₦airaland Forum

I read with sadness in my heart the bias analysis in Daily Post purpotedly written by a nameless writer on the caption: "Coronavirus in Nigeria: List of the Best and the Worst Performing Governors so far", in which the writer attempted to evaluate how each state governor in Nigeria is handling covid-19 pandemic in their respective states. After a careful study of the piece, I have come to the conclusion that the writer is not only deficient in facts and accurate data, but has sold his conscience to the devil.

As good as the caption may appear to sound, such piece is not only vague and shallow in content, but malicious, misleading and more of the figment of his imagination.

Even before we had the five reported cases in Akwa Ibom, Gov. Udom Emmanuel had proactively stepped in to put things in place, in case of any eventuality. Hospitals were furnished and isolation center prepared, before the recent construction of a facility to accomodate 300 beds, as isolation center. Medical kits have been provided including hand gloves and hand sanitizers. The Quarantine and Restriction of Movement Regulation has been signed and a total lockdown has been ordered in the state, as it's being recommended by The World Health Organization(WHO).

Not only this, palliative has been given to help cushion the effect of the lockdown on Akwa Ibom residents. What else do they want the governor to do? Where is the governor lagging behind?

It was glaringly clear that the NCDC did not take appropriate procedure in the announcement of the result of the sample sent to them by Akwa Ibom state government. There was a breach in the process, which the Managing Director of NCDC admitted. How would they expect the state government to react to such sensitive mistake?

This pandemic is of a global scale and there is no country or state that can claim to have been 100% ready for it.

For someone to sit in the corner of a room to concoct such fake analysis is to say the list, is criminal in nature. It is a crime against humanity and a mockery to the souls of those we have lost in the war, the world over. It appears as if the national lockdown has locked the brain and sense of reasoning of the writer who has seen nothing else in this world to write than such balderdash.

Gov. Emmanuel will not be deterred by such paid and poorly evaluated piece. He will continue to do his best to ensure that the state is protected, in line with the oath of office he took.

Stay safe and keep praying for Akwa Ibom State.

Source: Richard Peters

On Thursday, December 19, 2019, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel flagged-off the reconstruction of the moribund Science and Technology Park in Uyo amidst cheers from the host community and the people of the state.

The Blue Sea Science and Technology Park which is situated in five villages in Itu and two villages in Uyo Local Government Area, covers a stretch of 548-square-kilometer in the state.


The project which was initiated 13 years ago by the Victor Attah administration was stalled by the immediate past administration on grounds that its location is erosion prone, and that no matter the building erected there, it would be threatened.

However, the China Blue Sea International Holdings, after surveying the region and certifying it as most suitable for the edifice has assured that the same abandoned site which was said would be more costly to fix, than the cost of the project itself; will comprise a Technical University, Vocational Training Base, a High-Tech Building Materials Plant, a five-star hotel and a hospital.


From all indications, the project which will carry the design concept of leading science and technology, intelligence, foresight and ecology, will become of symbolic historical significance.

The decision by Gov. Udom Emmanuel to revisit the Science and Technology Park Project initiated in 2006 by the then governor, Arc Victor Attah is another well-thought-out initiative of Gov. Emmanuel to create an enabling environment that will situate Akwa Ibom strategically in the world's technological map. This project on completion will leave generations unborn in awe of the visionary disposition of a man who sees tomorrow.

Without any dispute, we are living in a world of technology. In fact, technology drives our world. Our economy, Banking system, Automobile industry, Agriculture, Medicine, Education, Fashion, Media, and many others are technology- dependent. Till the end of time, the world will still be sustained by technology and without which, life will be miserable.

A cursory look at this shows that the future of Akwa Ibom state is not only sealed, but we are on our way to creating a guaranteed destination for our children and youths.

Analysts have foreseen that the Ibom Blue Sea Science and Technology Park will bring jobs, employments and development to the people of the Area and as well promote the construction and transformation of the state power plant, Sea port and free trade zone when fully constructed.

This initiative is in line with Gov. Emmanuel's determination to make Akwa Ibom a tourist destination and project the state to the world. Investors are already trooping into the state to be a part of this generational blessing.

This is the kind of project that leaders of nations initiate for their countries and are celebrated throughout their lifetime, and Akwa Ibom is so blessed to have a governor who is not only technology-driven, but has a clear vision for the future of Akwa Ibom people.

For those who do not know and are still in the dark of what a Science Park portends for a nation, a science park is an infrastructure of the global knowledge economy which provides locations that foster innovation, development and commercialisation of technology where governments, universities and private companies can collaborate.

According to Link and Scott (2015), Science parks are commonly described as physical areas where multiple knowledge-intensive organisations and institutes co-locate and where innovation is formally and informally leveraged.
They differ from high-technology business districts in that they are more organized, planned, and managed and lead to commercialized products from research.
They also differ from industrial and business parks which focus on manufacturing and administration only.
Its benefits are numerous as it offers a number of shared resources ranging from programs to activities, uninterruptible power supply, telecommunications hubs, reception and security, management offices, bank offices, convention center, parking, and internal transportation; where one can shop at a stop.

This is so that knowledge can be shared, innovation promoted, and research outcomes progressed to viable commercial products.
For a nation, a Science park contributes to national economic development, stimulating the formation of new high-technology firms, attracting foreign investment and promoting exports., while a host community enjoys the presence of a science park in the area of job opportunity.

This is because people from all fields and skills are needed to assist the developers of technology to bring their work to commercial fruition.

From masons, to artisans, stone carvers, bricklayers, skilled and unskilled labourers, all forms of crafts are required in the make-up of the Park.

For example, sports facilities, restaurants, crèches or pleasant outdoor areas would require the inputs of vendors from within.

Notably, Science parks are found across the globe. Research has it that they are most common in developed countries like North America which has over 170 science parks.
For us in Nigeria, the Akwa Ibom situated Blue Sea Project is the first of its kind and will yield huge benefits if lauded and allowed to sail through.

The project, when completed, will boost our sagging economy which is its paramount essence.
It will provide abundant space for growth courtesy of its large outdoor spaces that facilitate business growth and expansion.

Comprising adequate office space, fully-equipped laboratories, proper storage and warehouse facilities, and high-quality conference rooms and meeting centers, organisations with limited funds and high preliminary expenses can benefit from these facilities.

As startups grow, they often require bigger offices and more facilities. Most technology parks provide ample space for business development.

A key advantage of the Blue Sea project is that it will be a consistent following stream of the latest technology equipped with high-speed broadband internet and telecommunication facilities that will make it easy to establish and manage a business.
Also, Science Parks come with a range of social amenities such as gyms, shopping centers, swimming pools, restaurants, recreational centres, nurseries for rest, workers’ and family recreation.

Furthermore, a Science Park is equipped with various security features for the protection of workers, properties and information.
To prevent data theft and vandalism, technology parks are equipped with state-of-the-art security features. From surveillance cameras to a network of security guards, these parks have several measures in place to reduce the likelihood of criminal activities.

With these juicy prospects, it is of cardinal importance that Akwaibomites key into the making of this emerging giant in the state which will not only upgrade Akwa Ibom on the pedals of industrialised states, but will as well seat Nigeria among developing nations.

Just as some leaders of thoughts has called for the protection of the project by the host communities, Akwa Ibom people should also ensure that the hitherto abandoned site which had become a beehive of criminal activities, returns to its intended state of prestige and tourism.
The Blue Sea project has come, let us make it stay.

Akwa Ibom people in particular, and Nigerians in general will ever live to be grateful to Gov. Emmanuel- A man who sees tomorrow and "seizes" it for his people.


Richard Peters is a public Affairs Analyst, writes in from Uyo.

...Promises quality representation

Ikot Edibon village, a rural urban area of Nsit Ubium today litted with wild celebration as sons and daughters of the area gathered to witness the euphoric empowerment and official opening of the constituency office of Hon. Otobong Bob,Member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency.

The event herald with dance, jubilation and encomium from the people who could not hide their excitement. The women, youth and girls beautifully adorned in manificient regalia turned out in their large numbers to show their support for the house member.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Otobong expressed appreciation to the people for the support given him and the People's Democratic Party during the 2019 election.

He revealed that his six months in politics and office has prepared his mind and afforded him the capacity to serve Nsit Ubium people better by sponsoring bills and motions that will bring progressive development to the area.

On the essence of opening the liaison office in the area, Hon. Bob revealed that he was poised to bringing effective and qualitative representation, hence the need to create a link between his office and the people so that their yearnings and needs can be properly channelled and given rapt attention to.

He noted that the office will not only serve as an extension of the Nsit Ubium seat in the house of Assembly and but will form a strong bridge of continuity and hallmark of development, he maintained that his administration will effectively and efficiently touch the people.

In his remarks, the Member representing Etinan/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke eulogized Hon. Otobong Bob who succeeded him in the constituency as a tested and worthy lawmaker whose records and performances in the executive house is laudable.

Rt. Hon. Luke while described the constituency liaison office as a great initiative and a solution centre appreciated the people for their unfettered support for Hon. Bob. He urged them to always pray for the lawmaker and exhibit brotherhood which according to him will help to sustain the unity and love already existing in the area.

He appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government to expedite all road constructions in the area as it is the only infrastructural benefits of the people for voting the Governor Udom at the governorship election.

Also, the political leader and former Senator representing the area, Senator Effiong Bob in his goodwill message charged the people to live in harmony and emulate all virtues of love as they celebrate the yuletide season.

On his part, the Chairman of the area, Hon. Udemeobong Bassey lauded the Nsit Ubium state house member for following the footprints of his predecessor, he maintained that the liaison office will act as quick response channel where the plight of the people will be heard.

In their separate messages, Otuekong Emmanuel Ibiok, Commissioner Local Government Service Commission; Mr Aniefiok Johnny, Chapter Chairman of PDP in Nsit Ubium; Otuekong Capt. Iniobong Ekong; Arch. Ime Ekpo, Commissioner Lands and Water Resources, applauded Hon. Bob for being a notable assemblyman with sterling leadership qualities and eye for development and prosperity of the area.

While rating the house member as a five star illustrious son who has shown love to the people across party lines, they expressed confidence that his performance so far in the house of Assembly will bring nothing but people oriented development to the area.

Highpoint of the event was the Commissioning of the constituency office by Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, empowerment items doled out to widows, Christmas hampers to all the constituents and pledges of cash, wrappers and rice.

In attendance were, Mr Udom Inoyo represented by Aniekan Bassey Willie, Chairmen of boards, traditional rulers, party stalwarts, Councillors, Mr Nsikak Willams, Managing Director Nsik Motors who was ably represented, women group, youth among others.

The winner of #ArtMostSphere 4.0 Open Mic Competition will go home with a �����-������� ����� ��������� ����, ���-�������-���� ����� ����� ���� �� ��������� ����� ��������� �� ��������/������������� ���������.

After a thorough job by our Panel, the following persons have been selected to compete in the #ArtMostSphere 4.0 Open Mic Contest...click http:///2tiNjZn

Nollywood actress, Angela Okorie, has spoken out for the first time since the alleged attack on her life. The actress shared a video of the x-ray done on her head, showing what appears to be shrapnel in her head .

This comes shortly after blogger, Stella Dimoko Korkus broke the news of the attempt on her life.

Well, the actress has come out to speak on the attempt on her life. Sharing an x-ray of her skull with what appears to be shrapnel, she recounted the horrible experience with the alleged assassins.

She wrote:

“Undiluted grace will never stop to exist in my home,


Read more https://nowupdate.com.ng/2019/12/16/assassins-attack-i-had-over-100-bullet-removed-from-my-head-actress-angela-okorie/?preview=true&frame-nonce=1a29ffda40

Some days ago, our party, like other members of the reading public, saw a letter infixed in the headed paper of Senator Godswill Akpabio attempting to convey the purported withdrawal of the Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress candidate in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. Due to the cunning and comical nature of the dramatis persona, we had to wait for a reasonable time to be sure that he will not make his habitual volte face and claim that he didn’t write the letter or it was one of the skits in his newfound hobby of national comedy. Having not had any rebuttal either from him, his official media sources or his litany of online guttersnipes, we can now ascertain that the said letter emanated from the once revered former Governor, then-seemingly invincible Senate Minority Leader, recently defeated former Senator and now compensated and controversial Minister.

Our response to that joke taken too far is that the rerun is a court ordered election to complete an earlier started electoral exercise, which by the judgement of the court has been declared inchoate. The only way the APC can substitute a candidate is if the incumbent candidate dies a physical death, not a political death as that currently witnessed. Senator Akpabio was a party before the court and the order of the court is that he should go back for a rerun in Essien Udim- that’s an order of the court and as a lawyer, he should obey that order and submit himself for confirmatory defeat. The purported withdrawal of the Senatorial candidate is a clear face-saving attempt by Chief Akpabio, in a bid to avoid a recurring defeat by Senator Chris Ekpenyong, whom he had earlier boasted was not a match for him. But like it’s common knowledge, pride goes before a fall. Senator Ekpenyong Defeated Chief Akpabio in 8 local government areas with a large margin of more than 38,000 votes-which is Akpabio’s present nightmare. Post election, he went to the tribunal and characteristically nearly turned it into a circus and ended up celebrating a minority judgement of the tribunal. Thereafter he approached the Court of Appeal claiming that elections were free and fair and requested that the illegal votes he procured in Essien Udim through unmitigated intimidation and unimaginable violence be recognized and counted for him so that he can be declared the winner and returned elected. The court discountenanced his claims and refused to grant his request, instead it cancelled the entire election in Essien Udim LGA ordering a rerun. The court described what happened in Essien Udim as a travesty of electoral process, "Pervasive hooliganism, unparalleled violence, abduction of poll officials "

On the funny claim that he has a patriotic task to perform at the Federal Executive Council as Minister, which is why he wants to withdraw from the race, the question is, when did he realize this duty which he claims he owes the Niger Delta? Why did he not withdraw before the Appeal court judgment? If the Court of Appeal had granted the reliefs he sought for, would he have still withdrawn?

Our party seriously frowns at the clowning attempts by Senator Akpabio to derail the electoral process in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, as we have on good authority that he intends to use the judicial process to prevent the conduct of the rerun, by institutions court actions to compel INEC to accept his purported withdrawal- this suit he intends to drag up to the Supreme Court if he loses. Senator Akpabio, who once boasted that he couldn’t lose an election should have been excited as he was earlier, to show the world that he cannot lose an election in his local government area. Why is he afraid of going for an election in his native Essien Udim?

Read more: www.nowupdate.com.ng

A 19-year-old boy Victor Orji has been arrested by the police in Lagos for allegedly burning his 24-year-old lover to death over alleged infidelity.
The incident occurred on Saturday morning at G54 Army Post Service Housing Estate, Ojo.

Orji, alleged to be a fraudster, was alleged to have poured petrol on his lover Mariam Alabi after she allegedly went to stay with another man on Thursday and Friday.

The suspect allegedly confessed that the N600,000 he used to rent their accommodation as part of the proceeds of fraud, adding that he had been involved in such business for about three years.
According to the suspect, he had discovered through her phone when she returned on Friday that she went to see another man and not her father as she claimed.



He said the woman also left their home on Thursday to fix her hair but did not return till the following day, Friday and again left claiming she was going to her father’s.

Orji who said he went through her phone and saw her chats, video calls and nude pictures she sent to another man, claimed that she had agreed to stop prostitution when she moved into his place in March.



Read more https://nowupdate.com.ng/2019/12/08/teenager-sets-lover-ablaze-for-alleged-cheating/

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka has criticised the Department of State Services (DSS) for the re-arrest of the convener of the RevolutionNow protest, Omoyele Sowore.

While delivering a keynote address at an event organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to mark the UN Day on Anti-Corruption, Soyinka described the act as another form of corruption.



He had earlier condemned the invasion of a court in Abuja by operatives of the DSS in a bid to re-arrest Mr Sowore.

In a statement personally signed by him on Friday, Professor Soyinka asked President Muhammadu Buhari to call the agency to order.

The Nobel laureate also warned the government to uphold and respect judicial institutions in order to prevent the present situation from degenerating into chaos.

He also advised that those he described as the “wild dogs of disobedience” be taught some basic court manners.


Before Friday’s incident occurred, the court had ruled to adjourn the trial of Sowore and his co-accused, Olawale Bakare, until February 11, 2020.


Read more https://nowupdate.com.ng/2019/12/09/soyinka-blows-hot-on-dss-for-sowores-re-arrest/

This is another banger, but this time not for airtel but for my MTN folks. Guess this is a huge step up from MTN this time. In no time we should be getting more from other competitors.

This offer is for sure not for all MTN customers in the network but for some selected sims. We don’t know whats up with all the eligibility restrictions and the rest, but we are dead sure its for a reason. All we do is simply try different ways to get to deliver alternative and sure process in becoming eligible to most of them available.



Read more https://nowupdate.com.ng/2019/11/28/how-to-get-mtn-1gb-for-n100-ussd-activation-code-1month-validity/

Cristiano Ronaldo has secured yet another bit of history with his appearance in Tuesday’s Champions League clash between Juventus and Atletico Madrid. Having been named in the starting lineup, the 34-year-old forward has surpassed AC Milan legend Paulo Maldini as the player with the second highest number of appearances in in European club competitions.

175, that is the number of appearances the Portuguese international will be reaching, with the former Italian defender now sitting third with 173. Former Real Madrid shot-stopper Iker Casillas leads the list with 188 appearances but his record could soon be trampled by his ex-teammate who is showing no signs of retiring anytime soon.



Read more https://nowupdate.com.ng/2019/11/28/cristiano-ronaldo-has-secured-yet-another-bit-of-history-with-his-appearance-in-tuesdays-champions-league-clash-between-juventus-and-atletico-madrid/?preview=true&frame-nonce=556f17a697

° As Arsenal players loses faith in him at last

According to National Daily, Now Update gathered that Arsenal players have reportedly lost faith in Unai Emery and no longer believe he has what it takes to save their season.

Unai Emery has been thrown into more severe pressure after Arsenal draw against Southampton pix. This latest development has left the Gunners fans reacting. While some would have fancied Emery sacked immediately after last Saturday game, others are still sympathizing with him as they want the club to give more time to turn things around.



Read more https://nowupdate.com.ng/2019/11/28/unai-emery-has-been-thrown-into-more-severe-pressure-after-arsenal-draw-against-southampton-pix-this-latest-development-has-left-the-gunners-fans-reacting/?preview=true&frame-nonce=556f17a697

An angry husband who caught his wife cheating on him with another man right inside the boutique he rented for her has taken to social media to speak on how he reacted to his wife’s affairs. According to the man who shared the news on his Facebook account, he stripped his wife naked, tied her up and tortured her by beating her.

After that, Martin Juuko explained he threw his wife, Brenda Namuyomba on the street to be mocked at by their neighbors. According to the young man, he opened a men’s wear shop for his wife but unknown to him, his wife was using the placed to sleep with her boyfriends.


Read more https://nowupdate.com.ng/2019/11/26/man-catches-wife-sleeping-with-another-man-in-the-boutique-he-opened-for-her-photos/

Akwa Ibom State under Governor Udom Emmanuel is a beehive of activities in infrastructural expansion. It is about the only administration that has taken a holistic approach towards roads construction and rehabilitation, leading to the 1,700km of roads either completed, ongoing or at various stages of completion.

This morning, a brief stopover at the ongoing Flyover bridge at Ikot Oku Ikono shows accelerated pace of development. A very imposing edifice by construction giants Julius Berger, that will connect Uyo with Abak and invariably contain the traffic from Rivers State axis of the country.

Indeed #GovernorEmmanuelisWorking

The 2019 Christmas Celebrations in Akwa Ibom promises to keep fun seeking Akwa Ibomites and tourist as well in a state of awe as lot of activities have been scheduled for the yuletide season.

From the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Hon Commissioner Rt Hon Orman Esin has revealed that the Christmas Village which is located along Udo Udoma starting from December 1st, 2019 to 1st January 2020 will play host to a 32days of activities ranging from music, comedy, drama, talent discovery, etc.

Other activities lined up for the season includes; TIME & SEASON Arts Exhibition of Contemporary Arts and Architectural Models to be held at the Ibibio Unity Museum on the 19th-31st December, 2019.

Christmas Carol Festival which will hold on the 20th of December at the Ibom Hall grounds by 4pm, Christmas Children's Party, Ibeno Beach party on the 26th December, Ibom All White Pool Party on Sunday 29th December at the Pool Side of Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort by 5pm, and other activities scheduled to keep the people fun filled.

In another development, some Local Government Areas like Mkpat Enin and Nsit Ubium have also lined up activities to give their people a memorable experience during the yuletide season.

In Nsit Ubium LGA, it will be a 9day long event scheduled to start from Friday 20th December, 2019 at the Local Government Secretariat, Ikot Edibon. Activities scheduled at Nsit Ubium includes Cultural Festival, Christmas Parade, Food Festival, Pageantry, etc.

While Mkpat Enin plans to expand the already existing Colours of Mkpat Enin which is a yuletide seasonal event that was birthed last year. The Chairman of the Local Government Mr Ekanem Brown has promised to ensure that the event which is already enjoying sponsorship will be one of its best this year.

Other Local Government Councils are also making preparations to ensure that they give their people a beautiful experience this yuletide.

Where would you rather be? Christmas Celebrations in Akwa Ibom 2019 is waiting for you.

By Emmanuel Goodwin

- PDP State Chairman hints on Commencement of Campaigns for Essien Udim rerun

Not less than three hundred Essien Udim Youths in a meeting with Senator Christopher Ekpenyong over the weekend assured him of their readiness to turn out in their numbers on any date the INEC will fix for the rerun, to vote and also defend their votes. They assured the Senator that majority of Essien Udim Youths are committed to work for his total victory at the polls describing those who have not signed on to the senator's team as a blind minority.

The youths expressed satisfaction over the representation of the senator in the past few months and expressed their hopes that given a full term, the people of the Senatorial District will receive more dividends of democracy than they had received in the past years. They further expressed their sentiments over the possible decision of Chief Godswill Akpabio to resign as minister to seek a rerun for the Senate. They said such decision will confirm their stands that Chief Akpabio is simply on an ego trip and is not acting in the best interest of the Senatorial District. They however assured the Senator that such decision will end in tears for Chief Akpabio as he will in doing so, lose his ministerial deak and also the Senatorial seat.

In his response, the Senator represented by the DG of his campaign organisation, Obong Inuaeyen thanked the youths for their solidarity and charged them to remain resolute in their decision to support the PDP and Senator Ekpenyong in the interest of the Senatorial District.

In a related development, the State Chairman of the PDP, Akwa Ibom State, Obong Paul Ekpo in a press briefing over the weekend revealed that the party shall in no time commence rigorous campaigns in Essien Udim Local Government Area for the rerun elections for the National Assembly seats and called on party faithfuls to remain committed to the ideals of the party. He assured Essien Udim people that the party at the centre is fully committed to ensuring that the victory which the PDP had already won in the Senatorial District/Federal Constituency is sustained.

By Ephraim Ekpo

Read more: www.nowupdate.com.ng