₦airaland Forum

Stakeholders of Oro ethnic nationality of Akwa Ibom State have reaffirmed their support for Pastor Umo Eno.

The stakeholders, drawn from the political class, the traditional institution, the academia, youth and women's organizations, made the declaration, Thursday, at the residence of a former deputy Governor of the State, Sir Etim Okpoyo,in Oron, during a “Thank You “ Visit to the Federal Constituency.

While moving a motion for the Vote of Confidence on the Governor, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council and Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko Local Government Area, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet said the Governor has demonstrated unprecedented goodwill for Oro people as shown in the number and magnitude of projects so far sited in the federal Constituency.

He said the reaffirmation of the Vote of Confidence and royal blessing on the Governor became necessary because the one earlier passed by the Akpakip Oro Elders' Advisory Council on March 16 was done without the involvement of traditional rulers.

"The Governor is a true friend of Oro Nation. And we appreciate the level of attention Oro Nation is receiving from his administration.

"Since the Vote of Confidence earlier passed by the Elders' Advisory Council was without the involvement of traditional rulers, I hereby move another motion passing a Vote of Confidence on His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno.”

The motion was seconded by the Paramount Ruler of Okobo Local Government Area, Edidem Ita Okokon, while the Paramount Ruler of Mbo Local Government Area, Owong Okon Abang sealed it with a prayer.

In his remarks, Governor Umo Eno expressed appreciation for the support, love and confidence reposed in him by the Oro people, noting that the visit was in fulfilment of the promise he made to Oro leaders when they hosted him in the same venue during electioneering.

"I am grateful for all the good things you have said concerning the modest efforts God has enabled us to make in Oron federal constituency.

"What you've done here today is a tonic for us to do many more things for Oro as a child will normally go to where he's appreciated."

Briefing the stakeholders on the inclusive disposition of his administration, particularly in infrastructural development, the Governor said at least one major project was ongoing in each of the thirty one Local Government Areas of the State.

"While reviewing ongoing road construction projects at the last Exco meeting, we realized Ibeno was the only Local Government Area without an ongoing road project. I have accordingly initiated the process for the award of contract for two internal road projects for Ibeno Local Government Area.

"We will try to ensure that whatever we do goes round. We will not leave you behind. We have done very strategic projects in Oro.

"The project we are executing in Oron Beach is handled by three ministries and it is one of the biggest projects in our State."

The Governor said the recently terminated contract for the dualization of Uyo - Nsit Atai - Okobo Road will soon be re-awarded for an expeditious completion for the benefit of commuters.

He used the opportunity to commend the contributions of the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi to the administration, describing her as a great daughter of Oron who is tireless in advocating for her people.

While specifically thanking the traditional rulers for the honour done him, the Governor sued for peace and understanding, reiterating the unity of the State.

In their separate speeches, Member Representing Oron Federal Constituency, Honourable Martins Esin, former Deputy Governor, Sir Etim Okpoyo, President General of Oron Union, Sir Essang Nsa Bassey and Chairman, Akpakip Oro Elders' Advisory Council, Ikpoto Okon Osung thanked the Governor for fulfilling his campaign promises to people, thus giving them an unprecedented sense of belonging.

They confirmed that AMITEC Construction Ltd. handling the Unyenghe - Orukim- Unyenghe-Universal Energy Road and CCECC handling the Okopedi - Uya Oro Road had long mobilized to site, and are making great progress in the execution of the projects.

They appealed for the dualization of Oron Road to properly connect the dualized Okopedi - Uya Oro Road with Oron Beach, the siting of a power station in Oron to solve the perennial power problem in the area, and the support of the Governor towards the take-off of the Federal University of Maritime Studies, Oron.

The Governor's cordial relationship with his Deputy was also appreciated by the Stakeholders.

In her speech, the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi thanked the Governor for his inclusive leadership style, describing him as a conscientious leader who has brought peace, unity and development to the State.

…DAKKADA OIL PALM FACTORY COMMENCES MILLING SOON

The Akwa Ibom State Government has spent over N112 billion on road infrastructure since May 2023.

Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Eno Ibanga disclosed this when he presented a breakdown at the State Executive Council meeting in Uyo.

He revealed that 39 new road projects have been undertaken with N78.77 billion released to fund them, while old projects have been funded to the tone of over N30 Billion, with an additional N12 Billion recently released by the Governor.

Details of the exco meeting were made public by the Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong.

The executive council also approved the increment of pension for pensioners who retired before 2012, effective April 2024.

Following the ongoing harvesting of fruits, milling will soon commence at the Dakkada Global Oil Palms.

The Managing Director of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, Pastor Imoabasi Jacob announced this during his presentation at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Umo Eno.

Two projects executed through the Direct Labour Agency have been completed with 19 other ones ongoing.

The Director of Operations of the Agency, presented a status update on the projects under their supervision, also disclosed that 31 of the 100 initial ARISE Compassionate Homes will be completed and presented soon.

The Council was also briefed on the progress at Ibom LED, where 800 people have been trained and N400m has been approved to fund the grant of N500,000 to each of the participants, which will soon be done.

The Governor charged all the Executive Council members to ensure that all the projects and programmes under their supervision are people-centric from ideation to execution. He advised that project monitoring should be ramped up to ensure quick completion.

*Major Highlights* of the meeting are as follows:

√Status update on Food sufficiency received; proposal on increased cocoa, rice production & Ibom Model Farm submitted by HC for Agriculture & Rural Development

√Presentation of proposal by MD, AKICORP on Ibom Towers, FalconNext, Landmark Beach Resort.

√Dakkada Global Oil Palms Ltd ready to commence milling of ongoing harvested fruits

√Confirmation of N400m disbursed at N500,000 each to 800 IBOM-LED trainees in two batches

√Briefing by HC Works & Fire Service on N112 billion disbursed by the Governor for road infrastructure since May 2023, with 39 new road projects receiving N78.77 billion & N30 Billion for old projects, with additional release of N12 Billion

√Presentation by HC Culture & Tourism on tourism blueprint for proposed development of Tourism hubs at Ikot Abasi, Itu, and Oron

√ Two projects ready, 19 ongoing through Direct Labour Agency on 1 Project per Local Government Area; 31 ARISE Compassionate Homes nearly completed

√Approval for increment of pension for pensioners who retired before 2012, effective April 2024.

Akwa Ibom State government has moved to end the proliferation of power generators with its attendant menace of noise pollution and excessive carbon emissions at the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat complex with the setting up of a Central Gas-driven Power Plant to supply electricity within the Secretariat complex.

The one thousand kilowatts power plant, already at advance stage of completion and tie-in to the Secretariat power line, is expected to provide cleaner, cheaper and constant electricity within the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat before the end of May 2024.

The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, speaking to newsmen after the inspection tour of the Power Station, expressed satisfaction with the commitment of the contractor to deliver on the project, affirming that the state government's pursuit for a shift in energy source was in line with current global trends in gaining carbon credit against climate change and pollution.

He said, "I am extremely satisfied with the things we have seen at the power Station that will provide power within the Secretariat, using gas.

“Of course you know that is where the world is going right now. I am happy with what the contractor is doing. Few things are left and we should be able to get it started. In the next two to three weeks."

On the power station project, the Commissioner for Power, Engr. Camilus Umoh, said the gas-fired combined one megawatt capacity plant would provide a cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable power to the state government secretariat, placing it in the Band A premium class which guarantees minimum of 20 hours electricity supply daily.

He was emphatic that the new central gas power supply facility would face out the proliferation of small petrol or diesel powered generators, with their associated carbon emissions and unpleasant outlook.

He explained that the use of the plant in the State Secretariat is a pilot project to affirm its workability as a recommendable power facility for clustered government or industrial establishments, attesting to its reliability, compliance with international standards and protocol.

To ensure availability of gas to fuel the plant, Engr. Umoh said provisions have been made for Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, to be lifted from nearest gas depot and be transported in about 200 bar pressured gas canisters and be fed to the generators in a controlled atmospheric pressure, affirming that safety procedures, including blast-resistant walls, are in place to ensure safe operation of the plant.

The Governor who also undertook inspection of the state government-owned Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, DASAC, at Ikot Ada-Idem, the low-cost housing estates in Ibiaku Ikpedip and Ikot Ukpong, all in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, announced that the Skills Acquisition Centre will commence training on May 20, 2024.

Taking a tour of the hostels, carpentry, products manufacturing and other departments including the snail farm, poultry, piggery and other facilities for agricultural-based production, among other components of the facility, Governor Eno affirmed his satisfaction with the state of completion, lauding the Ministry of Education and the project consultants for the clear interpretation of government's vision to avail the state with a world class vocational training center.

"Like I said during my campaign, everything the previous administration has done, we will take to a logical conclusion. This is one of the legacies of Governor Udom Emmanuel's administration. The courage, the guts he had to do this, we must ensure not to let it die, no, it can not die! Posterity will not forgive us.

"With all of the things Government has done here already, I believe Akwa Ibom is ready to train skilled manpower for the rest of the world. I am pleased about what I am seeing here", the governor said.

He assured of the capacity of the institution to be self-sustaining, clarifying that the state government will only need to kickstart the center with the necessary funding, while the institution gears up and generates enough income to sustain itself and not be dependent on government for funding.

At the low cost housing estate for civil servants, Governor Eno blamed the delay in completion and opening of the estate on lack of access road, a situation which, he said, his administration was currently addressing with the construction of Ring Road 3 Extension.

He announced plans to remodel the primary and secondary schools in the area, provide a health facility, portable water scheme and a police station so as to transform the Ikpedip and Ikot Ukpong axis of Ibiono Ibom into a complete community.

Speaking further, the State Chief Executive premised the gesture on the need to decongest Uyo town and expand the Uyo Capital City Development Area.

During a stop over at the Ring Road 3 Extension recently flagged off, he expressed satisfaction with the progress on the entire stretch of the road from Idoro Road to Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Express Way and lauded the contractor for the swift action.

The Education Commissioner, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, who corroborated the May 20th declaration for commencement of training at the DASAC, particularly appreciated the governor for his commitment to boost vocational education in the state, saying that the timeline for commencement of training at the centre was realistic .

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has announced that the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center in Ikot Ada Idem, Ibiono Ibom local government area of the state, shall be opened for studies from May 20, 2024.

He has also commended the immediate past administration of Mr Udom Emmanuel for the vision and deliberate commitment to setting up the training center in the State.

Pastor Eno spoke when he visited the center during a tour of some projects sites in the State on Tuesday.

The Governor who also inspected the low cost housing units for Civil Servants in the State, said it was part of his campaign promise to connect the dots by completing and putting to use, all projects executed by the previous administration in the State.

He urged the supervising Commissioner, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet to ensure that students are admitted and the center commences training on the said date.

The Governor who was conducted round the center by the Consultant in charge of the project, Mr Churchill Udoh, expressed satisfaction with the standard of facilities.

“With this poultry farm and the right management, we can feed the entire state, I am very impressed”, said him, at the Poultry section of the skills hub.

The Governor earlier inspected two low-cost estates at Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, where he promised to ensure the houses are completed and put to use by low income earning civil servants.

He was conducted round both estates by the Commissioner for Housing, Otuekong Raphael Bassey.

He said his visit was in line with his plans to run government everyday irrespective of holidays, and urged the contractors to ensure corrections to areas where there were loopholes.

He also promised that standard amenities, in addition to the ongoing road projects around the housing estate communities, will be executed to further open up the area and further expand the capital city.

The Governor’s first port of call was the power station project at the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Complex, Uyo.

Fresh from hosting the Muslim community in Akwa Ibom State at Iftar, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has joined other leaders in felicitating Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.

In a message released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno, felicitated the Muslim faithful for “the successful completion of the Ramadan fast. Ramadan is a period of sacrifice, sober reflection and the strengthening of faith and fidelity to God.

“On behalf of the Government and people of our dear State, I join our President and Commander- In- Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and indeed the entire Muslim world in celebrating the Eid-el-Fitr

“This is a time for sacrifice, hope and renewal as represented in the Ramadan fast. We will surely and certainly overcome our current economic challenges and emerge as a strong and prosperous Nation, united by love, shared prosperity, political and religious tolerance.

“We should all rally behind our President as he works hard to take us out of our current situation and position us for growth, expansion and equal opportunity for all!

“I wish our Muslim faithful a happy Eid-el-Fitr”!

… institutes N200m interest -free loan

…Appoints SSA on Non- indigenes’ Affairs, SA Arewa Community.

In continuation of a tradition he has upheld long before he became the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, last night held an Iftar with the Muslim community in the State, at Government House, Uyo.

Led by the leadership of the Akwa Ibom Council of Islamic Affairs (AKCIA) which comprises, the Chairman, League of Imams in the Stare, Imam Abubakar Sadiq, Alhaji Hassan Sadauki (Sarakin Hausawa, Uyo, Alhaji Maruf Olobode Sani, Imam Ibrahim Okesina, Imam Bello Dahiru, the Governor thanked the Muslim community for their support during last year’s election and for maintaining the harmonious relationship that has existed in the State.

“Last year, when we had this same meeting in Eket, and I said that, if by the Grace of God, and with your support we win the elections, that this year’s Iftar, will be done in Government House.

“We thank God that He answered our prayers.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank the Arewa Community for your support during the elections. It was a massive support. And so if someone did something profoundly significant for you, it’s always good to reach back and say ‘thank you’, which is what we are doing this evening.

“We hope to go round all the groups; the Yoruba community, the Igbos and Niger Delta to tell them” thank you”.

“It was a tough election, but you stood your grounds and supported us.

“I remain eternally grateful and will always work to improve the living conditions of the poor, the vulnerable and those in the rural areas.

“We have a long history of living together, doing business together and trusting each other, and I would like to appeal now that the rains are here, and people are going back to the farms, that we continue to work together to ensure that the herders would conduct their business without destroying people’s farms, because we want to grow more staple foods to feed everyone here. We are not saying, don’t do your business, but in business world, we always say: You must mind how your business affects my business so we can all live harmoniously in peace and brotherhood as we have always done.”

The Governor thereafter, announced a 200 million interest-free loan to the Arewa Community, saying the same interest free loan would be extended to the Yoruba Community; the Igbo and the Niger-Delta communities.

The details of loans would be worked out shortly, the Governor had emphasized.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the League of Imams, Akwa Ibom State, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq had thanked the Governor for the love and cordial relationship that has existed with the Muslim community in the State.

“We are a people from diverse origins across Nigeria, all living here peacefully and securely in Akwa Ibom State under your leadership.

“We know some states are struggling with cases of insecurity. But here, we have enjoyed peace and Your Excellency, in continuing with the maintenance of peace had proactively come up with such vision as represented by the Community Watch and the setting up of the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, headed by a retired general of the Nigerian Army, Gen. Koko Essien rtd..

“We are proud of your visionary approach to governance, especially as it concerns the rural dwellers and we pray Allah should grant you more wisdom to carry on.

“Our gathering here today with you is not the first, second or third. You have graciously been breaking fast with us as a private citizen, a community leader and a statesman, year in, year out. It is therefore not surprising that you extended same invitation for us to join you in Government House for this year’s Iftar.”

The Imam prayed for the Governor and his family, the State, the Exco and the people of the State.

The Governor, used the opportunity to appoint Mr. Emmanuel Ogbole as tte Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Non-Indigenes’ Affairs and Alhaji Ibrahim Iliya as the Special Assistant, Arewa Community.

The Governor also announced that he will soon appoint Special Assistants for the Yourba, Igbo and Niger Delta communities.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the SSG, the Speaker, State House of Assrmbky Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Prince Enobong Uwah, Chief Assam Assam, SAN,the Director General of the Campaign Organization and of Government Business, Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem SAN, the Chairman of the Maintain Peace Movement ( MPM), Engr. Uwem Okoko of Hensek integrated Services, Ekder Aniekan Akpan, the Chairman of the PDP in AKwa Ibom State, the Political Adviser to the Governor, Prince ( Dr.) Godwin Ntukude, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Ayilara Waheed Adedamola, the head of NDLEA, Akwa Ibom State Command, several Commissioners led by the Dean of Commissioners, Sir Monday Ebong Uko among others.

Ekerete Udoh
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
April 9, 2024

Akwa Ibom is one state so blessed by God with both human and mineral resources. The topography of the land, the high yielding soil, and the infrastructure therein have made Akwa Ibom a home and a destination.

In the same vein, Akwa Ibom indigenes are standing tall and distinctively excelling in different fields of endeavours, within and outside the shores of Nigeria. For instance, Ufot Ekong, an indigene of Akwa Ibom in Japan broke a 50-year record after graduating with a first class degree and best overall student from Tokai University in Tokyo, Japan. Ekong has developed a car to his name and solved a mathematically equation that could not be solved for 30 years.

Another Akwa Ibom indigene, Imelme Umana, became the first black woman to be elected President of Harvard’s Law Review. By that feat, she has emulated the former US President Barack Obama who became the first black man elected as Harvard Law Review’s president in 1990. There are many others that I wouldn't want to mention. That is to say that an average Akwa Ibom person is a genius, but as it is often said, in every 12, there is a Judas. While others are making the state proud, one is constantly bringing the state shame. Like our fathers normally say, people laugh and derive fun from the dramatic display of lunatics because the mad man is not from their lineage.

Unfortunately, since we cannot fault the wise saying of our elders, in Akwa Ibom, we have a Judas in the mold of Inibehe Effiong. He has constantly turned himself to a figure of shame, ridicule and mockery through his unguarded comments, disrespect to elders, cursing of his fathers and churning of insults on his parents at every given opportunity.

This pay-as-you-go lawyer has offered himself as a veritable tool to be used by politicians to attack the government. He has that track record of a hireling for dirty jobs.
Whenever he does not have the job, he fires out on all cylinders, biting whatever and whoever he finds.

Before now, many people were deceived by his aggressive pseudo- advocacy disposition, but with time, it has been discovered that he is often hired by the highest bidder to attack whoever does not sit well with them. Over the years, he has 'judiciously' done his work of blackmailing and attacking constituted authorities, especially in his home state.

His antic was exposed when he goofed in court by his flamboyant attitude. A typical Akwa Ibom person knows that respecting an elder is non-negotiable. But a lawyer that should lead by example was the same person who spoke as a tout in court, pointed fingers at the chief judge, rumbled round the court screaming as a charlatan that he is, and desecrated the hallowed court and the chief judge. As a penalty for desecrating the court, he was convicted and jailed, and till date, Inibehe Effiong is still practicing on borrowed life as the conviction has not been upturned by any court.

As his tradition is, he has been hired again to insult the governor and condemn the people-centric policies of this administration. As a charge and bail lawyer, displaying such tantrum is the only avenue to be heard that he still exists. But this time around, he has goofed big time.

Dragging out private enterprises and businesses at a time that people's businesses are struggling as a result of certain global economic dynamics, is the highest display of insanity. One had expected that Inibehe who has turned himself to an emergency advocate for workers in Akwa Ibom would have followed laid down principles to address the issue of private business owners underpaying workers, than dancing to the gallery as usual. He has become more of a social media lawyer and enjoys causing a stir at every given opportunity. When a learned gentleman behaves like an illiterate, it calls for concern and puts his certificate to question.

Anyone who is not in Akwa Ibom that read his lies about Akwa Ibom State University-AKSU might erroneously think that Inibehe Effiong is telling the truth when he said there are no roads and good infrastructure in the school. He does not know anything about Akwa Ibom as the only thing linking him to the state is that he bears an Akwa Ibom name. He has again shown how shallow he is when it comes to operation of schools. The previous administration handled internal roads construction at AKSU, and equiped some departments. Construction work is ongoing at the main campus, especially around the PG school. Government is still intervening to ensure that students have the best in terms of quality education. Private individuals do assist schools by building good structures, I think Inibehe should emulate other philanthropists.

He did not even finish with AKSU when he moved to stain University of Uyo Teaching Hospital with his poison. For the umpteenth time,
UUTH is a federal institution, but the state government is still doing her best to ensure that we have excellent healthcare delivery systems there. In a move to strengthen tertiary healthcare services, Governor Umo Eno donated N30 million to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

While making the donation, he noted that though the hospital is owned by the Federal Government, but by virtue of its location in the state and the fact that it serves to benefit a greater number of Akwa Ibom people, the state considers it necessary to support and will continue to support the medical institution to enhance it services.
I wonder what Inibehe wants the governor to do to satisfy his curiosity.

His congenital hatred for the state and her people did not allow him to acknowledge the efforts of Governor Umo Eno in the various roads constructed in the last 9 months, so that when Inibehe comes to Akwa Ibom he would see where to drive to his village.

Akwa Ibom state government under Pastor Umo Eno has raised more entrepreneurs in the last few months through the provision of trainings and start ups to small and medium scale business owners.

Championed by the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Centre (Ibom-LED), the government has successfully hosted the maiden Edition of the Made-in-Akwa Ibom Trade Fair, where the 400 registered attendees were given a grant of N500,000 each to progress their businesses.

In line with the governor's commitment to support indigenous entrepreneurs, he ensured that all contracts for the production of school uniforms and shoes for pupils in the state, uniform and boots for the men of the Ibom Community Watch are handled by Akwa Ibom youths at the Shoe and Fabric Hub housed at the Ibom – LED Centre. This among other initiatives of this government is to raise more employers of labour than job seekers. This is only what a visionary government can do.

The governor since assumption of office has released over N15 billion for payment of gratuity, pension and leave grants, and over 100 billion naira for construction of several roads in the last nine months.

Barely two months after he was sworn-in, Gov. Eno directed the immediate rebuilding and upgrading of facilities in all public primary Schools across the state.
At Christ the King Primary School, CKS located along Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo, the governor has renovated the structures, provided educational materials, solar lighting system, Pipe borne water and staff quarters, etc. to serve as a model of the state government’s vision for the remodeling of Schools, in line with the ARISE Agenda.

Just last week, he released about N770 million for the payment of WASSCE fee to students, in addition to payment of bursary to students of tertiary institution. What about rural development, security, maritime transportation and the tourism sectors?

As an entrepreneur of no mean repute, the Governor who is doing everything to save money, has sacrificed his comfort and jettisoned luxury by allowing the State’s private jet to be used for economic gains. What has the governor not done to make sure that Akwa Ibom people are comfortable, despite the biting economic realities.

Many positive innovations are happening in the state, and the people of the state across party lines are happy with the governor's programmes and policies. The good intentions of government should not be abused by the like of Inibehe effiong.

By now, the Facebook lawyer should have outgrown this unwarranted tantrum, and and not distract the administration that is poised to make Akwa Ibom a model state for all sub-nationals.

Richard Peters is a Social Media Analyst and writes from Uyo

Insults, abuses and verbal diarrhea may be the only developments brought to Akwa Ibom State throughout Mr Victor Antai’s tenure as the Executive Director of Projects in the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

Aside these trademarks, nothing else has passed as his antecedence in previous duty posts either as local government chairman for two terms or as Commissioner in two separate Ministries in Akwa Ibom State.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso, stated this while reacting to the recent verbal abuse on the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno by Mr Victor Antai.

In a video made available to our correspondents, Mr Antai apparently in a rally with party faithful in Eket on Easter weekend, is heard faulting the Akwa Ibom State Government’s food security programme, and also accusing the government of impoverishing the people for political gains.

Antai also accused the former Governor of the State, Mr Udom Emmanuel of remotely controlling the affairs of the State and invoked curses on the government, among other things.

Reacting, Dr Ndueso, a communication scholar posited that, “by resorting to Skiamachy, Mr Antai, has summarized his mission in NDDC, which has been unable to site any visible development in the State in recent times.

“The last time we witnessed a major project from the interventionist agency, was in December 2015 when a 600m bridge connecting a 6.7km Iko- Atabrikang-Iwuochang Road was commissioned in Ibeno.

“It might be a tall dream, expecting any good from a man who cannot point out any benefit he brought about, either in his private service, or throughout his public life.

“Perhaps this accounts for his serial defeats in all the offices he has aspired for, ranging from House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate.

“Most people, including eyewitnesses, have alleged that Mr Antai was drunk, and had little control over his speech and actions at the said event; however, I align with the thoughts of Prof Ola Rotimi who in his book, ‘the Gods are not to Blame’, said that it is what is in the mind when one is not drunk, that he mutters, when immersed in alcohol.

“As an Eket son, I personally feel insulted that the comedian chose Eket land for his theatric display of mockery. Eket is no place of secret altars of doom.

“The Easter season was a period political office holders gathered their people to render accounts of their stewardship and proposals; Antai who has no history, no plans for the people, chose to go shadow punching, to cover up his own infirmities.

“It is rather unfortunate that he also decided to venture into attacking Mr Udom Emmanuel,CON, a leader who has kept his promise of quietly leaving the scene at the end of his tenure.

“It has been as clear as daylight that Mr Emmanuel, since departure from Government House on May 29, 2023, has returned to his private practice.

“He clearly told the state, at a public function that there can only be one leader at a time, and that Governor Eno is his leader and the leader of the entire State. This unprecedented act of humility and support has been largely applauded, especially in a country, where predecessors compete assiduously for space with their successors.

“If not for anything, could he not have shown respect to the man who picked him up in 2015 and appointed him as commissioner in two respective ministries?”

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor added that Mr Antai, has failed to learn from history by choosing to tow the path of previous indigenes of the State who used the NDDC platform to launch political attacks against the Government of their home state, rather than collaborating to bring about developments. Those people did not end up well.

“I am happy that Governor Umo Eno has remained resolute in his readiness to continue partnering with everyone, irrespective of party divide, to attract benefits to the people”, he added.

“As expected, His Excellency the Governor who has remained focused on touching lives and investing in projects and programmes of immense value to the people, has refused to be distracted by this latest antics by Mr Antai.

“The millions of people who have benefited from the free food scheme for the downtrodden, the beneficiaries of the gratuity payments, beneficiaries of the scholarship and bursary schemes as well as the free shelter initiative recipients are among those who will answer Victor Antai.

“Everyone knows the Pastor Umo Eno was a successful entrepreneur before venturing to serve the public, and has seamlessly transferred this experience into government business. Where is Antai’s second address”, he quipped.

Richard Peters


Days after the Executive Director Projects of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr Victor Antai released an infamous album to show the world his real self, I am still searching for any scintilla of justification for him to undertaken such a show of shame by insulting the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno.

Although a detailed assessment of his uncoordinated behaviour in the video suggests a man who was not totally in control of hs mental faculty, I still feel Mr. Antai should not have listened to stirrings of the chemical reactions of the compounds he willingly handed himself over to. At least, he should know the expected result of the binges he regularly indulges himself on.

From his mannerisms to comments, one could make a case for Mr. Antai that foreign substances took charge of his actions. But how can he be exonerated when he consciously consumed them? If he is still suffering from incurable stage fright, he should not have resorted to elements he is not totally in control of so that they do not put him into serious trouble like the one he is already immersed in.

Imagine the kind of audience he was performing for, and entertaining. People are yet to categorise the gathering whether it was a church programme, a campaign rally or a town hall meeting. Sad that the chief comedian is someone who occupies such an esteemed office as Executive Director Projects of the NDDC.

It would have even been expected of Mr. Antai that since his sermon on the field took place during the Easter period, it would have been a good platform for him to present his scorecard so. It would have been a time to tell the people what he has done so far, and hnt them of what is expected.

Very importantly, such a season of love should have been utilised by Mr. Antai to give hope to the people through various empowerment packages ranging from food to announcement of training programmes and skills acquisition.

Disappointedly, he rather chose to destroy the people with wrong information, thinking he is destroying the governor. Mr. Antai goofed greatly by attacking a performing Governor like Pastor Umo Eno. Instead of praising the governor, he preferred to insult him. Antai ended up making a mockery of himself because people know the truth about the governor and the State.

Does a man with the quantum leap of development deserve such a deliberate misinformation about his effort at developing the State and making the people happy?

What could have washed facts away from Mr. Antai's “good head”? Such that he forgot that Governor Eno has given nearly 15 billion Naira for the payment of gratuities to retirees in Akwa Ibom State?

That same Governor Umo Eno that Antai stood facts on its head is currently embarking on about 80 road construction projects across the State, with over 100 billion Naira released so far.

Is Antai not also aware of the education trust fund the governor has instituted for persons living with disabilities who are studying in any higher institution in Akwa Ibom State irrespective of the students State of origin?

A man passionate about rural development and agricultural revolution like Governor Umo Eno should be presented in a better way, not what Antai did and ended up embarrassing himself.

For Antai to see development and performance through the prism of party politics shows clearly that he is still immersed in politics of personal destruction as opposed to politics of civility which is truly sad, given the fact that Governor Eno, has been an apostle of working across party lines in all his engagements.

Antai should grow above the pettiness of party sentiments and share the views of lovers of development to thank God for the gift of Pastor Umo Eno as governor of Akwa Ibom State. Good enough, so far the governor has not disappointed Akwa Ibom people and they have shown their love and unalloyed support to him, correspondingly.

Governor Umo Eno is not to be blamed for Antai's failure in the last governorship election where he had the tall ambition of becoming a deputy governor. He was roundly defeated, and as it is now, he lacks the moral compass and capacity of occupying a serious public office.

Those who love him should remind him of the history of those who occupied one office or the other in NDDC, but rather than concentrate on their appointments, they began to fight Governors of their State. None of them succeeded, and Antai's case will not be different.

What Antai should tell Akwa Ibom people is what he is bringing to the entire State through the NDDC. He should be grateful for a governor who is passionate and compassionate in the development of the State, beginning from Victor Antai's community.

Or has he not also heard that Governor Eno has decided to reaward the contract for the Nsit Atai - Okobo - Oron Road because he loves every part of the State, and wants them to be on the same page of development?

Next time, Antai should resist the temptation of insulting Governor Umo Eno stirrings of the substances in his head.

What he cannot do, he should thank the governor who is doing it well.

Of the truth, Antai messed up and he should be ashamed of himself.

In 2015, the social media, particularly Facebook, was awash with a trending video and photos of a Hummer jeep buried in the grave. According to the corresponding story, a Nigerian billionaire from Enugu allegedly buried his mother in a hummer. The man is said to have also splashed $10,000 in the unconventional coffin to ensure that his mother got her final rest in style. Sources also revealed to a local tabloid that he spent $1,000 on the tint design for the hummer.

Pictures of the bizarre occurrence went viral on the Internet as people voiced different opinions, with some wondering if the mother was given as much money when she was alive.

Some speculated that it was a scene from a ‘Naija’ movie, and it would not be a surprise if it were due to the antics that people are already used to from Nollywood.

A similar issue occurred in 2016, where it was also reported that a Nigerian billionaire buried his father in a 24 Karat Gold Casket at Irefi, Oraifite, Anambra State. Students of mathematics and those conversant with the dollar exchange rate arithmetics can tab their calculators and the results will 'wow you', to say the least.

Many similar stories abound, of millions literally buried underground, maybe out of love for the departed or simply an arrogant display of wealth. Whatever motive that inspired such move is practically personal.

Also, it is common place that many corrupt politicians have devised a means in an attempt to erase every trace to their hyper-embezzlement of public funds, from the intimidating gaze of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission- EFCC and the ICPC. This they do by refusing to lodge the money in banks, instead they 'bury' them in their mansions.

In Akwa Ibom state, Governor Umo Eno, since assumption of office 10 months ago, has equally buried billions underground, much more than what we discovered in the anecdotal instances hitherto shared in this piece. The only common difference between the burial of funds in the anecdote and that of Pastor Eno is that the former is for the dead, while the latter is for the living.

Having understood how Uyo metropolis was prone to flooding, and the destruction caused by erosion, Pastor Umo Eno has intervened in many locations that were hitherto vulnerable to flood. Now that the rainy season has gradually set in, people can still sleep with their two eyes closed and go about their normal businesses without fear of being stuck in the flood.

For instance, during the rainy season of last year, just few weeks after he was sworn- in as governor, Atiku Abubakar Way was blocked, and someone sent a video of the situation to the governor. Immediately the governor got the message, he went there and ordered the desilting of the gutters, and instantly awarded contract for the construction of 2000mm x 2000mm x 2000mm x 250mm thick x 130km long flood control tunnel/800mm x 800mm x 150mm x 130km long line drain at Atiku Abubakar Way, Uyo. This project, though capital expensive, has critically addressed the flood menace witnessed in that locality.

It did not end there. The governor has also arrested such menace elsewhere. His 10 months old administration has also reconstructed the Udoinwang Road and constructed another Erosion Control Facilities there. This is in addition to the construction of a 1.069km outfall discharge drain from the International Christian Worship Center to Ring Road 111 through Afaha Ikot Obio Nkan Communities.

Just last week, Pastor Eno approved the expansion of the scope of work at the ongoing Uyo-Ewet gully reclamation and beautification project to rescue the Nigerian Correctional Service facility from collapse, during an unscheduled inspection of the project at the Dominic Utuk Avenue axis of the site.

To holistically tackle flooding in the state, he has ordered the construction of the adjourning Afaha Ube street, including side drains to link Ikot Ekpene road, with immediate effect.

These are huge projects, and many people have no idea of the billions of naira buried underground.

Erosion would have caved in a church building located in one of those locations, but the smart governor chose to bury money underground instead of sacrificing the lives of worshippers out of negligence. To him and every right thinking individual, it is better for money to be buried on the ground, than for human beings.

Imagine the number of businesses that would have folded up along Atiku Abubakar Way because of the poor state of the road. Imagine the businesses that would have packed out of Anua, and other places.
What about lives that would have been lost, but the governor gave a timely intervention.

And now, many businesses have been resuscitated. The environment wears a new look with such irresistible aesthetic impression.

People may be asking, what is the state funds used for? People may easily wave that nothing much is done. But the cost of doing that is huge. A quick calculation of the price of cement and other building materials will shock anyone who may attempt to multiply by the quantity of the materials needed to under the gully erosion and drainage projects undertaken by this administration.

That is where the state's billions billions are buried; not in people's pockets, but in facilitating underground drainage to address the incessant gully erosion menace in the state. Remember, it is much more beneficial to bury millions underground than to bury any Akwa Ibom son or daughter, as a result of erosion menace.

The governor has also done excellently well in other sectors. A critical evaluation of his scorecard shows that Pastor Eno is careful in fulfilling his promises one after the other. The vows he made to Akwa Ibom civil servants and Pensioners/retirees are attended to regularly. The promise of entrepreneurial development of the state, youth and women empowerment are fulfilled gradually, and one begins to wonder what Akwa Ibom will look like, after 8 years of stewardship. Your guess is as good as mine.

Richard Peters is a good governance advocate and writes from Uyo

Emmanuel Nicholas

A man who suffers from insanity can easily have the consciousness of how to be cautious while walking against the traffic or on crossing the highway.

But a drunk man could easily walk into the front of an upcoming truck without any iota of caution. Mr. Victor Antai is a known drunk who can speak before thinking and a notorious drunk whose utterance should not be regarded as an authority.

Someone who is intoxicated will often slur his words. Alcohol can also cause a person to become loud, offensive, and even argumentative and make speeches that he will later regret.

When the effects of alcohol become more apparent, the responses become increasingly primitive and hostile. In the past, it’s been easy to blame drunk and disturbing behaviors on alcohol, but that’s not cutting it anymore.

So Mr. Victor Antai speaking that free food given to the poor of the poorest because of hardship brought upon Nigerians by his APC Government, X-rays clearly that his speech was made with heavy influence of alcohol.

Antai is in a way blaming the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Ahmed Tinubu, who has shared food as palliatives to the masses to ease the excruciating hardship and starvation.

How can giving free food to the poorest impoverish them? How can buying food at a high cost to sell to the masses at a reduced rate make them poor? Sincerely, Victor Antai was drunk to stupor and his reasoning and ability to have qualitative comprehension was caused to malfunctioned by the large quantities of intake of strong wine. .

The brain’s neocortex is responsible for evaluating circumstances and making sound decisions. In the presence of alcohol, however, this feature no longer functions properly. The resulting intoxication causes serious and often disturbing behavioral changes.

So, I will therefore plead with all the peace loving Akwa Ibom people to forgive the failed APC deputy Governorship Candidate in the last gubernatorial election in Akwa Ibom State.

Instead, the people should be thankful to God who did not allow such a crop of leaders to become their Deputy Governor, it would have been a disastrous leadership.

I know by now, he should be sober because one of the worst things about getting drunk is waking up the next morning with no memory of the night’s events.

People will tell you of the misbehaviour and unguarded utterances that you have made, and how you have had intercourse with an insane woman without knowing.

Like it or not, people are held accountable for what they say…drunk or sober. But I believe Akwa Ibom people should forgive him and pray for the demon of alcoholism to depart from Mr. Victor Antai so he could be able to use his exalted office at NDDC and impact on lives and attract good projects to Akwa Ibom State.

Mr. Antai also mentioned money received by Akwa Ibom State, but failed to calculate that under nine months Governor Umo Eno has paid 15billion to pensioners, his brain is unable to add up, that under nine months, the administration of Pastor Umo Eno has spent 12 billion on gully erosion, and he forgot to mentioned that under nine months this prudent leader has released over 100 billion naira for road construction, forgot to mentioned that the wage bill of Akwa Ibom State monthly over 4 billion and no worker has been owed a penny.

Victor Antai became blind in the days when his vision was very paramount, He could not see the model schools built by Pastor Umo Eno,

He has become a Pharisee, who is too far from seeing the General Hospitals constructed by Governor Umo Eno

He is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, so he cannot remember that Pastor Umo had awarded the 13.5KM Okopedi- Oron Road by East-West Road (Phase 11) and 8 lanes 11.6Km Ring Road 3 completion,

And he could not remember that the Governor as awarded and flagged off the dualization of the 13.6 km Unyenge- Universal Energy Road to Ibom Deep Seaport with 2nd Bridge of 30m& 45m span and spur to Affi-Uda Village in Mbo, his own Local Government Area.
Sincerely, Victor Antai need our prayers.

President Ahmed Tinubu has personally initiated so many welfare programmes all gearing at elleviating the hardship hitting so hard on the masses.

Tinubu's programmes are namely; N- Power Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme and Homegrown School Feeding Programme (the “Programs”) and food for All initiatives.

So, is Chief Antai telling Mr. President, you are impoverishing Nigerians?
Akwa Ibom people should rejoice that God did not allow men of low self-esteem amd questionable character to lead them.

- UMANAH REPLIES ANTAI ON BULK PURCHASE AGENCY

By Ubong Inyang

The Media Consultant to Governor Umo Eno, Hon. Aniekan Umanah has dismissed the recent criticism of the Bulk Purchase Agency by a former local government chairman in the State, Mr. Victor Antai, describing his utterances as mischievously emanating from someone with poverty of knowledge.

He stated while answering questions as guest on a radio programme, Update Akwa Ibom, on Comfort FM, Uyo.

Hon. Umanah frowned at Victor Antai's recent outburst in which he insinuated that Governor Umo Eno's Bulk Purchase Agency is aimed at impoverishing Akwa Ibomites, describing it as mischief taken too far and advised him to desist from such acts.

Umanah maintained that the position of Executive Director of Projects at NDDC is high enough for someone to be of good behaviour, and well guarded in his utterances.

The former Parliamentarian also took a swipe at the opposition in the state stating that Governor Umo Eno's achievements in less than one year has suffocated them and made them bereft of ideas.

"I've seen the video in circulation which a former Commissioner in this state publicly described the Bulk Purchase Agency as a weapon of poverty and I laughed over it. Recently we've seen opposition become choked and bereft of what to use against Umo Eno because he has silenced them with several life touching projects such as a total of 76 road projects, 15 Billion Naira for workers' gratuities and leave grants which some of the opposition's relatives are beneficiaries, the opposition will soon run out of what to say again" he said

Hon. Umanah also described as laughable, the insinuation from the opposition that the Akwa Ibom State got more than 20 Billion Naira as allocation but they also failed to mention what amount gets into their agencies with nothing to show in the State.

He said rather than complimenting Governor Umo Eno's efforts, they have become emergency Accountant General of the Federation.

He further thanked Pastor Umo Eno for being a shepherd Governor who has the interest of Akwa Ibomites and his achievements such as provision of food to the poor, rural and infrastructural development especially in schools, shelter for the poor speaks volumes of his ingenuity and zeal to make the state a model of good governance.

The recent comments by the Executive Director Projects, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr Victor Antai in a video circulating in the social media has been condemned by the people of Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking under the aegis of Ibom Mirrors, the people said Mr Victor Antai's address as seen on the video is simply a confession of their plot against Governor Umo Eno.

A statement signed by the president and secretary of the group, Comrade Kingsley Sunday and Prince Godwin Peter, Mr. Antai has also succeeded in naming the chief sponsor of the plot to frustrate Governor Umo Eno.

According to them, Senator Godswill Akpabio is fighting Governor Eno by proxy, using Victor Antai and others.

The statement reads: "Everyone knows that Senator Akpabio is a snake. It is not that we did not expect him to wage a needless war against Governor Umo Eno. But this situation that appears that the only condition Akpabio has given to Victor Antai to maintain his office at the NDDC is to wage attack on Governor Eno is too shameful on Akpabio.

"If despite the respect Governor Eno has accorded Akpabio, even when he does not deserve it in anyway, Akpabio still has sinister motives against the governor, then he is really a heartless individual."

The group wonders why a Senate President will be so petty to focus more on fighting his State Governor than lead a functional national assembly, and questions Victor Antai for being such a vulnerable tool in the hands of Senator Akpabio.

"Yes, we know that frustration can push someone into acting funny. We all saw how hopeless Victor Antai was for the years he was idle and begging to eat. We know that he was feeding at the mercy of Akpabio. But is that enough reason for Antai to do just anything Akpabio wants him to do?

"At least now, he has a job. He should not fall for Akpabio's blackmail. It is obvious Senator Akpabio has no conscience. But we thought Victor Antai was a saner person. You cannot be an executive director of projects and turn the projects to be fighting the governor just to impress Senator Akpabio," the statement noted.

It advised Mr Victor Antai to recall the fate of previous Akwa Ibom sons who felt they had NDDC at their beck and call to deploy to fighting the governors at their time.

"None of them succeeded. They ended up aggregating their profile of frustration. That will eventually become Antai's fate if he doesn't stop being used to fight Governor Umo Eno," the group noted.

The group advised Antai to use his position to attract development to Akwa Ibom State to complement the effort of Governor Eno instead of waging a needless war with the governor.

The statement added that the simplicity and humility of Governor Umo Eno should not be abused, and advised Akpabio to end the fight with his State Governor rather than recruiting everyone who finds favour in his hands to fight Governor Umo Eno.

"It now looks like the major reason for giving them these appointments was to use them against Governor Umo Eno. Why is Akpabio always predictable?

"For the umpteenth time, we urge Victor Antai to stop being a willing tool for fighting Governor Umo Eno. Now that Akpabio has turned him into a bee, at the end the day, the day, the bee will sting itself," the group intoned.

- Elucidation by Aniekan Umanah

Is there a scale to measure love and compassion? No measuring scale was calibrated to contain this. The measuring bags have exceeded the limits of the scale. They are bagged in grains but they are full bags of compassion; a version that throws all in awe, and puts him on the lips of all that he is a leader for all, irrespective of class and vulnerability.
In a way, he has broken the scale of love hidden in the hearts of his people.

He wrote a rich story of the poor and vulnerable, and planted grains of hope on the soil of despair. As they queued up to sign their signatures on the register of fate, he touched them with his, and everything turns gold. That was how the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno's bags of hope expanded the weighing scale of joy and happiness of the poor at the distribution of free food vouchers to them.

What do the poor need? Food will always top the list, just like the poor and vulnerable top the priority list of Governor Umo Eno in his ARISE Food Security Program, which is a highpoint on the agenda of the newly established State Bulk Purchase Agency .

In kick-starting the programme at the famous Itam Market in Itu Local Government of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Eno lit the light of compassion and kept it aglow. The pastor knows the story of the bible that the poor will always be found in the society. But his theme is on how the poor are treated well amongst the people. He showed this example beyond the allusion.

The threat of food insecurity in the country provided a platform for the Governor to show how much he cares about the his people, not just in physical infrastructure but also in "stomach infrastructure". This passionate compassion of has found expression in the Bulk Purchase Agency which was recently launched, setting the tone for the flag off of the free food programme for the poor and vulnerable in the State.

Governor of the people, Pastor Eno personally performed the flag off at the Itam Central Market, in Itu Local Government Area, which is within Uyo Capital City Area where he charged the Chairmen of the remaining 29 local government areas to launch the programme in their respective domains within. a week.

The man of unmatched dress sense, Governor Eno's immaculate white long sleeves shirt shortened the walk of the vulnerable on the streets of poverty as he handed out vouchers which had the potency of cash and ready for the staple food items such as garri, rice and beans.

And when they raised their hands to receive this gift of hope from the model leader, the insignia of Akwa Ibom and the ARISE Agenda on his shirt and the fez cap of the governor affirmed to them that their story was changing at a stretch. They looked and lived. They took and beamed smiles of joy. They looked at Governor Eno and saw reasons to live and be happy.

It was palpable excitement as the first set of the beneficiaries of the free food programme received their vouchers, like a cheque to the bank of compassion to draw happiness.

It was a day of many parts. The governor went on to digitize the social register management process at the basement by providing the 368 ward PAs with pre-loaded tablets for the programme to ensure accountability.

This is more pronounced in the fact that throughout the chain of the free food programme, voucher is the valid means of exchange, and not cash which could be susceptible to being abused along the chain.

With the official flag off of the programme, the major staple food such as garri, rice, beans and others will be distributed free to residents guided by the social register.

A voucher entitles them to 5 kilogrammes of garri, rice and beans, and repeat in subsequent collection of vouchers and redemption in markets and shop

It is a chain that has put food on the table of the vulnerable, the traders, agents and other stakeholders in the process, sustaining their profits margins and creating additional incentive through bathe payment of service charge to accredited agents.

The bulk purchase purchase agency may have had food sufficiency as its major agenda but Governor Eno has assured that every other good initiative will as well be driven by the agency for the good of Akwa Ibom people.

Was it all about the vulnerable ? No; there was something for everyone. Even the traders had a filled day!

Of course, Governor Eno was in a familiar terrain. The traders were with him when he campaigned and solicited for their votes. Now, he is with them to breathe life into their businesses.

Under that arrangement, 1.5 billion Naira is to be injected into the business activities of the traders across Akwa Ibom State under the umbrella of an interest free loan, which the governor, a man of accountability, transparency and integrity insists, must pass through the bank for proper documentation and control. This will provide leap in business activities of the traders.

This is equally targeted at reducing costs of food in the market. Governor Eno was moved to do this when he heard that some of the traders take loans with exorbitant interest rates, and are forced to build such into the prices of foodstuffs.

Hence, the compassionate governor took the initiative in order for Akwa Ibom people to buy foodstuffs at affordable prices.

That was not the only good news for the traders from their caring governor. Pastor Eno equally promised facelift in the market's infrastructure and announced cheerful appointments of aides that will monitor the implementation of the food distribution programme in the three senatorial districts of the State, in line with the expectations of the stickler for excellence.

In all of these, one element runs through like a thread, the trait of compassion which is driving Governor Umo Eno's passion for putting smile on the faces of the masses, especially the vulnerable.

The official flag off of the free food programme under the aegis of the Bulk Purchase Agency revealed this and more about Governor Eno. He passes for a leader who deals on compassion in wholesale. He talks about a "new deal" in the Akwa Ibom project. He is the signpost of that new deal. He is a sign of hope for the hopeless and a symbol of good governance where welfare is an uncompromising priority of government.

The new deal returns to Akwa Ibom people from the deal they invested with all their might and strength on March 18, 2023, electing a man they happily entrust their destiny in his hands.

Today, it is crystal clear that everything Governor Eno touches turns to gold. The food security programme and subsequent flag off of free food to the vulnerable explains so .

In all of these, the governor continues to stress the need for the people to return to the farm, as the free food programme is an interventionist measure to cushion the effects of the harsh economic climate in the country.

If one were to weigh the weight of the compassion Governor displayed through the free food programme, there is no scale calibrated to contain it. This is a programme with compassion beyond known limits, norms and traditions. This compassion of Governor Umo Eno is scale-breaking!

…launches free food voucher programme

Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno, today, launched the free food voucher programme for the vulnerable and the neediest at the popular Itam market, located in Itu Local Government Area.

Flanked by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the two Senators representing Akwa Ibom North East and South respectively, Senator Aniekan Bassey and Senator Ekong Sampson respectively, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah and other top government officials, Governor Eno, was messianic as he spoke of his government’s bottom -up approach, where the poor and the vulnerable would be assisted to Arise and shine.

The free food voucher for the vulnerable, is a key element of the Bulk Agency Bill that was signed to law a week ago, and the Board, equally inaugurated by the Governor, last week.

The key responsibility of the Agency, is to provide free staple food items : Garri, rice and beans to the most vulnerable through the Social Register.

At the launch of this programme today, the Governor was hailed as a leader with compassion, and the joy and happiness on the part of the recipients was palpable.

They prayed for the Governor and promised to stand by him, support him and continue to pray for the success of his administration.

“This is an incredible people - oriented program. This Governor is truly a Pastor. Look at the Christ-like humility he has shown here.

“He is standing right there, supervising the distribution of the food items; he greeted and touched the recipients.

“This is rare to see in people occupying such an exalted office,” Honourable Anietie Eka, a political chieftain from Uyo local government area, had observed.

Governor Uno Eno’s humanitarian acts are what has defined him. In his inaugural address on May29. 2023, he had clearly signaled the direction of his government: The need to bring governance closer to the people and have them be invested and take ownership in governance. “To those who may not be able to put food on your table, I will be your advocate and champion.”

Today, at Itam market, he took bold steps to do exactly, stating that, “ When leaders are faced with daunting social problems, they usually think outside the box and that’s what motivated me to set up the Bulk Purchase Agency and the free food voucher drive initiative.

“We had reviewed all of the options, and this for us, remains the best. We are partnering with the market leaders and I want to thank them for the cooperation we have so far received from them.

“Let me repeat here that this is purely an interventionist act; the solution to our food security remains the need for us to go back to the farm. Yesterday, I paid an unannounced visit to a farm run by one of your young men and I was so impressed with what the young man is doing and we pledge to support him. I will continue to pay visits to farms run by both people in government and others.

The highlight of the day’s event, was the announcement by the Governor of a 1.5 billion interest free -loans to Akwa Ibom traders to be managed by the Ibom Fadama Micro Finance Bank.

“ I have heard of how some of you go to some places to get loans with very high interest rates and that has, made the cost of food to go up, and before you finish paying the loans, you cannot meet up with your market or trading obligations anymore.

“I have come to tell you not to take such loans anymore. Consequently, we are releasing five hundred million Naira interest -free loans to each of the three senatorial districts (1.5 billion Naira in total,) to help your business.

The Governor also promised to construct a car park, provide solar panel light, modern toilet facilities, all of which were the prayers of the leadership of the Itam Market.

The Governor directed the Transition Chairmen of the remaining 29 councils ( Itu and UyoLocal Government Councils, having been covered by today’s launch ) to ensure they launch the free voucher food program by next Tuesday.

Ekerete Udoh
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
March 26, 2024

Pst. Solomon Essiet

If you ever had any business to do around Spring Road in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area before the Governor Umo Eno’s intervention on August 22, 2023, then 'sorry' must have been your name. Today, the story is different as vehicles and motorcycles have begun moving freely on the same Road.

Spring Road, off Abak Road in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area was impassable even by pedestrians, talkless of any sort of automobile. Students of Gorretti Girls Secondary School, teachers and residents of the area were the worse hit. Due to the deplorable State of the Road, academic activities were seriously hampered, especially during the rainy season, as an attempt to cross over to the Gorretti Girls Secondary School after a heavy downpour was akin to committing suicide.

Spring Road was absolutely in a very terrible condition for some decades, to the extent that it became a safe haven for criminals. Any armed robber that was able to make it to Spring Road during a hot chase by the Police officers was considered a loss for the Policemen, as efforts to fish out such criminals often ended in futility. Economic activities in the area was at the lowest ebb. This was so as farmers who planted Pumpkins, Water Leaves and other Crops by the stream at the tale end of the street found it very difficult to get to their various farms. The deplorability of Spring Road was so intense, such that if one was making his way to that very Road, you may have to say your last prayers as you may not come out alive, most especially after rainfall.

When news filtered in that Spring Road is one of the Roads that the Golden Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pst. Umo Bassey Eno is considering for construction in his first 100 Days in office, cynics in Local Government Area dismissed it as 'Beer Parlour talk', due to the huge poor nature of the terrain. The people completely lose hope on the possibility of Spring Road receiving such prompt attention by the Government of the day and postulated that almighty Spring Road will remain a dead trap permanently given the gory appearance of the Road.

It takes a very determined and compassionate Governor such as Pst. Umo Eno to consider awarding Spring Road for construction. Reason being that the funds allocated for the construction of the 1.1Km Spring Road could be used in construction of 4 - 5km Road elsewhere. Pst. Umo Bassey Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State is a man of great compassion, a friend of the poor and down trodden in the society.

The 1.1Km Spring Road Construction with 0.875Km Outfall Drain was awarded to U&K Limited, an indigenous construction firm with a glittering track record, who has proved its mettle in the industry with excellent delivery of several contracts awarded to the firm. As we speak, the Spring Road Construction is at Stone base level, awaiting asphalting. The technical skills brought to bear around the canal area, the most difficult part of Spring Road can better be imagined. The Chief Executive Officer of U&K Limited, Engr. Ukeme Peters told this writer that the Spring Road Construction work is beyond 80% completion.

The previous pictures as well as the current pictures of the said Spring Road are attached here. It is the easiest way one can really appreciate the quality and volume of job done so far by the Governor. An assessment visit to the project site on Monday 25th March, 2024 made this writer to marvel at the level of transformation, as life has returned to the area. Vehicles and Motorcycles now move freely to and fro the Spring Road, as a testament of yet another 'Umo Eno Wonder'. Indeed, the Governor is doing great things for the people of Akwa Ibom State.

It is on record that Pst. Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State in less than 10 Months in office has so far released over N100 Billion Naira for the construction of 77 critical Roads within the State. 36 of such Roads are awarded newly by this administration while 41 others were taken over from the previous administration.

Good Governance exhibited by Governor Umo Eno since his assumption of office have indeed endeared so many people to him across party lines, culminating in a massive defection of over 37,000 decampees to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State in recent times. The Governor is not doing any magic. What we are witnessing is a result of adequate preparation. Pst. Umo Eno came prepared to deliver the corresponding dividends of Democracy to all Akwa Ibomites.

If you are one of those still sitting on the fence, it is time to join the band wagon. Believe me, you will never have any reason to look back. Akwa Ibom is in a golden era of possibilities.


Pst. Solomon Essiet (ACIA)
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State

...donates utility vehicle to support young A'Ibom Agropreneur


Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has demonstrated his commitment to the Agricultural Revolution aspect of his ARISE Agenda by partnering an indigenous company, Lavender Farms to scale up its farming operations.

On a visit to the Farm at Afaha Etok, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Governor Eno directed that the SSG, Prince Enobong Uwah and Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, should liaise with the farm management to explore possible areas of partnership to develop the farm, and also announced instant donation of utility vehicle to aid the farm's logistics.

The Governor said, he was proud of the Ikono born Managing Director of the farm, Ubong Inyang, stressing that his venture into agriculture was in line with the government's ARISE Agenda.

He commended Ubong's dedication to the running of the massive integrated farm venture and not depending on parents' achievements, despite his rich family background.

He called on other youths in the State and beyond to emulate such, as he reaffirmed government's commitment to creating a conducive environment for productive ventures to thrive in the state.

In his words, "I feel extremely proud of him. These are the kind of people I want to support. It is not just enough to blame government, start something; there is no one that would not love to support this kind of effort.

"We are already looking for areas we can support him to scale up. He has already said that he wants to scale up. That is why I came here with the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and SSG.

"As we conclude this inspection, we have observed that what he lacks now is a farm vehicle. So to encourage him beyond the partnership that we want to have, I am requesting the SSG to release one farm vehicle for him immediately to mark our visit" he added.

In expression of gratitude, Inyang said he was pleasantly surprised and elated to have the governor pay a visit to his farm.

He acknowledged the push by the Pastor Umo Eno- led government to encourage farming and entrepreneurship, as well as the atmosphere maintained in the State as strong inspiration for him.

Inyang expressed optimism that with government's support, he is sure to expand his farm's operations, while urging other Akwa Ibom youths to see agriculture as a lucrative venture.

...Promises support for Esit Eket Students

- Unwana Assam

The Esit Eket youngest Ph.D. holder, Ubong Ekerenam Etang, has launched his own university intervention health initiative tagged: Ubong Etang Gown And Town Initiative (UBEGTI) to cater for public health especially, the vulnerable people in society, Sunday 24th March, 2024.

The launching/reception which had Elder Nsikan Mathew, as Chairman, CSP John Inyang Abia, Keynote Speaker, Hon. Iniobong Robson, Special Guest of Honour, and Prof. Anietie Effiong Moses as Keynote Speaker 11, took place at the City View Hall, Watbridge Hotel, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State during the reception of the Conferment of Doctor of Philosophy-Ph.D in Medical Micro-Biology and Parasitology from the University of Calabar, Nigeria.

According to Dr. Ubong, who unveiled the initiative himself, the essence of UBEGTI is to leverage his Ph.D. achievement to reach out to his community.

"The mission of the Ubong Etang Gown and Town Initiative (UBEGTI) is to empower postgraduate students in Esit Eket, particularly those studying Medical Microbiology or public health related courses, by providing research grants and fostering collaboration between academia and the local community".

The Etebi born scholar further stated that "Our vision is to create a symbiotic relationship between the academic world and the Esit Eket community, where research initiatives not only advance knowledge but also directly contribute to improving public health outcomes and quality of life to the Esit Eket people".

Dr. Ubong E. Etang was born on the 22nd day of April into the family of Ekerenam Etang Isangedighi. He is the second son and the third child in the family of five. His parents are renowned primary school teachers both from Etebi in Esit Eket Local Government Area.

He had his both primary and secondary education in Esit Eket, respectively. Proceeded to the prestigious University of Calabar for his first degree where he graduated in 2012 as the overall best student with a Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology (B.Sc. in Microbiology).

The young Dr. Etang had his Masters at the University of Uyo and returned to his alma mater in Calabar for his Ph.D. program where he now become a first-class expert in Medical Microbiology and Parasitology.

... felicitates Archbishop Udeme Simon on multiple anniversaries

Leaders of faith-based organisations have been urged to exemplify the virtue of humility in their services to God and humanity, by glorifying Christ above themselves while carrying out their responsibilities.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, gave the advice while addressing congregants at the grand finale of the 29th Anniversary Convention of Great Faith Ministries Int'l, Uyo.

Governor Eno, who was special guest at the event which also marked the 66th birthday, 35th marriage anniversary and 6th Archbishopric anniversary of the Church's General Overseer, Archbishop Udeme Simon, felicitated the Archbishop, his wife and the church on their elevation, resilience in service in the body of Christ and the series of anniversary celebrations.

He described Archbishop Simon as a model Christian leader who has exemplified humility in his service to God and humanity, noting that he has maintained a quiet disposition despite the huge impact he has created in Christendom.

This, the governor stressed, has been the distinguishing attribute for which he accords Archbishop Simon great respect, and therefore urged pastors and ministers of the gospel in the State to emulate Christ and give glory to God in their services and shun self glorification.

"We had to come here to honour you Sir. You're one man that is quiet but achieving a lot for the Lord. This man is a humble man. That's why I'm saying he operates silently but is making great impact.

"When we come to church, I believe that it is Christ we want to see and hear about not the number of things we have achieved, it is not very good to see some of our brothers indulge in self glorification. For this servant of God, he has my respect," he stated.

Governor Eno acknowledged the strong support base created by the church to ensure his emergence and restated his commitment to delivering good governance for which he was voted into office.

He reassured everyone of his commitment to due diligence in keeping the common wealth of the people, expressing his administration's willingness to embrace creative ideas and innovations that will add value to the state and not to yield to wasteful and unaccountable distribution of the State's resources.

Archbishop Udeme Simon, in his thanksgiving speech, described the four-in-one celebration as a manifestation of God's mercy for his 66-year sojourn on earth and grace to serve in His vineyard.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for gracing the event and described his emergence as an answered prayer and a blessing to the church and Akwa Ibom indigenes.

The Presiding Bishop of the Liberation Chapel, Port Harcourt, Bishop Samuel Akpan, who delivered a sermon on the theme "Unique Settlement," with scriptural reference from 1st Peter 5:10, assured that God does not call people without a purpose and does not abandon those He calls, but settles them in due course.

The Cleric admonished believers to be steadfast, strategically positioned and show commitment in their service to God.

...harps on transparency and accountability

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has inaugurated the Board of the State's Bulk Purchasing Agency with a charge on members to ensure transparency and accountability as spelt out in the blueprint for the interventionist agency.

The Board has Rt. Hon. Dan Akpan as Chairman, Hon. Unyime Etim, General Manager/Secretary, with Commissioners in the Ministries of Economic Development, Agriculture, Justice and Internal Security as members.

Other members of the committee are; the State Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Uduakobong Inam, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market Matters, Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael, Mrs. Affiong Ibanga representing Akwa Ibom State Chamber of Commerce, and Comrade Dominic Abang representing Labour.

Inaugurating the board at the State Executive Council Chamber, Governor Eno said the establishment of the Agency was in furtherance of his administration's bold and compassionate intervention to avail the needy and most vulnerable in the State staple food items at no cost, considering the tough economic conditions across the nation.

He thanked the State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon Udeme Otong, for aligning with the vision of the Executive by according the Bulk Purchase Agency Bill the due importance through speedy and expeditious legislative consideration.

Governor Eno urged the committee to work closely with the Ministries of Economic Development and Agriculture, as well as liaise with food producers, distributors and stakeholders to ensure that the food voucher programme is administered judiciously, adding that they should not hesitate to acquire buffer stock to ensure that government's intentions for the programme is met.

"We have rolled out a blueprint for this programme to be launched and how it should be managed. We expect that you follow and remain very accountable . You should be ready to be audited at anytime by any group of persons because we must ensure transparency.

"This Board is tasked with the onerous responsibility of administering our ARISE Food Security Programme scheduled to be launched next week Tuesday. This is our bold and compassionate intervention at this critical moment when the prices of our staple food items such as rice, beans and garri have soared beyond the immediate reach of the poor and most vulnerable," the governor stated.

Governor Eno reaffirmed government's position that the food intervention programme be administered based on the updated social register to ensure accountability, while directing the Ministry of Economic Development to reopen the social register in every village and ward in the State for continuous registration so as to accommodate more people.

"As a compassionate government, we decided to make this staple food items readily available to the needy, free of charge, through our food voucher programme. The voucher will be given to the most vulnerable through the social register and they would present them in exchange for the foodstuff at designated redemption centres at various markets and shops in all the thirty-one local government areas.

"There is no better way to manage the food distribution programme than the use of the social register, so we can be accountable and transparent," he emphasized

The governor therefore restated his position that the food provision is just an intervention programme that will not be sustained for too long and reiterated the need for all to return to the farm for a sustainable food security in line with the Agricultural revolution aspiration of the ARISE Agenda,

He assured everyone that the government's seedlings distribution programme through the Ministry of Agriculture will soon commence.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has declared readiness of the State government to partner with the Nigerian Army to provide affordable housing for personnel which they continue to use on retirement

The Governor made this known during a courtesy visit by a team of the Post-Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL), led by the MD/CEO, Major General J. D. Omali.

Governor Eno commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, for the initiative which he described as laudable adding that it was necessary to provide such facility for post-service retirement given the nature of tremendous service they render to the nation.

According to him, "I am a security-conscious person. I belong to the security community and I am always worried when I see our people go through all they go through and when they retire, within three months of exit, they are given three months to leave the barracks, and the question is always, "to where?"

"This is a very laudable project and we believe our State should be able to key into this. The process of acquiring the land itself, 200 hectares is a huge commitment for the State, and I believe that if we can do that, we have contributed our quota to the project, and it will also show that we care for our service men.

"We will do all we can to help you achieve this. It may not be in one location, but we will do our best to find you land," he said.

Speaking further, the Governor said, "the beauty of Akwa Ibom is that wherever you have a land, you can reach Uyo within one hour. We have one of the best road networks in this country and so, there is no place you can say is local anymore in our state. We are doing the best we can to integrate all our local governments areas with the centre"

Earlier in his remarks, the MD/CEO, Major General J. D. Omali said PHDL was established to alleviate the hardship faced by officers and soldiers in securing decent housing after retiring or being discharged from service.

He noted that the body was established in1996 as a welfare scheme with the primary objective of providing houses or plots of land for officers and soldiers on retirement.

Omali maintained that since its establishment, the company now has 34 estates across the country designed to accommodate both military and civilian subscribers in the ratio of 60:40 so as not to have a repeat of the army barracks.

He commended Governor Umo Eno for his laudable development strides since inception, and appealed to the State to partner with PHDL especially through the provision of land to enable it achieve its objective in the State.

The MD/CEO was accompanied by Lt. Col. S. Eche (DMD), Barr Paul Edeh (Company Secretary), Dr. Kayode Akinade and Col. K.A Umoh, Retd.

By Dr. Kenneth Akpan

In his inaugural address on May 29th, 2023, Governor Umo Eno, had laid out in a succinct and concise manner how involved he would be in the struggles of the poor and the vulnerable. He had stated thus “To those of you who may be struggling to put food on your table, I will be your champion because I came from your stock.”

Nine months after, Governor Eno, has been intentional in addressing the needs of the poor and the neediest amongst us. In the first few months after he was sworn in, he used to regularly stop his convoy to empower street traders with seed money, an act he still relishes.
These spontaneous acts were not done for photo-ops, they were and are still genuine display of connection with a group he has a deep affinity to. The story of God’s invisible Hands in the affairs of Governor Eno- lifting him up from the valley to the apex of accomplishments has been told and well-documented.

In all he has done since assuming power, from the flag-off of rural roads, to primary health facilities, to the payment of gratuities, 14.7 billion so far, to the provision of school uniforms, books and shoes to pupils, to the payment of monthly 50 thousand Naira upkeep for the elderly drawn from all the wards in the State under the Arise Initiative for the Elderly, to the free medical outreach program where over five thousand surgeries and other medical assistance were performed to the poor and the vulnerable in Uyo, Oron and Ikot Ekpene, with Eket to be conducted next month, to the educational grants of 100 million Naira dedicated to students living with disabilities, of which the first tranche of payment of 250 thousand to undergraduate students and 350 to graduate students have already been paid , Governor Eno has always been drawn by the plight of the poor and the vulnerable amongst us.

The Bulk Purchase Bill which was recently signed into law, will make staple food items : Garri, rice and beans easily available for the poor and the neediest. This free programme is billed to be launched next Tuesday. It is a bold and compassionate intervention initiative, while the long term and sustainable focus remains the return to farming by our people.

It is therefore, preposterous and ludicrous for anyone to question Governor Eno’s infinite attachment to the poor and the vulnerable. The reality of the current situation in Nigerian is clear and simple: Nigerians need our staple foods, garri, beans and rice to feed their families.
Governor Eno, is fulfilling that need through the Bulk Purchase free food voucher programme, to be launched next Tuesday. This is a matter of necessity. Any other food item, should be considered a matter of choice, and on this, Nigerians are in full and total agreement with Governor Umo Eno.

Governor Umo Eno’s free food voucher programme which is identical to what obtains in the United States, the food stamp program which is given to the poor and the neediest, is his New Deal for Akwaibomites’ most vulnerable.

When nations or subnationals are faced with dire and challenging economic times, leaders think outside the box of conventional wisdom. Franklin Delano Roosevelt at the end of the 1929 Stock Exchange crash that brought untold hunger and food shortages in the United States, introduced the New Deal, that provided soup kitchens and other support for the poor and the vulnerable.
Governor Umo Eno, has given Akwa Ibom people a New Deal through the Bulk Purchase free food voucher program. He deserves our commendations and eternal gratitude and not some obtuse and mischievous narrative that is motivated by bile and animus.

Dr. Kenneth Akpan wrote in from Marietta, Georgia

Aniekeme Finbarr

🔥I accosted one of the new young men who recently defected from YPP to PDP in my state and asked him how it feels for him to now say good things and commit to working for Pastor Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. The gentleman looked at me and replied in pidgin, “the man work no hard at all. Wetin him dey do, everybody dey see am, we dey feel am. Pipu no too sabi, we go dey talk am, till their ear full”.

🔥All I could reply was “waoo”. The young man is correct, it’s pretty easy to see what Pastor Umo Eno is achieving in the state but the evangelism must go on, for the uninformed to get informed.

🔥In the bustling tapestry of Akwa Ibom State politics and governance, Pastor Umo Eno is like a sturdy lighthouse guiding ships through tumultuous waters.

🔥The gentleman is not merely a beacon of hope but a catalyst for transformative change, as evidenced by the heartfelt testimonials of those who are witnessing his unwavering dedication firsthand.

🔥The approval ratings of Pastor Umo Eno's administration soar high, akin to a majestic eagle soaring through azure skies, casting its benevolent gaze upon the land below.

🔥I recall when he was faced with the daunting task of mitigating the impact of fuel subsidy removal, he did not flinch but instead rose to the occasion, allocating over Five billion Naira to augment the Federal Government’s Palliatives, ensuring that the welfare of the people remained paramount. He has now carved out a bulk purchasing agency to crash the prices of foodstuff down.

🔥His commitment to inclusivity and the welfare of people is further exemplified through initiatives like the 1st Phase of Education Support fund for Physically Challenged persons, ensuring that education remains accessible to all, regardless of physical limitations.He instituted the 1st Phase of Education Support fund for Physically Challenged persons in Akwa Ibom State studying in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions. He has paid more than 106 persons under this scheme at N250,000 per undergraduate and N300,000 per Postgraduate student.

🔥He has paid bursary to students of Akwa Ibom State origin studying in public tertiary institutions in Nigeria. So far, not less than 5000 students have received their bursary.

🔥As the sun shines on the horizon, casting its golden hues upon the landscape, the legacy of Pastor Umo Eno continues to unfold in just 9 months in office. With over Ten Billion Naira allocated to revive stalled road projects and support ongoing initiatives, his vision for a prosperous Akwa Ibom State is steadily becoming a reality.

🔥But Pastor Umo Eno's impact extends far beyond economic policies; it resonates in the lives of ordinary citizens. The establishment of the Ibom-LED Tailoring & Shoe making Hub stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing not only vocational training but also a pathway to self-sufficiency.

In a gesture of profound respect for the elderly, Pastor Umo Eno fulfilled his campaign promise by disbursing over 14 Billion Naira in gratuities to retired state and local government workers. In the aviation sector, his unwavering support for projects at the Victor Attah International Airport showcases his commitment to infrastructure development and economic growth.

🔥Indeed, Pastor Umo Eno's leadership is not merely a reflection of political prowess but a testament to the transformative power of compassion and dedication.

🔥Like the cold air from an Air Conditioner on a hot night, Pastor Umo Eno's leadership radiates comfort and reassurance to all. And this story is just beginning…

Finbarr is the Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Re-orientation

... repositions implementation committee

There are renewed hopes towards the actualisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport, as Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, moves to reposition the technical committee in charge of the implementation of the project.

As part of efforts in this direction, the governor took members of the Technical Committee on the Implementation of Ibom Deep Seaport round the new office accommodation assigned to them on the third floor of Dakkadda Towers, the state-owned 21-storey smart building on Udo Udoma Banking Layout, Uyo.

According to the governor, who rose from a meeting with the committee and some technical partners, the move to allocate the new office space to the committee was necessitated by the need to avail them with requisite and befitting infrastructure to aid the realization of the Deep Seaport project in line with resolutions at the meeting.

He assured that with the steps taken by the State government in recent times, including the award of contract for construction of the 13.6Km Orukim-Unyenghe-Universal Energy Road to Ibom Deep Seaport site, the allocation of the new befitting accommodation among others, pursuit for the Seaport project was back on track.

"We have been working on the Ibom Deep Seaport, but I think it is now time for us to revitalize that committee. So today we had a meeting to do a proper review of all our outstanding matters. They didn't have a befitting office, so government has now brought them here to have one. We are going to begin to have investors come in and all of that.

"I think we have had a good discussion and we have commenced the whole process again. What I can say is that we are all ready now, we are back and you will begin to see activities geared towards the realization of the Ibom Deep Seaport," the governor stated.

On her part, the Chairman, Technical Committee on the Implementation of Ibom Deep Seaport, Mrs. Mfon Usoro, thanked the governor for the office accommodation and other forms of support to the committee which she described as a demonstration of his commitment to the project.

She affirmed that, the project will not only place Akwa Ibom State on the global maritime map, but serve as a major economic gateway to West and Central Africa.

Mrs. Usoro maintained that, with Governor Umo Eno's gesture, committee members and consultants are rejuvenated to work even more assiduously towards the accomplishment of the project.

Media Unit
Government House, Uyo
13/3/24

... as Gov Eno Urges Aides to Further Rural Devt Agenda

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has disclosed government’s readiness to commence the Arise Shelter Initiative, an housing scheme for the less privileged in the local government areas across the State.

Governor Eno announced this during a meeting with the 368 Ward Personal Assistants at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.
The Governor who decried the dilapidated state of residential houses of the less privileged in the State, assured on the readiness of his administration to change the narrative by providing 31 houses to the poorest of the poor across the State in line with the rural development component of the ARISE Agenda.

He explained that the houses which would be fitted with solar power and water facility will be built in batches across the 31 local government areas of the State.

He said, "we are starting the ARISE Shelter for the Less Privileged. Firstly, we have finished the design of the buildings, costing has been done for two bedroom flats with solar lights and boreholes.

"I did this quietly because I didn't want this politicized. If I had given people opportunity to do this, they would have chosen people from their families. So we had to do this quietly, and we want to start awarding this quietly to all these people and when we finish, we will go round again. This is because I care for the rural people.

"There is no local Government that is not represented here.we will start this projects soon and when it starts, I expect the Ward PAs to go and inspect the progresses of these projects and bring us reports.

"If we continue to touch these small lives, it will have a great positive effects such as increasing the life span of these dwellers. We may not be able to touch everybody, but let us show the way so that any philanthropic organisation will follow us," he said.

On the bulk purchase agency bill, the Governor said it will be assented to on Thursday March 14, and sought the cooperation of the PAs for the successful implementation of the programme.

He stressed that the PAs will also handle the distribution of the food voucher with the help of the social register for a seamless execution, while ensuring a transparent distribution process.

The governor again explained the workability of the food policy, saying government will enlist the services of the traders to ensure availability of food items to the people at a reduced rate and take up the balance of the payment as its contribution towards ameliorating the effect of the hardship on the people.

Governor Eno reiterated the need for everyone to engage in farming as a permanent solution to the food crisis and used the occasion to reiterate the need for the local government Chairmen and the 368 PAs to reside in their various local government areas for effective execution of their responsibilities.

Earlier, the commissioner for Economic Development, Bob Almond Emem, commended the Governor on his strategic programmes and policies aimed at improving the living conditions of the people, pledging that the bulk policy programme will be effectively implemented.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has joined other leaders in wishing Muslim faithful a successful Ramadan.

In a message released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno, stated thus “on behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I join others in wishing our Muslim faithful a happy and rewarding Ramadan.

“Ramadan is a period for sacrifice, of compassion, of love and a display of the spirit of altruism and brotherhood.

“As the nation grapples with economic challenges, we have to come together as one people devoid of religious or cultural affiliations to support our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as he works to renew our faith and hope in the possibilities of tomorrow.

“We should be dedicated in fostering a spirit of tolerance across faiths and celebrate the rainbow of colours that define our diversity for national growth and renewal.

“Here in Akwa Ibom, we have had such a robust collaboration and support from our Muslim faithful and I wish to assure them that, together, we will continue to Arise and work to provide good and people- centric governance.”

PRESS RELEASE


In keeping with his campaign promise to regularly pay down gratuities and other entitlements, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, today, authorized the release of additional 2.7 billion Naira for the payment of gratuities to retired workers and leave grant for primary school teachers.

The breakdown of the payment is as follows:

* N725 million for 2023 Leave Grant for primary school teachers
* N500 million for the payment of gratuity for primary school teachers
* N500 million for the National Union of Local Government Employees ( NULGE) and:
* N975 million for the payment of gratuity for retired State civil servants.

With the release of these funds today, Governor Umo Eno, since coming to office nine months ago, has paid a total of 14.7 billion Naira in gratuities and leave grants for retired workers in the state.

He had previously authorized the release of 12 billion Naira for the same purpose- a truly huge achievement.
The payment of the gratuities and Leave Grant, coming at a time of harsh economic times affecting the nation, is indeed a welcome development and is expected to bring huge relief for the retired and serving workers, and ring true the generally held definition of Governor Eno, as a people- centric leader.

Ekerete Udoh
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
04/03/24

. . . releases another N100M for continuation of payment

By Ubon Marcus

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has released an additional sum of N100M for the next phase of the ongoing payment of bursaries to undergraduate students of Akwa Ibom origin studying in tertiary institutions across the country.

This tranch, as explained by the Personal Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Comrade Wisdom Emmanuel, is a continuation of the bursary payment process that began on November 20, 2023, for the 2023/2024 academic session.

According to information on the State Bursary Portal obtained on March 3, 2024, 9,980 students have so far been paid since the commencement of the exercise, making it a total of Ninety Nine Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira (N99,800,000.00) so far disbursed for the payment of bursaries to undergraduates by the Umo Eno administration.

This is in fulfilment of Pastor Umo Eno’s promise to the Akwa Ibom Students’ community during his electioneering days and also in furtherance of his educational goals in the ARISE Agenda.

A unique feature of the ongoing bursary payment exercise is the digitalization of the process—a novel initiative that has brought enhanced transparency to bursary payment in the state, exempted beneficiaries from meddlesome interlopers, and saved them from the inconveniences of travelling long distances down home to queue for days on end so as to present their documents for verification and screening before getting paid.

All they are required to do is visit the State Bursary Portal at wwwdotbursarydotakwaibomstatedotgovdotng, register for a bursary, input their details, proceed to create a log-in account, and upload their documents to the online portal for verification.

Once verified, the student’s bank account will be credited. It is that simple.

The Directorate of ICT and Digital Services, domiciled in the Office of the Governor, is saddled with the responsibility of managing the bursary portal, and so far, they have done a good job.

However, it must be noted that the bursary payment exercise will not run ad-infinitum as it is scheduled to close at midnight on April 30, 2024. Eligible students who have yet to register have ample time to do so before the portal closes on the aforementioned date.

Gov. Umo Eno’s monetary intervention in education goes beyond the payment of bursaries. Recall that upon assumption of office, he instituted a N100M educational trust fund for persons living with disabilities in the state. Payment has since commenced in the sums of N250,000.00 and N300,000.00 each, which have been paid to undergraduate and postgraduate physically challenged students, respectively.

A N10M scholarship to the winner of the 2023 Heirs Life National Essay Competition, N5M law school grant to a physically challenged Uniuyo Law student, etc. also stand to the Governor’s credit.

As the bursary payment progresses, students must be weary of mischief-makers who may attempt to defraud them; therefore, it is pertinent to emphasise that they can only apply for, and receive their bursaries via the aforementioned state bursary portal.

They must maintain vigilance at all times, be wary of cloned websites claiming to handle bursary disbursements, and note that the state government will never request money or sensitive banking details from them; hence, they should avoid disclosing sensitive information on unauthorised platforms.

The AKS Bursary Support Team is available to attend to inquiries via email at bursary@akwaibomstate.gov.ng.

#AriseAgenda
#StrategicCommunication

[size=8pt][/size]Press Release

Our attention has been drawn to a cocktail of lies and intentionally manufactured and malicious blackmail- laden article currently floating in a section of the social media platforms, sourced, garnished and served by Mr. Franklyn Isong who heads a nebulous civil society organization: Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network( CHRAN.)

Franklyn Isong, through the Organization in an article headlined, “Eno in soup as group demands account of multi- billion Naira from Tinubu”, made various factually incorrect assertions, including that“, Abuja released the sum of 5 billion Naira and 3 thousand bags of rice to the Eno Administration as palliatives to cushion the effects of the withdrawal of fuel subsidy.”

It is shocking and logically confounding that Franklyn Isong could maliciously push this lie. Franklyn Isong, was and is still a Member of the State Palliative Committee, representing the civil society organizations which was inaugurated by Governor Umo Eno, last year.

The Committee was celebrated for the transparent manner the palliatives were disbursed and distributed. To date, no one has complained of not receiving the palliatives.

The State Government received the sum of 2 billion Naira from the Federal Government and this was given as a loan facility which the State Government is expected to pay back. The State Government, as we speak has been asked to pay back the loan. No new funds have been released to the State Government, and once the balance of the remaining 3 billion Naira is paid, Franklyn Isong, as a Member of the Palliatives Committee will be informed. Again, it bears repeating, that, of the promised 5 billion Naira from the Federal Government, it is the 2 billion Naira that has been released to the State Government so far as a loan facility which the State is expected to pay back.

The State Government, had augmented the kind gesture of the Federal Government with additional billions of Naira and several additional bags of rice, which Franklyn Isong, as a Member of the Committee, is well aware of.

Mr. Isong again, made another factually incorrect assertion when he said an additional 30 billion Naira has been given to each State of the Federation, quoting a source attributed to the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON.

If Franklyn Isong is making a prohectic pronouncement of an expected 30 Billion Naira to the State coffers, we join him to say “ may the prediction come to pass and quickly too.” For now, however, the State Government has not received such funds as confirmed by the Deputy Chairman of Nigeria’s Governors’ Forum, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

We know that this is a season for grandstanding and indulging in blame- game, but we believe a civil organization that is worth the name on its letterhead should do a minimum fact- checking before rushing to make wild and libelous assertions.

Governor Umo Eno has run a very transparent government since his inauguration and has actually worked to cut the size of government, for which he has received plaudits from people across political lines.

He has been saying in the past one week, that we should exercise patience with the policies of the Tinubu Administration, and support him for the common good of all.

Stoking the embers of the society and inciting the populace at this already tensed atmosphere in the country, based on lies and smear campaigns, is sad and highly regrettable.

Franklyn Isong as a journalist, is not blind to the numerous people- centric acts of Governor Uno Eno since his inauguration, such as over 12 billion naira already paid for the settlement of gratuities and other benefits to retired public workers in the State, the bursary paid to students in tertiary institutions, the numerous rural access roads that have been flagged -off in several parts of the State, the N10billion injected for completion of inherited projects, the model primary schools and health centres billed for commissioning soon, regular payment of salaries, the Bill to set up the State Bulk Purchasing Agency, that will help reduce the soaring prices of our staple foods, the medical outreach programmes where thousands of our people have been given free medical diagnoses and treatment among other impactful interventions by the Eno Administration.

These are great interventions that have drawn great praise and commendations across political divides in the State to Governor Umo Eno.

While we concede that Franklyn Isong is entitled to his opinion, but let it be stated that he is not entitled to his facts.

Members of the public are advised to ignore this obviously sponsored piece by the Franklyn Isong -led CHRAN

Signed:
Ekerete Udoh
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
23/02/04

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has announced a modern Health Care Center for Usaka community in Obot Akara local government areas.

The Governor announced this when he arrived Obot Akara to flag off the construction of an 11.71km internal roads coming with two 15m span bridges in the area.

The Governor who was responding to an appeal made by the community, said he was going to award contract for the health facility so that the project can be executed simultaneously with the road project.

“By the time we come back here in 12 months, we will have both the road and clinic to inaugurate,” Governor Eno assured.

The ceremony at Group School, Usaka Annang, Obot Akara, was the first port of call as the Governor set the ball rolling on the construction of major roads and bridges in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.

“I had said during campaigns that we had a blueprint which centers on rural development.

“Now you can see that we were not making vain promises when we said that we will return to Obot Akara to build more economically viable roads and bridges that will open up the rural areas in line with our ARISE Agenda.

“I know that it was very embarrassing that you had to pass through another State to reach his own community”, the Governor said, and commended the neighbouring Abia State communities for peacefully relating with their Akwa Ibom neighbours.

He charged the community to cooperate with the contractors and thanked them for the huge reception accorded him and his entourage.

Governor Eno was also relentless in advising on the need for local government chairmen to complement his rural development gestures by engaging in farming and also solicited for more interest in farming from the populace.

“We are making it easier for you to farm by providing farm inputs and when you food items are ready, Government will mass purchase all your commodities at good rates”.

Welcoming the Governor, the Transition Chairman of Obot Akara Mr Anietie Akpan appreciated the Governor for bringing infrastructural development to the area, saying that his people were grateful to the ‘promise keeper’.

The Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Eno Ibanga said the road comprised two sections from Usaka - Ibong Okpo Eto- Abiakpo Ikot Otu and from Ikot Otu - Nko.

He assured that his ministry will effectively supervise the project contractors, an indigenous firm, Tenth Construction, to ensure that the vision of the Governor is well interpreted and implemented within the specific duration of 12 months.

An indigene of the area and Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Monday Ebong Uko, was so emotional as he thanked the Governor for enduring the extreme bad access road, to still drive down and initiate the commencement of the road project, and pledged the resolve of the people of Obot Akara to support him always.

Village Head of Usaka Eteidung Williamson Otuekong thanked the Governor for visiting the area with development, adding that the Governor was the first since creation of the area, to set foot on the community.

He said the villagers usually had to pass through Abia State to access their kith and kin in other parts Akwa Ibom State but with the construction of the road and bridges, the community will now be economically viable.

Same sentiments were shared by Senator Chris Ekpenyong, a former deputy governor of the State who explained that he was relieved to witness the road constructed in his lifetime.

The Governor later went to Essien Udim local government area, where he flagged-off the Construction of a 16km Midim Atan Ikot Inyang-Ikot Akpan Ekpenyong-Etok Uruk Eshiet-Ikot Imonte Road with a 30m span bridge linking Essien Udim with Etim Ekpo local government area.

A further attempt at ruffling the seat of Government in Akwa Ibom State was on Tuesday abated at the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Garki, Abuja.

In its appellate jurisdiction in Appeal No. CRA/02/2023 between Mr. Edet Godwin Etim vs Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the court granted an application filed by Counsel to Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, invoking the immunity clause in Section 308 of the Constitution FRN 1999.

According to the ruling by Justice S. B. Belgore, appeal No.CRA/02/2023 brought by Mr. Edet Godwin Etim has been abated till the end of the tenure of the Governor.

Justice Belgore prayed that all parties would all be alive to witness the end of the tenure which could run till 2031.

A Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja had on January 11, last year struck out the case and nullified the warrant of arrest issued against Pastor Umo Eno, then PDP Governorship Candidate in Akwa Ibom State.

The Chief Magistrate Court in a judgment dated December 23,2022 had previously issued a warrant of arrest based on allegation of cheating brought before it by Edet Godwin.

Pastor Umo Eno in his response had through his counsel admitted before the magistrate court not ever being served with any notice of court summons by the Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja.

Upholding the position of the Counsel to Pastor Umo Eno, Barr. Samuel Ikpo, the Chief Magistrate Court admitted that it was misled by the applicant, Edet Godwin into issuing the warrant of arrest.

The court therefore set aside the entire proceedings and judgment on grounds of lack of jurisdiction.

Dissatisfied with the ruling of the Magistrate court, Mr Godwin Etim had approach the FCT Federal High Court seeking among other things, an order restoring the Bench warrant or warrant of arrest.

Mr Etim also sought an Order of the Court sentencing the Respondent, to 7 years imprisonment and to impose a fine in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Governor Eno was represented in court by his legal team comprising Paul Usoro, SAN, Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN and Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN