A'IBOM ECONOMIC BOSS UNFOLDS PLANS TO BOOST SMEs SECTOR OF THE STATE

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Akan Okon, has unfolded plans by the State Government to boost the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector of the state.

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Mr. Okon made the disclosure during a courtesy visit by the National Union of Micro, Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs of Nigeria (NUMSMER), in his office today Wednesday, 24th February 2021.

The Commissioner in a warm reception, welcomed members of the Association to his office. He emphasized the importance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to economic growth and employment generation.

In his address, the Economic helmsman reiterated the commitment of the state government, through the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel, to revamp the MSME sector of the economy.

The Economic Boss said, as a result of the effect of Covid-19 on SMEs, government came up with a program to stimulate activities in the SMEs sector, know as, Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (Ncares) program.

In line with the completion agenda of the governor, Mr. Okon informed the Association about the training which will take place next week for enumerators, whose duty will be to collate data from all the local government areas of the state, which will help to ascertain SMEs. This he said, is to ensure that this sector of the economy do not suffer setback.

The training program and enumeration exercise is in partnership with the Federal Government and the State Government through the Bank of Industry.

He maintained that as a Ministry they are ready and willing to work in partnership with the Association on ways of strengthening SMEs, in order to boost the economic sector of the state.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, expressed his deep appreciation to the Association for the visit. He urged them to contribute their best by keying into the vision of MSEs recovery in the state.

The Group State Chairman (NUMSMER) Comrade Anthony Akpanobong, who spoke on behalf of the Association, said collectively as entrepreneurs their efforts is to put together available human and material resources and promote creativity for sustainable socio-economic development in Akwa Ibom State and by extension Nigeria through entrepreneurial endeavours.

Other members of the Association: Prof.George Akpakpan, Mrs Diamond Udi and the Director of Media and Publicity, Comrade Paulinus Nta, spoke in support of the Group's mission which is to align with the industrialization agenda of the state government.

The Group requested for an official bus, partnership program, among other needs, which will aid in the smooth running of the Association.

In attendance where other executive members of the Association.


Information Unit
MED& Ibom Deep Seaport

FLIGHTS RESUMPTION: MANAGEMENT OF IBOM INT'L AIRPORT REASSURES AIR TRAVELLERS OF SAFETY

...applauds Governor Emmanuel for top notch facilities

The Management of Akwa Ibom State international Airport Development Company Limited has reaffirmed commitment to curtail further Spread of Corona Virus Pandemic as domestic flights resume in the State on Wednesday July 15, 2020.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the airport, Mr Uwem Ekanem gave the assurance, Monday, while speaking on Ibom Business Update, a one hour business and commercial radio Program on Comfort 95.1FM, Uyo.
According to Mr Ekanem who is also the Senior Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on aviation development, the airport also known as Victor Attah international Airport, has twice been decontaminated and disinfected, in addition to other measures put in place to curtail further spread of COVID-19.
"The airport is a gateway where every body will be coming into our State, though adequate preventive measures have been put in place, its also very important we protect ourselves by wearing face mask. On our part, we have strategically located contactless hand washing facilities. A body disinfection Channel and two smart automatic body temperature scanning machines have been installed. All air travelers must therefore walk throw the chambers of the temperature scanning machine which records the body temperature on face recognition with an alarm system to notify high temperature. For effective maintenance of social distancing, protocol assistants not traveling would be restricted" Ekanem added.
Speaking on the safety of Passengers while on board, the aviation development Boss further disclosed that aircraft operated by Ibom air and some other companies are equipped with high efficiency particulate air which purifies the air on board. He however, commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for all his efforts which has made the Victor Attah international Airport rank side by side with other reputable airports in the country.
It could be Recalled that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) through a team of about 13 inspectors who recently visited the airport for spot checks and compliance inspection, had expressed satisfaction with the standard of facilities and preparedness put in place by the management of VAIA. Engr Adebayo Oladipo who led the team had wished the top notch facilities and standard be maintained by the Management of airport.

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By Emma Akpabio, Uyo

Akwa lbom State Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr Akan Okon, on Sunday, charged women to see themselves as agents of peace and development in the society.

At the St. Peter's Apostolic Church National Women Fellowship Retreat, Season 5 with the theme "The Christian Race", the Commissioner urged the women to continue playing their motherhood roles by bringing up their children in the fear of God.

The Commissioner who was the Guest of Honour at the event, said the women should remain prayerful and hard-working and also foster societal growth and development by advising their children against cultism, drug abuse, prostitution and other societal ills.

He lauded the women for their support for Governor Udom Emmanuel during this year's election, adding the current administration will leave positive impacts in the state, through its developmental strides.

Mr Akan Okon further assured that the Governor's Wife, Mrs Martha Emmanuel will continually carry the women along in the scheme of things, while also ensuring they are empowered so they can cater for their families.

The event also had in attendance the Commissioner for Agriculture and Women Affairs, Dr. Glory Edet, amongst others.

AKAN OKON LAUDS GOVERNOR UDOM ON NEW APPOINTMENT


The newly appointed Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Akan Okon has lauded his Boss, Governor Udom Emmanuel for finding him worthy of a new assignment. The seasoned banker who previously headed the Ministry of Special Duties and Aviation development has now been saddled with the task of ensuring the long awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project is actualised.


Akan Okon who was instrumental in the emergence and success story of Ibom Air expressed his gratitude to the Governor for the confidence reposed in him and promised to deliver maximally on the new assignment.


Subsequent upon his swearing in as Commissioner, a reception was held at Mbiatok Itam in honour of the New Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport Boss. In his speech, Mr. Okon thanked God for making the day a reality and Itu people for honouring him with their presence despite the heavy downpour. He described the Governor as a God sent leader who had proven himself as the best choice for the State and thanked him for the reappointment.


He prayed God to grant him grace to complete the good works he started while assuring the people of his continued commitment towards their welfare and wellbeing as their representative in the State Executive Council.


Several congratulatory and goodwill messages poured in from well meaning indigenes of Itu LGA which included the Paramount Ruler of Itu LGA, the Council Chairman, Barr. Etetim Onuk and a host of others.

Gov Emmanuel Sympathizes with Flood Victims, Orders for Remedial Measures

The Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel has sympathized with flood victims in the state and ordered Ministry of Works, other relevant agencies to put remedial measures to reduce flooding in affected areas of the state.

Governor Emmanuel gave the directive while embarking on the spot assessment of flood affected areas in Uyo, the state capital.

Accompanied by the Secretary to government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien among other aides of his administration, was conducted to the flood affected areas by the immediate past Commissioner for Works Mr Ephraim InyInyang-eyen.

The Governor explained that Uyo topography is prone to flood while blaming some of the incidents on indiscriminate disposal of refuse in drainages and obstruction of water channels through illegal buildings.

Mr. Emmanuel with his team visited Nkemba Street by Abak Road and discovered the drainage was blocked by accumulated debris and wastes.

He also visited IBB way, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Accountant General’s office as well as shelter Afrique Estate, Mbiabong Ayanya by Timber market all in Uyo metropolis.

Governor Emmanuel also made a brief stop over at the Ring Road 111,Construction site handled by Hensek Integrated Engineering Services where the MD of the company Engr.Uwem Okoko explained the extent of work done by his company.

BY CELESTINE MEL
(first written with the captioned; Akpabio and the cold hands of garma)


The spectacle of events at the National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Uyo, which came to a head yesterday as Senator Godswill Akpabio took the witness box to give evidence to support his claim of having been robbed of victory by Senator Chris Ekpenyong has triggered mixed emotions and a deep sense of sadness in me for many reasons.

I personally led honest effort (in collaboration with hundreds of other young people in our LGA) to coral His Excellency, Senator Akpabio into the APC. The campaign to lure him was necessitated by the larger interest of our people, who are a minority tribe in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria, and whose interest would have been better served by the intellect and charisma of the Senator in the ruling majority party. His wealth of experience I reckoned, was a wasted asset in the four years that he remained in the opposition bench. This feeling was more compelling because I knew that President Buhari, who I support with all my life, would win the 2019 general elections, head or tail. I also knew that the APC would take majority in the National Assembly, head or tail.

In pursuit of that dream, I published articles in several blogs and platforms, urging him to “move” to APC so that our people can reap the full benefit of his presence in the Senate. When he finally heeded the call, I contributed to hiring a band, organizing boys and staging a big show in Ikot Ekpene to welcome him. The expectation was that our “final obongowo” would indeed become a unifying factor, bring all sides together, show compassion, leverage on the structures on the ground and push for the best deal for everyone.

What did he do after? He went on-board the APC platform which he desecrated and traumatized during his days as governor of Akwa Ibom, to further stoke the fire. He shoved everyone aside using the crudest of tactics; arrested, manacled and humiliated me alongside my elder brother – Samuel Ikpa (himself a staunch dyed-in-the-wool Buharist) , tried within the limits of his human capacity to break our spirits, and truncated my brother’s ambition to vie for the House of Assembly seat with bestial impunity. He handpicked candidates from his coterie of hangers-on for the different electoral contests and thoroughly upended the seams of democracy.

He built a make-believe aura of invincibility around himself and refused to exploit the huge advantage that the APC had before he joined. Rather than unifying the platform, he became a polarizing agent; destabilizing a movement that was solid like a rock. He jettisoned elementary methods of soliciting for votes through campaigns, canvassing and persuasion and instead, relied on the ensemble of urchins and touts for the dirty job of snatching ballot materials, abducting polling officials and manipulating the electoral process to force victory by crooked means. The rest is history.

On that dreadful night, I told our dear senator to do a little self introspection about his inner circle. I told him that he was unable to create the right kind of friends that would step into his shoes like Tinubu has done and help him expand his sphere of influence. I told him that good leaders who desire to be like Asiwaju Bola Tinubu do not fight small fights. No! They do not see those who speak the truth as enemies. Good leaders like Tinubu identify talents around them to support, groom and project.

Good leaders think more about their community and their hereafter, than they think about themselves. Good leaders keep an eye on the judgement of history than the praises of sycophants, whose stock in trade is to clap and dance for the crumbs. Good leaders listen to criticisms, learn from everyone and do justice to their consciences. According to Michelle Obama, “people who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together. People who are truly leaders show the way” .

I told him that most of the people who surround him tell him lies, destroy other people before him and mislead him into believing that some of us who truly wish him to succeed, do not mean well for him. Those people are the same set that made him take the crude action that he took against my brother. They are the same set that organized the fatal hijacking of electoral materials at Okon, Ekpenyong 1, Odoro Ikot, Ukana and Ikpe Annang that has become his Achilles Hills , and has given Chris Ekpenyong easy passage into the Senate.

They are the ones that brought down our own dear Senator, from the pinnacle of a sterling political career in Abuja, into the spectacle of a dingy dock of a courtroom in a tiny corner of Uyo where he had to be “led in evidence” by small lawyers, unfit to untie the lace of his shoes. On a good day.

As the lawyer was “putting it to” our former senator yesterday, I could feel the embarrassment; the sheer reality of subjecting our OGA’s tender feet to the furnace of hot unusual legal scrutiny. I could perceive the sense of powerlessness; the surrender that his fall from grace represents. It is sad that our own senator had to struggle to prove that he voted for himself. Or that he scored 61,000 votes. Or 65,000 votes. Or any number of votes in-between.

It was a spectacle to see him argue with facts on paper, or feign victim to INEC’s Mike Igini when indeed, his most ardent supporters were denied the right to vote by his own agents. It is tragic that the cold hands of karma, has visited a respectable loquacious senator, in the unkindest of ways, and served him a full dose of the bitter medicine that he alone had the monopoly of serving to others, all these years.

Alas, the words of Jim Rohn are true about leadership: “The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humour, but without folly.” Our senator possesses little of these attributes, hence his struggles with the truth.

Mel, a banker, sent this from Abuja. He tweets @melfication

...Inability to complete Ibom Tropicana due to poor allocation


Akwa Ibom State Government has again reiterated its commitment to ensuring commencement of operations at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, before the expiration of the year, 2018.

The State Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Mr Akan Okon, gave this indication, yesterday, when he featured as guest on a popular Online Television Platform, Passion TV.

Continuing, the former Finance Commissioner revealed that the State Government has cleared all outstanding payments to the Construction Company, adding, significant progress have been recorded at the facility, which he assured will be opened before this year runs out.

"If you go to Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene, you'll notice that there are significant changes there. Everything is being done to ensure the Hotel is opened. Governor Udom Emmanuel does not play politics with development, that's why he has made all outstanding payments to the management of that Hotel and even the construction firm, outstanding work has been done.

"The little delay we had was that the initial Company, Starwood, was responsible for running the Hotel, but they were recently acquired by a certain Group. You know when there are issues of mergers and acquisition, there are lots of house keeping work that needs to be done to integrate the new company into the existing one. That's the process we are now. But I want to tell you that as far as that hotel is concerned, it's going to be up and running this year", he said.

When quizzed on the completion of Ibom Tropicana, Mr Akan Okon said the State Government had difficulties completing several projects, due to dwindling resources, but however expressed optimism that all cases of uncompleted works in the State will be addressed as soon as possible.

"You're talking about Tropicana, I have told you that government resources was significantly affected by the downward turn in oil prices. If it was a time we used to receive a lot of money, maybe we would have completed it.

"For example, if you used to get N40b as allocation and some points, it dropped to N2b, you can imagine the margin. But things are picking up, so I'm very sure that the issue of uncompleted projects will be tackled soon", he maintained.

He said Governor Udom Emmanuel is not lagging behind in his responsibilities to the people, despite dwindling resources, and cited the Free and Compulsory Education, payment of WAEC Fees, prompt payment of workers' salaries and construction of the second Runway at the Ibom International Airport, as some giant strides recorded by the State Government.

Mr Akan Okon who lauded the State Chief Executive for his sterling performance in Housing, also commended the Governor's Wife, Mrs Martha Emmanuel, for her positive impacts on women and youths in the State, saying many lives have been bettered through her pet project, the Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Programme (FEYReP).

The Commissioner also said Governor Emmanuel was working round the clock, to address the lingering crisis in Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo LGAs, and solicited for more support, for the Governor, to enable him deliver on his campaign promises to the people.

By Uwakmfon Dan, Uyo

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and wife, Martha, today worshipped with young people in the State for this month edition of Akwa Ibom Youth Prayers Conference held at Living Faith Church, (a.k.a Winners Chapel) Nkana, Iman in Etinan Local Government Area.

An indigene of the area and State Chairman of PDP, Obong Paul Ekpo used the venue to thank God for protecting his life and that of his wife.

In the entourage were Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, Speaker AKHA, Rt. Hon Onofiok Luke, members of the National and State Assembly, Commissioners, Special Assistants among others.

#SundayService
#Youth4Christ
#AkwaIbom
#UdomEmmanuel

The Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Mr. Akan Okon has stressed the need for communities to adopt the football approach to unity, describing football as a uniting factor in every society.

Mr Okon made the statement, Sunday, at the grand finale of the Udom Efaak Football Tournament which commenced few weeks ago at Methodist Primary School, Itiam Etoi, Uyo Local Government.

Mr Okon while speaking at the closing ceremony of the match, expressed satisfaction with how the local planning committee went about in organising the competition.

Speaking further, the Housing and Special Duties Commissioner made it known to the players that football is a uniting factor in every society, "I want to let you know that you're all winners, football is a game of unity and I want to believe that it has been uniting us and will continue to do so. This is the maiden edition of of Udom Aduk Effak football tournament, since it will be a yearly competition, it will be improving on yearly basis.

Also present at the event, the Akwa Ibom State Governor who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Government House Mr. Adiakpan, SSA to Governor on Sustainable Development Golds (SDG).Ntufam Elijah Iyak, Member representing Onna State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Hon. Nse Essien,
SSA on Technical matters and due process, Mr. Uffot Ebong SA to Governor on project monitoring Hon. Anietie Eka and SA on Entertainment Mr. Utang Akwa Ibom

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A head of May 15, the proposed deadline for opening and activation of the Four Point by Sheraton Hotel at Ikot Ekpene, the Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Mr Akan Okon, has re-inspected the hotel complex.

At the meeting held after the inspection with the Contractor and the Hotel General Manager, the Commissioner said regular inspection of the project has become imperative to ascertain its readiness for activation.

Mr Okon appreciated the Contractor for what he described as a job well done and for their cooperation and understanding with the State Government.

He noted that the deadline for total completion and opening of the hotel set by the Governor will not be shifted and urged the Contractors to do their best to get the hotel ready before the date.

The Commissioner however made some recommendation for implementation in certain aspects of the project, which included sealing up the back gate while making the front gate a see through, immediate commencement of landscaping and flower plating as well as the immediate installation of art works in the rooms.

Mr Okon also said that the State Government is committed to giving a facelift to the road leading to the hotel.
The Contractor had promised to meet the deadline.

In attendance at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Housing and Special Duties, Engr. Efiong Efiakedoho, the General Manager of the hotel, Mr Rob Van der Velden, Contractors and Heads of Technical Directorates of the Ministry.

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Akan Okon admonishes Akwa Ibomites


Akwa Ibomites have been enjoined to seek first the kingdom of God and all other things will be added unto them. The Honorable Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Mr. Akan Okon gave the indication while addressing newsmen after the foundation laying ceremony of the Akwa Ibom International Worship Center.


The Housing Commissioner, himself a devote Christian and strong believer in God commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for allowing himself to be used by God to build a befitting place of worship stressing that it could only take a sincere lover of God to embark on a project of this magnitude.


The State he said never had a dedicated worship center hence the need for the edifice. He stressed that a place of worship was supposed to be sacred and holy and not a thorough fare where all kinds of events are staged.


Mr. Okon stated that this project was not only peculiar to Akwa Ibom State as other states including Bayelsa and Rivers also had befitting worship centers. He also mentioned the Christian Ecumenical Center in Abuja as a unique reference point.


"If our State is a State named after God, we ought to have a place of worship that is for all of us. I think we are even late in doing this, therefore i thank the Governor for allowing God use him to build this place of worship at a time as this", he said.


Addressing the issue of funding, he said it would take the effort of goodwill donations and contributions of God loving people in Akwa Ibom and beyond to actualize the project. He maintained that there were organizations outside the country that propagate Christianity and were looking for opportunities like this to contribute.


Mr. Okon gave the assurances that the project would be completed within 22 to 24 months and the need for a thorough job he said necessitated the award of the contract to a reputable firm like Julius Berger. The place he said would bring untold blessings and favour to the State and would be an identify for the people of the State upon completion.


Furthermore he said, on the part of government, there was a provision in the budget for the project which was pending approval stressing that the government of Governor Udom Emmanuel is very transparent and would declare to the public the sponsors of the project in due course. He stated that he always considers it a rare privilege to be part of building for God because of blessings associated with such opportunity. He therefore enjoined all Akwa Ibomites to key into the project through their contributions rather than condemn it ignorantly.


Responding to claims by the opposition that the project was a misplaced priority, Mr. Akan Okon referenced the initiation of the Airport project by Obong Attah which earned him series of attacks as detractors claimed the State needed no airport as there were such facilities in nereby Calabar and Port Harcourt but today Ibom airport is a major gateway to the state enjoyed by all. He urged progress loving Akwa Ibomites to ignore the opposition and continue with their responsibility of supporting government and propagating development.


The worship center he said would be open 24hours a day, 7days a week and 365 days a year to worshippers stressing that anyone was free to visit at their quiet moments to commune with God. The facility he said had smaller event rooms which could be used by denominations who were yet to have their personal place of worship.

When quizzed on the choice of location, the Housing Commissioner maintained that the site was carefully selected and planned out in conformity with the master plan of the city, making for a very serene and secure environment. He stated that the Christian Association of Nigeria would be the overseers of the facility and that an avenue would soon be provided for the public to make contributions.

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD
........Akan Okon admonishes Akwa Ibomites


Akwa Ibomites have been enjoined to seek first the kingdom of God and all other things will be added unto them. The Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Mr. Akan Okon gave the indication while addressing newsmen after the foundation laying ceremony of the Akwa Ibom International Worship Center.


The Housing Commissioner, himself a devote Christian and strong believer in God commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for allowing himself to be used by God to build a befitting place of worship stressing that it could only take a sincere lover of God to embark on a project of this magnitude.


The State he said never had a dedicated worship center hence the need for the edifice. He stressed that a place of worship was supposed to be sacred and holy and not a thorough fare where all kinds of events are staged.


Mr. Okon stated that this project was not only peculiar to Akwa Ibom State as other states including Bayelsa and Rivers also had befitting worship centers. He also mentioned the Christian Ecumenical Center in Abuja as a unique reference point.


"If our State is a State named after God, we ought to have a place of worship that is for all of us. I think we are even late in doing this, therefore i thank the Governor for allowing God use him to build this place of worship at a time as this", he said.


Addressing the issue of funding, he said it would take the effort, goodwill donations and contributions of God loving people in Akwa Ibom and beyond to actualise the project. He maintained that there were organizations outside the country that propagate Christianity and were looking for opportunities like this to invest in.


Mr. Okon gave the assurances that the project would be completed within 22 to 24 months and the need for a thorough job he said necessitated the award of the contract to a reputable firm like Julius Berger. The place he said would bring untold blessings and favour to the State and would be an identify for the people of the State upon completion.


Furthermore he said, on the part of government, there was a provision in the budget for the project which was pending approval stressing that the government of Governor Udom Emmanuel is very transparent and would declare to the public the sponsors of the project in due course. He stated that he always considers it a rare privilege to be part of building God a house bearing in mind the merits of such a decision. He therefore enjoined all Akwa Ibomites to key into the project through their contributions rather than condemn it ignorantly.


Responding to claims by the opposition that the project was a misplaced priority, Mr. Akan Okon referenced the initiation of the Airport project by Obong Attah which earned him series of attacks as detractors claimed the State needed no airport as there were such facilities in nereby Calabar and Port Harcourt but today dividends abound. He urged progress loving Akwa Ibomites to ignore the opposition and continue with their responsibility of supporting government and propagating development.


The worship center he said would be open 24hours a day, 7days a week and 365 days a year to worshippers stressing that anyone was free to visit at their quiet moments to commune with God. The facility he said had smaller event rooms which could be used by denominations who were yet to have a residence.


When quizzed on the choice of location, the Housing Boss maintained that the site was carefully selected and planned out in conformity with the master plan of the city, making for a very serene and secure environment. He stated that the Christian Association of Nigeria would be the overseers of the facility and that an avenue would soon be provided for the public to make contributions.

REACH OUT AND SMILE INITIATIVE FOR SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT PAYS VISIT TO HON. AKAN OKON

Reach Out and Smile Initiative for Social Empowerment, a humanitarian organisation committed to the course of liberation and emancipation today paid a courtesy visit to their Patron, Hon. Akan Okon, Hon.Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties in his Ewet Housing home. The group which has as its motto "strengthening the weak hands" comprises of over 100 coperatives with not less than 20 women in each.

The Founder of the group, Amb.Mrs Ruth Utuk in her opening remarks thanked the women for turning up enmasse to celebrate with their patron. The group she stated exists in the 36 States of the Federation including Akwa Ibom State with branches in Zambia, Rwanda and Conga. Furthermore she said the group comprises of 20 cooperatives in each Local Government and all were farmers. She appreciated God for the safe journey of the women and assured them of the Patron's goodwill this yuletide.

The Patron, Hon. Akan Okon in his response appreciated the group for calling on him. He described the organisation as proficient while expressing his happiness with their activities, strides and programmes. He indicated that he had accepted to be the patron of the group while commending the group for playing a critical role during the last LGA elections.

"When once you empower a woman, you're empowering the family.I strongly believe if you give women opportunities, they have the power and capacity to change the world", He said. He promised to host the group in grand style in the new year. He reiterated that the government of Governor Udom Emmanuel had done a lot for women as portrayed by FEYREP, the pet project of the First Lady, Mrs. Martha Emmanuel.

He prayed God to reward the group for their services to humanity while expressing his excitement over the existence of Cooperative societies within their ranks which he said would make it easier to channel help to them. He pledged to work with the exco of the group to ensure the group gets sufficient government interventions.

The Housing Boss stressed that building Akwa Ibom State takes the effort of all and thanked the women for supporting the Government of Governor Udom Emmanuel. The Governor he said attaches so much value to Civil Servants as shown in prompt payment of salaries and other welfare packages. He urged them to continually pray for the leadership of the State. He reminded the group that its success depended on God and not on any individual and solicited their prayers.

The group members prayed for long life and prosperity for the Housing Boss

The wife of Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Mrs Queen Akan Okon, has expressed her commitment to the overall growth and unity of Ibibio nation as an
entity and the generality of Akwa Ibom State
at large.She made this known shortly after her induction into the prestigious Mboho Mkparawa
Ibibio today Saturday July 8, at the International
Headquarters of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Udoudoma Avenue in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The delectable commissioner’s wife who was accompanied by her husband, Mr Akan Okon, said that having been her dream to be a member of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio for a long time now, she is happy that her dream has come true.
According to her, “this is one of the best thing my husband has done for me and as a proud Ibibio, anything pertaining to Ibibio, I’ll make
sure I do my best to do everything that the people would want me to do for Ibibio land.
Speaking earlier, the husband and commissioner for Housing and special duties,
expressed happiness that his wife is an Ibibio daughter.

He disclosed that in the family, they face the same direction and that it would not have been
complete that he is a member of MMI and his wife is not and commended the leadership of MMI for finding her fit, to be inducted into the socio-cultural organization.

He said that now that they are together in the organization, it has now become mutual that
they support each other as they have been
doing throughout the years of their marital life as a family, for the growth and upliftment of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio. Also speaking on the
civic reception of the state Governor, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel by Ibibio nation on Monday July 10, Mr. Akan Okon noted that Ibibio nation is very proud to have one of their sons as the
Governor of Akwa Ibom State at this particular point in time especially as the Governor has not disappointed the people having demonstrated his capacity as a leader of not in the last 25 months by performing beyond the expectation of many and given the economic challenge that is facing the nation and the state.

“Governor Udom Emmanuel has used the little that we have to attend to those critical government activities that has direct impact
in the lives of the people of our state, so this recognition by Akwa Esop Ima Isong , is going to be in recognition of his excellent performance and I pray that God should continue to guide him and give him the wisdom that is needed to take this state to an enviable height”, he stated.

Meanwhile, the international president of MMI has urged members of turn out in their numbers to accord the state Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel the needed support and appreciation during the civic reception in his honour at Asan Ibibio on Monday.

Other personalities who were inducted into
Mboho included the transition chairman
of Eket, and state chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Hon. Frank Archibong, transition chairman of Ikot Abasi, Hon.Ubong Udo Ukwang, transition chairman of Ikono Local Government council, Hon. Itoro Columba and the Transition Chairman of Ibeno Local Government, High
Chief (Hon) Williams Henry Mkpah.

In his remarks on behalf of his colleagues, the
transition chairman of Eket and state chairman of ALGON, Hon. Frank Archibong pledged total
loyalty to MMI and promised to carry his people along to identify with the tenets of the organization at all times.

Akwa Ibom Government to Commission Power Sub-Station at Ibom International Airport

No sooner than later, a power Sub-Station at the Ibom International Airport is set to be commissioned by the Akwa Ibom State Government.

The Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Mr Akan Okon announced this, Thursday, during an inspection visit to the Sub- station

According to the Commissioner, the Airport has been running on generators since its establishment and expressed optimism that the new power Sub-Station will reduce the cost of operation while boosting revenue generation for the State.

Mr Okon further stated that the power station is in fulfilment of the desire of Governor Udom Emmanuel in ensuring that the airport which is a major gateway to the state is connected to a dedicated power supply line.

On why the government is interested in the facility, the Housing and Special Duties Commissioner said the Airport opens the State to the world, stressing the government will leave no stone unturned in making sure the Airport attends its Standard.

The Commissioner expressed satisfaction at the level of work at the Sub-Station and urged staff at the Sub-Station it redouble efforts, while the facility await commissioning.

***Bags Excellence Award from Federated Chapel

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Mr Akan Okon has advocated for a stronger partnership, between the Press and Government, as a way to continuous growth and development in the State.

The Commissioner made this call on Friday, during the 2017 Award Night of the Federated Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State, held at at La Sien Event Center in Uyo.

Speaking shortly after receiving an Award of Excellence from the Chapel, Mr. Okon said that the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel is currently embarking on projects which would serve the future and lauded the Chapel for always projecting activities of the government in good light .

"On government programmes, what the government is doing now and the plan of government, is for the future.

"My appeal to you this evening, is that you should continue to strengthen this partnership, because that is the only way that our State can continue to grow", the Commissioner said.

On the Award, he noted it was a call for service to the people of Akwa Ibom State and pledged he will continue to impact on humanity, in whatever capacity he finds himself.

Mr Okon thanked members of the Federated Chapel for the honoured done him and promise to always support them, in any of their programmes.

"As for me, this Award is a call for more service, to the people of Akwa Ibom State and I'd like to say that in whatever capacity I find myself in the State, I will continue to do good to mankind.

"I'd like to thank all of you for this honour and that in the usual way, I'll continue to support you, in any of your programmes", he added.

Present at the event were the State Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo (MFR), Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Charles Udo, immediate past Commissioner for Information, Elder Aniekan Umanah, Chairman, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State, Elder Patrick Albert, Chairman of Federated Chapel Mr. Inimfon Silas among other dignitaries.