More pictures

Gov Emmanuel charges graduands on academic excellence

Students have been charged to always strive towards achieving and maintaining academic excellence in their chosen career and in life. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, stated this on Saturday while speaking at the
graduation lecture ceremonies of the 2021 graduating set of El-Amin International School, Minna, Niger State.

The Governor who was the Guest of Honour, urged the proprietors and staff of El-Amin International School to better their best in the exercise of transmitting knowledge to their students.

Governor Emmanuel commended the school for upholding academic excellence over the years and producing great global citizens, charging them not to rest on their oars, as there is still room for improvement.

The Governor who presented the graduation scroll to all the graduands and congratulated them for the success attained, admonishing them to brace for future challenges and reminded parents that education is an investment and not an expense.

El-Amin International School, Minna, Niger State, was established by Late First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Hajiya Maryam Babangida and has been in existence for more than two decades. The current Executive Director is Alhaji Dr. Mohammed Babangida.

The graduation was attended by an array of dignitaries including the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ado Doguwa, Emir of Minna,HRM, Umar Farouk Bahago, the Head of the Civil Service, Commissioner for Education,Niger state.

The Governor also visited Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubarkar and the Governor of Niger State, HE Abubakar Sani Bello. He was accompanied on the trip by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom SAN, Commissioners for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affiars and Information & Strategy, Hon. Frank Archibong and Comrade Ini Ememobong, respectively.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

OBJ to Gov Emmanuel: Your performance satisfactory, worthy of emulation

... Commissions Ikot Oku Ikono flyover

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed satisfaction with the performance of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, stating that the Governor has brought his sterling experience as a banker and resourceful manager of finance to bare in the governance of the state.

Obasanjo made the commendation on Friday while commissioning the Ikot Oku Ikono Flyover, with 16 meters dual carriage way in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The inauguration of the Flyover was witnessed by the political class, captains of industry, and persons across all walks of life.

"Governor I am very happy that you have not let me down and you have not disappointed the good people of this State, what you have here 1 km of Flyover is worth celebrations anywhere in the world but I will say to you that you have made me a lucky man. You said that this road was named after me and this flyover is a continuation of that road, and so Olusegun Obasanjo Road is not only a road it has a flyover", he stated.

Continuing, he said, "Governor I am particularly happy that the background you had before taking up this job which is how to manage finances and how to manage economy you are putting it to good use here in your state. And you know a good manager of resources when he his able to manage in the time of scarcity”

Chief Obasanjo urged Akwa Ibom people to preserve the projects in the state and see it as an opportunity to better their lives, adding that such projects initiated and completed by government ought to be protected against theft, vandalism for sustainable development and growth of the State.

In his words, "I heard the governor appealing to you that whatever infrastructure, whatever development is going on take care of them because they are part of the assets of the state and if they are destroyed or not taken care of properly, the State loses and every citizen of Akwa Ibom State is a loser in that sense.

Obasanjo called on Akwa Ibom people to support Governor Udom Emmanuel on his succession plan in order to sustain his visions to move the state forward maintaining that his success as governor goes beyond the physical projects in the state.

"Your success does not lie only in what you have achieved physically in terms of development, socially in terms of where you have put the people of this State, your success also will be measured in your succession programme”, he admonished.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Udom Emmanuel expressed appreciation to God for the wisdom to actualize the project given the lean resources to the benefit of Akwa Ibom people, and called on youths to support government by protecting the facilities.

He pointed out that the inauguration of the flyover will create ease of commercial activities and reduce the rate of auto crash hitherto experienced along Ikot Oku Ikono.

Hear him, "What we are celebrating is not excess wealth, it is a celebration of God’s wisdom, creativity of ideas in the face of scarcity and adversity. Let me thank all the communities this project has gone through for their support, you really stood by us during the project and I want to thank the youths, this is your asset you need to protect it.

"Thank you for acknowledging the fact that the kind of accident we use to have before now in this area today will be a thing of the past, there will be no more accident in this junction”, he declared.

The Governor also approved the rehabilitation of adjourning roads used as diversion routes during construction of the flyover, and promised to provide three transformers to the communities to end blackout in the area.

“Let me say that the communities vehicles passed through like a bypass when we were doing the major construction certainly I promise you by next month we would have finished the design of the routes used as diversion so that we can award and start immediate construction. The Traditional ruler here asked for transformers, I want to assure you, within the next one month we will give them those transformers immediately”, he assured.

He announced the inauguration of the next phase of projects in the state, as part of his promise to develop the state, “by September this year we will go into another phase where we will be commissioning dual carriage ways, we will commission Uyo-Ikot Ekpene dual carriage, Etinan-Ndon Eyo dual carriage, and Eket Urban Remodeling”.

The Governor frowned at disruption of projects in some Local Government Areas by youths, urging them to see the projects as means of stimulating the economy for the benefit of all.

Presenting an overview of the project, the Commissioner, Ministry of Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga said the project which was awarded to Julius Berger Plc in 2019 has been delivered as promised.

“This project was for delivery in two years and it has been delivered before two years, it is a construction of 1km length of flyover with connections, and we have 16metres dual carriage with 8 meters each way that takes you from Uyo end towards Abak end”, he said.

In his remarks, the Regional Manager, Julius Berger Plc, Mr. Juergen Fischer described the project as a beautification of Uyo which will address the traffic challenge experienced in the area and thanked Governor Udom for delivering on his promise and for having confidence in Julius Berger.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

Why Tinubu won't be welcome in Niger
By Lawal Musa

As politicians especially those with eyes on the 2023 presidency intensify cross regional alignments and realignments emerging indications also predict that the continued anti-people politics of isolationism by Lado Suleja, the House of Representatives member representing Suleja constituency might have already completely and permanently sealed any drop of hope for the acceptance of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu anywhere in Niger State.

Lado who floats himself as champion of the Tinubu campaign in Niger state unfortunately happens to be the most unpopular, discredited and rejected politician in the political history of the state.

Having acquired the reputation of the most inept, incompetent, and inconsistent elected political representative in the state in recent years, one would think he should in the very least retreat from participation in further public debates or perhaps try to reclaim his lost integrity and credibility by mending his ways.

Alas! Character and mannerisms die hard: rather than working to redeem his soiled public image at least for the sake of the course of the Asiwaju he claims to promote, his recent misadventure that has spelled monumental doom on the acceptability chances of Tinubu.

Recently, in a unanimous resolution between the Party Leader who is the governor of the state, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Bello, and Party Caretaker Executive Committee and the National Assembly Caucus Committee led by Senator Abdullahi Sabi the caucus resolved that the next Governor of Niger State should come from Niger South Senatorial District to maintain and respect the zoning arrangement that is operational in the State.
But Lado, characteristically tactless, and hypocritical, after being part of the meeting that reached the above conclusion, went behind the scene to denounce any zoning arrangement, therefore jeopardizing the the interest of Asiwaju Tinubu whose ambition is essentially hinged on hopes for zoning of the presidency.

It is important to place on record here that the zoning arrangement prevailing in Niger State has kept the State as one big peaceful political family since 1979 with the administration of Awwal Ibrahim (Niger East) which was interrupted intermittently by the military from 1983 to 1992 when Musa Inuwa (Niger North) became governor before another military interruption that lasted till 1999.

From 1999 - 2007, Engr. A. A. Kure (Niger South) was governor before his replacement with Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu from 2007 - 2015 to be succeeded by the current governor, Abubakar Sani Bello since 2015.

It therefore speaks volumes of Lado's pent-up arrogance, undying prejudice against interests that best serve the people of the state to undermine such an entrenched democratic practice and in the end, succeeding in shooting down his future public career and certainly the chances of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

(Musa, a public analyst, wrote this from Abuja.)

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

2023: Group raise alarm over plot to attack, destabilize AKSG

...Urge security agencies to be on red alert

...Vow to expose sponsors of conspiracy


There is a secret plot to launch a well cordinated attacks on the person of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel and the Akwa Ibom State Government, AKSG, by some inside members of the adminstration and a few politicians eyeing elective offices in 2023, the Ibom Democratic Forum, IDF, has declared.

Addressing a press conference in Uyo, IDF's President, Chief Solomon Andem and Secretary, Adede Ifiok Asikpo, Esq, said, they are in pocession of credible intelligence that some high ranking members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Government officials in the state in alliance with some desperate politicians seeking elective offices in 2023 have perfected plans to start a massive media campaign against the personality of the Governor and also start leaking sensitive government information and documents aimed at bringing the government to disrepute and damage it's credibility and acceptability thus creating a false negative perception of the government for selfish political purpose.

Speaking during the press conference, Adede Ifiok Asikpo said it was against the rule for a government official to stay inside government to undermine the adminstration from within, stating that the right thing for any appointee of government who feel he or she can no longer support the vision and objectives of the adminstration is for such an individual to honourably tender his resignation and step aside than remain in government and sabotage the Governor and adminstration.

"While it is natural that the forthcoming 2023 general elections will divide some people and friends previously together may end up in opposing camps, the right thing and the honourable thing for any ambitious appointee to do is to step aside and legitimately pursue such aspiration from outside but to remain in government and plan to liase with some known enemies of the adminstration to start planning how to be leaking official and classified Intel of government that undermines state security is treasonable and no government will tolerate that."

"We are using this medium to call on the Governor to be mindful of some people close to him and possible limit the volume of intelligence he allows to get into the hands of third party surrogates who are hell bent on betraying him. This is also the time for security agencies to beam their searchlight and increase their survilliance on some politically exposed persons who, out of desperation are out to destroy this government", he said.

The group revealed that the plot of these agents of destabilization is to blackmail some core loyalists of the Governor so that they can be sidelined for them to easily hijack and have a grip of the government so as to use the internal machinery of government to install a new government.


According to Adede Asikpo, the architect of this devilish act have perfected moves to also pay some youths to go online to launch a coordinated attack on Christian Leaders and Fathers of Faith in the state over their stance that no cultist will be allowed to occupy the Hilltop Mansion in 2023, and called on Akwa Ibom youths to draw a line between politics and respect for elders which is a core African tradition.

He urged the Governor not to panic but remain steadfast, resolute and committed to delivering on his industrialization policy for the benefit of the people.

IDF also frowned at plot to blackmail the newly sworn in State Chairman of the PDP, Hon Aniekan Akpan, by falsely accusing him of coming to implement the agenda of foisting a preferred candidate on the party when in reality that is not the case, and called on the sponsors of these conspiracy to have a rethink in the interest of the party and the state.

The group vowed to expose politicians who are the sponsors of the plot, warning them to in their own interest, desist from going on with such plans as they will not fold their arms and watch Politicians who have benefitted so much from the state and government bring down a government that was voted in by millions of indigenes and residents of Akwa Ibom State.

IDF called on Governor Udom Emmanuel to remain resolute and courageous in the face of sponsored attacks that will come in the days and months ahead, promising to stand by him till the end of his administration and to see to the handing over of the realm of governance to an incoming government that will take the industral revolution to the next level than destroy the gains and foundation he has built.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

AKSG to commission Ikot Oku Ikono flyover July 16, 2021

...orders reinstatement of expelled AKSU student

...kicks off 300,000 coconuts planting campaign

The Akwa Ibom State Government, AKSG, has fixed July 16, 2021 for the official commissioning of the Ikot Oku Ikono flyover. This was part of the resolutions during Thursday's State Executive Council presided over by Governor Udom Emmanuel.

The meeting which akso had the Deputy Governor, Moses Ekpo in attendance also reviewed the expulsion of Iniobong Ekpo by the Senate of Akwa Ibom State University, AKSU and directed the University to immediately recall the said student.

The Government also declared August 21, 2021 as State Coconut Day, where 300,000 nuts will be planted aimed to boost coconut production in preparation for the start of operation of the coconut oil refinery. The meeting also witnessed the presentation of Half year ministerial reports from all Ministries and Bureau.

Addressing the Exco, the Governor urged members to continue to pray for the country as the economic situation in the country was of great concern, calling for both individual and collective responsibility in efforts at nation building.

Governor Emmanuel promised that more industries will birth soonest as talks are still ongoing with different investors. He gave briefings on the state of security of the state and the Country and charged members to pay attention to and mobilize people to participate in the Enumeration Area Demarcation and Continuous Voter Registration ongoing .

The meeting also pegged the maximum age for admission into secondary schools at 12 years aimed at curbing the cultism surge in secondary schools as investigation has revealed that the surge is caused mainly by overaged students who are on a mission of mass recruitment of students into cult groups.

The meeting agreed that any student above this age with a genuine reason, will have their parents sign an undertaking of good behaviour, before their admission.

....As 3874 delegates attend Special Congress to elect Hon Aniekan Akpan as Party Chair

...Says Nigeria's gains of good governance from PDP's 16 yrs superlative

The future of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria is bright and promising, Akwa Ibom State Governor and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has declared.

The Governor stated this in Uyo on Wednesday while speaking at the Special PDP State Congress to elect new State Chairman for the Party.

The noted with delight that given the admirable antecedents and footprints of good governance and people-centric leadership by the PDP in the state and Nigeria, on good governance since 1999, it is only natural to expect better days.

Governor Emmanuel reminded Nigerians of the gains of good governance that the PDP left when it held the reins of leadership at the center and the superlative performance of the present and past PDP administrations in the State , he encouraged the party faithful not to relent in their strong resolve to stick with the party that has given much to Akwa Ibom people and Nigerians.

Speaking earlier, the Former Acting State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Rt. Hon. Lawrence Udosen thanked the Governor for the highly purposeful and committed way he has led the Party and the State in the last six years, stressing that Akwa Ibom people and the Party have reaped tremendous benefits from Governor Emmanuel's dynamic and visionary leadership.

On his part, the Chairman of the Special Congress Planning Committee and National Legal Adviser of the party, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, noted that the election is in line with the party's constitution on matters of filling vacant positions at such level, stating that in accordance with the party's constitution, the candidate to fill in the vacant position must come from the area of the previous occupant who could not complete his tenure. A total of 3874 delegates voted at the Special Congress.

Declaring the results after the voting exercise, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Special Congress Electoral Committee, Barr. Edmund Mark, announced that the sole candidate, Aniekan Akpan, polled a total 3,818 votes, to emerged as State Chairman of PDP in Akwa Ibom State. He commended Delegates for the orderly manner they conducted themselves throughout the voting process stressing that the congress was roundly successful.

Delivering his acceptance speech, the new State Chairman of the PDP, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan, who is the 7th State Chairman of the PDP in the state, paid tribute to his departed predecessor whom he said laid a solid foundation for the present State Executive Committee of the Party before his unfortunate departure, promising to vigorously pursue the lofty ideals and visions that the late Udo Ekpenyong stood for.

He pledged his commitment to pursue "politics without bitterness" and to, with the support of the entire party structure in the state, champion a formidable support for the Completion and Succession agenda of Governor Udom Emmanuel, in view to make Akwa Ibom State greater.

The Special elective State congress was conducted for the sole purpose of producing a replacement for the late State Chairman, Obong Udo Ekpenyong, who passed on in January 2021. The new State Chairman of the party, is to serve out the four-year term of the late Obong Udo Ekpenyong. The Congress was observed by a delegation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the media, Strategic Observer Organisations, among others.

The new Chairman, Rt. Hon. Akpan, had served as Principal of many Secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State. He had also served as Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Council, member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Commissioner for Education in the state, amongst others.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

A'Ibom CJ: Justice Obot takes oath of office as 8th Chief Judge

Justice Ekaette Francesca Fabian Obot on Wednesday took oath of office as the Acting Chief Judge of the State. She takes over from retired Justice Godwin Abraham who bowed out of service on Tuesday.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, on Wednesday swore in Justice Ekaette Francesca Fabian Obot as the Acting Chief Judge of the State at a memorable event held in the state Executive Council chambers, reiterating his stands on gender equality and merit.

The Governor commended Justice Ekaette Obot for a good record of effective discharge of her duties, explaining that her selection as acting Chief Judge was strictly on merit.

In his words,

"Let me congratulate the newly sworn in acting Chief Judge, don't ask how the selection process came ,she has served the state so well. It's a good thing and I don't have any doubt that she will do so well, you know women are really struggling and should be given a chance in the society. I read during Covid-19 how women who were in charge, handled the pandemic so nicely, I want to believe that the judiciary will fare more efficiently".

Governor Udom Emmanuel also thanked the immediate past Chief Judge, Justice Abraham for serving creditably, explaining that his government has continued working to fill the gaps and bring about synergy between the executive and the judiciary arms of government.

Hear him, "We will try to strengthen our judiciary system to promote unity, oneness and progress. See the way we work together in synergy to serve the state, you can ask the speaker, he'll tell you same, it's is a collaborative government and there is separation of powers."

The Governor urged the acting Chief Judge to ensure the unity of the judiciary, intérprete the rule of law while charging other judges to stand by her and give her the necessary support she needs to take the judiciary to greater heights.

He also charged the Judiciary Service Commission to fast track and prepare for her confirmation as substantive Chief Judge of the state. Justice Ekaette Obot is the third female head of the state judiciary, and eight Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State.

Cc: mynd44

Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State will begin operations by September 2021, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has declared.

The Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, stated this on Wednesday when he met with the management of Marriot Group, led by Mr. Volker Heiden, Area Vice President of Marriott International,
to finalize
arrangements for the commencement of operations at the Hotel.

The meeting, which held at the Marriot Envoy, Accra, discussed concluding modalities to ensure that the opening of the hotel is no longer delayed.

The Governor expressed his delight that his promise to ensure that every strategic infrastructure is converted into a valuable asset for the benefit of Akwa Ibom people, is finding expression in the Four Point by Sheraton Hotel.

The delegation, which was led by the Governor, had Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Secretary to the State Government; Mr. Uko Udom SAN , Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Rt. Hon. Okpolopm Etteh, Hon. Commissioner for Special Duties; Mr. Imo-Abasi Jacobs, Executive Director, AKICORP and Chairman of Ibom Air Board; and Engr. Ephraim Udosen , Director of Projects,in the Ministry of Special Duties.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

Gov Emmanuel, key to unlocking A'Ibom, Nigeria's locked economic potentials - Nigerian Gov's

Nigerian Governors under the auspices of the PDP Governor's Forum, have extolled the virtues and achievements of Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, noting that he has brought prudence, innovation and competence in the management of state resources.

The governors who had witnessed the arrival of two new Airbus A220-300 series into the fleet of the Akwa Ibom State owned Airline, Ibom Air, noted that Mr Emmanuel's ingenuity have brought about major landmark projects and interventions in his home state.

Special Guest of Honour at the event, and Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, while unveiling the two new Airbus 220-300 series, congratulated Governor Emmanuel for exceptional performances in the development of the State, especially the aviation industry, adding that all PDP States are setting the pace of development in the entire nation.

"I congratulate you my brother for all the things you have been doing in all facets of life to the people of Akwa Ibom State, in infrastructure you are there, in education you are there, in healthcare you are there, in agriculture you are there, in empowerment you are there, in human capital development you are there", he said.

Tambuwal who is the Chairman of PDP Governors' forum, announced that all PDP States Governors are in Akwa Ibom State to deliberate over the state of affairs of the nation .

On his part, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State lauded the new thinking of Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State whom he described as a pacesetter doing wonders.

Speaking at an event to receive two additional aircrafts in the fleet of Ibom Air owned and run by the Akwa Ibom State Government at the Victor Attah Airport Uyo, Governor Fintiri commended his giant strides towards unlocking the economy of his State, adding that it takes committed leaders like Governor Udom to think outside the box and make a difference in governance.

Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri noted that the economic realities of the day demands new thinking, saying that is what PDP Governors are doing.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

A'Ibom First Lady bags United Nations Award

Wife of Akwa Ibom State governor, Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel, has bagged the “Champion of Sustainable Development Goals” award of the United Nations, UN, conferred on her by the United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Antonio Guterres.

The award was conferred on her for using her position and non-governmental platform, Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Path-Initiative FEYReP, to advance the cause of women and children in the state.

The award was conferred on the First Lady by the UN Secretary General
through his Nigerian representative, the Resident Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallon, who led a high-powered delegation of the organization on a courtesy visit to the governor’s wife at Government House, Uyo.

Mr. Guterres said he was on a mission to appraise and reinforce the existing partnership with the state government and FEYReP having heard and read of the many life-changing initiatives of the governor’s wife through her non-governmental organization, noting that he was impressed with the visionary leadership of the governor and foresight of the governor’s wife in championing many opportunities for women especially in the areas of women empowerment, sexual reproductive health and constant advocacy against gender based violence.

“It is a pleasure to be here to meet you in person and appraise things for myself. I must commend you for the enormous work you are doing in using your position and platform to pioneer and champion the cause of women in the state and the country at large,” he said.

The UN Scribe noted that during the Covid-19 pandemic, women were abused in many forms all over the world, saying he was happy to know that the state has since domesticated the VAPP law to arrest culprits while thanking the First Lady for her role and support towards the domestication of the legislation, he promised to partner more with her platform to break more grounds.

Responding, the First Lady and wife of governor, Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel, appreciated the UN chief for his kind words and the honour done her saying her efforts have been that of providing women, the girl child and children equal opportunities.

She thanked the body for the support given her in advocating against rape and gender based violence in the state and stressed that many have broken the culture of silence by speaking and seeking justice whenever they are abused.

In her words, “We have been very vocal against rape and violence against women against in this state and this has resulted in many speaking up and seeking justice. We have worked closely with sister groups like International Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA, National Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ, and the Nigeria Medical Women Association NMWA to push out our messages and this has elicited positive reactions from the public".

She announced that the state government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare was constructing a permanent building for all victims of gender based violence, saying the temporal facility currently occupied has been stretched due to the influx of people seeking help at the center.

On women empowerment, Dr Emmanuel informed the visitors that her desire is to see women being self-reliant, saying this informed her decision to set up a Multi-Cooperative Society where revolving loans are given to rural women for small scale businesses and called for more partnership in the area of capacity building and funding to do more in the state, saying funding has been a major factor militating against her work.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

Industrialization: The Governor Udom Emmanuel magic formula

By Emmanuel Sam

Industrialization, the development of industries on a broad scale, is one policy vigorously pursued and strategically implemented by the Deacon Udom Emmanuel led administration in Akwa Ibom State that has left many astonished. In just six years, the advantage of the policy has not only changed the status of the state from a core civil service state but a bubbling industrial hub within the South South region.

Unarguably, industrialization plays a vital role in the economic development of underdeveloped countries through job creation, poverty eradication and mass production of goods and services. Industries no doubt plays a complex role in economic development, but these are some of its most important effects as we have witnessed in Akwa Ibom.

Even though not on a massive large scale yet, it has increased the revenue base of the state. Yes, we are not there just yet but the journey is on course. The standard of living of many Akwa Ibom households have increased due to the multiplier effect of the industrial revolution ongoing, while economic stability is more sustainable with increased employment opportunity for the many unemployed youths.

The Industrialization policy has promoted the advent of specialized labor as division of work increases the marginal value product of labor, thus enhancing the profitability of the average Akwa Ibom worker. One area of interest is that the Industrial revolution has no doubt brought about a rise and growth in the agricultural sector with increased savings and investments for wealth creation.

The Governor's industrialization drive, has increased workers' income, enhances their capacity to save and invest. Akwa Ibom today presents an industrialization success story. From the 2015 to 2021 alone, the basic foundation that will propel greater economic prosperity has been laid with it's attendant consequences of urbanization and population growth. Uyo is fast growing and expanding due to influx of people and companies.

The Governor brought his visionary mindset to bare in policy formulation and project conceptualization which birthed the 21-Storey “Dakkada Tower” which stands as a testament to Akwa Ibom's increasing profile as a fast industrializing State. As the Governor himself noted recently, the central focus of government's initial Five Point Agenda which have now condensed into the 8 Point Agenda, was to rapidly industrialize the State and change the narrative as a purely civil service orientated State to an industrializing one with robust manufacturing base.

The fruits have been massive. From the Syringe factory, to the Metering company, to the Flour Mill company, to the Coconut Virgin Oil Refinery to the plywood manufacturing company to the signing of the MoU for the commencement of the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone, to the Ground breaking ceremony for the construction of Sterling petrochemicals and Fertilizer production factory, to the several industrial clusters which produce such items as pencils and toothpicks, plastics, tissue papers etc, to the rice mills in Ini Local Government Area, and several cassava processing mills, the narrative is indeed changing in Akwa Ibom.

The $1.4 billion Ammonia and Fertilizer plant alone is one investment that will fetch the state revenue apart from Oil while the St Gabriel Coconut Factory alone will generate over 1300 direct job and 3000 indirectly employment opportunity by September 2021. The Coconut factory has a capacity of processing 300,000 coconuts per shift which will produce 66 tons in a day from three shift of production, while employing 300 people to work in a shift.


Also, the much anticipated Liberty Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has taken off with the signing of a memorandum of understanding, MOU, between the Akwa Ibom State Government, AKSG and Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, OGFZA. The commencement of operations follows the receipt of the first cargo components, establishment of an Immigration office and setting up of a dedicated Customs command, in the free trade zone. This will be another stimulant for Industrial revolution, while the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria, ALSCON located in Ikot Abasi, is on the verge of being resuscitated following a partnership between the Akwa Ibom State Government will partner with the federal government.


The Governor Udom Emmanuel industrialization drive is aimed at ensuring a process by which the state economy is transformed from a primarily agricultural/Civil service one to one based on the manufacturing of goods and services with individual manual labour replaced by mechanized mass production. This will trigger an industrial revolution with more efficient division of labor, the use of technological innovation to solve problems and inspire creative ingenuity.

Already, in just six years, Akwa Ibom is witnessing an Industrialization policy whereby a transformation is taking the state away from an agricultural- or resource-based economy, toward an economy based on mass manufacturing with increases in total income and living standards of the people, and a diversified economy. The policy is all embracing, with land, air and sea components which is why the Ibom Deep Seaport, the Ibom Air and the massive infrastructural expansion are geared towards boosting the pillars needed for it's viability and sustainability.

Ibom Air for instance is today a success story that continues to astonish many. It started like an abstract vision, with a hypothesis that was yet to be ever tested by any state government in the West African region. Critics called it a scam, friends were doubtful about it's viability, and fans were skeptical about it's possibility of becoming a reality.

Even when no one else saw the vision, Governor Udom Emmanuel saw ahead and realised that a viable aviation sector anywhere promotes an improved quality of life and helps to improve living standards. By facilitating tourism, he believed air transport also helps generate economic growth and alleviate poverty – providing employment opportunities, increasing revenues from taxes and fostering the conservation of protected areas.

To the Governor, commercial aviation has a direct impact on our nation's economy, creating both direct and indirect jobs as air transport is an important enabler to achieving economic growth and development because air transport facilitates integration into the global economy and provides vital connectivity on a national, regional, and international scale while also helping generate trade, promote tourism, and create employment opportunities.

No doubt air transport generates wider catalytic benefits, with ability to serve larger markets, impact positively on business operations, influence investment, impact on the labour market, boast tourism and contributes to world trade.

Experts are quick to agree that an efficient air transport system allows people to have adventures in new countries, to relax on tropical beaches, to build business relationships and to visit friends and family. As global economy grows ever more linked, aviation is the factor that brings people together. Aviation brings together a world of facts and figures to give policymakers and the industry the important global view of how air travel creates jobs and drives economic growth.

It impacts on the labour market helps improves the labour market by making it easier for companies to attract high quality employees from around the globe. This is important for senior staff and professionals for whom
access to good international links
influences their decision on where to
live and work.

Similarly, high quality employees may find it easier to commute by air on a weekly basis or to be based in two locations; the headquarters and regional office. It improved access to a wider pool of appropriately skilled labour will improve productivity leading ultimately to higher employment in the local economy.

Governor Udom Emmanuel saw when others were doubting that air transport's influence on investment is key as good air transport links influence where companies choose to invest. Many companies consider international transport links to be an essential factor for locating businesses. This makes Air transport one of the world’s most important industries. Its development and its technical and service achievements make it one of the greatest contributors to the advancement of modern society.
An effective air transport system improves quality of life by broadening people’s leisure and cultural experiences. It provides a wide choice of holiday destinations around the world and an affordable means to visit distant
friends and relatives and may provide the only transportation means in remote areas, thus promoting social inclusion.

By facilitating tourism and trade, it generates economic growth, provides jobs, increases revenues from taxes, and fosters the conservation of protected areas and it's network facilitates the delivery of emergency and humanitarian aid relief anywhere on earth, and ensures the swift delivery of medical supplies and organs for transplantation.
On February 20, 2019, Akwa Ibom witnessed the inaugural landing of IbomAir when Flight IA200219 torched down at Victor Attah International Airport, an event that marked the genesis of a remarkable adventure that has stood of Akwa Ibom State as an entity with creative ingenuity that continues to baffle the rest of the country.


On May 24, 2019, IbomAir left Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja back to Akwa Ibom International Airport, Uyo after a successful round of test flights while on June 7, 2019, history was made again when Ibom Air inaugural flight Z4102, took off from Uyo enroute to Lagos, a journey that opened the floodgate of several other flights that has revolutionalize air travel in Nigeria.

On Tuesday 10th September 2019, exactly three months and a day since the company began commercial flight operations, Ibom Air carried her 50,000th passenger during the boarding of flight Z4100 from Uyo to Lagos. The spice of this feat is that passenger number 50,000 turned out to be first time Ibom Air traveler, Ms Ruth Nsaka.

On March 26 2020, Ibom Air was forced to suspend operations due to the Covid19 pandemic that ravaged the world. Recognizing the serious implications of the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus around the country, the Management of Ibom Air announced the suspension of all scheduled flight services as of midnight on Friday 27 March, 2020, as her own way of identifying with the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria’s efforts to bring this pandemic under effective control.

Tuesday May 19, 2020, saw Ibom Air’s 4th aircraft, 5N-BXP joining its ‘senior’ colleagues in Uyo after completing all regulatory requirements with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority in Lagos. 5N-BXP was warmly welcomed by her sister aircraft, 5N-BWK, 5N-BWL and 5N-BWM. It's was a beauty to behold as they stood all together in front of the hangar at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, bonding with each other.

On July 20th, 2020, the company's expansion policy to link many cities in Nigeria continued as Ibom Air received a warm welcome at Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, a new route it added to her area of operation. The growth and expansion has never compromised it's signature of schedule reliability, on-time departures and superior service that has become the envy of other airlines. Ibom Air score card includes over 96% schedule reliability & 94% on-time performance, unparalleled in Nigeria's Aviation history.

On August 1, 2020, after delays occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic, Ibom Air finally receive it’s fifth Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, the second of the two additional aircraft purchased in December 2019. The aircraft, with registration number 5N-BXO, arrived Lagos from Calgary, Canada at 00:05 am local time, Saturday morning, (1st August, 2020).

With the arrival of this aircraft, its modern and efficient fleet grew to five aircraft as the airline continues to operate the youngest fleet amongst Nigeria’s airlines in line with it's vision to be a world-class African regional airline.

A key benefit of Ibom Air’s very modern fleet of Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft is that they all come factory-fitted with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. HEPA filters are high-intensity filters that do not just filter dust, but effectively capture greater than 99.97% of the airborne microbes in cabin air, including microscopic particles such as bacteria and viruses. Cabin air in HEPA equipped aircraft generally pass through the filters every 2-3 minutes, removing contaminants and greatly enhancing the quality of air in the cabin.

On September 2, 2020, the company had a new addition to the fleet, when it took procession of her 5N-BXO, which touched down at Victor Attah International Airport for the very first time. Despite the minor setback the aviation industry had as a result of Covid19, Ibom Air came back on it's wings on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, after months of inactivity.

On September 14, 2020, Ibom Air touched down for the first time at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu with direct daily flights from Lagos and Abuja in it's effort at extending it's service to the Southeast geopolitical area.

Just when other airlines are complaining of how difficult it is for them to launch back after months of Covid19 induced inactivity, Governor Udom Emmanuel just announced that Ibom Air is set to boost it fleet with two additional aircrafts in June 2021.

"Two new A220 300 series ought to have arrived before now but assured that the aircrafts would be in Uyo in the next two months", the Governor announced during the recent 2021 Easter retreat in Uyo.

For effective service delivery and conscious of the need to offer quality service to its teaming customers, the company launched a new City Travel Centre located in the foyer of the Akwa Ibom State Secretariat Annex on Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, to ease the burden of flights bookings and a bus service to convey Ibom Air passengers to and from Victor Attah International Airport.

On Monday, March 1, 2021, Ibom Air carried its 500,000th passenger since commencement of operations on the 7th of June 2019, a key milestone the airline would have clocked earlier but for the three and a half months Covid-19 lockdown of 2020 but still, an indication of steady customer uptake, and validation of the airlines services.

Giving his scorecard in the aviation sector while addressing the state to mark his sixth anniversary, an elated Governor Udom Emmanuel said, early in the life of his administration, he gathered some stakeholders in the aviation industry and revealed to them his plans to establish a thriving airline.

"We went to work quietly and once I made our plans public, the usual naysayers said the project couldn’t be done; that if countries in Africa couldn’t set up an airline, how then could we, a State achieve such a feat. We ignored their pessimism and went to work. Today, Ibom Air has become a national sensation. The colours of Akwa Ibom State now dominate the Nigerian aviation space. We were recently named the Best Airline in the Nation".

"We started with three CRJ 900 series, later added two more CRJs bringing the total aircrafts in its fleet to five. In the next few days, we will commission two newly acquired brand new Airbuses (A220-300 series) bringing the total fleet of aircrafts to seven. We are not just concentrating only on Ibom Air, ours is a total dedication to aviation development. Our international terminal once completed, would be the best in the nation and you can quote me on this. It would also be the smartest. Our MRO is on-going; the pace of work only got slowed down, due to the restrictions placed on international travels due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Our taxiway, the new Category 2 runaway, these are huge investments that prime our State as an emerging industrial hub. Fellow Akwaibomites, this huge achievement in aviation should gladden the hearts of everyone, irrespective of one’s political affiliations. Ibom Air carries the collective pride of Akwa Ibom people and we should all celebrate it. God is indeed doing great things here!", he noted.

If all these benefits could be derived from the Industrialization policy in just six years, one can only imagine what Akwa Ibom will look like when the Ibom Deep Seaport comes on board, when the Liberty Free Trade Zone begins to flourish, when the multiplier effect of the numerous companies and factories begins to flourish. Indeed, as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo once confessed, under the Udom Emmanuel led administration in the state, Akwa Ibom remains Nigeria's best kept secret.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

...As AKSG receives 2 new A220-300 series Airbuses

... PDP Gov's setting the pace in governance, development - Tambuwal

The last has not been heard of the giant strides of Ibom Air, a brain child of the Akwa Ibom State Government as ten new aircraft will be added to the fleet before 2023 to boost the vision of making Ibom Air, the most vibrant airline in the sub-region.

Governor Udom Emmanuel stated this on Sunday at the Victor Attah International Airport, when he received two new A220-300 series Airbuses added to the fleet of Ibom Airline. The addition brings the total plane on the fleet to seven. He described the event as a major milestone in Aviation development in the state, stating that "God will help us so we can take over the entire airspace in this region.

In his words, "I want to first of all express my appreciation to God Almighty,David in the Bible said, if it had not been the Lord who is on our side certainly it would not have been possible. We have been favoured by God, we have been counseled by the Holy Spirit, we have been strengthen by the Holy Spirit".

"Today marks a major milestone in the history of aviation development not only for Akwa Ibom State but in this country. Never in the history of this nation has a state establish and own a successful airline, but this is marking a milestone in that history"

He thanked the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom for supporting his vision of aviation development in the state, reasoning that having experienced the present state of insecurity and economic instability in the country, it could be seen that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has what it takes to return Nigeria to the glorious days of economic boom.

Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour, and Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, while unveiling the two new Airbus 220-300 series, congratulated Governor Emmanuel for exceptional performances in the development of the State, especially the aviation industry, adding that all PDP States are setting the pace of development in the entire nation.

"I congratulate you my brother for all the things you have been doing in all facets of life to the people of Akwa Ibom State, in infrastructure you are there, in education you are there, in healthcare you are there, in agriculture you are there, in empowerment you are there, in human capital development you are there".

Tambuwal who is the Chairman of PDP Governors' forum, announced that all PDP States Governors are in Akwa Ibom State to deliberate over the state of affairs of the nation.

The Governor of Adamawa, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Fintiri, in a goodwill message described the event as unprecedented in history of aviation noting that the aircraft will unlock the economy of the state and the country at large.

In his presentation, the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom, described the A220-300 series aircrafts as the newest and most advanced passenger aircrafts in the world, noting that the aircraft has 140 wide seats.

He thanked the Minister of Aviation and Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for their support in the realisation of the vision.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

Jubilee syringe factory expands production

...As NMA Applauded Gov. Emmanuel for making A'Ibom workers highest paid in Nigeria


Africa's largest syringe production company, Jubilee Syringe Factory in Akwa Ibom State is set to expand its scope of production to cover varieties of medical consumables, as the government doubles efforts to suitably position the state as a budding medical tourism destination.

The state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, dropped the hint while playing host to a delegation of the Akwa Ibom Chapter of Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, at Government House, Uyo.

Affirming his administration’s resolve to ensure a holistic approach in consolidating the state’s healthcare sector, Governor Emmanuel said the Jubilee Syringe Factory, beyond its reputation of largest syringe production capacity in Africa, will soon venture into production of all plastic medical consumables, assuring that the state-of-the-art Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital, AKSUTH, underway, will be a model tertiary hospital.

“Not just the syringe, we are starting other consumables; everything plastic consumable in the medical line, like all those gloves. …We need a lot of your support in setting up our Teaching Hospital and we really mean business about that. As a state, we are doing well in secondary healthcare system. We jumped to establish a quaternary hospital. The next level is to set up a very good tertiary hospital. When we run that one well, well equipped, it will give birth to a College of Medicine. With what we have in mind and what we are going to bring in, we will have the best Teaching Hospital owned by a state government”, he stated.

He said with AKSUTH the state was set to bridge the gap between the already existing ultra-modern secondary and quaternary medical facilities in the state, while reaffirming his administration’s resolve to maintain the status quo of the health workers in the state being the highest paid nationwide.

Governor Emmanuel commended the sacrifice of medical practitioners in the state government fight against COVID-19 and congratulated the new NMA leadership in the state on their emergence and urged them to use the pivotal position of the NMA in the medical field to support state government’s drive towards a holistic development of the healthcare sector, by liaising with the various sister bodies to ensure best practices in by practitioners in the sub-sectors.

He stressed that lack of good surgery recovery plan, bedside manners, laboratory services and other complementary services, can render the medical practice counterproductive.

In his words, "Please let’s look at medical profession as a total approach…. As NMA you should have a way of controlling other ancillary services. Where I am suffering very much now, as a governor, is bedside manners with recovering patients. When you finish as the Doctor it is not all over. The recovery of that patient at times is as serious as what you did, especially in the theatre. You only go on ward rounds, may be in the morning or evening, you don’t know what happens to those people, but I’m getting a whole lot of reports of terrible bedside manners of nurses and other medical workers. Where I’m also having a whole lot of issues is all these labs being set up and we are going to clampdown on them very soon”.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation and Chairman Akwa Ibom State chapter of the NMA, Dr. Ime Udoh, thanked Governor Emmanuel for being the first Chief Executive to grant the Association audience in the state and lauded his administration’s passionate attention to healthcare.

He said the Governor’s approval Consolidated Medical Salary Scale, CONMESS, which places workers in the state government employ as highest paid in the country, the prowess brought to bear in containing the COVID-19 pandemic, the AKSUTH initiative and other ventures in the health sector were indicative the government’s acknowledgement of health as the substratum on which is created, adding that the government has not only prevented capital flight from the state, but has, through the Jubilee Syringe Factory, attract medical tourism to the state.

Dr Udoh used the opportunity of the visit to inform the Governor of the 2021 Physicians Week, scheduled to hold in the state in October.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

Oyetola, Osun NASS Members, APC Leaders Shun Aregbesola's Birthday Celebrations.

The ongoing political crisis within the Osun State Chapter of All Progressive Congress, APC was brought to the fore again on Saturday during the 64th Birthday of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Minister of Interior as political gladiators in the state were absent from the ceremony.

As it was earlier speculated, the Governor of Osun State, Mr Gboyega Oyetola and the entire state cabinet members ignored the ceremony. The entire state apparatus was represented by Commissioner for Political Affairs and Inter- Governmental Relations, Mr Taiwo Akeju.

All the Senators and Members of Federal House of Representatives from APC in Osun all the State, Caretaker Committee of APC shuned the ceremony execpet the state Secretary, Hon Rasak Salensile, a core loyalist of Aregbesola.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi was said to have participated via zoom as the royal father of the day while the Ijesaland paramount ruler, Oba Dr. Adekunle Gabriel Aromolaran, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, even the Onirun of Irun in Boluwaduro local government who is a strong ally of Aregbesola among others were absent.

The current Speaker of the State House of Assembly, who hailed from the same local government with the Minister , Hon Timothy Owoeye, former Speaker, Hon Najeem Folasayo Salam and the former Secretary to the state Government Alhaji Moshood Olalekan Adeoti attended the ceremony held at the Zenabab Resort, Ilesa.

The Osun Progressives ( TOP) led by its Chairman Elder Adelowo Adebiyi also attended the event with others members in their green and white attire.

Although the Governor Oyetola and Rauf Aregbesola had denied the rumor of rift but the recent developments with the formation of The Osun Progressives ( TOP) populated by Aregbesola loyalists was an evident manifestation of the rift.

The Agba Osun recently suspended Elder Adebiyi from the Elder Council of APC for the formation of splinter group within the party while all the political functionaries in the state have equally dissociated themselves with TOP at different APC rally.

Aregbesola while speaking at the ceremony described the agitation for secession as foolish and share wickedness by selfish individuals.

Aregbesola warned Nigerians to desist from from any act capable of threatening Nigeria's unity, describing those calling for the separation of the country as ignorant.

It would be recalled that on May 25th, 2021, at a virtual colloquium, the Minister celebrated his birthday parading notable Speakers like Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, a perceived anti Asiwaju Bola Hammed Tinubu presidency antagonist and other personalities including NLC President, Ayuba Wabba with the Colloquium theme as Government and Big Development, realities and solutions for Nigeria.

El Rufai was also the Guest Speaker at the last year Colloquium Virtual lecture of Aregbesola where he apparently questioned Tinubu political leadership style.

The event also witnessed a book presentation titled "The Rauf I Know ", written by a Journalist, Mr Dayo Olanipekun a former Government House Correspondent during Aregbesola 8 years governorship.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

Electoral bill passage fundamental to Nigeria's reformation- Gov Emmanuel

Only the passage of the Electoral Bill to reform and reposition Nigeria's electoral system will restore the confidence of the Nigerian people on the 9th National Assembly and demonstrate its sincerity with the constitutional review by first passing the pending Electoral Bill.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, started this while hosting members of the Special House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution for the South-south states, who paid a courtesy visit to his office after the second day of the public hearing for Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states in Uyo.

The Governor said the Electoral Bill was a yearning of the people that must be prioritized and called on the Legislative and Executive arms of the federal government to expedite actions to bring the bill alive. This, he added, will remedy the seeming apathy on Nigerians towards the constitution review process.

He commended the Speaker of the ninth Assembly for the relative harmony in the House of Representatives and the qualitative selection of Member to pilot the review process in the South-south, expressing hope that the representations of the people will not be ignored.

In his words, “As we are working on the Constitution review, Nigerians will want to see the sincerity of the National Assembly. …If you want us to believe this exercise, give us the Electoral Bill as soon as possible and let the Executive sign it into Law, then we will believe that this one will also see the light of day”.

According to him, as important as the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) was, the most important and urgent at the moment is the Electoral Bill, then the PIB, while, while the Constitution Review comes third in the order of priority, as he called on the red and green chambers of the National Assembly to consider the plea as the yearning of over 200 million Nigerians.

Governor Emmanuel said the efforts to contain the agitating people in the South-south region would not be necessary if the federal government could avoid some outright violations of the laws governing the running of its institutions in the region, stressing the need to regain the confidence of people in the government.

“We can’t enjoy peace as a country if we can’t even obey the simple rule of law we put in place. We need to build back hope and confidence in our people; we need to let people know that we do listen to them”, he added.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Special Committee on Constitutional Review and leader of the delegation, Hon. Gideon Gwani, who is the Minority Whip, and member representing Kaura Federal Constituency of Kaduna State in the House of Representatives, thanked Governor Emmanuel for the warm reception and hospitality accorded his team, while lauding the exceptional service of the state owned airline, Ibom Air and other developmental efforts of the state government.

Hon. Gwani, said that the Special Committee on Constitutional Review became necessary to address the challenges confronting the nation especially insecurity, charting a course towards a new constitution that will guarantee fundamental freedom of Nigerians.

“Nigeria is a great country, but currently we are going through challenging times, we are battling insecurity dwindling economy and the resurgence of fear of ethnic domination which led our country to a civil war several years ago, which have continued to plague every aspect of our national life. As a nation we need to take a pause and also appraise our terms of social contract, our mode and system of government and the only way to legally respond to those calls is via constitutional amendment”, he said.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

Flash:
Please be informed that the Niger State Government has banned completely the operation of commercial motorcycles within Minna, the state capital.

Noncommercial motorcycles however, are permitted to operate but only within the hours of 6am and 9pm. Restriction time is 9pm to 6am.

This is coming after the State Government received security reports of how bandits use motorcycles to carryout criminal activities in the state. The ban, which commences from Minna metropolis effect from tomorrow Thursday, June 3, 2021, will be extended to all parts of the state in the coming weeks.

Niger state Government regrets any inconvenience this necessary decision may cause the residents of the state.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

Blackmail counterproductive to development, economic growth - Gov Emmanuel

...List achievements in office on 6th anniversary

...Explains why electorate must be cautious on choice of successor

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has urged the people to shun blackmail as such vices is inimical and counterproductive to economic growth and development with huge undesirable consequences.

The Governor gave this charge when he led top government functionaries to a special Inter-Denominational Thanksgiving Service held to mark the 6th anniversary of his administration on Sunday at Believers Assembly of Nigeria, Uyo.

Governor Emmanuel who reflected on the mercies of God which he acknowledged gave him wisdom to lead the state through a turbulent economic time occasioned by the outbreak of Covid-19, appreciated the support of Akwa Ibom people, and described them as partners in the success story of the state.

"We are standing here to give God all the glory, the psalmists will tell you, ‘O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good for His Mercies endureth forever’ we are thanking God for extremely tough six years economically, we’ve been challenged on all sides but we are not depressed. So we want to give God thanks for those six challenging years God has led us, he has helped us to keep faith.

"We thank Akwa Ibom people also for your support, I have not seen a government in Nigeria today that has enjoyed than I have enjoyed in Akwa Ibom, may God bless you all”, he stated.

He assured the people of delivering on all his promises to the state pointing out that his commitment to the development of the Akwa Ibom remains absolute as he will continue to serve passionately and diligently.

"I want to assure my people that we will continue to serve God through all of you and please we need everyone’s cooperation just to pray with us let God take us to where we are going. Let me sound a bit of warning, stop castigating the Governor that he has built an International Worship Center, you don’t understand what I am doing, I am raising an altar that will negate every other speaking. I am raising an altar that will take us to where we are going to", he stated.

Speaking earlier on Saturday, in a state broadcast to mark his 6th anniversary, the Governor listed the many positive impact his economic and industrialization policy has had on the economy of the state, reiterating the determination of his administration to fulfill his campaign promises to the people with more vigour and determination, noting that he is in a hurry to industrialize and change the narratives of the state from being a purely Civil Service State to an industrialized entity.

Giving a sectoral breakdown of his achievements in office, the Governor said in the agricultural sector, he has kept his promise to ensure that the state produce enough food at affordable prices to feed the people. He recalled that his inauguration of the Technical Committee on Agriculture and Food Sufficiency have borne incredible fruits.

"Our staple food items such as garri, rice, yam etc are produced mostly by our people here. From the rice mill in Ini Local Government Area, to the numerous garri processing mills scattered all over the three senatorial districts, to our low interest loans given to farmers, to the cassava plantation through the FADAMA 3 scheme, we are working to ensure that our people have enough food to eat at quite affordable prices".

"Our investments in this critical sector goes beyond making food available for all, we are also leveraging in on our comparative advantage in agriculture through the establishment of a fully functional Directorate of Agriculture and Agro-Allied Investments", he stated.

In the health sector, the Governor noted with delight that when we came in, most of the general hospitals were derelict as patients and hospital staff were battling snakes and other reptiles every day.

"Today, because of our belief that a healthy population is a good measurement range of a working Government, we have refurbished, remodelled and equipped with the most modern amenities the general hospitals in all the Ten Federal constituencies. The ones in Ikot Abasi and Ikot Ekpene respectively are scheduled to be commissioned soon. From Etinan General Hospital, to the one in Iquita, Oron, to Ikot Okoro, to Ituk Mbang, to Awa, to Emmanuel Hospital, these general hospitals today can compete favourably and be compared with any such facility anywhere in the world".

He stated that his administration has equipped the Ibom Specialist Hospital with the most modern medical facilities compete with an ICU and these huge investments came in handy during the challenging months of the Covid-19 pandemic as the highly trained medical professionals performed exceedingly well to stem the spread of the deadly virus.

In his words, "We had, also in the course of the pandemic performed what has been generally described as the ‘Miracle of Ituk Mbang’, when we constructed and commissioned in a record time the 300 –bed Infectious Diseases Control Centre equipped with one of the best PCR laboratories and an 18-bed ICU and HDU centres. Later today, I will commission the Medical Gas and Vacuum Plant, with the capacity to supply one thousand beds with oxygen and perform suction functions for one thousand patients at the same time. This facility I must add, is the largest in size in the nation as at today. A few days ago, we performed a ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital in collaboration with ASR an BUA Group of Companies. Our medical professionals are scheduled on regular trainings to bring them at par with modern approaches in health care management".

On education, he observed that his administration has on the recommendations of the first ever Education Summit held in 2020, and the recommendations of the Education - think tank headed by Professor Hilary Inyang, he declared an emergency in the education sector. He listed the construction of brand new school blocks with modern science laboratories, recruitment of one thousand new teachers and another one thousand through SUBEB, as some positive steps taken to reposition the sector.

Listing the achievements of his industrialization policy, Governor Emmanuel said, through the efforts of the Technical Committee on Foreign Direct Investments, he has attracted over twenty economically viable and employment - generating Industries to the state including the Coconut Virgin Oil Refinery, a digitalized flour mill which produces the flour we need for our confectioneries industry, the Metering company, the commencement of the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone, the Ground breaking ceremony for the construction of Sterling petrochemicals and Fertilizer production factory, the $1.4 billion Ammonia and Fertilizer plant, and Ibom Air which he noted has become a national sensation.

"The colours of Akwa Ibom State now dominate the Nigerian aviation space. We were recently named the Best Airline in the Nation", he stated.

On the issue of who takes over from him in 2023, the Governor explained that the priority of the people should be focused on maintaining the tone and tenor of governance which has changed from an all-knowing, all hectoring potentate to one based on humility in strength and Christ-centric disposition in execution and direction.

He thus urged the people to elect a successor who will not cancel the great strides in industrialization he has started, or undermine the peace the state currently enjoys or relegate God to the background and assume an all-knowing power or one who seeks cheap popularity but one who would utilize the resources and continue investing in projects with enduring value and not see Government as a cabal where the commonwealth would be shared among a privileged few rather than to unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of the people and a successor who understands the economic dynamics that shape our globalized space and would utilize those skills to advance the people's well-being.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

It is cruel and shameful to attempt to play politics with matters of security. Whichever way you look at it, whatever political profit you may gain from it, no one who would escape the grave consequences of a resultant security collapse because a bandit or a kidnapper would not ask what party you belong to before inflicting evil upon you.

Without doubt, Niger state and indeed Nigeria is going through a challenging phase. Everyday we wake up to heartbreaking news from all parts of the country. It is tragic enough for all of us; whether politicians or an individual from other walks of life. What we don’t need in addition is mischief-makers trying to play politics with it.

This is not to suggest that Nigerians or Nigerlites should not lament where there is a failure of security; they should. People must react, pour out their anger on leaders –and leaders must accept the blames, listen to the lamentations because it comes with job. It is what they signed up for.

Over the last few months I have read several articles and social media write-ups from different people about the insecurity we are battling with especially in Niger state, and, I can say with most sincerity that majority of them are written from genuine concern, and a deep desire for peace.

I have also read a number of questions many are asking, but the most common one is: what exactly is the Governor doing about the security situation in the state? In all fairness, this is a most sincere question that any concerned resident of the state must ask. If I did not know, I too would have asked what the Chief Security Officer of the state is doing to remedy the situation as well.

Anybody who understands crisis knows too well that security issues are quite complicated. They may seem easy to discuss but not so easy to solve. In Niger state in particular, we have been known to be peaceful and full of respect for elders and persons in constituted authority. Even as there are scuffles here and there, as a people we generally abhor violence especially at the level we are seeing today. These criminals are not from our lands. They are only taking advantage of our vast land and accommodating nature of our people to spread violence.

But, security issues being quite and ever complicated, may seem only easy to discuss, it is never so easy to solve. What I know for sure is every security unit posted to Niger state from the federal government, from the army, the police, even the civil defence are all being taken care of by the state. Their allowances, their feeding and their accommodation are being routinely offset by the state government, while other comforts and needs many and unceasing don't go through red-tapes to be ministered to!


Furthermore, in all the 25 LGAs of the state, the State Government has instituted vigilantes groups, funded by the government. The positive results of this initiative have been considerably high but may not be as glaring because averted attacks often go unreported.

Only a few weeks ago, in fact, the army, the police together with other local vigilantes were successful in their operations led by General Ali Keffi and DCP Yusuf Kolo supported by the state government which led to over 30 communities in Shiroro, Rafi and Mariga LGs returning back to their communities after fleeing for months from banditry and other related attacks.

In all sincerity, it is a difficult time for us all, especially those in government. Daily they’re confronted with barrage of questions and insults, sometimes, even from people very close to them and other times from immediate family members. And when you see struggling displaced persons, you are overwhelmed by a sense of guilt.

What is always difficult for people to believe is that Governors do not have the police or the Army. Not only is this hard to believe, it provokes the public to anger even as it is the truth. But even as this is true, in Niger state at least, the state government takes care of their welfare, from feeding to accommodation to allowances.

For those who understand that Governors are not Commanders in Chief, the next question that comes to mind is this: Can’t the Governor empower the vigilante groups to fight these bandits seeing as vigilantes understand the localities better and are almost always successful against bandits? Truth be told, anyone who is a keen follower knows that Governor Abu Sani Bello is doing his very best in this aspect but limited constitutional powers has denied him and his colleagues certain rights to procure modern arms for them.

Another hard-to-believe truth is this: the Governor does not have the constitutional power to procure guns for any group. Yes, it is highly illegal and contradicts the provisions of the constitution.

I am putting all these out as individual with privileged information that is a keen follower of happenings, and have got the privileged of been around the policy makers not as a government official.

If I’m asked what is the way out, since both the police and the army are doing their best and there seems to be no end in sight to this, my recommendation to Nigeria's political leaders would be a review of the constitution currently operating in the country. I feel we all, as concerned citizens, like elder BM Dzukogi did, should approach these committees with solutions.

Let us:
1. have a situation where full autonomy is granted to Local Governments.

2. Create a state police with a caveat where they are only meant to fight banditry and not to be used for political or electoral activities.

3. Find a way of legalizing the vigilante groups with a little restructuring so they can be allowed to carry modern arms since they owned and know the territories better than even the bandits.

The time for lamentations upon lamentations, blames and counter blames is over. It is time to discuss and act solutions. We’ve made noise and raise complaints long enough. We all should be part of that constitutional review process which seems urgently needed to drive desirable changes in the area of insecurity in the country. Let us agree that the document is from us, not from them, so we can at least agree on a template to apply in reworking same for a better, safer, more prosperous Nigeria. Thank you all for reading this to the end.

Written by Abdullberqy U. Ebbo
A Nigerlite.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

The Niger State Government has denied the supply of food materials to bandits in the state.

This is in reaction to viral video circulating on social media allegedly showing an Apache helicopter supplying materials to bandits.

It was alleged that the helicopter belonged to General Abdulsalam Abubakar and was brought down by locals who used supernatural powers to direct a hive of bees to cover and bring down the helicopter.

Read the full state of the government below:

The attention of the Niger State Government has been drawn to an image being circulated on social media of an Apache helicopter supplying materials to bandits purported to belong to General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and which was brought down by locals who used supernatural powers to direct a hive of bees to cover and bring down the helicopter.

While the story in itself is ridiculous to a laughable proportion and impresses as the figment of the imagination of an unimaginative character, investigations, however, was still carried out which proved that there was no such incident in Arina village of Shiroro LGA where it was claimed to have occurred.

The Niger State Government is alive to the machinations of the fifth columnists bent on frustrating the efforts of the government towards peace and stability, and His Excellency, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has directed that the persons responsible be traced, arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.

We implore the general public to desist from sharing these kinds of information to a wider audience and to report any similar destructive stories to the appropriate authorities so as to help us arrest persons bent on ensuring instability in our state.

Mohammad Sani Idris
Commisioner of Information
Niger state

cc: mynd4, lalasticlala

Niger State Government has commenced the distribution of the second batch of food items to the IDPs after the distribution of the first batch was successfully completed.

Recall Vanguard had reported that Governor Abu Sani Bello issued a directive to NSEMA for food items to be distributed to Internally Displaced Persons in the state.

Niger State Government will continue to commit resources to ensure that Internally Displaced Persons do lack food, and proper health facilities until the times comes for them to be returned home.

cc: mynd44

See more photos here:-

see more:-

After the recent disturbance of some communities in Niger state by bandits and Boko Haram elements, the Niger State Government on Friday, April 30th, 2021, successfully relocated 3500 internally displaced persons to Gwada Model Primary School.

Governor Abubakar S. Bello, who detailed relevant Ministries and MDAs through Niger State Emergency Management Agency(NSEMA) to ensure that the IDPs are accommodated and all their needs met until security improves and they are relocated back to their communities.

His Excellency, Governor Abu Sani Bello who saw to it that food items and other essentials worth millions of Naira were purchased was said to have expressed optimism that the communities would soon be secured as the State and Federal Government are working assiduously to see that the criminals encroaching into the state are wiped out.

Between the hours of 1pm and 8pm yesterday yesterday, the IDPs were relocated to Gwada from IBB Primary School, Minna, the 3-Arm Zone, Gurusu and Maitumbi Sarkin Fulani's house, while most of the others staying with relatives and kind neighbours were also mobilized and relocated.

To ensure harmony, the leaders of the Gbagy and Fulani communities were invited to camp by NSEMA and constituted as part of the camp management officials to assist in running camp activities.

The food, non-food items and sanitary material that were procured have been made available to camp officials. The Niger State Government has provided security alongside a clinic manned by officials of the state’s Ministry of Health.

Mohammad Sani Idris
Commisioner of Information and Strategy
Niger state
May 01, 2021.

cc: mynd44

A'Ibom retirees: 97 next of kin, 67 retirees,11 physically challenged receive benefits

... As AKSG offset entitlement of 5,296 retired primary school teachers, 1,838 next of kin from 1976- 2000

... payment will help instill commitment, patriotism - Beneficiaries

No fewer than 97 next of kin of retired primary school teachers in Akwa Ibom State have received their late parents benefits. This is in addition to about 67 retired primary school teachers and 11 physically challenged persons who were finally paid their gratuity by the state government. These are part of the first beneficiaries of payment of gratuity to beneficiaries as promised by the Akwa Ibom State Government, AKSG, a payment that spans a period of 24 years, from 1976-2000.

The payment of the retirees entitlements is in furtherance to the pledge by Governor Udom Emmanuel to commence payment of gratuity and pensions to all eligible retirees in line with the commitment of his administration to bring succor and relief to senior citizens of the state who sacrificed a greater part of their productive years in service of the state.

Speaking to newsmen in Uyo, the Head of the Civil Service, Akwa Ibom State, Elder Effiong Essien said the state government further approved the payment of entitlements to 5,296 retired primary school teachers, 1,838 next of kin in the state from 1976 to 2000 which will be paid on batches.

According to Elder Essien:

"The payment of this entitlements commenced on Monday, we are hoping to clear the backlogs of the gratuities from 1976 to date. Those who successfully scaled through the verification exercise have received their payment"

"Currently, we have paid 97 next of kin, 67 living retired primary school teachers and 11 vulnersble whose both physical and health condition was very pitiable. This payment will be done in batches till we successfully carry out the payment to all beneficiaries", he stated.

The Head of Civil Service commended the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel for being passionate and resolute in his leadership role, describing him as a workers' friendly Governor who pays premium to the welfare and working condition of workers so as to improve productivity and efficiency in the service.

Reacting to the development, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Mandu Akpan who retired since 2009 said, the payment of her gratuity will not only go a long way to ameriolate the suffering she has passed through since her retirement from service but will also inspire those presently working that their services to the state will not be in vain.

She commended the State Governor for keeping to his promise of paying pension and gratuity to all deserving retirees, nothing with delight that payment is not only fulfilling but consoling.

Also speaking, a retired headmaster, Elder Umoren Nkanga thanked God for keeping him alive to see this day and expressed gratitude to the State Governor for ensuring that the suffering that became the lot of Akwa Ibom retirees have been put to rest. He thanked the Governor for his efforts at ensuring that all retirees were verified and captured for payment and thanked the verification team for their efficiency that led to the payment as directed by the Governor.

cc: mynd44

The Niger state government has warned residents of the state to be wary of alarmists who peddled false information and spread fear in the state to cause unnecessary panic among the people.

The state government noted that a viral video of heavily armed gunmen invading a community was recently discovered to be an event that happened in Chad but was purportedly said to have taken place in Niger state had caused panic and fear in some communities in the state.

The state government warned that it will no longer tolerate the mischief-makers spreading and peddling lies over the internet to cause distress in the state. In a statement by Mohammad Sani Idris, Commissioner of Information, Niger state, available to vanguard, The state govt implored the public to go about their businesses peacefully and to stop seeking and relishing falsehood such as are being peddled by scaremongers intended to frustrate the efforts of security agents or upset the stability of communities.

Idris said, “the attention of the Niger State Government has been drawn to a viral video of heavily armed gunmen said to be at the entrance of a town purported to be Niger state, Nigeria, but discovered to be far away from Chad.”

“While we hasten to state categorically that the information is false as such thing did not happen anywhere in the state, we equally desire to warn scaremongers to leave Niger state and ply their trade elsewhere.” He said. Idris warned that the state govt shall arrest and prosecute anyone found driving the state into panic by sharing fake news over the internet relating to insecurity would be made to face the full wrath of the law. “Using the internet for mischief and to peddle falsehood and spread fear have survived long enough and shall no longer be tolerated by the State Government.”

“As such, any person caught sharing untruths of whatever nature, either relating to insecurity or any other issue/matter with a view to driving Niger state and its residents into panic shall be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the Law.” He warned. Idris although acknowledged the presence of Boko Haram terrorists in the state, assured that The federal and State govts are working to flush out remnants of the insurgents from the state.

“Even as there are elements of Boko Haram at the fringes of an area of the state, Federal and State Government are working assiduously to flush out the terrorists from these areas, while our security agents are working bravely and professionally to restore stability to the troubled part within the shortest possible time.” He assured.

“We, therefore, implore the public to go about their businesses peacefully and to stop seeking and relishing falsehood such as are being peddled by scaremongers – total falsities intended to frustrate the efforts of our security agents, or upset the stability of our communities, the process of which can do serious harm to fellow residents.”

“let those whose business is to cook lies and spread falsehood, particularly relating to the security of Niger state, find other businesses to engage them, lest such elements shall soon have reasons to know that consequences of their grave misconducts can only be grave.”

cc: lalasticlal, seun

Revealed! How $1bn Arms Fund for Nigerian Armed Forces Was Disbursed

- the Defence Ministry Role

Facts have emerged about the mystery surrounding the release of $1 billion (one billion US Dollars) to the Nigerian military for arms procurement to fight insurgency, currently being investigated by the House of Representatives.

Tongues have been wagging regarding the tale that no account has been given by those concerned on how the war equipment cash was utilized.

Fresh findings by Global Excellence have revealed that the award of the contracts for the arms purchase and subsequent release of the funds were solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence.

When the House of Representatives’ Ad Hoc Committee probing the Purchase, Use and Control of Arms, Ammunition and Related Hardware by Military, Paramilitary and Other Law Enforcement Agencies in Nigeria invited the current Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, to give more explanations on the arms procurement, the army chief who was barely three months in the office told the investigating committee that he was new on the job, therefore he was not in the position to give account on the contract for the arms buying.

Meanwhile, contrary to the general notion that the immediate past service chiefs were in charge of the procurement, the Ministry of Defence has been found to be entirely responsible for all transactions surrounding the arms purchase.

According to Global Excellence’s reliable source, the former minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, coordinated the fund approval and payment of about $490m to the American government for the procurement of 12 Super Tucano aircraft for the Nigerian Air Force. The source added that the fund, which was approved early 2017 but finally released for purchases in 2019, was paid direct without any agent or middle businessman. The source said that due process for the award of contracts for the procurement of the military equipment for the Armed Forces was began by Mansur Dan-Ali, a retired Brigadier-General and concluded by the current Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, a retired Major-General, adding that all the contracts were awarded and mobilization paid based on the contract agreements and some have been concluded while some are still ongoing. Therefore, the source affirmed, no single cent was given to the Army or Navy or the Air Force from the $1bn ECA fund for military equipment procurement. The entire money was spent by the Ministry of Defence.

However, apart from the $490m paid to the US government for 12 Tucano jets, there is documented evidence of other contracts that were awarded by the Ministry of Defence for the purchase of more military critical hardware.

On Monday, September 17, 2018, an approval was given by the Ministry of Defence for a trade and export international agency to procure two types of vehicles, Reutech Surveillance Equipment, three types of weapons and three types of ammunitions for the Nigerian Army worth $99,538,467.23 (ninety-nine million, five hundred and thirty-eight thousand, four hundred and sixty-seven US Dollars and twenty-three Cents).

The purchase list include, 10 units of T90Tank Second Generation, 10 units of Armoured Repair Recovery BREM-4 vehicles; 20 units of Ground Radar System (Reutech) surveillance equipment; 20 units of 81mm Mortar, 120 units of MG-127-DSHK-M, 2,012 units of AKMS weapons; 8,141 units of 81mm Mortar Bombs, 1,103,000 units of Cart 12.7x108mm, 3,259 units of 122mm GRAD ammunition.

On Wednesday, February 5, 2020, the Ministry of Defence awarded the same company the contract to purchase for the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and the Defence Intelligence Agency with 60 units of Legion MRAP including DSHK Guns, CODAN HF Vehicular Radio and Automatic Turret with pre-shipment inspection; 24 units of Phantom II Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) including pre-shipment inspection, complete with spares, training and maintenance. The approved cost for the procurement was $43,680,000.00 (fourty-three million, six hundred and eighty thousand US Dollars).

A document seen by Global Excellence shows that the contracts, signed by a top director in the of procurement department on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Defence, were certified ‘No Objection’ by the Bureau of Public Procurement and, subsequently the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) endorsement was granted for the purchase.

In light of this clear evidence, Nigerians are asking the Minister of Defence to come forward and defend his office while they are condemning the decision of the House of Representatives committee for summoning the Chief of Army Staff instead of inviting the minister whose office was entirely accountable for the arms fund spending.

cc: lalasticlala, seun, mynd44

BOOK REVIEW

Kachikwu: An Expert’s Gift to the World

On Thursday, February 4th, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, publicly presented four new books at a classy virtual global event, which attracted over 2,300 participants from no fewer than five continents.

Participating were President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Minister of Defence, T.Y Danjuma; the current Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Sanusi Barkindo and the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

Others, who witnessed the event were the Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbon in Equatorial Guinea, Gabriel Obiang Lima; Secretary General of Africa Petroleum Producers’ Organisation, Omar Farouk; Mr. Abdulrasaq Isa, Mr. Austin Avuru as well as other global oil industry chiefs, the academia, lawyers and business titans.

However, below are the respective reviews of each of the books, which many of the participants reckoned would continue to provide guidance to the industry operators in terms of experience, knowledge and policy formation.


The Nigerian Petroleum Industry: 2015 to the Future

REVIEWER: ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DR. DAYO AYOADE (MNI), FROM THE FACULTY OF LAW, UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, WITH SPECIALTIES IN ENERGY, PETROLEUM AND ELECTRICITY SECTOR.

The book titled Nigerian Petroleum Industry: 2015 to the Future; Restructuring and Reforming for Growth, is an interesting book. The book deals with policies and looks to the future of our country. Since we discovered oil in 1956, Nigeria has struggled with its oil and we need policy books like this to strategise way forward for the nation.
There are several oil and gas books, of course, in the market but few of them actually look to the future – few of them provide this kind of strategic and analytical approach that consider where we are, and we need to get to.
I find that this book reflects Dr. Kachukwu’s private sector experience as well as his time in office as Minister of Petroleum Resources. It also demonstrates a formidable team of technocrats that backed up the minister during his time in office.
The various chapters look at different things in the book. The first chapter looks at ‘Repositioning the Industry for Prosperity’. This looks at the policy thrust of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and deals with seven big wins and looks at key policy initiatives of the government.
The second chapter deals mostly with technical perspectives on petroleum resources management and under this heading; we see how the national petroleum policy and the national gas policy were put into effect and how it provides a strong foundation for growth.
The third chapter deals mostly with policy and regulations and other perspectives. And here, we look at key legislative, policy initiatives and interventions; we look at some of the investment framework, we look at some of the key natural gas infrastructure in the country.
More interestingly, if you look at chapter four that deals with transparency and efficiency, it deals with what has been killing the country, because there is need for transparency in how we operate our regulations and efficiency in how the system works; our long contracting circles, the problems in doing business with our government agencies are tackled robustly.
If we look at the seventh chapter on stakeholder management and international coordination that deals with something you might not find in many books, and of course, it is the minister’s personal experience especially, in relation with OPEC and bilateral relations – the way oil and gas policies activities are defended from the point of view of national interest.
Now, if you turn to the ninth chapter, where the minister looked at building the petroleum industry for the future, this is very interesting, because the whole welfare of the staff, the whole human resources and capacity of the staff are examined in details and a way forward is being found.
We look at the tenth chapter, which interestingly is called project 100 and here, the minister, looking at 100 SMEs – small and medium scale companies to encourage them to be the foundation of the future of Nigeria. This leads to the eleventh chapter, which deals with national content.
Local content is one of the biggest policies that have driven growth in Nigeria at the moment. And the twelfth one is the Buhari legacy and this is very interesting, because it has been able to sum up some of the achievements of President Muhammdu Buhari (GCFR) over the last 40 years and that is not a small achievement.
This is succeeded with the chapter on the future path, which is chapter thirteen and deals with diverse issues, transparency, gas infrastructure and so forth, while the final chapter is the conclusion that rounds off the book.
This book is very interesting, well presented, has very good illustrative charts and tables. The information in it will delight legal scholars, governments, private sector participants in the industry and it is very warmly recommended.
The vision unpinning this book shows how we can get to national prosperity and it is not a mean achievement to put all of these diverse issues into one book.
On this note, I would like to congratulate Dr. Kachikwu on this excellent book and wish him well for the future.




Gas Development in Nigeria: Legal and Policy Framework

REVIEWER: DR. PETER ONIEMOLA FROM THE FACULTY OF LAW, UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN. HE IS ALSO THE ENERGY LAW COORDINATOR, CENTRE FOR PETROLEUM, ENERGY ECONOMICS AND LAW, UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN.

The book, Gas Development in Nigeria: Legal and Policy Framework, written by Dr. Ibe Kachikwu is a masterpiece. It is a book that addresses the legal and policy issues in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria with a focus on gas.
The book is structured into six chapters and the striking point in the book is the examination of natural gas or gas development in Nigeria, looking at the overview of the industry, the challenges surrounding the development of gas in Nigeria.
Another striking chapter to be considered in the book is the examination of the legal regime for gas in Nigeria, which involves the examination of the provisions of the constitution, the Petroleum Production Act and the production drilling and production regulation among other legislations in the oil and gas industry.
The various policies relating to gas are also examined in another chapter – so compelling in demonstration of how policies affect the development of gas in Nigeria.
It is also striking to see that the matters bothering on climate change – sustainable development of gas – are also examined in the book.
With development of the Nigerian gas sector, which has been bedeviled by series of challenges such as pricing, cash call issues and the need for continuous funding and infrastructural development in the gas sector, the author was able to bring on board, his experience as a practitioner in the field as well as an administrator.
The book itself is rich in content and will be an important source for policy makers, legislators, academicians and persons, who are seeking to invest in the sector – all those who are seeking to develop their knowledge on the gas sector in Nigeria.
It is an excellent book the way it is written and the way the book is structured is futuristic in nature. Though I would have loved to see an expert in the area transactional practice. The transactional aspect of oil and gas law is an area we need to develop in the country.
And again, the author, bringing in his level of his experience, can also consider developing such area in the future for the purpose of making a contribution to the gas sector in Nigeria.




Nigeria Foreign Investment Law and Policy
(Second Edition)

REVIEWER: DR. OLUWATOYIN ADEJONWO OSHO, SENIOR LECTURER, FACULTY OF LAW, UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS

There is a strong relation between foreign investment and economic growth especially, for developing and emerging market countries like Nigeria, because it promotes socio-economic development. This book is a second edition of the one published in 1988.
The book seeks to assess the progress, if any, with regards to the legal and regulatory framework for foreign investment in Nigeria. It also seeks to provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of the current law and policy guiding foreign investment.
The rationale for the second book, that is the second edition, is emphasised by the author, who asserts on page two that and I quote: “The last few years has seen a substantial shift in the perception of foreign investment by Nigeria and Nigerians. The perception of foreign investment has shifted from abhorrent to accommodation of and encouragement of foreign investment.”
The author included several vital resources and statistics on the subject, and it would be of relevance to both local and foreign investors. The book is divided into eight detailed chapters and these chapters highlight the issues that are of interest for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s foreign investment landscape. The author highlights relevant legal, regulatory, tax and policy regimes of foreign investment in Nigeria.
There are several highpoints in the book such as the section on the historical development of the Nigerian economy and analysis of the market indicators or the ease of doing business in countries comparable to Nigeria such as Ghana and South Africa, the procedure and requirements for obtaining permits especially, as regards to foreign investment and recommendations on reforming the Nigerian investment legal regime.
Nigerian Foreign Investment Law and Policy is an articulate and commendable effort that illustrates the role of foreign investment for the sustainable development of emerging economies such as Nigeria’s particularly, in this era of economic globalisation and trans-national trade, all within a framework of sustainable development.
This book by Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu is unquestionably scholarly work, which not only fills a gap in existing literature on foreign investment in general, but also fills a gap in legal literature.
The book proffers useful pathways and provocative insights, which will be useful to investors both foreign and local, academics and researchers, legal practitioner, governments, international organizations, students and every other person that is interested in the laws and policies with respect to foreign investment in Nigeria.
I, therefore, humbly and respectfully, recommend this book to all.




The Nigerian Law of Contract: Study Companion

REVIEWER: DR. ADEKEMI OMOTUBORA, LECTURER, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL LAW, FACULTY OF LAW, UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS

I’m reviewing the book, Nigerian Law of Contract: Study Companion by Dr. Ibe Kachikwu. The book is published by, Law Publishing and Conference Services Limited in 2020.
The objective of this book as stated by the author, is two-fold: the first is that the book is written to capture and present to the reader, the over racking scope of the law of contract, the second is that it aims to address the evolution of and recent development in contract law.
So, in recognition of the fact that the law of contract is the foundation of all other commercial laws and that different professional – both lawyers and non-lawyers – are having to deal with this area of contract, the book was written to appeal to a larger audience of both lawyers and non-lawyers. So, the book delivered on this objective.
The first point that I would like to note is the excellent structure of the book in terms of the topics covered, discussions and analysis of the law. And in spite of the fact that it is legal text…and legal texts are known for their legalese, this book adopts a sophisticated narrative, which is easy to follow by both lawyers and non-lawyers.
So, non-professionals not initiated in the legal profession can also use this book. The book consists of 14 chapters, covering the broad scope of the contract law. In chapter one, the author introduces the Law of Contract and that chapter discusses the forms and classification of contract and the formalities for an enforceable contract.
In chapter 2, the book discusses the complex concept of offer and acceptance. This is an area that most people find difficult to actually grasp. Usually, people don’t know the differences between offer and acceptance.
As a teacher I can say this is also challenging for me to explain to students and for them to grab but this book has done excellently in tackling this area. Chapter 4 explains and analyses capacities of parties to contract.
In chapter 7, the book deals with exclusion clauses. In Chapter 8, it describes and analyses the desiccating element of contract and in chapter 9, it examines illegal and void contracts. Chapter 12 of the book is particularly captivating – it is particularly interesting; it is particularly significant and why do I say so?
Because it focuses on e-contracts and e-signature and this is a relatively new area of the law that many authors, even many new books have not covered recently. So, this is a significant addition to the body of knowledge in terms of the coverage of this area.
In chapter 13, the book examines the rules for drafting and executing contractual terms. It does merge the rules of interpretation, which is also a complex area of the law to grasp, so readers know the relationship between the rules of interpretation and the elements of contracts that lawyers often draft.
Overall, what is my impression of this book? I think it lives up to its title of being a study companion but that doesn’t mean that we are saying it is a study companion meant for just students; this is also a practitioners’ book; it can be used by students and it can be used by practitioners alike and it can be used especially, by non-lawyers, who want to understand this area of the law or who work in this area and deal with this area of the law.
So, my conclusion is that this is an excellent book. It is a great addition to the body of knowledge. I congratulate the author on this outstanding achievement. I would recommend this book to students, practitioners and all the people, who are interested in learning about the law of contract.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

GOV EMMANUEL LEADS OTHER DIGNITARIES TO BID NKANGA FAREWELL

Dignitaries from all walks of life converged on Ikot Nya, Nsit Ibom, Akwa Ibom State to pay their last respect to the first indigenous Military Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga, Rtd, as his remains were laid to rest.

The Funeral which was conducted by Qua Iboe Church of Nigeria, had in attendance Governor Udom Emmanuel and wife,Martha, Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, representatives from the Nigerian Air Force, serving and former political office holders, captains of industry, service commanders in the state, and several other stakeholders who paid glowing tributes to the former Governor as a man who lived his life for others.

Speaking at the funeral, Governor Emmanuel expressed sadness over the shocking passage of Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, stating that "a vacuum has been created, a voice in the Niger Delta has been lost".

The Governor in an emotional tone paid tributes to his Campaign Director General, asserting that, "it is a difficult moment for me but we have to be encouraged by the word of God.

"If somebody on 1st December, 2020 had told me that I will celebrate Christmas of 2020 without Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga in my village, I would have said it will not be possible.

"If someone had told me that I will go to places and at the roll of protocol not see the DG of my Divine Mandate, I would have said it is not practicable, but here lies the reality of life, here lies the mystery of death I just pray that God in His infinity mercies will console us, the family, the state, the Church, the Community, PANDEF, and have mercy on us”

“The reality is that this gentleman, a friend of mine, my close confidante, we shared thoughts and ideas together we shared vision together on the way forward for Niger Delta and the entire region but today it has pleased God to call him back home to His Glory no one can question Him”.

Reflecting on the personality of the late elder statesman, the Governor pointed out that Nkanga was a man of vision, integrity and impeccable character who was passionately committed to the development of Akwa Ibom State.

“Today we are gathered here to pay tributes to a man who was in every sense of the word a colossus, a statesman, a patriot, a man of impeccable character and integrity whose words were his bond.

"Otuekong, was a man of vision and today the physical landscape of this state bears some of his developmental imprimatur especially the State Secretariat Complex which he built, named after him”

“Our departed elder statesman was a man of many faces, the first indigenous military governor of our dear state, the first commander of the Presidential Air fleet from this part of the nation, the first man that comes from a village that has produce two military Governors in Nigeria, and above all the first Director-General of a campaign organization who won victories back to back”

In hounour of Nkanga’s contributions and legacies the Governor Udom Emmanuel, announced that the 9.5km dual carriage Ring Road III, be named Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga Avenue in memory of his contributions to the present administration.

Earlier in his sermon, Revu Ekpedeme Moffat charged Christians, irrespective of their status in the society to be concerned about the welfare of their people at home and the development of the church.

Citing the biblical account in Matthew 8: 5-13, of the senior military officer, the centurion, who approached Jesus for help to his sick servant, Rev Efanga said the centurion was able to have good testimonies from the elders of the community because he built a sinagogue(place of worship) and rendered service in his community.

"Most of you here, when you heard that the Governor Udom Emmanuel wants to build a church for God, you started attacking him. If everyone blessed by God decided to be more available in service in their respective churches, the state would have progressed faster.

He charged the people to emulate the late Elder Idongesit Nkanga, who never got tired of serving the Lord with all his heart.

In a goodwill message, Governor Diri of Bayelsa State described Nkanga as a peaceable man who was committed to advocating for the growth of the Niger Delta region.

"The last time we met few months ago, he told me that he will come back to Bayelsa early this year to help strengthen the Pan Niger Delta Forum in Bayelsa and indeed in the region. I didn't know he would leave so soon," Diri lamented.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44