

i am Totally against men patronising prostitutes.

Contrary to public opinions, Prostitutes are actually cleaner (healthier) than most girls,
1. A prostitute wont allow you go with her without a condom or use your own condom
2. You cant release into a prostitute so there wont be any form of fluid discharge so there is basically no skin contact,

Seconded!