ONE YEAR OF IMPACTFUL REPRESENTATION

Hon. (Queen) Sandra Bassey, councillor representing Abak Urban Ward 2 and leader of Abak Legislature was sworn in on the 9th day of December 2020 and within this one year she has performed exceedingly well.

Queen Sandra Bassey is a community developer, grassroot mobilizer and a symbol of effective representation, even at the floor of the house, the 7th Abak Legislative Council has been peaceful, united and productive because of her leadership.

Indeed, it is an awesome experience having young vibrant women in leadership positions, which Queen Sandra Bassey is an example of such, and if all this was archived in one year then the coming years will be heaven on earth.

Congratulations Mr. Leader!

ROAD MAINTENANCE: RESIDENTS LAUD COUNCILLOR’S INTERVENTION

... Sandra Bassey a gift of blessings - Ward Elders


Residents of Manta Village in Abak LGA have lauded the councilor representing Abak Urban Ward 2 and the leader of Abak Legislative Council, Hon. (Queen) Sandra Bassey for her efforts on fixing the bad portions along Manta Ukpom-Pepsi Junction Road.

Manta-Ukpom road lies in the political district of Abak Urban ward 2 and presently the major road linking Uyo and Abak local government areas through the General hospital Ukpom.

The elated residents spoke in a separate interview with newsmen in Abak last Saturday, Democracy day.

Deacon N. H. Ukpong, a PDP elder in the ward appreciated the councilor for her quick intervention. He said that the road was supposed to have been a byepass, but due to the ongoing construction of the Flyover at Nung Oku Ikono, commuters and heavy duty vehicles circumvent the work-in-progress flyover which deepened the deteriorated state of the road and had also caused hardship on residents of Abak Urban ward 2 and other road users.
“vehicles couldn’t ply this road as a result of these bad portions of the road but this remedial intervention is highly commendable”, he said

Ukpong said that the elders of the ward are appreciative of her representation. He therefore called on other representatives to assist the State government in stepping in for the people pending State government’s response and reaction.

Also, Mr Ukeme Friday Micheal, a youth leader in Manta Village said that the road was in a terrible condition, but out of empathy the former beauty queen hurriedly intervened.
“She paid for gravels and sand, hired a water pumping machine for the evacuation of water on the road, then mobilized youths, women and men of the community who turned up enmasse to ensure the speedy completion of the stunning project”, Michael said.
He noted futher that Sandra Bassey’s love for her Ward and her people is exceptional, praying God to bless her exceedingly while pleading with the Government of Akwa Ibom State to complement Sandra’s drive by augmenting her efforts.

In the same vein, Mrs. Ekaette Akpakpan, a woman leader in the ward, said : “Sandra Bassey is God's perfect gift of blessings to the people of Abak Urban Ward 2 to help alleviate our pains. She is our pride and her short term in office has clearly defined who she is and what she stands for”.

Hon. (Queen) Bassey thanked her people for their prompt response and sacrifices in support of her contributions to actualise the job. Finally she asked the people to continue supporting the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel as she will ensure more life touching projects in the area.

ROAD MAINTENANCE: RESIDENTS LAUD COUNCILLOR’S INTERVENTION

... Sandra Bassey a gift of blessings - Ward Elders


Residents of Manta Village in Abak LGA have lauded the councilor representing Abak Urban Ward 2 and the leader of Abak Legislative Council, Hon. (Queen) Sandra Bassey for her efforts on fixing the bad portions along Manta Ukpom-Pepsi Junction Road.

Manta-Ukpom road lies in the political district of Abak Urban ward 2 and presently the major road linking Uyo and Abak local government areas through the General hospital Ukpom.

The elated residents spoke in a separate interview with newsmen in Abak last Saturday, Democracy day.

Deacon N. H. Ukpong, a PDP elder in the ward appreciated the councilor for her quick intervention. He said that the road was supposed to have been a byepass, but due to the ongoing construction of the Flyover at Nung Oku Ikono, commuters and heavy duty vehicles circumvent the work-in-progress flyover which deepened the deteriorated state of the road and had also caused hardship on residents of Abak Urban ward 2 and other road users.
“vehicles couldn’t ply this road as a result of these bad portions of the road but this remedial intervention is highly commendable”, he said

Ukpong said that the elders of the ward are appreciative of her representation. He therefore called on other representatives to assist the State government in stepping in for the people pending State government’s response and reaction.

Also, Mr Ukeme Friday Micheal, a youth leader in Manta Village said that the road was in a terrible condition, but out of empathy the former beauty queen hurriedly intervened.
“She paid for gravels and sand, hired a water pumping machine for the evacuation of water on the road, then mobilized youths, women and men of the community who turned up enmasse to ensure the speedy completion of the stunning project”, Michael said.
He noted futher that Sandra Bassey’s love for her Ward and her people is exceptional, praying God to bless her exceedingly while pleading with the Government of Akwa Ibom State to complement Sandra’s drive by augmenting her efforts.

In the same vein, Mrs. Ekaette Akpakpan, a woman leader in the ward, said : “Sandra Bassey is God's perfect gift of blessings to the people of Abak Urban Ward 2 to help alleviate our pains. She is our pride and her short term in office has clearly defined who she is and what she stands for”.

Hon. (Queen) Bassey thanked her people for their prompt response and sacrifices in support of her contributions to actualise the job. Finally she asked the people to continue supporting the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel as she will ensure more life touching projects in the area.

ROAD MAINTENANCE: RESIDENTS LAUD COUNCILLOR’S INTERVENTION

... Sandra Bassey a gift of blessings - Ward Elders


Residents of Manta Village in Abak LGA have lauded the councilor representing Abak Urban Ward 2 and the leader of Abak Legislative Council, Hon. (Queen) Sandra Bassey for her efforts on fixing the bad portions along Manta Ukpom-Pepsi Junction Road.

Manta-Ukpom road lies in the political district of Abak Urban ward 2 and presently the major road linking Uyo and Abak local government areas through the General hospital Ukpom.

The elated residents spoke in a separate interview with newsmen in Abak last Saturday, Democracy day.

Deacon N. H. Ukpong, a PDP elder in the ward appreciated the councilor for her quick intervention. He said that the road was supposed to have been a byepass, but due to the ongoing construction of the Flyover at Nung Oku Ikono, commuters and heavy duty vehicles circumvent the work-in-progress flyover which deepened the deteriorated state of the road and had also caused hardship on residents of Abak Urban ward 2 and other road users.
“vehicles couldn’t ply this road as a result of these bad portions of the road but this remedial intervention is highly commendable”, he said

Ukpong said that the elders of the ward are appreciative of her representation. He therefore called on other representatives to assist the State government in stepping in for the people pending State government’s response and reaction.

Also, Mr Ukeme Friday Micheal, a youth leader in Manta Village said that the road was in a terrible condition, but out of empathy the former beauty queen hurriedly intervened.
“She paid for gravels and sand, hired a water pumping machine for the evacuation of water on the road, then mobilized youths, women and men of the community who turned up enmasse to ensure the speedy completion of the stunning project”, Michael said.
He noted futher that Sandra Bassey’s love for her Ward and her people is exceptional, praying God to bless her exceedingly while pleading with the Government of Akwa Ibom State to complement Sandra’s drive by augmenting her efforts.

In the same vein, Mrs. Ekaette Akpakpan, a woman leader in the ward, said : “Sandra Bassey is God's perfect gift of blessings to the people of Abak Urban Ward 2 to help alleviate our pains. She is our pride and her short term in office has clearly defined who she is and what she stands for”.

Hon. (Queen) Bassey thanked her people for their prompt response and sacrifices in support of her contributions to actualise the job. Finally she asked the people to continue supporting the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel as she will ensure more life touching projects in the area.

ABAK COUNCIL LEADER HON. QUEEN SANDRA BASSEY KICKSTARTS 4TH EDITION OF 'FREE SKILL ACQUISITION & EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME'
___________

The benevolent Leader of Abak legislative council Hon. (Queen) Sandra Bassey has flagged-off the fourth edition of Free Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Programme for the good people of Abak Local Government Area via the auspices of her well popular NGO, 'SANDRA BASSEY SAVE A LIFE FOUNDATION'.

The official unveiling of the free skills acquisition and empowerment programme which according to the benefactor, Queen Sandra, is cutting across all the (12) twelve wards in Abak Local Government Area, took place on Monday 29th March, 2021, at Ikot Udo Usung Village Hall, Ukpom Abak in Abak LGA, having in attendance the Executive Chairman of Abak LGA, Rt. Hon. Pastor Ekerette Inyang and other notable dignitaries.

The initiator of the Programme and the Founder of 'The Sandra Bassey Save A Life Foundation', Hon. Queen Sandra Bassey while addressing the beneficiaries of the programme advised the participants to shelve the mindset of coming to the programme with the sole aim of collecting money at the end of the day as she would prefer to "teach them how to fish rather than giving them fish. "

The philanthropist revealed that the programme is a kind of train-the-trainers workshop which also trains people to train others. She enjoined them to put in their best in the training programme in order to acquire the needed skills.

The beauty queen stressed that the idea behind the 4th edition of Sandra Bassey Save A Life Foundation Skills Acquisition Programme was hinged on the dire need to train Abak citizens who at the end of the programme would also be gainfully employed to work for private individuals and the government, rather than having to hire the skills from outside the Local Government Area.

Speaking further, the Abak Council Leader listed out the areas covered in the programme to include; Solar Installation & Security, Fashion Design (Sewing), Shoe Making, Makeup, Pastries Making, Hair Making & Barbing, Paint Production, Cosmetology, etc and pledged to do more to better the lots of Abak people.

She explained that the programme which is tagged 'Creating Business Through Art' commences from Monday 29th March and will last till 2nd April, 2021, held at Village Hall Ikot Udousung, Ukpom, Abak LGA.

The Executive Chairman of Abak LGA, Rt. Hon. (Pst.) Ekerette Inyang while performing the official unveiling of the programme commended Queen Sandra Bassey for the lofty initiative and charged the beneficiaries to be more assiduous as they undergo the training putting in cognizance the fact that the skills acquired will one day put food on their various tables if they put in their very best.

"Let me appreciate the working Leader, ABAk Legislative Council for this laudable initiative, I am not surprised to witness this life-touching project today, because I know that she is a performer."

The Council Boss as well applauded the beautiful queen for always being passionate about the welfare and well-being of her people and for always using her personal resources to better the lives of the people through various live-enlivening programmes.

Goodwill messages were also received from well wishers including the Vice Chairman of Abak, Rt. Hon. (Lady) Benita Ukpe, The Deputy Leader of Council, Hon. Abrahamic Udeme, The Village Head of Ikot Udousung, The women leader, Mrs. Uduak Okon, Obong Uforo Ukpom, PDP Ward Chairman, Elder Emmanuel Frank, Abak Chapter PDP woman leader, Mrs. Maureen Udoh, Obong Unwana Ibokette among others

Others who graced the event were the Secretary of Council, Amb. Ime Victor Akpan, members of the seventh Abak legislative Council, Women, Elders, Beneficiaries among others.

ABAK URBAN WARD 2 BASK IN APPRECIATING HER COUNCILLOR ON GRADING OF INTERNAL RURAL ROADS

The people of Abak Urban ward 2, Abak local government area have in a sigh of relief thumbed-up their Councillor and leader of the 7th Abak Assembly in Abak legislature, Hon. (Queen) Sandra Bassey for the earnest grading of roads within the ward which kicked off last Saturday, 20th March, 2021.

The schematics for the road grading project covers strategic link roads within the ward beginning with Utu Edem Akai - Manta road.

Hon. Sandra while performing the official flag-off of work noted that accessible roads is fundamental to Development specifically in attracting investors and easing the transportation challenges of goods and people. She narrated the experiences of rural motorists and market women in their strenuous efforts in circumventing potholes and undulations on their way of business.

Hon. Sandra who is pioneer female leader of legislature in the local government also acknowledged the expectations of her people and promised them that the road project is just one among the promises she gave them which earned her their mandate.

She futher stated that the administration of Right Hon. Pastor Ekerette Inyang is desperate towards ensuring adequate infrastructure for Abak Urban ward 2. The council Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ekerette Inyang flanked by PDP stakeholders of the ward in the witness of Manta and Ukpom people, commended Hon. Sandra for having her people at heart. He assured Abak Urban ward 2 of his continuous support to enabling Hon. Sandra deliver more dividends of democracy to her people.

A cross section of reactions from constituents aggregated in thanking Hon. (Queen) Sandra for such historic representation while they showered prayers of blessings to God on her behalf.

Signed:

Information/Media Unit
7th Abak Legislative Council

ABAK COUNCILLOR SETS UP AND FURNISHED A NEW SECRETARIAT FOR PDP IN HIS WARD

The peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Afaha-Obong ward 1, Abak L. G. A. has, patted the back of the ward legislator in the 7th Abak Assembly, Comrade Itoro Udotim for providing a befiting Party office for the ward.

Comrade Udotim who is the House leader of Abak legislature and house committee chairman on information, culture and Tourism, Foreign Affairs/Trade matters, lowered his hat in hand to the peoples Democratic Party through the office project in appreciation of the party while seeking to strengthen PDP in the area for more wins at all levels.

The two - apartment Secretariat at Eriam Afaha Obong was unveiled by the Executive chairman of Abak, Rt. Hon. (Pastor) Ekerette Inyang in an auspicious ceremony on Friday, March 12, 2021. While commissioning, the Executive chairman applauded the house leader for thinking about the party and urged others to borrow a leaf from the Sterling feat of comrade Udotim.

In what seemed to be an unprecedented gesture of ingenuity to PDP in the ward Comrade Udotim received accolades and motivations in the various speeches delivered by eminent party personalities which cummulatively defined comrade Udotim as pragmatic and a future of PDP in the region.

The Comrade in his speech appreciated the large turn out of support and PDP for the opportunity given him to serve his people with emphasy that he drew his inspiration from the exploits recorded so far by his council Chairman, Rt. Hon. (Pastor) Ekerette Inyang.

He said that the office will serve as a nerve center for PDP activities in Afaha-Obong ward 1, will also narrow the gap between constituents and the council, such as where people could submit for their certificate of origin at the Secretariat while he will pick them up to the council and process it for them without the people traveling that long distance to process their certificates and other matters within his capacity.

Comrade Udotim who had sponsored a Reflective Revenue Coat Bill beyond second reading at plenary has reassured the people of Afaha-Obong ward 1 and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of his sleeves up to his elbows in articulating their challenges to the ever listening ears of the council Chairman.

The event which has sparked hope among the people of Afaha-Obong ward 1 and indeed the entire Abak had in attendance;
Rt. Hon. (Pastor) Ekerette Inyang, the executive chairman of Abak,
Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, member of the House of Assembly, His Excellency, Mr. Moses Ekpo, deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, represented by his S. A on political matters, Mr. Ikemesit Ayara, Rt. Lady Benita Ukpe, vice Chairman, Abak local government council, Hon. (Queen) Sandra Bassey, Leader, Abak legislative council, Hon. Collins Emmanuel, leader, Onna legislative council,
Dr. Michael Udoh, PDP Chapter Chairman, Abak local government chapter, chief Blaise Awakama, chairman, PDP Elders’ forum, Afaha-Obong ward 1, Rt. Hon. Jude Edem, chairman, PDP Elders’ forum, Afaha-Obong ward 2, Hon. Ignatius Ukpe, S. A to governor on projects, Mr. Edet Okon Akpan, Ward Chairman, Afaha-Obong ward 1, Mr. Nsisong Etukudoh, ward chairman, Afaha-Obong ward 2, Hon. Edeminan Edeminan, house leader, onna legislative council, all the councillors in Abak legislative council and all the former councillors of the ward, traditional leaders, women and youth groups, members of recognised press and Redemption FM 101.5, Abak.

ATTENDING TO GRASSROOT CONCERNS IN ABAK LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

•••Legislature elucidates the importance of bills that have passed first reading

Some major concerns of Abak people was addressed earlier on Thursday, February 25, 2021, in an open call programme at Redemption 101.5 FM, Abak, indicating the position of the council’s legislature on the people’s welfare.

In a one hour interactive radio program, Leader of the 7th Abak Legislative Assembly, Hon. (Queen) Sandra Bassey and House Leader, Comrade Itoro Udotim who is also Chairman House commitee on Information responded to questions through phone calls from the public.

Hon. (Queen) Sandra Bassey commended her colleagues for being sensitive to the bills before Abak legislature; the Bill for Wearing of Reflective Revenue Coats by revenue officers during work hours for identification and other matters connected therein, sponsored by comrade Itoro Udotim, councillor representing Afaha-Obong ward 1. And a Waste Management Bill sponsored by Hon. Ekerette Bassey, councillor representing Abak Urban ward 4.

The Queen acknowledged the council chairman, Rt. Hon. ( Pastor) Ekerette Inyang for giving the legislature an enabling environment to function as evident in the newly built legislative offices. She also commended the council chairman for his respect for the separation of powers.

While responding to phone calls, Comrade Itoro Udotim in reaction to a trader’s concern assured traders in Abak markets and other people doing genuine businesses within, that the leadership of Rt. Hon. ( Pst) Ekerette Inyang is passionate in responding to challenges that may affect their smooth operations, that is the reason the chairman evacuated the monstrous heaps of waste that has long threatened their businesses.

Moreso, Queen Sandra noted that there are four more bills underway which when passed will improve the well being of Abak people in general.

Signed:

Information/Media unit
Abak legislative council.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 7TH ABAK LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2021.

FORMAL ENTRY OF THE LEADER

The Leader of Council Hon. (Queen) Sandra Bassey, led the Principal Officers into the Chambers, took the official prayers and began the day’s proceedings at 10:58am.

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS

The House Leader, Hon. Itoro Ezekiel Udotim moved for the adoption of Votes and Proceedings for Tuesday, 23rd February, 2021.
The motion was seconded by Hon. Uforo Xavier Akpan, councillor representing midim ward 1.

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

Nil.

PETITION

Nil.

MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

Nil.

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Clerk, Catechist Oscar Ekanem rose to announce the funeral of late Chief (Caped Elder) Michael Benson Ukpong, Father of the Head of the Local Government Service, Abak, Elder (Mrs.) Rita Akpan Essien.

ORDER OF THE DAY

(1) Committee report on Education and Jamb Preparatory/Tutorial enlightenment classes for students of Abak, by the Chairman House Committee on Education, Women Affairs and Students Matters, Hon. (Deaconess) Angela Ekong.

(2) A Bill for a Bye-law on Waste Management and Revenue Generation in Abak Local Government Area. Sponsored by Hon. Ekerette Johnson Bassey, councillor representing Abak Urban ward 4.

(3) A Bill for an act for the Wearing of Reflective Revenue Coats during work hours by Revenue Officers of Abak Local Government Council, and for Identification and other Matters Connected Therein. Sponsored by Hon. Itoro Ezekiel Udotim,
Councillor Representing Afaha-Obong ward 1.

The Leader of council, Hon. (Queen) Sandra Bassey commended the chairman House Committee on Education, Hon. Angela Ekong for a detailed report presented by the education committee and thereafter referred it back to the committee for further legislative engagements.

ADJOURNMENT

House Leader, Hon. Itoro Ezekiel Udotim moved that, plenary be adjourned to another legislative day. Hon. Ekerette Johnson Bassey seconded.

Plenary is adjourned to Friday, 26th February, 2021.

#GavelBangs
#TodayInAbakLegislativeCouncil

Signed:

Information/Media Unit
7th Abak legislative council.

ABAK LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION ACTIONED TO UPHOLD GLOBAL STANDARD IN MEDIA PRACTICE

--- Reiterates the Council Boss' Open Arms To Investors


The Chairman House Committee on Information Culture And Tourism/Foreign Affairs and Trade Matters in the Abak Legislative Council, Abak local government area, Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Itoro Ezekiel Udotim has reiterated the Committee's readiness to collaborate with Recognized media houses and practitioners towards effective information dissemination.

Comrade Itoro Udotim who doubles as House Leader of the 7th Abak legislative council made the declaration on Wednesday, 20th January, 2021 at Redemption 101.5 FM , Oku Abak, Abak. Comrade Udotim visited the facility with other members of the committee, Hon. Mbereobong Tom and Hon. (Deaconess) Angela Ekong.

During an interactive session with the management of the station, the committee chairman noted in his words that “Abak council Chairman, Rt. Hon. (Pastor) Ekerette Inyang is a media friendly Chairman who is willing and ever ready to welcome and support investors into Abak”. He said that the Council helmsman is delighted as Abak is the investment choice of Redemption FM. Emphasizing that Abak local government is rich in land, manpower and other resources that could aid genuine investment. The committee assured Redemption FM of the support of the Executive Chairman of Abak council.

The committee members were amazed at the sophistication of the facility and inferred that with the quality of equipments and staff, Redemption FM can be depended upon.

The committee used the opportunity to admonish media practitioners to carry out their job according to the ethics of standard media practice. That they should be non political, fair and neutral in their judgements especially, of affairs in delicate atmospheres.

The committee seeks to revive areas of tourism investments and cultural heritage in the Council area.

Moreso, the committee has assured legitimate media practitioners of a friendly environment by the council chairman Rt. Hon. (Pastor) Ekerette Inyang.

AND THE ANGEL SAID UNTO THEM, FEAR NOT: FOR I BRING YOU GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY WHICH SHALL BE TO ALL PEOPLE.” LUKE 2: 10

BEING THE TEXT OF THE CHRISTMAS DAY BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MR. UDOM EMMANUEL, GOVERNOR, AKWA IBOM STATE, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, DECEMBER 25TH, 2020

FELLOW AKWAIBOMITES

My wife, Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel, and I extend to all residents of our dear State our best wishes for a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We appreciate the spirit of love, hope and joy that this blessed season of love brings to our State in particular, the Nation and the world at large. In our Father’s benevolent gift of His beloved Son to the world, peace and goodwill were released to men and women everywhere.

The lessons of that night of Christ’s birth should not be lost on us. That there was no room for God’s only begotten Son Jesus Christ at birth, did not stop him from fulfilling His mission as the Messiah and Saviour of the world.

So, let this season remind us that the circumstances of our births are not strong enough to stop us from fulfilling our mission on earth. Let the humble beginning of Jesus Christ in the manger be a constant reminder that with faith we can rise above the circumstances of our birth and be a blessing to our dear State and nation.

Compatriots, let us honour this season of love by meditating on Christ’s message of God’s steadfast love, tender mercies and saving grace, which has brought hope and joy to the world, and has inspired the faithful to love God and put their trust in Him. His simple message of love has also become the strongest thread that binds humanity together in a garment of brotherhood. Let us, therefore, resolve in this season to love one another and let the emotions of love guide all our actions.

This year was like bumpy ride on a gallop-filled rural road. But God kept His word in Isaiah 43:2 “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”

We passed through the scourge of the pandemic and it did not overwhelm us. We witnessed looting and arson from the EndSars, and it did not consume us. We have a lot to thank God for, as this year draws to a close. As the Bible enjoins us let us, in the New Year, “forget those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before us, press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Fellow Akwaibomites, let us press forward by doing all we can to stay alive and beat the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic. As you may already know, we are currently experiencing the second wave of the pandemic, but as we had succeeded in stemming the rate of infection when it first hit our shores, I ask you to join hands with us again to beat this second wave.

The use of facemasks, social distancing, regular hand washing, hand sanitizers are protocols that have worked in reducing infections. Let us remain committed to applying these protocols. If we adhere to these simple but effective rules, there may be no need for us to impose another lockdown, but if we observe that these rules are flouted, then we may have no other option than to put the State under lock -down. We have put in every conceivable tool to manage this pandemic and our gallant medical professionals have been in the frontline, managing and stemming the spread of the virus. We owe them them eternal debt of gratitude.

When in 2018, we brought in 13 ventilators and other advanced and modern medical supplies, some people had sneered at us in the media, some went to the extent of saying the equipment were phantom or non-existent. When we also constructed the 300 bed Infectious Disease Control Centre Centre at Ituk Mbang and equipped it with medical facilities that rival the best in the world, some people also took issues with us and questioned the propriety of the construction of the centre. Today, our investments in healthcare sector have shown that you can’t go wrong by being proactive. Our State has stayed above the curve and has been able to manage this pandemic and other infectious diseases very effectively.

In spite of the challenging year that 2020 has been, with God, we have been able to achieve a number of milestones in the execution of our Completion Agenda. Ibom Air has become a roaring success, a source of pride to us all as Akwaibomites. God has answered our prayers for sustainable industrial base. Earlier this year, the Federal government approved for us the Oil and Gas Free zone which is a huge step in our industrialization agenda. A little over a week ago, the Federal Executive Council finally granted us the approval to commence work on the long awaited Ibom Deep Seaport Project.

Let me on behalf of the Government and the grateful people of Akwa Ibom State; thank President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR and the Federal Executive Council for granting us this wonderful gift. The Ibom Deep Seaport will change the economic dynamics of our State and indeed the entire South South and South East respectively and launch us towards a period of unparalleled growth and development. This is a great achievement for our State and our people and I thank God that He used my Administration to achieve this historic milestone.

This is not a speech to reel out our scorecard, but permit me to commend our youths for embracing agriculture and tapping the enormous benefits therein. Last week, I received a text from one of our journalists, a guy with a huge social media following. He told me that he heeded the clarion call I have been making for our youths to embrace agriculture. He said he went into the production of cucumber and two years after, he reported that he has made so much money he never contemplated making as an online journalist. He was full of praise for what we have done in unleashing the revolution in agriculture as a means of creating jobs and wealth. I urge you to follow the lead of this journalist and get involved in this great and rewarding revolution that is sweeping across our State.

Our industrialization agenda remains on course, in spite of the challenges we have faced in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Last week, I commissioned the tissue factory, which is derived mainly from our dried bamboos at our Dakkada Cottage Industrial cluster in Itam. As the world opens up and normalcy returns, we hope to attract more industries to our State and boost employment and wealth creation opportunities for our people.

A little over three weeks ago, we received at the full State Executive Council ((EXCO,) the reports and recommendations of the Professor Hilary Inyang led Strategic Education Roadmap 2020-2030. We hope to, as a matter of urgency, adopt and implement the recommendations. Just as we tackled to national acclaim and admiration the issues in healthcare delivery, we hope to, declare an emergency in our education sector. We must get our children to be ready and equipped with the knowledge and skills to be competitive in the technology driven world of the 21 Century market economy.

As I said during my recent interactions with journalists in the State, we hope to apply whatever resources that would be available to us, to complete most of our infrastructural projects and prepare our State for continuous growth and development.

I urge our youths to continue to keep the peace and shun anti-social tendencies. We still maintain our zero tolerance for those who may wish to disrupt the peace we have enjoyed in this State. Please do not try our resolve.

My dear Akwaibomites let me illustrate the key elements of love and goodwill to all which this season of the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ represents. On Christmas day, 1914, in the Western Front of the First World War, German and English soldiers who had been fighting and killing each other before that day, emerged from their trenches to share the joy of Christmas together. They sang Christmas carols, exchanged gifts and played soccer. This incident remains the most powerful testament that love knows no boundaries, no ethnicity and no divisions. Commenting on this incident, German Lieutenant Kurt Zehmisch recalled, “Thus Christmas, the celebration of love, managed to bring mortal enemies together as friends.”

We pray that this celebration of love will not only bring mortal enemies as friends, but will also cause some of our people who are still in the trenches of tribalism, ethnicism, petty-mindedness, and other vices, to emerge from the foxholes and join us to build a State which would be defined by faith, love and brotherhood. Let us be reminded that Christmas is only Christmas when we celebrate it by sharing gifts with our neighbours and shining the light of love to everyone.

We advise those who desire to stoke the embers of division and cause unnecessary tensions because of their ambitions to allow the wheels of governance to move gingerly forward. We pray that joy; peace and hope will fill the heart and soul of every Akwaibomite as we savour the joyous commemoration of our Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Let me end this speech by quoting from Luke chapter 2 verse 10 “and the Angel said unto them “Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”

My dear Akwa Ibomites, let us remain hopeful and not be afraid because what the Lord has in store for this State in the next year and the years to come, will gladden the hearts and minds of us all! Let love, hope and brotherhood continue to bind and shape our engagements with one another.
God bless Akwa Ibom State.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance!

Akwa Ibom Dakkada
Ami mme dakkanda

CAMA 2020 ACT – MY POSITION

By Hon. Aniekan Umanah

The new CAMA 2020 Act recently passed and accented to by President Buhari is unarguably an important business legislation in the one hand with contentious components on the other.

Clearly, CAMA 2020 introduces new provisions that promote ease of doing business and reduces regulatory hurdles. Many believe the reform will tone down regulatory bottlenecks and ease the business environment to stimulate growth as doing business in the country has been simplified and investors will have more confidence transacting in Nigeria.

Unfortunately, the accolades and commendations that followed the enactment as a brilliant piece of legislation is fast eroded by certain provisions that suggests a sinister conspiracy to deny a certain groups and section of the country their inalienable rights as enshrined in our Constitution.

Specifically, Sections 839 (1), (2), (3) and (7)which empowers the Registrar of CAC to suspend the Trustees of an Association and appoint interim managers to oversee the affairs of the association where it reasonably believes that there is, or has been, misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of the association with the sole aim of “protecting the properties of the Association”. Similarly, section 839(2) provides that trustees shall be suspended by either the CAC or a court of law upon the petition of one fifth of members of the association and the petitioners shall present all reasonable evidence as requested by the court in respect of the petition. Subsection (7) on the other hand provides that the Commission may suspend or remove any trustee after it has made an enquiry into the affairs of the association and finds out that the trustee has been responsible or privy to misconduct or mismanagement or by order of the court establish a scheme for its administration. Equally, sections 842,843, & 844 empowers the Commission to regulate the finances of any association and to take control or take over bank accounts lawfully belonging to legally registered association under part F of the Act.

Firstly, whereas Sub-section 839(1) deals with suspension of trustees and appointment of interim managers, Subsection (2) deals only with suspension of the trustees while Subsection 7 mentioned suspension but also introduced the word” removal “of the trustees. The concern here is that the Commission interprets the word “order” as contained in Subsection 1 of Section 839 as the order of the Commission and not that of the court, thereby arrogating so much powers to the Commission and usurping the powers of the Judiciary, by becoming both the accuser, prosecutor and judge of what the Commission alone interprets as misconduct, mismanagement and public interest.

Secondly, in a country where religion is tied to humanity and their lives, and have remained a very sensitive issue that has polarized Nigerians between tribe and religion, it will amount to an invitation to anarchy for a Registrar of CAC who himself is an adherent of a particular religion, to appoint or impose total strangers or non-adherents of that faith, as board of trustees or interim managers on a church or a mosque that he or she has no knowledge of its internal administration, especially where most of these settings are administered by legally constituted trustees and administrations that has spanned well over 30 to 150 years seamlessly. We must acknowledge the fact that the church is not a club nor a secular organization. Therefore, the provisions in section 839 Subsections (1)(2)(3) and (7) offends the neutrality of the Nigerian state in matters of religion as enshrined in section 25 subsection(d) of the 1999 constitution as amended.

In a nutshell, if a particular charity and religious organization that refuses to give support to a particular political party seeking to gain power or holds a divergent opinion over certain policies of the government of the day, all it takes is for the supervisory minister via the Commission to constitute what in his opinion is “public Interest” and overthrow the board of trustees, appoint a stooge who will do government’s bidding, or worst still, merge such organization with any other organization of interest whether the parties are compatible and in agreement or not. This appears undemocratic, draconian and repressive.

While there is a compelling need to ensure financial transparency and responsibility by charity organizations, the idea of regulating their finances appears an over kill. Similarly, comparing what obtains in Scotland, England and the USA as regarding control and supervision of charity organizations especially their finances is to my mind, unsuitable in this circumstance. Their attachment to religion is not as sensitive as what obtains in Africa especially Nigeria. Moreso, whereas charity organizations receive annual and periodic grants sometimes as much as $5million and 3million Pounds respectively, besides other incentives as import waivers, infrastructure etc., that has not been the case in Nigeria. To date, some charity organizations cannot secure lands with C of O from some parts of the country to erect their worship houses due to biases even where they have been operating in that part of the country for years and have contributed immensely to the development of the area.

It is trite in law, that you cannot give what you don’t have, or build something on nothing. As long as these organizations do not enjoy any form of support by government, whether financial, incentive or infrastructure, it will be foolhardy and pure meddlesomeness to want to take over or seize their finances under any guise unless there is a verifiable evidence that such organization is being funded by terrorists’ groups or from illicit funds by drug barons. Besides, since the Act is that of the Nigerian parliament, any such decision can only be taken by a law court in line with the nation’s constitution especially as it fringes on the rights of the governed which the 1999 Constitution guarantees in sections 38, 39, and 40 profusely.

Regardless of the benefits of this law, any law that directly or indirectly threatens the rights to freedom of association, worship, expression, peaceful assembly, privacy, property and other human rights guaranteed under the Nigerian constitution, International human Rights treaties such as the international Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights which Nigeria is a State party and signatory to, will mar the freedom and rights of Nigerians. It is therefore my considered opinion that an amendment of section 839 be considered by deleting paragraphs (1) (2) (3) (7) and substituting with autonomy and independence of trustees of an association to manage its affairs in its own interest and purposes. The Bill is cited as the Company and Allied Matters Act (Amendment) Bill,2020.

Although we have made history already with the passage of the CAMA Act 2020 which is highly revolutionary because it has brought some modicum of decency to the art of doing business in Nigeria. If by commission or omission, certain provisions in the Act was not well thought out with current realities for which as humans, we did not have the benefit of hindsight to envisage, therefore an amendment of this act will offer a golden opportunity to rise up to the occasion especially when we consider that law is made for people and not people for law.

ANIEKAN UMANAH IS THE HON. MEMBER REPRESENTING ABAK/ETIM EKPO/IKA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, AKWA IBOM STATE

Exposed!

Opposition elements hire serial blackmailer against Akwa Ibom Gov Udom Emmanuel

Opposition elements in Akwa Ibom State having been thoroughly beaten at the polls and thrown into a state of disarray appears bent on taking their frustrations out on the leadership of the state, whom they blame for the electoral tsunami that swept them away during last year’s elections..

According to a reliable information gathered by our sources, the opposition elements have concluded plans to besmirch and blackmail the State Governor, Udom Emmanuel with all manner of false and spurious petitions and allegations.

To help them achieve this sinister plot, a notorious blackmailer and serial petitioner, who is also a lawyer has been contracted to do the hatchet job, with over N150 million budgeted as “take-off fund.”

“The lawyer lives in Abuja and is known to have written similar petitions against a former governor , where he made all manner of allegations against him. He later recanted and apologized to the former governor, notifying the world that all what he wrote were false and unfounded.

“This same serial blackmailer is up again with the same evil plot against Governor Emmanuel, weaving accusations and petitions that are as spurious as they are false. He has been hired by the opposition elements for this evil plot,” one of the sources said.

Speaking with our reporter under the condition of anonymity, a chieftain of the APC said the party should rather concentrate on selling itself to the people instead committing over N150 million in lies and propaganda.

“It is very sad that we, the opposition rather than show to the public that we are cooperating with the governor to develop the State, would instead waste our time and resources in sponsoring false petitions against the governor and further get the public infuriated against our party,” he lamanted.

Another top politician in the state who was once in the opposition said the governor will not be distracted by the evil plot of the opposition. He said he has accomplished so much for the state and is equally loved by the people.

He said; “This is a governor who has achieved so much for the people of the state with the lean resources available to the State; a man who is deeply rooted in transparency, integrity and sterling character.

“Would anyone see Ibom Airlines and not be happy with Governor Emmanuel on what he has done in aviation development. What about healthcare, agriculture, industrialization, power sector, education and infrastructure amenities?

“These great achievements are all visible for everyone to see. They will fail in their evil plot, just as they had failed in their effort to forcefully take over the state through what they called the Federal Might.

“I was once a major force in the opposition, but I have come to the firm conclusion that God blessed our State with Governor Udom Emmanuel at a time like this. He deserves our support and prayers and not some wild and unfunded petitions.”

MEDIA ATTACKS IS WAR AGAINST INVESTORS -ANIEKEME FINBARR

Mercy Udo

The Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Aniekeme Finbarr has advised detractors to eschew further de-marketing of Akwa Ibom state in the media, as it works at cross purpose with the aim of the Governor to attract investors to the state.

Finbarr, in a live interview on Monday August 31, 2020 during a radio programme, Akwa Ibom Rising, said that constructive criticisms are rather welcomed.

Reacting to Femi Fani Kayode's visit, he said that the Former Minister during the tour to project sites lauded the Infrastructural projects in the state which has been criticized by some Akwa Ibomites as non existent.

"Under 48 hours he was able to see and make confessions about what he saw at the factories, from machines moving, to raw materials into processed goods, from one stage of production to the other, this cannot be possibly be stage managed.

Manufacturing of syringes, the meters at the metering solution , plywood, flour at the kings flour mill, this is the direction Nigeria should go", he explained.

He restated the stands of former Avaition Minister that the peace in Akwa Ibom state has attracted investors to the state, emphasising that the Governor has constantly fought cultism which in turn creates an enabling environment.

"His excellency proscribed cultism without considering sacred cows involved, he made them face full weight of the law".

The media boss furthered that, FFK during the tour Independently acted to ascertain necessary information about production in those factories without interference of any form and was pleased to see that all factories where working efficiently.

He also appealed to journalists to forgive the former Minister who also apologized for the outburst against a journalist in Calabar.

HEARTY CHEERS TO A DYNAMIC AND VISIONARY CHAIRMAN

The New Breed for Sustainable Development felicitates with our dear Father and Leader, Obong Udo Ekpeyong, Chairman People’s Democratic Party, Akwa Ibom State Chapter on the occasion of his Birthday Anniversary.

Sir, your honesty, diligence and pragmatic style of leadership has been remarkable feat, thereby making you an exemplary leader and a political colossus.

The New Breed wishes you God’s endless wisdom, good health and many more fruitful years ahead as you Mark this unique Birthday Anniversary.

Ukpono Udomah
State Coordinator, The New Breed for Sustainable Development

INOYO CHARTS NEW ROADMAP FOR NIGERIA'S POST COVID-19 OIL INDUSTRY

...as PENGASSAN Ends 6th National Delegates Conference

The 6th Triennial National Delegates Conference of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has ended in Abuja, with a call on oil and gas industry workers to reinvent themselves for the demands of a post COVID - 19 world.

The charge was delivered August 27, 2020 at the closing ceremony of a two-day PENGASSAN Delegates Conference by the Conference Lead Speaker and immediate past Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil Companies in Nigeria, Barr. Udom Inoyo.

Speaking on "The Future of Work , Post COVID - 19 Pandemic and Energy Transition", Barr. Inoyo stated that since the ubiquitous COVID - 19 pandemic has significantly altered the workings of the oil and gas industry business in the world and particularly in Nigeria, adaptability must be embraced as the most essential skill in the industry.

Inoyo stated that oil industry operators would no longer require employees who carry out tasks but those who provide solutions to peculiar problems and urged the workers to hone their skills in order to keep themselves and the industry afloat. He cited Alvin Toffler's submission that "the illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn" and tasked PENGASSAN to play a leading role in preparing its members for the new work needs occasioned by a post COVID - 19 era.

The Oil and Gas Industry Chieftain gave insights to the audience on global adjustments in energy consumption and explained how the energy transition would continue to affect the industry.

"It is thrilling that PENGASSAN is paying close attention to the discourse on Energy Transition. That shows professionalism. While we appreciate the growth in the energy sector, beginning from the industrial revolution, the demand and growth for fossil fuel as civilization peaked, we cannot ignore the fact that the concerns hitherto thrown up with regards to climate change had started a journey of reshaping the industry. And this will not stop, notwithstanding the position taken even by some notable world leaders", he observed.

According to Mr Inoyo, "Energy transition is the plan to zero out the dependency on fossil fuel (oil and natural gas) thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions with impact on climate change, and transitioning into renewable energy such as wind power, solar power, hydropower, tidal power, geothermal energy, ambient heat captured by heat pumps; biofuels and renewable part of waste which are environmentally friendly and biodegradable."

He noted that "The European Union has an objective to be the world's first climate-neutral continent by 2050 in a deal, Europen Green Deal and that If things proceeded as planned, hundreds of billions of oil and trillion cubic feet of gas investments will be left in the ground as 'stranded assets' due to that transition. Many billion dollar projects will be re-evaluated and many will no longer be viable." He warned.

Mr Inoyo said that "the Nigerian Government has enacted a Feed-in Tariff Policy to support the implementation of Renewable Energy to the overall energy mix in the country adding that the market was huge in Nigeria, and the country was blessed in abundance with renewable energy sources. "In the North, we have Sun and wind; in the South, we have hydro and wind; and there may be possibilities of geothermal sources in the middlebelt of Jos". He observed.

After taking out time to dissect the global energy transition and Nigeria's place in the transition, Mr Inoyo veered the hydrocarbon workers into what to expect and how to navigate through in a post COVID 19 new world.

"As of the end of April 2020, crude oil prices had fallen more than 70% in just two months (the worst decline since after World War II), amidst cratering demand and stubbornly elevated supply. With the world practically shutdown, economic activities halted, everyone simply focused on survival, stretching across continents."

Suspecting that the oil workers would like to know if the current disruptions would lead to 'excess manpower' thereby triggering bouts of redundancy and separation, the retired ExxonMobil's Vice Chairman charged the employees to carefully consider and responsibly execute their tasks, even as they progressively adapt to the job needs of the new era.

Barr. Udom Inoyo ended his spell-binding paper with some posers.

"What is keeping business leaders awake? What is needed most at this time is understanding and support from bodies like PENGASSAN, given that your members must reinvent and hone other skills to ensure they can fit into the new ways business will operate going forward.

"What skills will you require in your organization? How prepared are your members to adjust to the current realities? What training opportunities are you canvassing for them? How prepared are you for the aggressive role of technology in today's market? How can the Union reinvent itself?
Attendance at the closing event of the 6th Triennial National Conference of PENGASSAN included the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva; Nigeria's Minister for Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige; the Group Managing Director of of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari; the leadership and delegates from various branches of PENGASSAN , as well as several stakeholders in Nigeria's oil and gas industry.

The conference held in compliance with COVID 19 safety protocol.

Akwa Ibom APC has failed it members - Amadu Attai



9th August 2020



APC, CHANGE! APC, CHANGE!



Dear Party Men and Women,

Please permit me to use this medium to communicate with you. I come to you with the peace God.

Barely a few days ago, we lost the State Chairman of our great Party, Chief Ini Okopido to the cruel hands of death. May his soul rest in peace.

His death has provoked the humanity in us and stirred our emotions regarding the dwindling fortunes and future of Akwa Ibom APC.

As a former State Chairman of the Party, I share your pains and emotions because this party is my “baby”. For 10 years, I nurtured this party. I have read comments, some highly provocative posted in the social media for and against the spontaneous decision of the State Working Committee (SWC) to appoint the Deputy Chairman, Dr. Ita Udosen as Acting Chairman of the Party.

It is evident from the review of the posts that the issue is not the constitutionality of the decision or action but as proffered by many, the haste with which the action was taken without recourse to the accustomed tradition of lapse of time as a mark of honour before funeral and other engagements of the deceased. The propriety or otherwise of this decision, nay its timing is the least controversy we should entertain at this period of the fragile existence of our party.

I crave the forgiveness of those who feel hurt by the decision of the party taking cognizance of its infallibility. As a former State Chairman, I appreciate the weight of the decision, the need to balance contending interest and at the same time move the party forward. It is for these reasons, that I hereby tender an unreserved apology on-behalf of the party to everyone who has been hurt by the action of the party.

Going forward, I am aware as many of us do about the despondency and near comatose condition that our party has fallen. At a peep, we find ominous signs of trouble and a failing party devoid of the vibrancy of progressive political parties. We must all therefore rise up, eschew acrimony and join hands to rebuild our party in the state. This is not the time to faint but to set our hands on the plough and not look back.

I recognize the burden and responsibility of the Party to also serve the interest of its members. It is the responsibility of a political party to socialize its members into democratic politics and provide them with access to government machinery and welfare schemes. I am afraid APC has largely disappointed its members in this respect. The Party’s reward system is awfully poor, discriminatory and require urgent review. The party lacks cohesion, oneness of mind and unanimity of purpose. It seems a convenient platform or vehicle for highly individualistic objectives of either assuring electoral victory or securing political appointment or even enhancing access to business patronage.

The Party should not be seen to exist only for elections. It should equally be seen to exist after elections. In that regard, I propose a proper reconciliation of aggrieved members particularly aspirants who mobilized for the 2015 general elections, 2017 Local Government elections, 2018 Party congresses and 2019 general elections. Furthermore, absence of internal Party democracy and financial transparency has inhibited the performance of the party. Squabblings in the party are usually associated with this twin vices. Lack of a level playing field and imposition of candidates at party nomination primaries promotes disaffection and encourages defection.

Fellow compatriot, we must henceforth make a commitment to reposition our party as a true reflection of the purpose and essence of a political party as a vehicle for political engineering. We cannot afford to fold our hands and watch our beloved party collapse in our own eyes.

Thank you and God bless you all.



Dr. Amadu Attai
Former State Chairman,

APC, Akwa Ibom Chapter

10th August 2020

PRESS RELEASE

STRIKING JOHESU WORKERS WILL BE REPLACED IF…

The attention of Akwa Ibom State Government has been drawn to an ill conceived industrial action embarked upon by the Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU) over an unreasonable demand for payment of 50% of basic salaries as hazard allowance in this harsh economic climate.

This is in spite of concerted efforts by government to provide the best of working conditions for health workers in the state, including up to date payment of all due salaries and allowances, which makes our state one of the best paying states in the health sector.

The efforts of the state government in this regard has continued to receive widespread commendations from various healthcare stakeholders in the country.

Against this backdrop, government is constrained to state that it is unreasonable and also unlawful for healthcare professionals to embark on any form of strike action during period of Coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, a full compliment of related healthcare professionals are expected at their duty posts unfailingly, as required by the terms and conditions of their employment. Any staff not found on duty will be considered to be no longer interested in the job and will be relieved of such duty with immediate effect. The relevant health authorities have been mandated to conduct head count.

The state government has made adequate arrangements to ensure that those who are interested in performing their lawful duties are allowed to do so without disruption or molestation of any sort. Anyone found obstructing or disrupting healthcare operations any where in the state, under the pretext of an industrial action, will be apprehended and prosecuted. It is criminal for anyone to obstruct health care workers from performing their legitimate duties in this period of emergency

Government is aware that the ill conceived industrial action and blatant act of sabotage by JOHESU is sponsored by political detractors with an underlying intent to vandalize healthcare facilities in the state. Security agencies in the state have been fully briefed to ensure the continued protection of lives and property, using all legal means.

Citizens and residents are enjoined to continue to cooperate with government in the fight to curtail the surge of the COVID19 Pandemic in our state.

Stay safe; Be safe.
Abide by all COVID-19 preventive guidelines.

Signed

Charles Udoh KSJI
Hon. Commissioner for Information
Akwa Ibom State

July 15, 2020

IMMANUEL GENERAL HOSPITAL EKET WEARS A NEW LOOK

Governor Udom Emmanuel’s investments in good healthcare delivery system has once again been confirmed at the Immanuel General Hospital, Eket.

The Akwa Ibom Governor has not only procured world class equipment for the Hospital but has also provided the hospital with a conducive working environment by giving it a face-lift, with modern furniture and fixtures, including airport seats in the reception and Out-Patients Department, OPD.

A visit by the Government Information Management team led by Sir Charles Udo, Commissioner For Information revealed that the 218-bed capacity hospital has 7 remodeled wards for the male, female and Children, each with 30-bed space and a pre-Nursery Unit with 8-bed capacity.

The team was led round the facility, by the Hospital Secretary, Mrs. Esther Jack as well as the Chief Nursing Officer, CNO and Matron on duty, Mrs. Grace Vasco Joe and they were taken to the Theater, the X-ray and Morbid laboratories, the drug store and Pharmacy as well as the Accident and Emergency, A&E, units.

The team's escorts explained that Immanuel General Hospital is a very busy hospital with daily uptake of patients of 100 and above, adding that, with the new equipment procured by Governor Udom Emmanuel, the health personnel, numbering about 30 Doctors and 99 nurses, will now be able to contain with the numerous patients that throng the hospital for different health challenges and medical needs.

Among the state-of-the-art equipment procured for the hospital include: motorized beds, X-ray machines and Scanners, assorted laboratory facilities and the blood bank.

In their separate reactions, two patients, Ete Sunday Udo Obot from Onna and Ngozi Akpan, from Okon Eket, expressed appreciation to Governor Udom Emmanuel for giving the hospital a face-lift and providing comfortable seats for the patients which they said has reduced the pains of patients and serve as an added healing balm to give the patients a speedy recovery.

The on-the-spot assessment tour of government projects continues with the Commissioner for Information and Chairman, State Government Information Management Team, Sir Charles Udoh leading members to other project sites of Governor Udom Emmanuel, within his 5 years of Touching Lives in Akwa Ibom State.

DAKKADA NETWORKING EXPERIENCE: AGRICULTURE, ICT DOMINATE DISCUSSIONS IN JUNE EDITION

[b][/b]

Entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom State have been urged to take a second and perhaps more critical look at Agriculture and ICT if they must make any significant imprint in the business ecosystem in the post covid-19 era. This was the consensus opinion of panelists at the June edition of the Dakkada Networking Experience, a monthly interaction organized by the Dakkada Business and Leadership Forum. (DB&LF).

In their different presentations, panelists which included Co-founder of Ourfarm.ng, Mr Idorenyin Eshiet, Digital Marketing Expert – Ekemini Francis and a staff of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Okuma Ekpoudom stressed the need for entrepreneurs to explore the opportunities that abound in the agriculture and ICT sectors of the economy so as to record significant success and leave their imprints on the sands of time.

The respective speakers also noted that funding, grants and loan facilities available for enterpreneurs in the ICT and Agric sectors were largely untouched owing to lack of interests or inadequate access to information on the part of the entrepreneurs. Also speaking, the NAFDAC rep, Okuma Ekpoudom encouraged entrepreneurs in the state to collaborate more so as to share resources and facilities, thereby reducing their overhead cost. The regulatory body representative also took out time to simplify the registration and approval procedures for entrepreneurs who are into production but are yet to get NAFDAC approval for their products.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Entrepreneurial Development, Mrs Meflyn Anwana stated that Government through the directorate of Marketing and Brand Management is Committed to rendering assistances where necessary to entrepreneurs in the state. Anwana urged entrepreneurs to make the most of available opportunities post covid-19, so as to avoid being left behind in a fast paced economic dispensation.

The June edition of the Dakkada Networking Experience (DNE) which had as its topic “Post covid-19; Exploring opportunities for business sustainability (Part II) was a continuation of last month’s edition and held on the Zoom online conferencing platform. The live interaction attracted entrepreneurs, policy makers as well as government functionaries as audience.

GOVERNOR EMMANUEL’S BURNING PASSION FOR AGRIC DEVELOPMENT

— Emmanuel Sam

The fight against Covid-19 has not distracted Governor Udom Emmanuel from his focus on diversifying the economy of Akwa Ibom State, driving the State towards self reliance and less dependence on funds from federal government. His vision is to push the frontier of development in the non-oil sector of the economy.

Early in his first tenure, the Governor had identified several low hanging fruits in the sector, one of which is agriculture, and he expects to earn rapid return on investment for the State. His investment in vegetables production, cassava, poultry, oil palm, cocoa, coconut and other crops have paid off ensuring food security, providing job opportunities and providing raw materials for agro allied industries now dotting the State's landscape.

During the 31st anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Udom Emmanuel declared, “we are diversifying our economy and placing emphasis on agriculture. We are producing food to feed our people through our investments in agriculture. Akwa Hatchery is working and producing, the Cassava mills are in operation across the State.”

The Governor has redoubled efforts by consolidating on those aspects that have shown promise. For instance, since the State undertook cultivation of vegetables in a controlled environment ( Green House) it has not looked back. Its effort has attracted accolades from many prominent Nigerians including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who praised the Governor on his consistency in pursuing agricultural initiatives like the green house project.

According to the former president, "the green house project initiative is exemplary in agricultural production of staple food products and raw material for cottage industries processing as well as meaningful steps to ensuring food sufficiency in the State, adding that investments of the Akwa Ibom government in the agricultural sector was worthy of emulation by other state governments in the country."

Similarly, in an effort to consolidate on the gains of the cocoa reintroduction programme by the Udom administration, the State government this month, June 2020, distributed 500,000 cocoa seedlings and other farm inputs to cocoa farmers in the State. The exercise which reportedly marked the flag-off of the new cocoa planting season, will further encourage farmers to plant more thereby boosting the ranking of Akwa Ibom State as cocoa producer in Nigeria.

This was revealed by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Women Affairs, Dr Glory Edet, during the presentation of the seedlings to cocoa farmers on behalf of Governor Udom Emmanuel, at Odoro Ikpe Cocoa Nursery Farm, Ini Local Government Area.

According to Edet the Governor’s support to cocoa farming has made the State the largest cocoa producing state in Nigeria. She stated that “beyond ensuring abundance in cocoa production, Akwa Ibom State now has the best variety of cocoa in the country. The Governor has ensured that agro chemicals are distributed to the farmers to ward off pests. Fertilisers and sprayers have also been provided to the cocoa farmers to increase their yields".

Furthermore, investing in commercial cultivation of coconut has been a burning passion of this administration. While many were contented with local consumption of the miracle nut, the Governor saw a whole new world of opportunities in it. Part of his vision, when he flagged of the St. Gabriel Coconut Oil Factory on May 24, 2017 was to create a totally new industrial hub in the State relying on the coconut value chain. This vision is materializing with the completion of the factory located in Ikot Ekpuk, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. However, there is need for locales, indigenous entrepreneurs and investors to buy into this great opportunity. The factory has a capacity of processing between 300,000 to 1 million coconuts daily. This is a clarion call on every community in the State to start cultivating coconuts in order to become part of the supply chain.

As a global financial expert, Governor Emmanuel is poised to establish a new avenue where Akwa Ibom State can earn foreign exchange. His decision to ramp up production of cocoa and coconut is very strategic. According to marketwatch.com, the worldwide market for coconut oil is expected to grow by roughly 4.5% over the next five years, reaching 4900 million USD in 2024 from 3760 million USD in 2019. Also, as at June 24, 2020, the International Cocoa Organisation, ICCO, pegged the price of cocoa bean at 2170.44 USD per tonne. Considering the value of coconut oil and cocoa bean in the international market, one would see clearly where Governor Emmanuel is driving the State economy to.

In the area of food security, the policy thrust of the Udom administration to ensure that 80% of food consumed in the State is produced locally, paid off during the brief state by state lockdown as a result of the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic. The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, who heads the State Covid-19 Management Committee, announced that all the palliative provided to the people would have been practically impossible in the face of the lockdown across the country, if the Governor had not invested in the production of staples including flour, rice and garri.

Buoyed by these many successes in the agriculture sector, Governor Emmanuel is taking on yet another challenge. This time, the Governor wants to increase the number of career farmers in the State. This is a challenge because most people engaged in farming, do so at subsistent level. However, the Governor is determined to change that with the recent flag off of farmers' enumeration exercise by the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, AKIICORP.

The Governor, who was enumerated as the number one cocoa and plantain farmer in the State, has assured that with the exercise, agriculture would become a major driver of the State's economy and bring to an end over-dependence on government for survival. He maintained that there is need for the people to harness the resources in the State and create wealth out of agriculture.

With this latest move, Governor Emmanuel has made it clear that his administration will continue to push the frontier of State development relying on a very dependable sector - agriculture.

GOVERNOR EMMANUEL’S BURNING PASSION FOR AGRIC DEVELOPMENT

— Emmanuel Sam

The fight against Covid-19 has not distracted Governor Udom Emmanuel from his focus on diversifying the economy of Akwa Ibom State, driving the State towards self reliance and less dependence on funds from federal government. His vision is to push the frontier of development in the non-oil sector of the economy.

Early in his first tenure, the Governor had identified several low hanging fruits in the sector, one of which is agriculture, and he expects to earn rapid return on investment for the State. His investment in vegetables production, cassava, poultry, oil palm, cocoa, coconut and other crops have paid off ensuring food security, providing job opportunities and providing raw materials for agro allied industries now dotting the State's landscape.

During the 31st anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Udom Emmanuel declared, “we are diversifying our economy and placing emphasis on agriculture. We are producing food to feed our people through our investments in agriculture. Akwa Hatchery is working and producing, the Cassava mills are in operation across the State.”

The Governor has redoubled efforts by consolidating on those aspects that have shown promise. For instance, since the State undertook cultivation of vegetables in a controlled environment ( Green House) it has not looked back. Its effort has attracted accolades from many prominent Nigerians including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who praised the Governor on his consistency in pursuing agricultural initiatives like the green house project.

According to the former president, "the green house project initiative is exemplary in agricultural production of staple food products and raw material for cottage industries processing as well as meaningful steps to ensuring food sufficiency in the State, adding that investments of the Akwa Ibom government in the agricultural sector was worthy of emulation by other state governments in the country."

Similarly, in an effort to consolidate on the gains of the cocoa reintroduction programme by the Udom administration, the State government this month, June 2020, distributed 500,000 cocoa seedlings and other farm inputs to cocoa farmers in the State. The exercise which reportedly marked the flag-off of the new cocoa planting season, will further encourage farmers to plant more thereby boosting the ranking of Akwa Ibom State as cocoa producer in Nigeria.

This was revealed by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Women Affairs, Dr Glory Edet, during the presentation of the seedlings to cocoa farmers on behalf of Governor Udom Emmanuel, at Odoro Ikpe Cocoa Nursery Farm, Ini Local Government Area.

According to Edet the Governor’s support to cocoa farming has made the State the largest cocoa producing state in Nigeria. She stated that “beyond ensuring abundance in cocoa production, Akwa Ibom State now has the best variety of cocoa in the country. The Governor has ensured that agro chemicals are distributed to the farmers to ward off pests. Fertilisers and sprayers have also been provided to the cocoa farmers to increase their yields".

Furthermore, investing in commercial cultivation of coconut has been a burning passion of this administration. While many were contented with local consumption of the miracle nut, the Governor saw a whole new world of opportunities in it. Part of his vision, when he flagged of the St. Gabriel Coconut Oil Factory on May 24, 2017 was to create a totally new industrial hub in the State relying on the coconut value chain. This vision is materializing with the completion of the factory located in Ikot Ekpuk, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. However, there is need for locales, indigenous entrepreneurs and investors to buy into this great opportunity. The factory has a capacity of processing between 300,000 to 1 million coconuts daily. This is a clarion call on every community in the State to start cultivating coconuts in order to become part of the supply chain.

As a global financial expert, Governor Emmanuel is poised to establish a new avenue where Akwa Ibom State can earn foreign exchange. His decision to ramp up production of cocoa and coconut is very strategic. According to marketwatch.com, the worldwide market for coconut oil is expected to grow by roughly 4.5% over the next five years, reaching 4900 million USD in 2024 from 3760 million USD in 2019. Also, as at June 24, 2020, the International Cocoa Organisation, ICCO, pegged the price of cocoa bean at 2170.44 USD per tonne. Considering the value of coconut oil and cocoa bean in the international market, one would see clearly where Governor Emmanuel is driving the State economy to.

In the area of food security, the policy thrust of the Udom administration to ensure that 80% of food consumed in the State is produced locally, paid off during the brief state by state lockdown as a result of the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic. The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, who heads the State Covid-19 Management Committee, announced that all the palliative provided to the people would have been practically impossible in the face of the lockdown across the country, if the Governor had not invested in the production of staples including flour, rice and garri.

Buoyed by these many successes in the agriculture sector, Governor Emmanuel is taking on yet another challenge. This time, the Governor wants to increase the number of career farmers in the State. This is a challenge because most people engaged in farming, do so at subsistent level. However, the Governor is determined to change that with the recent flag off of farmers' enumeration exercise by the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, AKIICORP.

The Governor, who was enumerated as the number one cocoa and plantain farmer in the State, has assured that with the exercise, agriculture would become a major driver of the State's economy and bring to an end over-dependence on government for survival. He maintained that there is need for the people to harness the resources in the State and create wealth out of agriculture.

With this latest move, Governor Emmanuel has made it clear that his administration will continue to push the frontier of State development relying on a very dependable sector - agriculture.

JUNE 26, 2020: THE MISSION PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT (MSN) AND THE REBIRTH FOUNDATION SET TO FEED STREET KIDS, EMPOWER “SOME”.

Just two days to the end of the of the Neighbour for Neighbour Project, two groups of very young Nigerians have partnered to reach out to some homeless kids within the Uyo Capital City, particularly around the popular Ibom Plaza and Itam Junction. In their letter to our project directorate, the groups have indicated that their task will include:

1. To feed over 100 of the kids;
2. To sensitize them on the prevailing Covid 19 pandemic and the need to stay healthy;
3. To share face masks to over 100 of the kids and carefully advise them on why they need to use it and other safety measures they must take to stay safe.);
4. To make efforts, in partnership with other well meaning Akwa Ibom citizens and the government to relocate some of the kids;
5. To empower the most promising amongst them, either by sending them to school or helping the acquire some basic skill;

Their outing has been scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2020 and they call on the members of the Public of Public Affairs to join them in the reach out.

By this gesture, the MSM and the Rebirth Foindation becomes the newest Ambassadors of Public Affairs and partner in towards the ultimate attainment of an egalitarian society where everyone is doing well...with a reduced gap between the rich and the poor. We sincerely thank them for this offer and heartily welcome them to the Public Affairs Hall of Fame.

Morgan Ekanem, Esq

THE LATEST PRICELESS INNOVATION IN AKWA IBOM HEALTHCARE DELIVERY

The General Hospital, Awa in Onna local government area is the latest addition to the secondary health care facilities in Akwa Ibom State. It is almost ready for commissioning and was constructed as part of Governnor Udom Emmanuel's vision of improved Healthcare delivery system for the people of the state.

The State Commissioner for Information, Sir Charles Udoh, recently led the State Government Information Management Team on an on-the- spot assessment tour of the new General hospital, confirming that the Governor was fulfilling his promise to place standard healthcare facilities everywhere in the state.

The new Hospital in Onna was formerly a mere Comprehensive Health Centre and had only one doctor and 5 nurses.
Today an imposing edifice, has been digitized to join the league of modern General hospitals in the state such as, General Hospital Ikono, General Hospital, Oruk Anam, General Hospital Etinan, General Hospital, Oron, General Hospital, Uruan, and Immanuel General Hospital, Eket.

"With the upgrade, the 55-bed new General Hospital has received a boost in staff strength from the hitherto one Doctor and five nurses to Five Doctors and thirteen Nurses", The Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Mrs. Stella Etukakpan told the information management team.

All the wards have air conditioning system and are linked to cable tv and communication gadgets. The facilities include automated motorized beds and baby cot, X-ray machine, state-of-the-art theatre equipment, Urine Analyser, Incubator, Haemalology Analyser, Electrolyte Analyser, Micropel 5 and the Blood bank.

Also visible in the hospital are the M&E room with internet facilities, CCTV, Intercom, control fire alarm and power panel. The hospital is segmented into 10 wards for Male, Female, Children and Paediatrics, the Microbiology lab, the dispensary, the Doctors Call room area and the Mortuary.

In place is a 500 KVA generator, one 300 KVA generator and a diesel tank at the electrical yard to ensure adequate power supply in the hospital.

The Medical Superintendent of the General Hospital Awa, Dr. Affia Archibong Affia, expressed appreciation to Governor Udom Emmanuel for upgrading the hospital which he said has the best working environment from what his experience in other hospitals across Nigeria.

Despite not yet being commissioned, the Hospital has already started servicing the community as patients are seen being attended to. Some of them said they used to travel long distances to Eket and Etinan to get treatment and the hospital has been a huge blessing.

UDOM’S MAIDEN CHIEF OF STAFF: A MERIT FOR DILIGENCE

By: Itoro Udotim

Akwa Ibom State Ministry of works will for a longer time live with nostalgia over the additional job schedule for Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-eyen with additional to the ministry, whose impacts remain indelible in the face of development, Akwa Ibom State.

Ephraim Inyang-eyen was few days ago announced the Chief of Staff (CoS) to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel By this appointment, in addition to his role as commissioner for works. He becomes the first Chief of Staff (CoS) to Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel’s-led administration, since 2015.

The maiden Chief Of Staff is an indigent citizen of Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He is a graduate of chemistry, University of Ibadan, Oyo state,
After his foundational education from Etinan institute, Etinan, Akwa Ibom State and school of basic studies, Akamkpa in Cross River state. He also holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the prestigious University of Lagos, Lagos state. From 1990, and currently doing Doctorate degree in first generation Amercian University. He had served as a customs officer in the Nigerian Customs Service with a glittering and dignified career across different formations in the force.

His shelf presents him as a recipient of many awards and professional memberships, notable among them is Fellow Institute of Management Consultant. He is a devout Christian, happily married with children.

Inyang-eyen’s years of service as commissioner for works, lavished the state with enduring people-oriented projects that have dropped the jaw of Akwa Ibom people in amazement. His assiduous pace as commissioner for works raised the shoulders of Governor Udom Emmanuel who could see his industrialisation promises made to Akwa Ibom people manifested. This caused His Excellency to commission roads and industries at close intervals.

As at December 2019, through Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-eyen, Governor Udom Emmanuel had completed over 1,700 kilometres of road and over 43 bridges across urban and rural areas in the state. Inyang-eyen’s achievement as commissioner for works can only be exhausted by taking a tour across Akwa Ibom State.

The elevation of Akparawa Inyang-eyen to the position of Chief of Staff (CoS) to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State is a confirmation of his magnanimous character in discharging public responsibility without bias. He is known globally for his proactiveness without being dicacious.

Considering the commissioner’s landmarks in ministry for works, it is obvious that some people may dissent to commensurate his performance in his new portfolio.

It is important to bring to the fore that the office of the Chief of Staff to Governor Udom Emmanuel can be more demanding than architectural designs, measurements and constructions after determination of the peoples’ need.

The office of the Chief of Staff entails using Who to get What; in line with the overall interest of Akwa Ibom people to drive to reality the vision of His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel. The dynamic nature of peoples’ behaviour makes the office better fitted with Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-eyen.

Giving Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-eyen’s wealth of cognitive wisdom; having served as chairman, Board of Trustees, Transformation Initiative; a leading socio-cultural group that was at the frontline to the emergence of Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2015 and his paramilitary experience, the government deduced to him as a good choice for the job of Chief of Staff (CoS) to the governor. He is humble, accessible and proactive to render effective service delivery.

AKWA IBOM STATE GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONS NEW EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

In line with his avowed commitment to quality health care services, the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Tuesday commissioned a newly instituted Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Uyo - Akwa Ibom State capital.

The State-of-the-art facility constructed by the State Government and upgraded by the United State Agency for international Development (USAID) is coming barely few weeks after a world class isolation Center was commissioned by Governor Emmanuel at Ituk Mbang, Uruan local Government Area.

Inaugurating the facility, the Secretary to the State Government Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem who represented the Governor, stated that “The COVID-19 pandemic which is ravaging the world today has been an eye-opener for us to review our health policies and provide matching infrastructure”.

He also espoused on the vision of the State Government for the 22-room facility which houses the EOC situation room and communications center, and also comprises a conference hall, Four (4) call rooms and other amenities.

“The vision of the State Government is that the EOC will be a hub, not just for COVID-19 response but for all other medical emergencies and security challenges as it will have coordinating facilities”, said Dr Ekuwem.

Setting the tone for the event earlier, Dr Dominic Ukpong the State Commissioner for Health appreciated the continued support of the USG through Jhpiego and other partners.

He stated that the establishment of the EOC – communications center inclusive – will facilitate 24-hour functionality and enable the State have a faster response time as it concerns COVID-19 and several other diseases of public health interest.

The set up of the Communication Call Center, and COVID-19 situation rooms within the EOC was carried out with funding from the USAID through the Reaching Impact, Saturation and Epidemic Control led by Jhpiego in collaboration with Data Fi working closely with the Akwa Ibom State Government.

The Emergency Operation Center will enable centralized, real-time monitoring and predictive modeling for enhanced coordination of activities as well as informed decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies. It will also serve citizenry by facilitating the seamless coordination and integration of the State government actions to both curb and contain the spread of the dreaded virus.

Meanwhile, a virtual meeting on Google meet was convened before the official commissioning of the facility. Prominent in the attendance were; US Ambassador to Nigeria- Mary Beth Leonard, Deputy Chief of Mission, United States - Kattleen Fitzgibbon, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dominic Ukpong, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Multilateral and Donor Agencies - Mr. Ndiana-Abasi Udom, State Epidemiologist - Dr Ntiense Udoette, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) - Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, key members of the State COVID-19 Task force and senior representatives of JHPIEGO, RISE and SIDHAS.

AKWA IBOM ISOLATION CENTRE: BEYOND WHAT WAS PROMISED

— Itoro Udotim

When the wave of Covid-19 encroached the shores of Akwa Ibom State, the dreaded pandemic lost its mandibles and pride under Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

The reasons being that; it is beyond what Governor Udom Emmanuel promised. While the world expected a conventional isolation center, governor Emmanuel, within 45 days from foundation laying stone, provided a world class Infectious Disease Center. Precincts in 3 virology and clinical laboratories, blood fat and other tests for mobidities and polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) machines for testing of the almost vanquished covid 19 and HIV.

The 300 bed Isolation center recently commissioned at Ituk-Mbang, Uruan local government area of Akwa Ibom State, the 31st in Nigeria has decongested attention from that of other States.

The center also has in place 20 personnel Doctors Quarters all self- contained, administrative offices, accompaniments, spacious canteen, the isolation center, and the quarantine centre for Corona virus and other infectious diseases.

Little wonder that the almost rocket science behind the project made The federal ministry of health, NCDC, the Nigerian Medical Association, non-governmental agencies, State governors, renowned traditional leaders in Nigeria, and international organisations have joined Akwa Ibom people in commending Governor Udom Emmanuel for such expertise. Even the self acclaimed social surgeon, Benedictus Benedict had described the project as “the first wonder in Akwa world”.

The medical master piece is in addition to the existing two isolation centers in the state: Infectious Disease Hospital ( IDH), Ikot Ekpene and Ibom Specialist Hospital, Uyo.

How could the state have buffered against the Covid-19 if not for the ingenuity and proactive leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel. Words of His Excellency at Ituk-Mbang, “Two years ago when I came here for renovation, I said that a time will come when 15 minutes and even one hour will be too much to travel out of the country for health care”.

Governor Emmanuel has also confirmed receipt of additional 25 containers of equipment to set up 2020 standard intensive care units in health facilities across the senatorial districts. More ambulances to transport people to any general hospital for effective health care delivery and a situation room that will live beyond the pandemic.

After the governor saw that his administration has performed well especially in the health sector, he said; “There is no place like home and if you cannot develop your home, you will always have yourself to blame”.

The state commissioner for health, Dr. Dominic Ukpong in his amazement, “our governor has shown resilience, competence, passion, involvement, financial and spiritual support”.

The perspiration of the immediate past commissioner for works, Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Ephraim Inyang, the unsung hero merits some chocolates.

With the recent arrival of equipments for the automobile plant promised by Governor Udom Emmanuel, Akwa Ibom people have since nodded in appreciation, expecting more completion of projects.

AKWA IBOM "AKIRS" CHAIRMAN, MR OKON OKON DONATES TWO HOUSES TO WIDOW, CHURCH

By Donaldson Eyibio, Community Desk, Daily Insight

Indigenes and Residents of Ekpene Ibia village in Uruan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State were in the fullness of joy yesterday, June 19, 2020 as they played host to the wife of the state Governor, Her Excellency, Dr (Mrs) Martha Udom Udom Emmanuel for the commissioning of two houses built by the Chairman, Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Services, Mr Okon Okon for a widow and the clergy of Methodist Church Nigeria, Ekpene Ibia.

Her Excellency while commissioning the projects expressed sincere appreciation to Mr Okon and his family for demonstrating such rare kindness to the Widow, by providing shelter for her and also thanked them for building a Manse for the Lord. She reminded them of that nothing dies in the house of a man and family who accommodates a prophet.

The beneficiary (widow) Mrs Alice Affiong who could be seen dancing through the event told our correspondents that no Prophet could have convinced her that she would live in a "stone house" in this current life and earnestly prayed God's blessings for Mr Okon. The Clergy of the Methodist Church Nigeria also appreciated the donor for the Manse and offered prayers for his enlargement to the Lord.

The event was attended by the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey and wife, Co-ordinator, Feyrep, Mrs Ime Inyang, State Woman Leader, Peoples Democratic Party, Mrs Eme Akpabio, Chairman AKORIMA, Prince Godwin Ntukude, the Village Head of Ekpene Ibia and other first class citizens of the state.

JUNE 17: KEMFON 'DECADE' ANSWERS THE CALL, OFFERS FREE COURSES TO TEN AKWA IBOM YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

The kindness and Participatory governance train of the Public Affairs Brand is still moving and today, Kemfon Decade, a leading youth entrepreneurship coach has offered to take ten young Akwa Ibom entrepreneurs on business advisory classes, free of all expenses.

The courses offered include:

1. Sales and Marketing
Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship (Thinking and Action)

2. Effective Negotiations

3. Customer Service.

There is no doubt whatsoever that these three subject areas are very critical to the success or otherwise of young entrepreneurs; to young entrepreneurs, MARKETING is everything, SALES is the route to profit, the ability to get a fair price for your product is hinged on how efficient you are in the art and science of NEGOTIATION and indeed, whether a customer will come back after the first encounter, or try another client, sometimes regardless of the quality of your product or service is principally a question of effective CUSTOMER SERVICE. Research has revealed that most young entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom state lack at least two of these skill sets, hence they sell at an undervalue, lose customers with careless comments or bellicose looks etc.

Every young Akwa Ibom entrepreneur should be interested in this, however we can take only ten. Interested persons should therefore send a message to the official WhatsApp group of the Neighbour for Neighbour Initiative on
https:///FJKGE5f5TTBCFB73J0REyz


The message should carry your name, sex, Local Government Area, phone number and the business you are into, preferably with pictures.

Classes shall commence on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, venue shall be communicated to the qualified candidates.

*************!********!******************
We appreciate Mr Decade for this offer and heartily welcome him into the Public Affairs Ambassadors Hall of Fame. With more youths getting involved in "indirect governance" we are sure that it will only get better for us as a state.


This is Public Affairs!

AKSG DISTRIBUTES 500,000 COCOA SEDDLINGS TO COCOA FARMERS IN THE STATE

Akwa Ibom State Government has distributed 500,000 cocoa seedlings and other agro-based farming inputs to Cocoa farmers in the state.

The exercise which marks the flag-off of this year's Cocoa planting season is in line with the determination of the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel to boost Agriculture towards ensuring food security and sufficiency for the people of the state.

The Commmissioner for Agriculture and Women Affairs, Dr. Glory Edet, made the presentation today, Tuesday 16th June, 2020 on behalf of Governor Udom Emmanuel at the Odoro Ikpe, Ini LGA Cocoa nursery farm.

Dr. Glory Edet who said Governor Udom Emmanuel was poised at ensuring abundance in Cocoa production in the state disclosed that, Akwa Ibom has the best variety of Cocoa in Nigeria coupled with arable land favorable for cocoa production which is a major cash crop in the country and indeed globally.

She said as a measure towards boostjng Cocoa production in the state, the Governor has flagged - off the cocoa seedling distribution in this month of June, which is the best planting season for cocoa adding that agro chemicals are also distributed to the farmers to ward of pests while fertilizers and sprayers have also been provided to the cocoa farmers to increase their yeilds.

At the event were Stakeholders in the Agricultural sector of the state and Cocoa farming in particular including: the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. John Markson, the Director of Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Akpan the Supervisor for Agriculture in Ini LGA, Prince Mike Ekanem and the State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, ALFAN, Otoinwang Bassey Inyang who presented a goodwill message.

In their seperate reactions, the Village head of Ikpe Ikot Nkon, Eteidung Ndueso Bassey Udowo, and two cocoa farmers, Chief Monday Solomon Udoh from Ikoi Eben Obon and Mrs. Uduak Aniekan Akpan from Odoro Ikpe, all of Ini LGA, expressed appreciation to Governor Udom Emmanuel for his love and interest in Cocoa farmers as demonstrated in the provision of free improved cocoa seedlings and farming inputs to them.

In a related development, the President of Ekemini Co-operative Cassava farm in Odoro Ikpe, Ini LGA, Elder ObongAnwan Idara Ekpe, has expressed gratitude to Governor Udom Emmanuel on behalf of the women of the Ekemini Cooperative Society for the provision of improved cassava cuttings and other farming inputs for the women to boost their cassava cultivation.

ObongAnwan Idara Ekpe who led the State Government Information Team this morning round the 18 hectares of Cassava plantation cultivated by the Ekemini Cooperative Cassava farmers said, the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has proved himself as a promise keeping Governor by providing all the inputs he promised farmers in the state towards giving them a means of livelihood through farming and also ensuring availability of food for the teeming people of Ini LGA and indeed Akwa Ibom State.

The State Government Information Management Team led by the Director of Information, Akparawa James Edet and the Secretary of the team, Mr. Aniekeme Finbarr, had in attendance, the Director of Public Relations, Ministry of Information, Mrs. Grace Akpan, SA, ICT, Mr. Solomon Eyo, SA Research and Documentation, Mr. Essien Ndueso, SA Media, Revd Richard Peters, Asst Director, Ikot Ekpene zone of Ministry of Information, Mr. Aniekan Ukpong and the Assistant Chief Information Officer, Mr Idris Mabadeje.

AKWA IBOM GOVERNOR, UDOM EMMANUEL COMMENDS AKWA IBOM PEOPLE ON DEMOCRACY DAY

AKwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel has sent his message of felicitations to the people of the State on Democracy Day.

In a statement made available to the press by his Chief Press Secretary , Ekerete Udoh, Governor Emmanuel thanked the people for helping deepen our democratic tradition in the last 21 years and for the support and prayers they have shown him.

“Let me use this occasion to thank you again for your steadfast support and prayers you have shown us in the past five years. I do not take this for granted. Our democracy has come to stay, all because of your active participation and insisting that your votes count. I want to assure you that I will continue to work twice as hard to improve your wellbeing and material circumstance to the extent of funds available. Happy Democracy Day to us all!