Following the condolence visit to the family of the late Nollywood make- up artist, Abigail Edith Frederick by His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, over the weekend, where he promised to help facilitate the return of the remains of the late make- up artist, her body has been successfully brought back home for a proper burial later today, by the family.

Governor Eno, had during the visit to the family in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area, offered automatic employment to the elder sister of the late Theatre Arts graduate, promised assistance to her two undergraduate sisters, and approved the remodeling of her family house in Eket.

May her soul rest in perfect peace.

…offers automatic employment to elder sister
…directs renovation of family house
…promises assistance to the undergraduate sisters


Living to his billing as the epitome of compassion, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on arrival from an official engagement in Abuja, this afternoon drove straight to the family compound of the late Nollywood make- up artist. Abigail Edith Frederick, in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area, where he consoled the bereaved family.

Showing deep emotions, Governor Eno, sat with the grieving family members and told them he feels their pain.

“This is deeply unfortunate, a young girl, 24 years old, who, finished her Youth Service just last year, and decided to pursue her passion.

“This is a reflection of our Arise spirit. It shows that our young people are willing to go out there, not begging, not waiting for handouts, but to pursue their passions.

“It is sad and unfortunate that her life ended the way it did.

“Once I was fully briefed, I decided to come here personally with the full complement of Government to console and encourage the family.

“You are not just the Governor when people are celebrating. In times and moments like this, you become the Mourner- in-Chief and give them hope.

“I trust the Holy Spirit will perfect the hope in their lives.

“Coming here means we care. You know Akwa Ibomites are like Americans. We don’t leave each other behind. Government will be with the family and support them.”

The Governor thereafter gave an automatic employment in the State Civil Service to the surviving elder sister of the deceased, and directed the SSA on Humanitarian Services, Umo Ekpo to renovate the family house and bring it to modern standards.

The Governor also assured of Government’s assistance to the two sisters of the bereaved who are undergraduates at the University of Uyo, said to be sponsored by the late Nollywood make- up artist.

In a show of appreciation and support, the Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Ime Okon, has lauded Governor Umo Eno for the decision to commence training activities at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre in Ikot Ada Idem, Ibiono Ibom local government area.

Governor Umo Eno recently announced that the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre is set to open its doors for studies starting from May 20, 2024. This announcement was warmly received by Rt. Hon Ime Okon, who expressed gratitude for the Governor's commitment to empowering the youth through skills development.
Rt. Hon Ime Okon commended Governor Umo Eno for honouring his campaign promise to connect the dots by completing and utilizing projects initiated by the previous administration.

"I am deeply grateful to Governor Umo Eno for his dedication to the development of our youth through the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre. This initiative will undoubtedly empower our young people and equip them with the skills needed for a prosperous future," Ime Okon remarked.

He also extended heartfelt appreciation to the immediate past Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for the vision and deliberate commitment to establishing the training centre to create job opportunities and enhance economic potential in the state.

During a visit to the centre, Rt. Hon Ime Okon reiterated his support for initiatives that promote youth empowerment and community development. He recalled that as a member of the House of Assembly he had moved motions to persuade government to utilize the moribund facility at the then Government Technical College, Ikot Ada Idem for a skills acquisition centre rather than allow it to rot. He said he savoured a sense of fulfillment now that the dream has materialized.

He congratulated the Consultant in charge of the project, Mr. Churchill Udoh, for the commendable work done in ensuring the standard of facilities at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center which he noted was highly impressive.

"I am pleased to see the progress made at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center, and I look forward to the positive impact it will have on our youth and the community as a whole," Rt. Hon Ime Okon concluded.

With the resumption of training activities at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center, Governor Umo Eno's commitment to youth empowerment and skills development continues to receive accolades and support from leaders like Rt. Hon Ime Okon.

The center stands as a beacon of hope for the youth of Akwa Ibom State, offering them the opportunity to acquire valuable skills and chart a successful path towards a brighter future.

In a heartfelt message marking the holy month of Ramadan, the distinguished Member, representing Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Ime Okon, has extended warm wishes of Eid al-Fitr to Muslims across the globe.

As the crescent moon signals the conclusion of Ramadan, Rt. Hon Ime Okon expressed deep gratitude for the blessings and spiritual growth experienced during this sacred time. He emphasized the significance of Eid al-Fitr as a moment for celebration, reflection, and unity among Muslims, others worldwide.

In his message, Ime Okon urged the community to hold onto the invaluable lessons of Ramadan—lessons of patience, compassion, and generosity. He emphasized the importance of carrying forward the spirit of Ramadan throughout the year, fostering connections with one another and drawing closer to Allah.

"On this auspicious day of Eid al-Fitr 2024, let us cherish the moments of togetherness with family and friends," Ime Okon remarked. "May this day be filled with laughter, love, and the joy of cherished Eid traditions."

Highlighting the spirit of giving that Ramadan instills in hearts, Rt. Hon Ime B. Okon called on everyone to extend kindness to those in need, embodying the true essence of generosity and compassion.

"As we offer our prayers of gratitude and seek forgiveness, I pray that Allah blesses us all with health, happiness, and peace," he added. "May this Eid bring abundant blessings, prosperity, and success to you and your loved ones."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Richard Peters is a Social Media Analyst and writes from Uyo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emmanuel Nicholas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

... As Impostors Take Over Operations, Indict Ministry of Transport

The purported Akwa Ibom State transport stakeholders Council and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), have bluntly indicted the Ministry of Transport of initiating and introducing policies that has generated controversies and litigations in the State transport sector.

The stakeholders and the Union made the allegations in a presss release issued to refute and clear the air on the recent media report which highlighted series of misdemeanors and serious lingering crisis currently rocking Akwa Ibom State transport Sector.

The purported Stakeholders have also alleged that when the revenue in the transport sector on road taxes such as emblem and haulage were controlled by the Ministry of Transport, only four Million naira was generated to the Government per annum, stressing that since the job was contracted to the consultant, two hundred million naira has been generated to the State Government per annum.

Our reporter scooped from reliable sources that the Consultant through the instrumentality of the power that be have cajoled the Government and paid the sum of six hundred million nair only for three years to the Board of International Revenue that knows little or nothing about the revenue in the transport sector.

Meanwhile, investigations by our reporter revealed that the two hundred million naira paid by the consultant per annum to take over the revenue in the transport sector is nothing to be compared to the billions of naira the consultant and some cabar and self acclaimed transport stakeholders who brought the consultant have been generating for themselves yearly.
One of the critical Stakeholders who spoke on the ground of anonymity hinted that " the four million naira they claimed in their press release as an amount generated by the Ministry yearly to the Government when the revenue was under the Ministry of transport was only from tricycle tickets alone excluding other road taxes such as Emblems and haulage which the consultant have been generating billions of naira per annum".

The source hinted that there are some multi billion naira companies operating in the State that pays over five hundred million naira each yearly to purchase emblems, stickers and haulage from the consultant for their vehicles to operate freely in the State.

He maintained that "companies like Julius Begger, CCECC, Exoon Mobile, Henseck among others paid billions of naira on road taxes alone to the consultant which the proceeds are always allegedly shared among a particular cartel that are reportedly running the sector in disguise led by Hon. Moriss Edet.

While questioning the term of contraction with the consultant and the Board of Internal Revenue the stakeholder asked " this two hundred million naira they paid to the Government yearly is not up to what one company is paying them. The two hundred million naira they collected from consultant is for which job? Is it for mini bus or tricycle tickets or is it for road taxes"?

The source who insisted that they are the real transport stakeholders whose faces will be made public in no distant time, said there are only five registered trade unions in the transport sector, noting that the real trade unions are Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) federated to control all the motor parks in the country, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) registered to advocate for welfare of drivers, Union of Tippers and Quarry Employers of Nigeria was registered to coordinate the operations of trucks and tippers, Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) federated to organize all the tricycle owners and operators in the country and Motorcycle Union of Nigeria MUN recognized to organize motorcycle across the federation.

He disclosed that unfortunately, the only union that signed the purported Transport Stakeholders Council's press release was NURTW that connived with the Ministry of Transport to sell RTEAN tickets and share the money which they will definitely account for at the proper time as the matter is still in court.

They challenged the signatories in the purported press release who claimed to be transport stakeholders, stating that Abai Nse Ufia Ekanem, is only a consultant to the State Government and not a stakeholder in the transport sector, Obong Imoh Udom, CEO of Dakkkada Transport Service owns a Park whose membership should be RTEAN and not NURTW since it is the RTEAN that owns parks.

They also noted that the Chairman of National Association of Road Transport Owners NARTO, Comrade Jaffet Akpan, is not supposed to sign the document as a stakeholder since they are not industrial trade union in the transport sector.

The aggrieved Transport Stakeholders further said that the Chairman of Keke Owners and Riders Association, (KORA), Comrade Jeremiah Eseme Jackson, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom Tricycle Association, comrade Tony Michael, the Chairman of Tricycle Owners Foundation Forum (TOFF) Bishop Imoke Afia, are Incorporated trustees that the Ministry of Transport used to form illegal tricycle management committee to oversee Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) being the only trade union registered under the extant law of trade union act cap T14 with the registration number 0124 legally authorized to organize all the tricycle business across the Country.

They also insisted that Hon. Tony Nya, whom they made an illegal chairman of Motorcycle Management Committee is a brother to the Honourable Commissioner and has nothing to do with the transport stakeholders.

They said Hon. Moriss Edet, who claimed to be Director General, Akwa Ibom State Transport Stakeholders Council does not have anything to do with the sector, and challenged him to show a single motor park owned and managed by him or the union he belong, stressing that even though he belong to a union, he is not an authority since he is not the State chairman of such union.

They Stakeholders who may strick anytime soon therefore made a passionate appeal to Governor Umo Eno, to intervene on the lingering crisis in the transport sector, and direct the Honourable Commissioner for Transport to do the right thing rather than allowing himself to be used by impostors and real enemies of government who are misguiding and advising him wrongly to forestall break down of peace and order in the the State .

...Celebrates 2024 birthday in a grand style

Determined to stimulate economic activities in Nsit Ubium LGA of Akwa Ibom State, the wife of the Transition Chairman of the LGA, Mrs. Emem Iniobong Orok, on Thursday doled out cash support to market women of the area.

Making the presentation at the Council Secretariat, Mrs. Orok said the empowerment scheme was in support of Governor Umo Eno's ARISE Agenda and his wife, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno's pet project - Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).

Mrs. Orok charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the cash to upscale their businesses.

The Council's first lady, who also used the event to celebrate her 2024 birth anniversary, extolled the giant achievements of the Governor and wife at the State level, assuring the women that she will play her part to extend the love of the Governor to the women at the grassroot.

She also appreciated her husband, Arc. Iniobong Orok-led Transition Committee for supporting and prioritizing women.

"You will be asked to come back here in June, 2024, with the capital that you will receive today. When you come back, we will get the cash from you and give it to another set of women to also do businesses. As you handover the money we are giving you today in June, we will give you another bigger package and cash for your business as a reward for being a faithful investor," Mrs. Orok said.

In her goodwill message, the wife of the Transition Committee Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council, Mrs. Akaninyene Uwemedimo Udo, lauded Mrs. Orok for the empowerment scheme for market women of the area, describing her as a visionary leader.

The event featured presentation of cash to women of the local government area for their businesses, cutting of cake in celebration of the first lady's birth anniversary and goodwill messages.

...AS AKPABIO FACES REJECTION BY AKWA IBOMITES OVER INCESSANT OUTBURSTS


Worried by the incessant unguarded outbursts attributed to Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio, his kinsmen have advocated a special leadership protocol workshop for him.

They have also distanced themselves from his incessant controversial misdemeanor, dismissing them as self inflicted damages uncharacteristic of Akwa Ibom people.

A frontline group from his home state, Akwa Unity Forum(AUG), stated that it was very embarrassing, the current situation where the Number Three citizen of the country has metamorphosed from a responsible nobleman, to an iconic comic figure.

The group in a statement by Chairman, Aniefiok Umoh and Secretary, Solomon Okon, said it was particularly embarrassed by Senator Akpabio's unwarranted remarks at the funeral of the late Dr Herbert Wigwe where Akpabio responded wrongly to the remarks by the Rivers State Governor, Mr Simlaye Fubara.

They expressed fear that something remarkably bad must have happened to Akpabio leading to his diminishing profile.

The statement reads in part, "We are yet to come to terms that such a sober event did not matter to Senator Akpabio, but he rather saw it as an opportunity to play politics. Must he played politics with everything?

"Governor Fubara was not saying anything untoward. He was just inferring the ephemerality of life hence people should live conscious of the end."

The group expressed surprise that such was enough to trigger Akpabio to begin his outburst, oblivious of the fact that one family had lost three lives, including a man that had all to have bought life for the family if it were possible.

The group wished Akpabio had humbled himself to learn a lesson or two from the event in Port Harcourt.

According to the group, Senator Akpabio by that act has brought invectives to Akwa Ibom people.

They however appealed to Nigerians to know that the former Governor is on a frolic of his own, as "Akwa Ibom people are highly responsible and well behaved.

“Akpabio is on his own. Nobody sent him. It is only coincidentally to have him come from our State.

“But don't use his unguarded utterances to rate us," the group cried out.”

The statement noted that already, Akpabio is owing Akwa Ibom people a strong apology over his concocted cock and bull story on the Qua River Hotel, the malicious false narrative about Mobil Producing being meant to have been sited in Oron, inciting the people against the laws of the Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Law and the Map Establishment law, among others.

"While we acknowledge that Senator Akpabio had apologized to the Governors. How about Akwa Ibom State that he said non existent and inciting things?

“That false narrative had attracted condemnation from responsible and respectful Nigerians. Yet, Akpabio did not consider it pertinent to apologize for creating confusion and misgivings between brothers.

“Akpabio has now become a one week one embarrassment Senate President.

“He needs urgent orientation to understand the rudiments of such exalted office as the Senate President.

“Although that is already putting the cart before the horse. This embarrassment has now reached an unacceptable level," the statement further opined.

Meanwhile, the group has equally hinted that even the story Akpabio told about his alleged visit to a Deputy governor in 2006 is a pure lie. They wondered where Akpabio is now manufacturing lies as his only weapon to gain undeserving public acceptance or even sympathy.

The group asked Akpabio whether as the then commissioner for lands and housing whether it was his responsibility to removing governors as he cooked up in the story.

According to them, Akpabio should even be punished for allegedly being a witness to the abuse and molestation of a woman without exposing the action, and noted that even now is not late for Akpabio to be invited to come and testify for possible prosecution of the eventual culprit.

The statement concluded that something urgent needs to be done to save Akpabio before he completely immerses such a revered institution like the Nigerian Senate in an ocean of destruction because of his lack of understanding of the import of the office he is holding.

"For the umpteenth time, we appeal to the federal government to urgently hold an orientation programme for Senator Godswill Akpabio. We cannot fold our hands to watch a hitherto responsible man fully degenerate to a laughing stock and object of ridicule. Let us help Akpabio from his diminishing voyage and save our nation," the statement concluded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations Amb. Emmanuel Etukudo on your well deserved reappointment as the Youth Development Consultant for the Ministry of Youths & Sports, Enugu State!

About Hon. Amb. Emmanuel Etukudo:

Amb. Emmanuel is a Software Engineer by profession, an activist, Youth Development Consultant, recognized as one of the prominent voices advocating for Youth Development, Inclusion, Workforce Parity & Gender Balance. He founded Girls Tech Gap, an Initiative to bridge the Economic Gender Gap.

He is currently developing strategies to increase the active participation of the feminine gender in male-dominated industries.

Emmanuel has served in various capacities both in the tech industry and in youth advocacy, he was the Director of Communications, at the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Senior Special Adviser on Youth Development & Innovation West African Youth Council (WAYC) and has been reappointed Youth Development Consultant, at the Ministry of Youth & Sports, Enugu State, Nigeria.

He is the CEO, Itmed Interactive Ltd., CEO, Docsera Inc., Technical Consultant, Clubhouse Software USA, Coordinator, Enugu Youth Upscale Project, and Founded, Zektta Global Service.

Amb. Emmanuel has successfully developed and implemented the following projects:

- App as a Business 2017 - (Had the Sitting mister of communications attendance)

- Enugu Youth Rescue Project (A COVID-19 economic recovery project targeting Youth)

- Girls Tech Gap

- Girls Tech Gap Roundtable

- National Youth Work Against Drug Abuse/Social Vices (National Youth Council of Nigeria)

- #GoGiveLove

- Critical Analysis of African Talents & the Opportunities Within (West ECOWAS Youth Council)

- West African Youth Against Covid-19 (#WayAgainstCovid-19)

- Led the design of the Enugu Youth Development Roadmap (EYDR)

- Enugu Youth Upscale Project (Leveraging data to address challenges in youth unemployment through effective decision-making)

Amb. Emmanuel's dedication to youth empowerment and creating positive change is truly commendable!

Let's congratulate Amb. Emmanuel Etukudo on this well-deserved reappointment!

#YouthEmpowerment #CongratulationsAmbEmmanuel

...expresses commitment to build more estates.


The Executive Chairman of Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), Rt. Hon. Anietie Eka, has inspected government critical infrastructure.

Addressing journalists at the commencement of the inspection tour, the Executive Chairman said the essence was to take stock of government critical infrastructure and assets in order to fashion out ways of improving on them and accelerating all-round development, in line with his vision of building a smart city in Akwa Ibom State.

He said he was also on the inspection tour to transform the vision of Governor Umo Eno for Uyo as a smart city into reality, by ensuring the provision of access roads and amenities within the estates for residents and others who had been allotted land to build.

Rt. Hon. Eka revealed that beyond Ediene Ikot Obio Imo Residential Estate, the Akwa Ibom State Government was particularly interested in providing more housing schemes for a lot of Akwa Ibom people, a policy he said is encapsulated in the ARISE Agenda of Pst Umo Eno.

“ His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno has granted us this opportunity to move in and provide basic amenities in this estate. If you look around, you will see heavy equipment that has been moved in for the past one week.

“ Governor Umo Eno is very particular in providing housing schemes for a lot of Akwa Ibom people, as enshrined in ARISE Agenda. So, we commend him for what he had been doing, and we are here to assist in interpreting his dreams and ensuring that by the end of his first term, most of his visions must have been completed”.

A resident of the estate, Mrs. Comfort Nkereuwem, who spoke to journalists, appreciated Governor Umo Eno for the on going construction of roads in the estate.

She noted the developmental strides of the governor in many areas since assumption of office, expressing optimism that Pst Eno would do more for the residents of the estate and indeed Akwa Ibom people.

Mrs. Nkereuwem however pleaded with Governor Eno, through the Executive Chairman of UCCDA, to provide electricity, water and other amenities in the estate, saying these would ameliorate some of their challenges.

Mr. Oscar Tom, a youth representative, while appreciating Governor Umo Eno for the commencement of road construction in the estate, urged him to develop it to a standard that would bring it at par with other modern Estates.

At Nung Oku Roundabout, Uyo, the Executive Chairman, while addressing some roadside traders, illegal motor park operators and youths, said the visit to the area was imperative to understand the degree of defacement of the roundabout and its environs, and to also send warnings to those involved in unauthorized businesses, of the commitment of the agency to end all illegal activities within the Uyo Capital City.

He said he was committed to this cause of transformation, as Governor Eno had empowered him to reposition the capital city and give it the deserved outlook.

Earlier, Rt. Hon. Eka had paid a courtesy visit to the Transition Committee Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo in the local government council.

The Executive Chairman of UCCDA said he was in the council to pay homage to the Transition Committee Chairman, Mr Uwemedimo Udo and also seek areas of collaboration that would help in facilitating the realization of his vision of building a smart capital city.

Eka revealed that since assumption of office last December, he had carried out a lot of reforms aimed at restoring the Uyo Capital City master plan, and solicited support from the council to achieve more.

He however appreciated Dr. Udo for his capacity in giving the people of Uyo good leadership, and described him as an outstanding and intelligent gentleman who had shown sufficient managerial acumen in running the affairs of the council.

In his response, the Uyo Transition Committee Chairman congratulated Rt. Hon. Eka on his appointment as the Executive Chairman of UCCDA.

While pledging to collaborate with the agency to transform the capital city into world-class, Dr. Udo drew the attention of UCCDA to what he referred to as a violation of the green area reserve within the city.

He therefore, appealed to the Executive Chairman of UCCDA to address this issue, as well as street trading along some major roads and streets, indiscriminate erecting of billboards and operation of illegal motor parks within the city.

UCCDA also inspected John Ebiye Estate (100 units) drainage system, First/ Second City Cemeteries respectively at Mbikporo/Use Offot, Akpasima Residential Estate, Ikot Akpan Abia, as well as Ibom Plaza.

The Executive Chairman, who spoke in those locations, pledged the commitment of the agency in improving facilities at the cemeteries and building more viable estates, in line with the ARISE Agenda of Pst Umo Eno.

...as eleven out of fifteen ward chairmen drum support for the Works Commissioner

The Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Anieokpon Ekpo, the House of Assembly member, Rt. Hon. Uwem Imoh-Ita and eleven out of  fifteen ward chairmen of the People's Democratic Party, PDP in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area have affirmed the position of the stakeholders of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area that Professor Eno Ibanga is the Political Leader of the area.

This was made known when eleven out of fifteen ward Chairmen of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area paid a visit to the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service Professor Eno Ibanga to felicitate and congratulate him on his reappointment as Commissioner for Works and Fire Service.

Speaking on behalf of the ward Chairmen,  the Chairman of ward Chairmen, the Ward Chairmen's forum, Mkpat Enin Chapter, Mr. Monday Henry Mbak thanked Governor Umo Eno for reappointing Professor Eno Ibanga as the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service.

He further expressed the satisfaction of the ward chairmen with the decision of the political stakeholders of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area to make Professor Eno Ibanga the Political Leader of the area. Adding that even before the official announcement, that Professor Eno Ibanga has been the one calling the shots and leading in the affairs of PDP in the area.

His words, "What our Stakeholders have done is just a confirmation of what has been in place already.

"All of us witnessed what happened at the last elections. It was Professor Eno Ibanga that we all took the challenges of our wards to. He was the one that hosted all the meetings and he was the one that served as the link between the state government and Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. So he is the Natural leader of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, what our Stakeholders have done is just to make it official and we, the eleven out of fifteen ward chairmen across Mkpat Enin Local Government Area we endorse, affirm and support the declaration of Professor Eno Ibanga as the political leader of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area".

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Anieokpon Ekpo applauded the ward Chairmen for what he described as standing on the side of truth and development.

He said "we are not in contest or arguing over who is the political leader of Mkpat Enin, we have passed that stage, and that has been done and settled by majority of the valid stakeholders of our Local Government Area including myself the Chairman of Council, and the House of Assembly member, amongst others. And so far, nobody has come out to say that he is the political leader, so Professor Eno Ibanga remains our political leader".

On his part, the House of Assembly member, Rt. Hon. Uwem Imoh-Ita said "For those of you who witnessed the recent screening of Commissioners at the House of Assembly, you would have witnessed that many House of Assembly members identified with, and recognized some of the Commissioner designates  that came, as their political leaders in their respective Local Government Areas. So those ranting that a Commissioner cannot be a political leader I don't know where they got their notion from. But as the Chairman said, we have passed that level already. Professor Eno Ibanga is the Natural political leader of Mkpat Enin and that is not in contention.

'I appreciate your people (ward Chairmen) for doing what is right. We have all seen the impacts, and developmental efforts of Professor Eno Ibanga in Mkpat Enin and across Akwa Ibom State, we cannot reject this light that has come to adopt darkness and slavery. This is a man that believes that every common man should be given opportunity to rise, and he has turned many boys to men. Let us support him and witness the development and empowerment that will continue to come to Mkpat Enin".

Professor Eno Ibanga thanked the ward Chairmen for the visit. He pledged not to disappoint the confidence that Mkpat Enin People have reposed on him.

Other ward chairmen who spoke to congratulate Professor Eno Ibanga were:

Mr. Monday Henry Mbak - Ukpum Minya ward 3

Mr. Uwem  Ebenezer James - Ukpum Minya ward 1

Mr. Unwana Sunday Etukudoh - Ikpa Ibom ward 4

Mr. Ndueso Udo Usen - Ikpa Ibom ward 3

Mr. Udo Benson Akpan - Ukpum Minya ward 4

Mr. Ubong Donald Akpan - Ukpum Minya ward 5

Mr. Gabriel Udo Ekpo - Ikpa Ikono ward 1

Mr. Nkenie Udofe Obong - Ikpa Ikono ward 3

Mr. Ikpong Justin Akpan - Ibiaku ward 2

Mr. Monday Harrison Afia - Ukpum Minya ward 2

Mr. Sunday Nathaniel Ufot - Ikpa Ibom ward 2

The A.R.I.S.E AGENDA of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno considers Agriculture as a major sector of the economy and calls for diversification from total dependence on petroleum oil to agriculture.

The agenda recognizes Agricultural development as a major driver of the new world economy, key to the eradication of poverty and a hub for sustainable development.

The A.R.I.S.E project sees the possibility that the farming sector can be transformed by mechanization and commercialization towards providing medium and large-scale enterprises for farmers.

Major crops for this purpose include, among others, palm oil, cassava, cashew nuts, kola nut, cocoa, cassava, cocoa beans, groundnut, rubber, gum arabic, maize melon, palm kernel, millet, yams, beans, soya beans and plantain.

Suffice to say that the A.R.I.S.E vision has successfully adopted commercial agriculture as a tool to eradicate joblessness and therefore crystallized into a galvanizing tool for economic change or advancement.

This novel template, employed by Eno’s government, seeks to reduce unemployment, boost entrepreneurship, and stimulate the economy positively.

Akwa Ibom State through the leadership model of Governor Umo Eno is ready to launch a strategic plan to achieve food sufficiency in the state, and diversifying the economy from Crude oil-driven to Agro-based Economy, especially considering the high prices of crude oil byproducts.

Through the A.R.I.S.E AGENDA, Governor Umo Eno has resolved and is aggressively ready to implement policies that will increase food productivity for the betterment of the National economy as a whole, and to also use the initiative to eradicate joblessness among citizens.

In a bid to ensure availability of stable food to all residents of Akwa Ibom State at affordable prices, Pastor Umo Eno's Leadership Model will be using all agencies and apparatuses of government in projecting effectiveness of farming to the rural and urban dwellers.

He will also create more agencies that will help the Government in funding farmers, especially young farmers, to establish commercial farms.

There will be focus on Micro- Franchising: This model allows beneficiaries of the A.R.S.E. program to own their individual businesses through small-scale partnership and business-based authorization.

Here, individuals will be enabled and supported to start their farming businesses for the meeting of certain needs in the marketplace. It allows for start-ups in other parts of the country to consider doing business with the ones domiciled in the Akwa Ibom State.

The question of unemployment depends largely on the employability of the jobless. This is why the A.R.I.S.E agenda has a programme designed to equip youths with requisite skill-sets for diverse industries through farming.

The Pastor Umo Eno-led Government, having studied functional prototypes in emerging economies of the world, is aware that industrial farming, was developed to encourage the formation of industry clusters through farming all over the world.

So, the agricultural agenda Government will empower citizens into industrial farming that will help provide raw materials for the industries.

A.R.I.S.E programme in the state, will cover significant grounds spanning agriculture, finance, legal solutions, fashion and clothing, publishing and advertising, ICT and Data management.

But Agriculture is key because it has proven itself an effective tool for employment generation and a viable option for wealth creation.

Through its hands-on capacity building framework, the A.R.I.S.E. agenda will spearhead the acquisition and utilization of skills and building of career entrepreneurs.
The young people off the streets through trainings, partnerships, franchise schemes, internship opportunities and targeted enterprise development schemes in the Agricultural sub-sector.

Dahel Techies, a leading tech education and empowerment organisation, says it has made remarkable strides in transforming lives and communities with its community programmes and mentorship initiatives.

It noted its commitment to bridging the digital skills gap empowering individuals with the tools for success and emerging as a critical player in the tech industry.

Since its inception, Dahel Techies has offered diverse courses designed to equip students with valuable in-demand skills. Here are a few of the lucrative tech skills,

According to David Effiong, the chairman and chief executive officer of the organisation, it has established a comprehensive support system that assists clients with developing business plans and even facilitating fundraising efforts.

“By offering these additional services, Dahel Techies aims to equip individuals with all the tools and resources needed to excel in their chosen careers,” he said.

In an interview, Effiong said the organisation has successfully trained over 17,000 students and professionals, helping them kick-start their careers in the tech industry and, ultimately, change their lives for the better describing it as a significant milestone.

“We have expanded our global reach in recent years, with Africans from various countries benefiting from its mentorship, coaching, and online sessions. Notable countries include Nigeria, Kenya, Africans in China, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Testimonials from students highlight the positive impact of Dahel Techies' programs.

"I completed the Power-BI part of the project. Thankfully, I got a mid-level role in July 2022 (just 3 months after the training) and have been doing well. I am being tipped for a team lead by April this year when we enter a new business year."

According to him, the firm goes beyond education by actively engaging in community programmes. The organisation has initiated impactful projects targeting children and youths in rural sub-Saharan Africa.

“Through partnerships with local schools, communities, embassies and other groups, they have organised coding workshops, educational seminars, literary competitions, and mentorship opportunities.

A notable example of this collaboration was the School Farm for School Meals (SF4SM) initiative by Land of Hope Global, Eket to reduce the cost of school meals and provide meals to over 1,500 school children in Akwa-Ibom state, Nigeria.

No doubt, these initiatives have profoundly impacted countless individuals' lives, equipping them with valuable skills, confidence, and a burning passion for literature and technology. Some of the community programs organised by Dahel Techies include advocacy against child witchcraft, he said.

“We have taken a proactive and brave stance against the harmful practice of child witch branding. We have organised programmes, seminars, and events to dispel superstitions surrounding child witch branding in rural Nigeria. These informative sessions and engaging workshops have allowed them to challenge misconceptions and empower communities to reject the harmful beliefs associated with child-witch branding.

Effiong who anchored the first children-centred fashion show in Nigeria and Africa, organised by the African Children's Aid Education and Development Foundation (ACAEDF) also served as a fundraiser to support less-privileged children living in the rural and riverine areas of the Niger Delta and raised funds for the completion of the Land of Hope children centre's parliament building.

As part of activities marking ACAEDF's seventh anniversary, Effiong and the Dahel Techies team launched a community dialogue initiative to address the lack of access to education and clean water in Nigeria's Niger Delta region. The project's mission focuses on providing quality education to children facing challenging circumstances.

In response to the lack of adequate mental health support systems in African countries like Nigeria, Dahel Techies has organized several mental health programs. These programs have tackled problems like the growing rise of suicide victims amongst the youths of the country, superstition, neglect of mentally ill individuals, etc.

It also collaborates with the Anti-Suicide Global Initiative (ASGI), Abuja, to organize a mental health care and emotional support seminar for junior and senior officers of the Nigerian Civil Defense Corps in addition to its mentorship programmes.

“We established several mentorship programs where experienced professionals guide and support young individuals' tech journeys. So far, the most notable of these programs have been the Jobs, Network, and Connect (JNC) Community. The participants receive personalised guidance, career advice, and insights into different industries through one-on-one mentoring sessions. This initiative aims to enable all participants to make informed decisions and succeed in their chosen careers.”

“The impact of these community programs has been significant. Children and young people participating in Dahel Techies' initiatives have experienced enhanced digital skills, increased confidence, and improved prospects for future employment. Dahel Techies has given these individuals the baton to thrive in an increasingly digital world by equipping them with technological knowledge and fostering a passion for innovation.

No wonder David Francis Effiong was awarded the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship by the United States Department of State in 2022. During this time, he studied at Michigan State University, Lansing.

On completion of his studies in Civic Leadership, he proceeded to Washington DC where he worked with Plan International, USA. While in DC, David Effiong was privileged to have a private dinner with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken following his return from some African states. In that private session and the midst of Africans in the diaspora, David Effiong spoke about his work in Nigeria and in sub-Saharan Africa and encouraged more partnerships with community programs in the region’s rural settlements.


Behind the success of its programmes are the co-founders, David and Helen, whose passion and vision drive the organisation's growth. Helen works as an administrative officer at the University of Calabar, Nigeria while she employs her “expertise and experience overseeing all hiring processes and organisational strategies.

When we say that our classes are FREE, we mean YOU PAY NOTHING to join all our sessions. Please confirm from our social media pages: Dahel Consultants and Techies. We are on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and Twitter.

Microsoft Certified Trainers teach this class and it covers the following topics:

1) Introduction to Microsoft Excel (Text, Number, Logical, Error)
2) Basic Excel Skills
3) Basic Excel Functions
4) Advanced Excel Functions
5) Correlation Matrix
6) Regression/Predictive Analysis
7) VBA and Macros
Cool Power Query Editor
9) Excel for Data Analytics
10) Principles of Microsoft Excel
11) Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Microsoft Excel


Duration: 7 weeks
Days: Saturdays and Sundays
Time: 2 pm WAT or 8 pm WAT.

Is the class recorded in case I miss any session? YES!

Kindly join any of our Telegram channels and wait for class time.

https:///+_2HiBeW7LXs2NGRk

Link to the WhatsApp Group 1 :
https:///CJqVYk6qzu6FhrFsr8q0GJ


WhatsApp Group 2:
https:///K11y7di5ZJtBfV3RLLxsqJ


For questions or inquiries, please email us: info@dahelconsults.com or daheltechies@gmail.com. You can also message any of the WhatsApp numbers on the flyers.

When we say that our classes are FREE, we mean YOU PAY NOTHING to join all our sessions. Please confirm from our social media pages: Dahel Consultants and Techies. We are on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and Twitter.

Microsoft Certified Trainers teach this class and it covers the following topics:

1) Introduction to Microsoft Excel (Text, Number, Logical, Error)
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TEXT OF PRESS BRIEFING BY THE LOCAL ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE OF ARSENAL NIGERIA CONVERGE, UYO 2023 HELD ON MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2023.

Gentlemen of the Press.

Emirates Greetings to you all. This is the International Press Briefing ahead of the forthcoming Arsenal Nigeria Converge, Uyo 2023, holding from Friday June 30 - Sunday, July 2, 2023.

The fiesta is officially recognized by Arsenal Football Club, London. The converge is billed to be one of the biggest gatherings of football fans in Nigeria. Of course, there is no gainsaying that Arsenal Fans are some of the most organized in the entire country. Governor Umo Eno is expected to take the kick-off at the tournament.

The outlay of the converge is as follows:
Friday, June 30, 2023 is the arrival of fans all over Nigeria. Later that evening, there will be feast of Akwa Ibom delicacies and later, Friday Nite soree at The Bridge Underground Lounge, Watbridge Hotels, Uyo.

Saturday, July 1, 2023 is the D-Day, when we will have the Arsenal Nigeria Mini Tournament at the Uyo Township Stadium. Later that night, there will be meet&greet/converge party at M'E Lounge, Osongama Estate, Uyo.

Due to the abundance of interesting tourism sites in Akwa Ibom, Sunday is dedicated for Sight Seeing. We will visit the Amalgamation House, Lord Lugard's House, 1929 Women's War Memorial, Bridge of No Return, all in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area. From Ikot Abasi, we will breeze into Ibeno to see the 129km beach - the longest coastline in West Africa.

The fans festival has all the trappings to be a tourism spinner. As you are all aware, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital is well known as a city of great hospitality, superb infrastructure and cuisines. Akwa Ibom will give the visiting fans a great experience this weekend.

As LOC, we are well prepared to receive Nigeria. Although the notice of hosting was short, we have worked round the clock to actualize a great fiesta. We call for collaboration from brands and corporate organizations.

Indeed, Arsenal Shall Be Great Again.

Thank you.

Hon. Akan Eyo,
Chairman, LOC

Samuel Udoma
Chairman, Media & Publicity Subcommittee

The court is an independent institution that operates with set guidelines viz.-evidence, exhibit and facts. What is presented in court in form of documents and materials when accepted in court are marked as exhibits, and are foundations for cross examination. In other words, the defense counsel or that of the plaintiff may choose to cross examine anyone at the witness stand or whoever is involved in the case using the documents or facts tendered.

Having followed the case of Sen. Bassey Albert from the beginning, it could be said that his arguments are laden with inconsistency and discrepancies alien to modern day judicial proceedings. Those he brought to court as witnesses have had their fair share of confusion, and if not that judges are those trained in legal matters for years, they would have been misled.

Since the beginning of the case between Bassey Albert and Umo Eno, the former had submitted many affidavits where he swore to certain statements he made. But when he is face to face with the counsels through his witnesses, he goofed by saying something different.

It should be noted that, in addition to whatever legal exercise one has undergone, what will help such a person to have an edge in a case is the witness(or witnesses as the case may be) presented. The court believes in witnesses and expected them to have authority in the matter at hand. But in OBA's case, he could not bring witnesses who would support his position on many issues, only those who made matters worse for him.

For instance, after the election, Bassey Albert alleged that he was rigged out, and that Umo Eno does not have a certificate and was not qualified for the contest in the first place. With this, he approached the court for a possible redress.

However, quite disappointing is the fact that the witnesses he presented made contradictory statements. When they were cross-examined, what they said at the witness box were different from the written statements they earlier made.

Recall that last week, an official of the University of Uyo, Dr Ime Akpan had testified that Umo Eno graduated from the institution, and that he was not expelled as alleged by OBA's camp. An official of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) also confirmed the authenticity of Umo Eno's WAEC certificate, which exonerated Umo Eno from the orchestrated controversy from OBA aimed at tarnishing Umo Eno's reputation.

Tuesday's hearing was hilarious as the witness OBA brought who claimed to be a staff of the University of Uyo (UniUyo) fumbled when he was cross-examined. From the beginning of his statement at the witness box, he did not make a single statement that was helpful to either the court or OBA.

When he tendered his employment letter, it was discovered that it was a temporary appointment letter. He brought out his promotion letter, and everyone was shocked how someone with temporary appointment letter could be given promotion without any confirmation of appointment as a permanent staff. But that is a story for another day.

He even told the court that he was not sure whether the university of Uyo gave him a permanent employment or not. Even the one he tendered was a photocopy. When the judge asked about the original copy, he said he was given the photocopy. He couldn't give the court any vital information.

His confusion was empowered when asked how he got the subpoena, he said he got it in his house at Nsit Ubium. Whereas his official address is UniUyo, how is it possible that he was traced to his village at Nsit Ubium? When also asked who he reports to at the office, he said he "was not reporting to anyone, and did not obtain permission from anyone to appear in court." This is insubordination raised to power 10.

The counsel asked further about his level of education, he said he got admission in 1999 to study Quantity survey, graduated in 2020(more than 20 years in school). This shows so much incoherence and confusion in his assignment at the tribunal.

The statistician OBA brought could not prove how he arrived at his earlier conclusion that election was marred by irregularities. When asked whether he had a foreknowledge of forensic analysis, he said no. So what brought him to the tribunal has been the common question on the lips of people when he could not prove even one point.

Statisticians are more concerned with numbers, and the work of forensic analysts are very different from theirs. When asked where he got information from about the alleged malpractices, he said it was based on what the party agent told him. This implies that he was depending on hearsay, when the court is much more concerned with facts and evidence, and not hearsays.

As it stands, OBA knows that based on the evidence he presented, and the controversy that surrounded his witnesses and the statements they made, he is not going anywhere. That, he knows better, but does not want to say so.

Before any court will pass judgement in one's favour, one must be able to prove the case beyond any reasonable doubt. But OBA's witnesses have all goofed and messed up the case for him.

Now, after realizing that he couldn't prove any point, he brought thugs and some of his supporters to the court on Tuesday. After the first witness was being cross-examined, he went outside and out of anger for his poor defence, pointed at a journalist whom he accused of snapping him at the witness box. The thugs OBA brought to court did not waste time before descending on the journalist and started lynching him, one Daniel Etim, and seized his camera. It was the judge who intervened and asked that his camera should be released to him.

To show that they were out for war, OBA's boys came to the tribunal with tyres and petrol. Their intention was to set the court ablaze so that the tribunal can be relocated to Abuja.

OBA feels that if the case is relocated, he could influence the case through some power brokers at Abuja. But that is not healthy. He even came with a truckload of mobile police officers and DSS operatives. When OBA boys lynched on the journalists, these officers did not try to stop them, rather they were aiding and abetting such vice by their silence and care-free attitude.

The summary is that Bassey Albert's dream of becoming the governor is tall and empty. How can he dream of becoming the governor with such mindset of intimidating the people with thugs. That means the state would not be safe for anybody.

The poor outing in the court is enough to tell him that he is not going anywhere. The court is not a place for practicing magic and voodooism. He could have prepared well before coming out. Nobody should rely on luck, charm or strange prophecies to win a case in court. His evidences have been marred with discrepancies and inconsistency. Bringing boys around the court premises is even unbecoming, threatening the lives of witnesses and other people who had something to do with the case. Akwa Ibom people should be aware of Bassey Albert's antics and rise to defend the peace enjoyed in the state.
Bassey Albert has a tall dream, but that dream is empty.

By Richard Peters

Appreciating the International Worship Centre

Rev Richard Peters

Developmental projects anywhere in the world are not executed at the express approval of citizens; they are often condemned, delayed and sometimes, killed by those they are meant for.

Many atimes, the same people who engage in very agonizing criticism ignorantly, turn back to be the major users of criticized projects such as roads and other infrastructure.
For this reason, leaders who do not desire to be distracted or discouraged, disregard condemnation and forge ahead to deliver on their promises for the same people who never remember to take back their ill words when they start enjoying the goodwill of condemned projects.

As far back as the Old Testament era, criticism has remained a veritable tool for demoralization. Noah was called names for building the Ark of protection against the flood and Nehemiah was taunted by Sambalat and Tobias for building the fallen Temple of God. However, the antagonists in the end, came to the understanding that there was indeed a viable reason for the project they condemned.
Today, the same fate has befallen the Governor of Akwa Ibom State whose only “crime” is building a standard worship centre for the State.

It is not clear whether people think building a standard Worship Centre is insignificant or whether they think the Governor is building the structure for himself and his family as was the case of Noah and Nehemiah’s critics but what Akwa Ibomites need know is that a State named after God should have something to show for it.

The children of Israel who were first called after God understood this and hence, sited a Tabernacle everywhere God led them. In the succeeding years, a befitting structure was considered most appropriate by King David before it was finally established in Jerusalem. It thus came to be that the whole world knew and recognized that Israel, the people of God have a sacred place where they go to worship him.

To this day, Jerusalem is still visited and heavily patronized as where God lives. People even take delight in being addressed as Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP) more than being addressed as ‘Child of God’, while many others will kill to visit the “Holy City”.

Meanwhile, in his attempt to replicate same in the State, Governor Udom Emmanuel has gone out of his way to not just build a worship centre but to deliver one which will favourably compete or outshine similar structures in other climes.
What this implies is that sooner or later, the Akwa Ibom International Worship Centre will become the Jerusalem of Israel with a crowd of people thronging from far and wide to worship God. For the records, every Worship centre is an altar so, no one will be restrained from exercising their right to Worship God inside the Centre as it is completed.

The 10,000-capacity International Worship Centre at Afaha Ikot Obio Nkan, behind the Udo Udoma banking layout is no doubt the first of its kind in history.

In Governor Emmanuel’s opinion, it is not fair that a state named after God should after 32 years of its creation, be gathering at playgrounds, stadia and even uncompleted buildings to worship, pray and sing praises to God.
He stressed that the worship center was very essential to the state, adding that other states which are not as endowed as Akwa Ibom have standard worship places to sing praises and magnify the Lord for His goodness and mercies.

“We have found favour in God’s eyes and religious bodies, non-profit organizations and even individuals from all over the world heeded our call for support to actualize this dream”, the Governor had said during the ground-breaking ceremony in 2018.
When he inspected the project on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, the Governor Emmanuel again stressed the importance of the Worship Centre.

“If this is the only state named after God on planet earth, then something must be there to show for it. I don’t think there is anything wrong in that. People see a building but I see an altar I’m raising for generations unborn. It takes one man to do a whole lot that God will mark as righteousness for all of us. This is the best International Christian Worship Centre on planet earth. People will come to the understanding when its done”, .

Governor Emmanuel’s commitment to this laudable project has persisted despite the prevailing economic indices globally or locally. He knows what fortune, fame and honour the project would earn the state and is patiently watching the trend of things as a wise investor does.

Moreover, the construction site has hundreds of Akwa Ibom youths working daily for handsome pays, with more hands to be employed to maintain it.

Rather than criticize, Akwa Ibomites should note that this honour done them is their pride and possession. We should learn to see the good in the things around us so as to identify ways we can collaborate.

As part of measures to immortalize and celebrate the legacies of the first indigenous first lady of Akwa Ibom State, Dr Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel, foremost all-female political support group, The Akwa Ibom Female Voices for Good Governance (AKFGG-PinkGirls) in collaboration with the State Women Groups have finalized plans to hold a solidarity rally to celebrate her as an “Icon Of Women Emancipation In Akwa Ibom State."

The coalition particularly highlighted her contributions in emancipating the Girl-Child and Women in Akwa Ibom State from subjugation and 21st century oppression of female gender such as
domestic violence, child labour, rape, women abuse, sexual harassment among other gender-based violence.

The governor's wife was also hailed for women inclusion in leadership positions, shelters for widows and widowers, care for pregnant women, grants to market women and floating the Family Empowerment and Youth Re orientation Program (FEYReP).

The epochal event which is scheduled for Thursday, 25 May, 2023 at Ibom Hall Grounds by 10:00am, will be chaired by the Honourable commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rt. Hon. Frank Archibong & Spouse, amongst other distinguished government functionaries in the state.

Also expected to grace the occasion are market women, female students and the general public.

... describes Watbridge Hotels Guest Library as 'Awesome'


Legendary former Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama was at Watbridge Hotels, Uyo, yesterday evening. The former Lille of France shot stopper with over a hundred caps for the Super Eagles, visited the Muhammed Ali Gym. At the gym, Enyeama posed for photographs in front of a large mural of his last match for Nigeria hung at the hotel in his honour.

The former Enyimba of Aba revelation, who later played for Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel, accompanied by the General Manager of Watbridge, Otunba Sunday Ajayi and Sports Journalist, Mighty George, then took a stroll around the hotel's Super Poolside, where he exchanged pleasantries and took photos with fun seekers enjoying the poolside timeout.

Enyeama, widely remembered for his World Cup heroics against Argentina's Lionel Messi, later visited Watbridge Hotels Ngugi wa Thiong'o Guest Library - which houses both hard and e-resources. A visibly impressed Enyeama wrote on the Library's Visitors Book:
'Awesome place. Library in a hotel. Wow. Just wow!'.

The ex-goalie, who won the 2013 African Nations Cup with Nigeria, equally visited other iconic places in the hotel including the Nelson Mandela Hall and William Shakespeare Hall.

The four days industrial action embarked upon by public primary and secondary school teachers in Akwa Ibom State has been called off.

This is sequel to resolutions reached by State Government with the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, at the end of a closed-door meeting held late Sunday evening and presided over by the state Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel at Government House, Uyo.

Briefing Government House Correspondents after the meeting, Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Development, Mr. Aniefiok Nkom, affirmed that government and the labour leaders have dialogued to a compromise on the issues that gave rise to the industrial action and described the resolution as a win-win outcome.

"It was a very peaceful meeting. The Governor saw what needed to be done and the NLC also saw what was delaying the process. So it was a win-win situation and the matters enumerated by NUT Chairman have been resolved," Nkom said.

On her part, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, expressed gratitude to Governor Emmanuel for taking prompt actions to ensure that schools in the state resume.

This, she added, was indicative of the premium Governor Emmanuel places on education and is workers-friendly disposition.

Confirming the resolution, the State Chairman of NUT, Comrade Edet Emenyi, lauded the Governor's disposition towards the teachers, assuring that teachers would return to classrooms for commencement of academic activities.

Emenyi said, "Issues bothering on teachers welfare and non payment of allowances have been resolved today.

“On that note, the teeming teachers in Akwa Ibom State are ready to call off the strike".

The State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Sunny James, who was also present at the meeting, expressed the solidarity of Akwa Ibom workers with the teachers, saying that the teachers' demand for unpaid entitlements including leave grant, refund of 7.5% deductions for contributory pension and other issues were extensively deliberated upon and resolved accordingly.

He therefore expressed appreciation to the governor for his prompt response to the teachers’ demands, maintaining that the resolution would pave way for NUT to join other sectors of the state workforce in the celebration of the 2023 Workers Day.

...Frank Archibong, Ntenyin Etuk emerge Census Ambassadors

Akwa Ibom State government has assured the National Population Commission, NPC of its readiness to partner the Commission and other critical stakeholders for a smooth 2023 Population and housing Census in the State.

Speaking through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong on Thursday in Uyo during an advocacy visit by officials of the Commission to Members of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, TRC at their Chambers at Wellington Bassey way, the state government while commending the Federal Commissioner in the Commission, Chief Benedict Ukpong for the advocacy and sensitization campaigns, said the importance of population and housing Census cannot be overemphasized, and assured of the full cooperation and support of the government.


The royal fathers who spoke through the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, HRM, Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon, that of Ikot-Ekpene, Okuku Okon Udo Ukut and that of Eket, Chief E. C. D. Abia, described census as crucial, and stated the readiness of the traditional rulers in the State to work closely with the National Population Commission, the state government and other critical stakeholders towards ensuring a smooth and successful census.

They however appealed to the National Population Commission to do everything possible to ensure a credible and acceptable census, devoid of controversies, and assured of their readiness to mobilize their subjects to participate in the exercise.

On his part, the Nsit-Ubium Monarch and Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, commended NPC for the advocacy visit, and pleaded with the Commission to step up its advocacy and sensitization campaigns across the 31 local government areas, especially the hinterland, given the importance of census as a tool for national planning and development.

Addressing the royal fathers, a Federal Commissioner in the National Population Commission, Chief Benedict Ukpong said he and his team from the NPC were at the TRC Secretariat on an advocacy visit in recognition of the role of the traditional rulers as critical stakeholders in the forthcoming national population and housing enumeration exercise slated for next month.

He disclosed that this year's census will be driven by modern technology, saying it would be the first digital Census to be conducted in the country.


Chief Ukpong further explained that the census will affect how the country allocates its resources and would also arm the State with sufficient data for planning purposes.

“i'm here to intimate you as custodians of norms, customs and traditions of Akwa Ibom State. Population and Housing Census was last conducted in Nigeria1996 about 17yrs ago. As a state, Akwa Ibom must not lag behind in the 2023 Census exercise".

High point of the event was the decoration of the Commissioner for Local and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong and Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk by the National Commissioner of the National Population Commission, as 2023 National Census Ambassadors.

59 Happy Cheers to an incoming DEVELOPMENTAL GURU


The management and staff of Snaeder Engineering Limited felicitate with the Akwa Ibom State Governor-elect, Pastor Umo Eno, on the occasion of his 2023 birth anniversary.

Sir, you have established a track record of service delivery and human capital development which transformed to your victory at the polls.

We at Snaeder Engineering felicitate with you as we continue to partner in building a greater Akwa Ibom for all.

Congratulations once again sir and many happy returns.

Engr Francis Uwah
FNSE, FIMC, FNiSafetyE, MNiMechE
CEO

*** Wins a Prestigious Award of Excellence

A renowned and resourceful Global Energy Expert, Engr. (Dr.) Wisdom Patrick Enang, has consciously advocated for a just Energy Transition from fossil fuel to the much-talked-about renewable energy like solar and hydro, for Nigeria.

The shrewd Oil and Gas Consultant made the plea on Thursday, April 13, at Four Points By Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of the Lawyers in Energy International Conference and Awards (L.E.I.C.A) 2023.

The two-day event themed "Economic Development and Sustainability of the African Energy Industry: Emerging and Evolving Concepts, Regulations and Opportunities", lasted between Wednesday April 12 and Thursday April 13, with other notable experts and industry leaders in attendance.

Speaking alongside other industry leaders like Mr. Victor Okoronkwo (Managing Director of Aiteo), Mrs. Iroghama Ogbeifun (Managing Director of Starz Investment), amongst others, on the topic, "Africa Energy Demand: Efficiency and Availability",
Dr. Wisdom Enang, who is an Adjutant Professor of the North Dakota University, USA, said that fossil fuels provides 80% of the world's energy, and are undoubtedly the energy foundation upon which global societies function.

Dr. Enang stressed that a sudden change in the composition of that foundation could potentially destabilize the global economy, and key elements of modern society. He also emphasized that energy transformation is shaped by a much broader and fundamental shift in terms of prosperity, progress, politics and the environment, and listed decarbonization as one of the cornerstone of the huge transition.

The Bath University, United Kingdom trained Mechanical Engineer maintained that the ongoing transformation does not only concern and apply to the energy sector, or to the change from one fuel source to another, or merely a technological leap, as it was much broader, reflecting a change and transformation in terms of values and the way the world around us is understood, nowadays.

Dr. Enang further explained that the great transition features a gradual breakaway from the older core values of security, reliability, and robustness which existing energy systems were built upon, to new values of sustainability, flexibility and affordability which are enabled by a completely new way of producing, delivering and consuming energy.

He however stressed that this does not necessarily mean that the older frame of values will become obsolete or irrelevant anytime soon, but that the centre of weight was definitely rebalancing itself.

Dr. Wisdom Enang, who is both a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (FNISafetyE), emphasized that the clarion call for decarbonization was apt and comes sequel to critical global drivers, such as the Paris Agreement, Consumer Energy Needs and investor activism.

He revealed that the Paris Agreement signed in 2015 established a global framework to prevent dangerous climate change, by limiting global warming to well below 2°C, and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.

These goals he intimated, are set against the backdrop of several scientific findings such as that of the National Academy of Sciences, which concluded in a 2015 study that it is possible that some extreme weather events such as heat waves and droughts could be attributed to changing climate, due to global warming.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the BBC praised "Sarah Enang Humanitarian Foundation" averred that the consciousness for responsible energy exploitation has also been taken seriously by investors like Black Rock, the world's largest fund manager with about $7 trillion (USD) of assets under management, who in 2020 declared, that "climate risk is investment risk", and stated that the group will be selling their direct investment in companies which derives more than 25% of their revenues from thermal coal.

"While Black Rock's strategy made headlines due to the fund's size and influence, other investors were also pressuring companies to take more action on climate change", he claimed.

He informed, that to enviornmentally conscious investors, a competitive portfolio will no longer be solely determined by its breakeven price, but also by its environmental impact, affirming that another noteworthy driver was the quest for higher flexibility, convenience and cleanliness of energy services demanded by customers, especially as income rises.

Dr. Wisdom Enang, who consults for a number of international and local energy companies, said that achieving a commercially attractive energy transition in Nigeria, will depend heavily on the use of existing oil and gas infrastructure which runs into billions of dollars in investment, and is adaptable, reliable and affordable. He explained that it will be a missed opportunity to not plan for the role of these already existing infrastructure in the Nigerian energy systems of the future.

Known for his massive advocacy for value-driven leadership, Dr. Wisdom Enang highlighted therefore, that the efficient repurposing of existing infrastructure remains a key imperative for decarbonizing the Nigerian energy sector in the most cost-effective approach, and maintained that the task of controlling energy related carbon emissions, as daunting as it may appear from today's perspective, may in fact turn out to be less obstructive if indeed an acceleration of long-term structural change trends is called for, rather than a departure in an entirely new direction.

Hear him: "Substantial acceleration of decarbonization would thus entail both ambitious technological and policy levers. Policy declarations such as the "Nigerian Decade of Gas", is a positive step in the right direction, as the exploitation of gas avails us with a more efficient and cleaner source of energy, compared to liquid petroleum."

Dr. Enang, a fully registered and accredited Chartered Engineer with the British Engineering Council, explained that large scale decarbonization of the oil and gas sector to a near-zero target would be extremely difficult to achieve anywhere in the world, as there are very limited commercially viable options.

Other speakers who spoke during Dr. Enang's panel discussion session include: Mr. Isreal Aye, a partner at Commercial and Energy Practice (CANDELP) as well as a Director at Aspen Energy Nigeria; Mrs. Raqeebah Oloko, Managing Solicitor of Bromshy Legal (An Energy Consultancy Legal Firm known for its exceptional legal Advice on Energy Transactions in Africa); Mrs. Iroghama Ogbeifun, Managing Director, Starz Investments Company Ltd and Mr. Victor Okoronkwo, Managing Director, Aiteo. Mr. Okoronkwo is also the Group Managing Director of Aiteo Exploration and Production Ltd, Nigeria's foremost independent oil and gas company.

The highpoint of the event was the conferment of a prestigious Award of Excellence on Dr. Wisdom Enang, "for his numerous and highly valuable contributions to the development of the Nigerian Oil and Gas sector, which has helped shape the industry more positively", Mr. Isreal Aye confessed, while conferring the Award on Dr. Enang.

SAMPSON ENYONGEKERE, Uyo

The just concluded governorship election in Akwa Ibom State which threw up Pastor Umo Eno of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner has been described as the best conducted since the return of democracy in the state.

Pastor Eno won a landslide victory beating his opponents Senator Bassey Albert Akpan of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) and Obong Akan udofia of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who scored second and third positions respectively.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday in Uyo, the state capital, a renowned Cleric of African church and social crusader, Rev. Richard Peters said the election which he voted for and have hast-hand information from international and local observers including practicing journalists that covered the state has been described as the best so far.

According to him, ” I reliably gathered that apart from minor skirmishes in few isolated areas where opposition parties tried to cause infractions and were checked by security agencies, the process and outcome of the election had received wide applause across the state.

Rev'd Richard Peters further described as baseless the allegations of vote buying, bullying and intimidation of voters being circulated online by those who lost the election stressing that even the allegation of killing of people earlier peddled is yet to be authenticated by relevant authorities nor the name(s) of the persons involved made public.

”How can a group of politicians alleged that people were killed on social media without any iota of evidence, no pictures, no name, and the international and local observers could not authenticate that such took place during the election, it’s another baseless rumour to discredit a credible election we had last weekend”

The Cleric maintained that the last election was not only credible but very free as people voted their conscience in a very conducive atmosphere and their votes counted emphasising that nobody has disputed results from the units.

He further highlighted, ” The outcome of the election is the outcome of the wishes of the people of Akwa Ibom state who are yearning for the sustainability of peace and development we have recorded in the last eight years. People have voted for a government that will ensure they sleep with their eyes closed at night.

Peters said the emergence of pastor Umo Eno means the state will thrive on the positive side of development stressing that those who have canvass doom for the state during the election were disappointed their expectations failed.

He noted that God’s hand showed mightily in the affairs of the state in the last election by giving the people a serene and peaceful process while security agencies did their mortal best to ensure that there were no infractions.

He appealed to the opposition to embrace peace and join hands with Pastor Umo Eno to take the state to the next level stressing that being a man of God, the Governor-elect has said severally that he holds no grudges against anyone.

A simple gesture of Pastor Umo Eno, Governorship Candidate People's Democratic Party, PDP standing to greet candidates of other parties at the signing of the Peace Accord meeting has been given different coloration by those who will stop at nothing to dice and slice us as a people. They even forget that even before Governorship, Pastor Umo Eno has always demonstrated humility.

That politics has polarised and balkanize Akwa Ibom State is an understatement. Most Politicians have driven the state along ethnic sentiments and drummed the message of marginalisation or lack of effective zoning of political offices.

The 2023 Election has not been spared in this ugly incident. Again another menacing factor in Akwa Ibom State has been the spirit of entitlement. Where some hold that certain rights and privileges is their exclusive preserve. They confer on themselves the right of first refusal for political appointments and offices. Should there be a change , they threaten fire and brimstone.

Conventional politicians have continued to stoke this Amber of hate and have benefited greatly from the spoils of the "war". For them since the "dysfunctional Akwa Ibom State " has brought them gains and instant wealth, the plight of the impoverished masses is of no concern to them.

Umo Eno offers a sharp departure from the convention. Umo Eno who cannot pass for a system man but a beneficiary of God's benevolence will press the reset button of Akwa Ibom State.

Umo Eno will not inherit enemies. His disposition to a united Akwa Ibom speaks volume. He desires an Akwa Ibom where everyone can seat on the table of brotherhood and create a path towards the prosperity of all.

Umo Eno will not play the ethnic card of divisive politics. In his words; "What are all these rancour among brothers in the name of politics? I just want to seat in the office as governor and press the reset button, bring everyone to the table, to create the Akwa Ibom of our dream".

Iniobong Etuk, a Journalist writes from Uyo.