JUNE 12: EMMANUEL EKAIDEM ANSWERS THE CALL, OFFERS TO TRAIN TEN AKWA IBOM YOUTHS ON VISUAL DESIGNS AND BRANDING

The Project Neighbour 4 Neighbour train is moving with each day revealing that kindness sits in the hearts of most Akwa Ibom youths. Today, June 12, 2020, Mr Emmanuel Ekaidem, a young and very vibrant Akwa Ibom youth with a towering profile in design and branding has offered to train ten Akwa Ibom youths in his art.

This offer is the second time a youth has offered to give out his skill to others for free in answer to the Neighbour for Neighbour Project, the first was Mr Ntefon (The Real WoodPecker) Moses.

We earnestly thank Mr Ekaidem for the offer and welcome him to the hall of fame as a Public Affairs Ambassador and we will be pleased to decorate him as such on the June 30, 2020.

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In line with the state Charater, we have selected the ten trainees from across the ten Federal Constituencies in the State and we shall disclose only their initials and phone numbers here to provide for a situation where anyone desires to confirm the authenticity of the project. They are;

R. E. - 07063218406
M. F. - 09023888791
I. E. - 08068908533
H. N. - 09077951761
A. J. - 09092098457
E. D. - 08021400383
J. U. - 08064957183
B. I. - 07089895851
O. J. - 08109464949
O. J. - 08134576628

We shall publish their details at the end of their training to facilitate their linkage with their clients. In the time being, it suffices to COMGRATULATE THEM.

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The training shall commence on Monday, June 15, 2020.

AKSG INAUGURATES HOSPITALITY MONITORING TEAM

Godwin Enekuno

In a proactive step to ensure a safer hospitality industry, the Akwa Ibom State Government on Thursday inaugurated the Akwa Ibom State Hospitality Monitoring Team in Uyo.

The 13 man monitoring team has Mr Ini Akpabio as Chairman, while Mr Anthony Isonguyo serves as the Secretary.

Commissioner For Culture and Tourism, Hon Orman Esin while inaugurating the team noted that the move was to ensure readiness of the stakeholders of the industry before the Governor gives further directives on the re-opening of hospitality outfits in the state, which are currently closed due to the dreaded covid-19 pandemic.

Hon Esin charged the team to get to work and come up with detailed guidelines and creative measures to ensure a safer, more productive hospitality industry post covid -19.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Hon Kufre-Abasi Edidem called on the monitoring team to begin work immediately because of the new realities of the time. He noted that many hospitality outfits in the state are still operating clandestinely with unhygienic standards capable of aiding the spread of the novel corona virus, and as such, the team should team up with the police to nip that in the bud.

In his address, newly inaugurated chairman of the monitoring committee, Mr Ini Akpabio said, ‘It is a new dawn for Hospitality and Allied industries in the state as focus will be on the wellbeing and safety of hospitality employees and guests, as well as our collective obligations to each other’.

Some of the guidelines proposed for Hospitality and Allied Services operations in Akwa Ibom State post covid -19 include: Provision of Hand washing points and alcohol based hand sanitizers, wearing of face mask, physical distancing, temperature check on all customers, fumigation of premises, cleaning protocols, training, preparation for probable in-house infection, and creation of a command centre.

Members of the Monitoring team include
Mr Ini Akpabio -Chairman
Mr Anthony Isonguyo -Secretary. Other members are Barr Ewa Okpo, Obong Emmanuel Titus, Obong Ekanem Noah, Mr Godwill Enyedok, Mr Aniekan Inyang, Mr Ekanem Jeremiah, Miss Ofonmbuk Odiong, Sir Aniefiok Alexander, Mr Charles Essien, Prince Willy Ibiok, and Mr Emmanuel Inyang

AKWA IBOM STATE GOVERNOR, UDOM EMMANUEL CONGRATULATES STATE AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel has sent congratulatory messages to members of both the and 7th State House of Assembly as well as the 9th National Assembly respectively to mark the one year of their inauguration.

In a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Emmanuel commended the State House of Assembly members for the exceptional cooperation that has existed between the two arms of government in the past one year.

“In the past one year, as was in our First Term, you have been keen partners in the execution of the mandate bestowed on us by our people to work for their collective interest and general wellbeing. This has resulted in the harmonious working relationship we have enjoyed in the last one year. We have achieved this, while respecting the principles enshrined in the concept of the Separation of Power.

As you get set to continue your service to our people in your second year, I urge you to remain committed to the ideals for which our people overwhelmingly elected us to serve them. I look forward to deepening our cooperation in the coming years as we work to leave legacies that would stand the test of time. Congratulations to you all”

In the same manner, Governor Emmanuel has also congratulated the Akwa Ibom State Contingent to the 9th National Assembly, celebrating the cordial relationship that that has existed between the two layers of government.

“I wish to salute and congratulate you for being fantastic legislative ambassadors of our people at the National Assembly and for working to advance the interest of our people. I have enjoyed a robust working and deep personal relationships with you all, and I know I can count on your continuous cooperation and spirit of oneness as we work to improve the living standards of our people and prove to everyone that government, can, indeed be a force for good.”

JUNE 10: THE VILLAGE SQUARE ANSWERS THE CALL, OFFERS TO CLEAN THE CENOTAPH, MOW THE LAWN ON SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2020.

Groups are now joining the Neighbour 4 Neighbour Initiative of the Akwa Ibom State Public Affairs Brand. The project which was launched on June 4, 2020 calls on kind-hearted Akwa Ibom citizens to reach out to those in need in their community and also carry out an act without their neighbourhood in whatever small scale which they would have expected the government to do, in a large scale.

Today, June 10, the Village Square, a group of community conscious youths have responded to the call and have offered to clean up the Cenotaph and its environs after the sporting activities that take place there on Saturday, June 12, 2020. They have further offered to mow parts of the lawn that are untidy on the said date.

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The Village Square is a group of community conscious youths in Akwa Ibom State formed at the peak of the Corona Virus Pandemic to aide in the spread of love, hope and solidarity and to sensitize the public on the need to adequately handle information on the pandemic, in order not to generate fear that may lead to an outbreak of - INFODEMIC. The group has however outlived its initial objective and today can easily pass for a mini local government area with a well defined governing structure.

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The public Affairs Brand appreciates the Village Square and wishes them the best in all their endeavours moving forward.

They shall be decorated as the first group to attain the Public Affairs Ambassadorial Status of June 30, 2020.

JOIN THE PROJECT NEIGHBOUR FOR NEIGHBOUR

- Clean your Neighbourhood
- Plant "responsible" trees on your street
- Teach school kids who cannot join the school on radio program
- Donate to the Education Endowment Fund
- Reach out to Private Primary School Teachers
- Sponsor a training for a youth.
- Feed street kids or engage them meaningfully.
- Visit the Elderly around you.

You will not only be an ambassador, God Himself, will bless you.

Who is Next?

A'IBOM RESIDENTS APPLAUD GOV EMMANUEL ON UYO-IKOT EKPENE ROAD

Governor Udom Emmanuel today received ton loads of commedation and accolades from residents of the state across all walks of life for the construction of the 25km Uyo-Ikot Ekpene dual carriage Road.

The residents bared their minds at Ikot Ekpene during an on-the - spot assessment tour of the road by a section of Team Completion Agenda Government Information Management Team of the state government comprising of Media Aides of Governor Udom Emmanuel and Directors from Ministry of Information.

Led by the Director of Information, Akparawa James Edet and the Secretary of the Information Management Team, Mr. Aniekeme Finbarr, the team sought the minds of residents on the ongoing road construction which is about 90 percent completion few meters away from the Four Point by Sheraton hotel, Ikot Ekpene.

Hon. Ifiok Samuel Okure, the Councillor representing Urban Ward 1, Ikot Ekpene said with Ikot Ekpene as the entry point into Akwa Ibom state from nighbouring Aba in Abia State, the commercial city in the Eastern region, the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road when commissioned and fully operational, will provide easy inter-state for movement of goods and services within the two states.

Expressing with confidence that, the road will soon be commissioned for use, the Ikot Ekpene Urban Ward I representative extolled Governor Udom Emmanuel for investing in the road project which he said will boost economic activities in the state.

A retired Police Inspector, Chief Pal Umoinyang on his part said, the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road is a welcome development seen and appreciated by even the blind because the road has given a face-lift to Ikot Ekpene town.

While thanking Governor Udom Emmanuel for continuing with the construction of the road which critics had said would be abandoned by the present Government, Chief Umoinyang applauded the Governor for his commitment in ensuring the completion of the road, which he said gives him so much joy to walk through daily.

Speaking also, Engr Eshiet Umoh applauded both the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and the construction firm handling the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road, Julius Berger, for the standard quality of work put into the road, emphasizing that, residents are very happy with Governor Udom Emmanuel for upgrading the road from a single-lane to a dual carriage to beat traffic congestion and reduce accidents along the road.

Mrs. Idorenyin Daniel, a trader from Obot Akara said, the women of the area are so grateful to Governor Udom Emmanuel for the road which will make the movement of their wares easier within and outside Ikot Ekpene.

A consultant with the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, Mr. David Inyang on his part said, as a regular user of the road who visits Ikot Ekpene from time to time because of his work schedule, he was very impressed with Governor Udom Emmanuel for putting in resources for the construction of the road to boost transportation in the area.

A commercial driver from Itu LGA, Eneh Essien Akpan said, the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road will not only boost the activities of motorists plying the road but will open up access to the world class Four Point by Sheraton thereby attracting investors and tourists to the state.

Others who spoke glowing of Governor Udom Emmanuel for the v construction of the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road included: Nseobong Udofa Atang, a Cyclist, Godwin Christopher Akpan, a driver, Beneza Bassey, a Shoemaker and Bassey Inyang Udoh, a Taxi driver, all of who expressed appreciation to Governor Udom Emmanuel on the road project, which according to them will boost both intra and inter-state economic activities.

Recall that, Governor Udom Emmanuel has since assumption of office undertaken massive construction of network of viable roads to link up economic nerve centres of the state and also boost inter-state movement of people as well as goods and services, with Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road as one of such roads.

Other members of the Information Management Team on the tour of the road today were: SA Media, Mr. Uko Umoh, SA Print Media, Mr. Aniefiok Macaulay, Director, Public Relations in Ministry of Information, Mrs. Grace Akpan and Assistant Director in-charge of Ikot Ekpene zone of Ministry of Information, Mr. Aniekan Ukpong.

AKWA IBOM TO BEGIN COVID-19 TEST AS NCDC APPROVES LAB

The challenges usually faced by the Akwa Ibom State Government in traveling to other states for sample testing of suspected coronavirus infected persons, is now over with the approval and activation of the state owned
Polymerase Claim Reaction (PCR) Laboratory at the Ituk Mbang 300-bed capacity Isolation Centre by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Speaking while leading his teammates on a courtesy call on the Chairman of COVID-19 Management Committee in the State and Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem,on Monday night, the leader of NCDC delegation, Mr Bamidele Oluwafemi commended the State Government for single-handedly building the facility without the support of the Federal Government.

Describing the isolation centre with an in-built Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory as one of the best in the country,Oluwafemi noted that within the period of their stay in the state, the team had inspected the facility and trained personnel at the Isolation Centre on how to carry out COVID-19 test and interpret results, adding that everything at the centre was up to the required standard.

The NCDC team leader lauded the State Government for building the isolation centre from the scratch for the purpose of containing not only the spread of COVID-19, but other viral diseases in the state unlike what is obtainable in some states of the federation where some old buildings are being converted into isolation centres.

He, however, recommended that some relevant section of the Ituk Mbang isolation centre be demarcated to ensure smooth service delivery, noting that with the activation and approval of the laboratory, sample testing of suspected COVID-19 infected persons would commence in a few days in the state.

Responding, the Chairman of COVID-19 Management Committee and Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem thanked NCDC team for activating and approving the PCR lab as well as adjudging the lab and isolation centre as one of the best in the country.

Dr Ekuwem said, "On behalf of His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, I express our heartfelt gratitude to the team from the NCDC for visiting our state to painstakingly inspect and evaluate the kind of facility we have in the premises of General Hospital, Ituk Mbang."

The Chairman of COVID-19 Management Committee also expressed appreciation to Governor Udom Emmanuel for the huge investment in the health sector of the state's economy as exemplified in the upgrading of health care facilities across the state.

Describing Governor Emmanuel as a passionate and visionary leader, the State Chief Scribe informed the NCDC officials that the Udom Emmanuel-led Administration has procured various medical equipment for the state long before the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

Also speaking, the State Incident Manager and Commissioner for Health,Dr Dominic Ukpong, noted that with the approval of the PCR lab in the State, the difficulty the state was experiencing in taking COVID-19 samples to other states for testing and timely results of the test, is now a thing of the past.

According to Dr Ukpong, the lab which would also be used in carrying out tests for other infectious diseases, would help in increasing the testing capacity of persons suspected of the COVID-19, thereby helping the state to contain further spread of the virus.

The courtesy call was witnessed by the Commissioner for Information, Sir Charles Udoh, Chairman, Hospitals Management Board, Dr David Udoumoh, Senior Special Assistant and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Medicals, Dr Ignatius Akpabio and the Acting Permanent Secretary in the SSG'S Office, Dr Mfon Etimuweh, among others.

PRESS UNIT
SSG'S OFFICE
09/06/2020

Inoyo Toro Foundation, Stanbic-IBTC Testing Lab Ready - A' Ibom SSG

...as residents applaud Udom Inoyo

By Iboro Etim-Nkpoyo

The state-of-the art Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Laboratory donated by Inoyo Toro Foundation with Stanbic-IBTC to the Akwa Ibom state government has been delivered.

This was contained in a statement on Akwa Ibom state Covid-19 Update by the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman, Akwa Ibom Covid-19 Committee, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem on June 5, 2020.

Briefing newsmen on the upgrade of medical facilities in Akwa Ibom state, Dr. Ekuwem said that the 300-bed Isolation Centre; built and equipped by the state government has been commissioned with a fully detached Doctor’s quarters.

PCR Laboratory located in the Ituk Mbang Isolation Centre, where critical tests, including Covid -19 and other infectious diseases would be carried out is fully equipped and ready to commence testing.

Commending individual / corporate support through cash and material, Dr. Ekuwem informed newsmen that the laboratory - a second after that of the state government was donated by the Inoyo Toro Foundation and Stanbic-IBTC Bank.

The support from corporate organizations has brought chain reactions from residents of Akwa Ibom state who spoke to our reporter.

A resident, Mr. Ubong Samuel Esu of the Department of Early childhood Care and Education, College of Education, Afaha Nsit said that with the donation of a testing laboratory by the Inoyo Toro Foundation, the founder of the foundation Mr. Udom Inoyo is sensitive to the flight and situation of the people and state. Mr. Esu said that, while other organizations that have benefitted from the state have kept quiet and gone to bed in this critical period, the Inoyo Toro Foundation has expanded her mandate with the belief that Akwa Ibom teachers need to be alive first before they are empowered to teach the students, hence the need to carry out aggressive tests in the state.

For Barrister George Ufot, the donation of a laboratory by Stanbic-IBTC Bank and Inoyo Toro Foundation is a welcome development that will assist the state in the fight against Covid-19. Commending Mr. Inoyo for the donation of a testing laboratory, Barr, George stated that the donation is far better that "sharing few cups of rice because only people that are alive can eat rice. Corporate organizations need to take a cue from these bodies."

For Ejem Agwu, PhD, a Mass Communication Lecturer and resident of Uyo, Tests for viral presence are used to diagnose illness and to allow public health authorities to identify and contain outbreaks as quickly as possible. So access to consistent testing is necessary to assist the government tackle the pandemic, thus corporate organizations like the bank and the foundation are life savers for investing huge amount of money to ensure that Akwa Ibom people are rapidly tested.

Another resident, Mr. Eric Ekwere told this reporter that, "there are not much laboratories currently accredited for COVID19 testing in Nigeria, while more is in progress. With the donation from Inoyo Toro Foundation and Stanbic IBTC Bank, Akwa Ibom State will join the map. The fight against COVID-19 begins with an accurate test/diagnosis.
Let's stay safe and encourage social distancing as much as possible.

Recall that a statement by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dominic Ukpong in a press release dated March 30, 2020 had it that the Inoyo Toro Foundation in partnership with Stanbic IBTC Holding PLC had pledged support to the government with Laboratory Equipment for
the establishment of a Testing Centre in the state. According to the Commissioner for Health, the gesture of the foundation and bank is to ensure the early testing of suspected cases and accurate diagnosis of Covid-19.

The Inoyo Toro Foundation is a nongovernmental organization focussed on human capacity development in Akwa Ibom state.

JUNE 8: ANIEBIET FRANCIS ANSWERS THE CALL

It's the second week of the project Neighbour for Neighbour, a Public Affairs Initiative with intent to seek kindness from public spirited individuals in favour of members of the public who are in need particularly arising from the changes introduced by the Corona Virus Outbreak.

Since we started, we have been privileged to have support from very distinguished sons of the Akwa Ibom State who by their donations have been inducted into the Public Affairs Hall of Fame as Ambassadors. It is instructive to note that sooner or later, a SMILE from the PUBLIC of PUBLIC AFFAIRS, will be a golden gift to anyone who can boast of it.

Today, Ms Aniebiet Francis joins the list of Public Affairs Ambassadors - she has reached out to one private nursery/primary school teacher with 10k and the JOY EXPRESSED BY THE BENEFICIARY INDICATES TO US THAT THE TOKEN WAS HEAVENLY. This demonstrates that YOU, yes YOU are not too broke to be kind...Kindness is birthed in the heart and then the hands follow. Do not wait to have 1m before you reach out.

We hereby thank her for the endless support she has given to the Public Affairs Machinery and for the Love she has consistently poured on on the Public of Public Affairs....GOODWILL CANNOT BE BOUGHT, YOU HAVE EARNED YOURS AMONG US. CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, OUR LATEST AMBASSADOR AND FIRST FEMALE AMBASSADOR.

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N/B: These daily updates is made to encourage others to join the project Neigbour for Neighbour, first for the sake of humanity and then to qualify as an Ambassador of Public Affairs who shall all be decorated by June 30 and shall recieve enormous goodwill from the Public.

Please sign on...be the next!

HON. ANIEKAN UMANAH COMMENCES DISBURSEMENT OF N150M AGRIC & BUSINESS DEV. EMPOWERMENT SCHEME FOR CONSTITUENTS

*** Splashes N300.000 to over 50 Constituents

The member representing Abak / Etim Ekpo / Ika. Federal Constituency, Hon Aniekan Umanah has commenced the disbursements of a N150 Million Naira Agricultural Development and Empowerment Programme where over 50 beneficiaries drawn from the 31 wards of the federal constituency received sums ranging from N200,000 to a total of N300,000 each from the Aniekan Umanah Foundation in the first tranche of the programme.

At the empowerment programme held earlier today in his country home in Abak, the Federal Lawmaker said it was in line with his campaign promise of Massive Empowerment to his constituents in fulfilment of his zest to grow the peoples capacity in agriculture and other area of business. He added that the gesture will be a continuous programme until the Federal constituency attains socioeconomic leap to lead the projected revolution in agriculture.

The secretary of the foundation, Hon. Eseme Essien who reflected on the economic hardship dealt the world by the ravaging COVID 19 pandemic, said the need to diversify to agriculture is what fuelled Aniekan Umanah foundation's decision to roll out the scheme, which he noted is in support of Governor Udom Emmanuel's economic post COVID-19 reconstruction plan.

The wife of the federal lawmaker, Dcns. Maureen Aniekan Umanah during her vote of thanks, urged beneficiaries to key into all agricultural business opportunities and utilize the fund appropriately for the achievement of desire result.

Present during the empowerment were various stakeholders of the federal constituency including the former Chairman of Etim Ekpo LGA, Rt. Hon. Uduot Jack, Barr. Utibe Nwoko, Barr. Mbet Akpongette, Apostle Noah, Mrs. Useneno Tom and many others.

LATE IBANGA ETANG'S COVID-19 VERDICT : WHAT MONEY CANNOT DO, MORE MONEY CAN DO




The sudden demise of the Executive Director of Finance of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr. Ibanga Etang, generated so much ripples. Though some people had strived to point out the possible cause of the death, my focus was on the death itself, and how the family would fare now that its pillar has been fallen.
So combing for the cause of the death was absolutely inconsequential at that moment.

After several reporters had attempted to convince the general public that late Ibanga Etang died from the dreaded corona virus disease, others believed that he was sacrificed on the altar of personal interest as the sacrificial lamp, to right the wrongs of the powers that may be.

It could be recalled that for weeks now, there have been series of calls and counter calls for the probe of the Interim Management Committee of NDDC. The quest for this probe by concerned citizens emanated from the misappropriated sum of about N42bn and other improprieties discovered in NDDC within few months.

On receiving different petitions from different groups, the National Assembly had ordered that proper investigation be made to ascertain this claim. The Executive Director of Finance of NDDC was expected to appear before the National Assembly Sub-Committee on NDDC. Four days before the date, Ibanga Etang who was the the Executive Director of Finance was announced dead. What a coincidence!

Immediately the news of Ibanga's demise broke out, there was an order from the Coordinating Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for NDDC to be shut down for a period of two weeks. They believed if Ibanga had died from Corona virus, the only thing they could do to save lives was to shut down every activities in NDDC for two weeks, then decontaminate the premises for work to commence. The question some people are asking is, Why was there no order for Aso Rock to be shut down after the former Chief of Staff to the President, Late Abba Kyari had tested positive, subsequently died from the virus?

One point that drives everyone to bewilderment is how some people loyal to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs were sure of Ibanga's Covid-19 status even when the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC did not publish his test result.

After two days of inconsequential media rants by these same people prior to same test result, there was a report by some Media Houses that Ibanga's test result released by NCDC, came out negative. Even the official NDDC facebook page had also confirmed the information that Ibanga's test result came negative. It's therefore shocking how same tyey NCDC came out yesterday to maintain that the same person whose results was earlier tested and confirmed negative has suddenly been confirmed positive.

Again, the Media Houses as well as the NDDC official facebook page which had published news about Ibanga's earlier Covid-19 negative test result for reasons known to them, got rid of the information on their respective platforms few hours before the released of the Press Statement by NDDC. Indeed, what money cannot do, more money can do.

The NDDC Press Statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Charles Obi Odili, has shown that Ibanga Etang's death was planned before now. The letter which carries the signature of Mr. Charles Odili dated May 2nd 2020 has left certain questions unanswered at a time like this. What this denotes is that Ibanga Etang was marked for death since April ending. The fact that he survived ending of April to ending of May which he passed on entails how powerful he was. But it's saddening to note that Ibanga was unable to resist the death to the end. With this result finally given as positive, could it be said that once again that, "what money can not do, more money came to the rescue?

AKWA IBOM FARMER’S ENUMERATION: A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Ukeme Anwan

This is to me the first step in the right direction to solve the challenges of Nigerian Agricultural sector, the enumeration of farmers. It been quite heartwarming as the Akwa Ibom State Government sets in motion the system to capture the bio data of real farmers in the state

Agriculture is the bedrock of the Nigerian economy and the way out of Economic woes. This has been so from the 1960s that we were known for Economic crops, the groundnut pyramids in the North, cashew nuts production in the East, cocoa production in the west and oil palm production in the south. Nigerian has drifted over the years completely from this God given natural resources to crude oil without investing or giving a second thought to agriculture as its alternative means of livelihood. As the oil price drops and vessels abandoned in different ports, this is a rude awakener.

The farmers enumeration exercise has started in already, it is expected that information of all farmers in Nigeria be captured for the purpose of knowing the total number of farmers in the state and also to know their scale of production couple with the problem faced by this farmers and finally to empower them for Sustainable food security and Agriculture.

Having been involved in this exercise, I have studied the modalities deployed by both the national and sub-national governments with a personal judgement that this is one of the first ever well planned programmes of government geared at the rural farmers with good and sustainable Development. Yes I will say it again and again that it's well intended.

The modalities are just citizens centered and participatory with proper community entry approach and without any political undertone, but many may not grab this opportunity because of lack of information or lost of trust in the system (Government). I will like to seriously encourage all farmers who are currently having Agricultural investment in any location of the country to locate the enumerator sent to his or her community for a bio data capturing as it will not be as before or politicised.

It has just been necessitated by the COVID-19 and oil price drop that Nigeria must run back to agriculture as the only way forward. You may have noticed that states like Akwa Ibom have formed Post COVID-19 Reconstruction Economic Team. The information gotten from farmers will help in the allocation of funds and other agricultural inputs like fertilizer, hybrid seeds/seedlings etc for a new face of national building. If agriculture worked before the oil boom it will work more at post oil boom.

Every village of the state is assigned with an enumerator and it's expected of every enumerator to meet with the village head of any community to pass the intention of government to their communities and this exercise will take a month interval from 25th May 2020. This well intended plan can only amount to futility if farmers in each village refuse to go out for enrolment and failed to give precise and accurate information about their farm. It cut across livestock, crops and fish farming.

The required information during documentation include means of identification such as voters card, national ID, etc. Others include, Account details, with other personal data. I encourage all and sundry to avail themselves of this golden opportunity to go back to nature in order for Nigeria to get back its lost glory in Agriculture. Remember, the citizens of any nation determine the economic growth of that nation.

Akpabio’s Administration is no Match for Governor Emmanuel


There seem to be no end in sight on the irrationality of Akpabio’s media hirelings who take delight at lashing inadvertently on the present administration for no just cause. The low-thinking gullible-minded writers who do just as they are told for their stomach’s sake without having a rethink or flashback at history thus, become idle tools of hatred and jealousy in the devil’s workshop.

So, rather than educating people on Akpabio’s activities as a Minister, his achievements and proposals, they prefer to compare their demi god with Governor Emmanuel.
What beats one’s imagination in this whole contrast is the unknown purpose behind the show. Is Akpabio contesting an election as Governor again? Does he want to return to the Hilltop Mansion? Why then the envy? Why is he instituting this media war with his successor? Or does he want to force open his fraudulent activities and funds diversion records?

Akpabio and his media pupils should not push the sleeping Lions to bark back in anger with logs of folders and files of his shameful and uncouth misappropriation gleaned from his 8-year reign as Governor.

Or how do you explain giving approval for the release of N72billion naira for the construction of only 3km of the 25km Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road? How do you explain fully releasing over N150 billion for the uncompleted Tropicana? How do you explain the release of N19.5 billion for the uncompleted Etebi-Enwang road that was originally valued at N5billion naira? How do you explain the release of billions of naira meant for the construction of the 8-lane Goodluck Jonathan Boulevard on papers whereas in reality the road is 4-lane?

Should one mention the N42 billion paid for Ibom Specialty Hospital he left uncompleted or the N25 billion fully paid yet uncompleted Four Point by Sheraton?
What about the uncompleted Airport project? What happened to the N18 billion terminal building? Is the International soccer pitch (stadium) worth the reported $360 million dollars it allegedly gulped? Of what use today is the E-library to the common Akwa Ibomite? And out of the over 3trillion naira that accrued to the state in Akpbio’s terrain, how much investment dividends do the state derive today?

Is it not true that Akpabio left the state with huge debt, uncompleted white elephant projects and over N30billion pension arrears despite huge revenue?
If 10% of what the previous government spent in collecting awards from all northern Emirates, Nigerian Universities and all groups that had awards to sell; the newspaper advertorials that heralded those awards and birthdays; if the money spent on the ill-fated Tropicana and the monies looted on the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road, Goodluck Jonathan Boulevard, Etebi-Ewang road, Use-Ikot Amama road, the International stadium, permanent terminal building at the airport etc when the price of crude oil was over $100 a barrel and a dollar was exchanging for between 197 to 200 naira, were ploughed into revitalizing education and health care with all the amenities, will the present government be labouring to reconstruct 7 General Hospitals with modern health care equipment or building school blocks?

The volume of money announced and unannounced which the past government gulped, if had been used judiciously would have no doubt-built castles in the air.
The then Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had in 2013 given the federal government allocation to Akwa Ibom State as $1.7 billion (N260 billion), adding that the state ranked among the top ten highest recipients of the federal allocations. But in 2018, the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) review showed that Akwa Ibom State received N143.6 billion which is even lesser now, no thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Between an administration which promised 31 industries in 31 Local Government Area with full monetary allocation collected without delivering a single one and the one which promised to industrialize the state, and has done so with its impact reaching the citizenry at a time as this, which has the interest of the people at heart more?

Is it not true that the Rice Mill, Fertilizer blending plant, Metering Company, Kings Flour Mill, Jubilee Syringe Factory and other industries which have given jobs to the unemployed Akwa Ibom youths are visible for confirmation? Was Akpabio not present at the commissioning of these industries and did he not testify of their productiveness, standard and credibility? What then is the basis of this comparison?

In the face of these distractions, Governor Emmanuel who has remained undaunted has kept his focus on bettering the value of the people’s lives and by extension, the state’s economy which is even evidenced in 7th position we now occupy among those with high IGR nationwide.

Small scale enterprises are thriving better than has ever happened courtesy of the push given by Governor Emmanuel to promote self-sufficiency and reduce total reliance on white-collar jobs, and these SMEs have subsequently become employers of labour.
Investors today are lining up for the state because of the trust for the name, Udom Emmanuel. The number of industries presently operational in the state and those upcoming are testaments of the peace and friendly ambience provided by the present government.

Can Akwa Ibom not tell how much of killing, maiming and kidnapping we experienced during the last administration? Five years after coming on board, we can boast of safety of lives and properties, peace, more investments, accommodation of the opposition party players, zero intimidation, zero kidnapping spree and zero countless killings which characterized the previous administration so much that people can now sleep with their two eyes closed. Even those who fled the state are returning to attest to this.

Has Gov. Emmanuel not fulfilled his campaign promises? Yes, he has. No one is unaware of the fact that the Governor met with recession almost immediately he took over the reins of power. Then came the distractions of Tribunal court cases yet, from his first term 5-point agenda to his 8-point agenda which he is undertaking currently, the State leader has performed with results to show for it.

Why is Akpabio then trying to ridicule the hard-earned reputation and effort of this administration for no just cause? What does he really want?

It is noteworthy that Governor Udom Emmanuel is not seeking applause in his development-drive for the people, neither is he in competition with anybody but is on a serious committed and calculated process of transformation. As such, cannot be distracted by criticisms which lack merit.
Because he believes that government is a continuum, all of Akpabio’s uncompleted projects have been captured by Gov. Udom, unlike Akpabio who abandoned Attah’s former projects. Unfinished roads and structures as well as the free education and health policies have all been sustained.

Akpabio and his urchins should stay away from opening an unwarranted gap of abuse and attack on the present government who is no match for their deflated ego.

Governor Emmanuel, unlike Akpabio came into government already-made with a myriad of investments and luxuries, and doesn’t need to enrich himself with funds meant for the communal good of the state to feel on top of the world.

As a matter of fact, the best time to compare who did better is not now but after the expiration of the present government’s tenure. Comparison is confirmed when two objects of equal weights are weighed on a balance hence, comparing an 8-year-old government with a 5-year-old one is totally unreasonable.
They should rather wait till 2023, after the expiration of Governor Emmanuel’s tenure before bringing out their scale of comparison.
Then will they be able to tell who served better and, while they wait, they should channel their energy and resources into encouraging Governor Emmanuel, and desist from PHD (Pull him Down) fever.

GOVERNOR EMMANUEL URGES AKWA IBOM CHILDREN TO SHUN ANTI-SOCIAL TENDENCIES

Akwa Ibom State Governor has sent his felicitations to the children of the State on the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day celebrations.

In a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Emmanuel urged Akwa Ibom children to remain focussed on their education noting that “the future is yours to secure and keep.

That is the reason we have invested huge resources in ensuring that our children are made ready for the globalized world of the 21 Century where skills, talents, passion, ability to think outside the box and sharp execution of tasks are the underlying requirements for success. That explains why we have not relented in ensuring that our children are kept busy even with the Covid-19 pandemic through our hugely popular “School on Radio” programme on AKBC.

We have endeavoured to provide conducive learning environment complete with tools that will enhance, deepen and expand the frontiers of knowledge. We are also maintaining rigorous training of teachers to bring them up to speed with modern approaches to teaching.
The theme of this year’s celebration “Promoting Girl Child Education for Sustainable Development” captures a critical component of the Pet Project of Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel- her untiring interest and passion in the growth and development of the girl child through Family Empowerment and Youth Re-orientation Path Initiative (FEYReP.)

The holistic education of the girl child, from instilling the right values, distilling her sense of self and identity, forswearing unwholesome tendencies that may negate her future and growth, and the infinite faith in her capacity to rise to the faith of her greatness without fear of limitations based on her agenda are important element that we have emphasised.

Let me again use this opportunity to urge our children to stay away from anti-social tendencies such as cultism, and rather focus on their education and other ennobling pursuits. I wish you all a Happy celebration”!

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: FUNDAMENTAL TO SOCIAL SECURITY

Essien Ndueso

It is hard to believe that the same Akwa Ibom where a governor some few years ago confessed to his government being bedeviled by cultism; with insecurity and violent crimes walking on two legs is the harbinger of peace and youth empowerment under another administration

A News magazine in consideration of the dark days at the time and alleged culpability in not stemming the tide described the situation on one of its covers, as Reign of Terror.

Those bedarken days were truly terrific with tears of victims and relatives flooding the streets.

Several families had their tales of woes to tell from the loss of their breadwinners to the rape and kidnapping of daughters and wives.

Some local government areas like Ika, Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun were completely shut out from other parts of the state owing to insurgency.

The youths are the future of any nation. It is against this background that nations put in place training and development programmes for their young men and women. Where there are no such training and development programmes, the youths as the most active part of that nation’s population find alternative means of socialization. This may be detrimental to social security in such a country. It was in this recognition that Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States said; “I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of society but the people themselves and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them but to inform their discretion by education.”

This is to say that the people of which the youth form the majority need to be constantly trained, developed and guided in order to meet the yearnings and expectations of the society.

If the youth are not properly guided, criminality, insecurity and deviant tendencies will multiply. This was why Franklin D. Roosevelt, one time President of the United States opined that “flaming youth has become a flaming question. And youth comes to us wanting to know what we may propose to do about a society that hurts so many of them.” This situation has played out in some parts of the country where people come out to ask what government proposes to them by way of kidnapping, defiance of government orders as well as other criminal acts. To checkmate this kind of scenario in Akwa Ibom State, the Udom Emmanuel administration has put in place various training and development programmes for the young people of the State.

In an effort to avoid a situation where youths seek alternative means of socialization, the Udom Emmanuel administration banned cultism in the State and proscribed some sixty five cult groups in Akwa Ibom State. And considering the fact that there is no vacuum in nature, a monthly youth prayer summit is put in place to accommodate and engage youths in spiritual and mental exercises.

Not oblivious that Satan finds work for an idle person, this administration has instituted several forms of training programmes to get the youth gainfully engaged. These range from giving them skills in the areas of agriculture, entrepreneurial activities and sports. Today, most young men and women engage themselves in various agricultural undertakings. They could be found in poultry and fish farming, livestock, cocoa and coconut farming, rice and corn farming and in several trades.

In the area of entrepreneurial activities, they have ventured into block moulding, carpentry, aluminum windows and doors, welding and electrical installations. To avoid a situation where the youth fail to utilize the skills gained, interest free micro credit facilities have been provided by the Governor to assist them put their skills into practice. Skills and entrepreneurial developments, SMEs, Microfinance as well as Brand Management and Marketing are part of the departments created in the Governor’s office, to harness and manage this interface.

Sports development has become a very lucrative business. To ensure that Akwa Ibom Youths are not left out in this business, Governor Emmanuel has upped the ante in sports in the State. His concern has been to construct sports development centres in the ten Federal Constituencies in the State. Renovation work was carried out in Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Uyo Township Stadium, as well as the school sports facilities at the West Itam Secondary School and the big one, the construction of a model stadium, 18,000 capacity Eket Modern Stadium. His administration has lifted the football teams in the State to international recognition. During his tenure, the State through Akwa United lifted for the first time ever, the federation cup twice, and he also made the state to now have two strong teams in the elite division of the country’s football league. The success of the yearly school sports festival is also witnessed in the ability of the state female soccer team, Ibom Angels, to get through to the finals of the national female federation cup, and the successes of the state’s contingents in recent national sports festivals.

In the postulation of Robert Coram an English-born American educationist, “education means the instruction of youth in certain rules of conduct by which they will be able to support themselves when they come to age and know the obligations they are under to that society of which they constitute a part”. It is in this recognition that the Udom Emmanuel administration believes that education should not be left to the caprice or negligence of parents to chance or confined to the children of wealthy citizens. Consequently, the administration has made education free and compulsory to Senior Secondary School level. And pays the senior secondary school examination fees for all indigenes of the state. These are the people that will define the Akwa Ibom of the future. This administration is by this singular action looking up to a better, more secured and more prosperous Akwa Ibom State. His love for the sustained education programmes for youth has seen Mr Emmanuel defy the barriers caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic, to start a radio learning programme for students in Secondary schools, and primary schools pupils.

To secure a prosperous Akwa Ibom State of the future, Governor Udom Emmanuel has set up, at the last count, at least eighteen industrial concerns so far. Apart from these concerns growing the economy of the State, they are also offering employment for qualified young men and women of the State. More than this, those of them who are into agriculture will have ready market for their produce. The multiplier effect of these activities no doubt has a catalytic effect on the security of lives and property in the State.

Perhaps, it is in recognition of the strides made by the Udom Emmanuel administration that our young men and women took to the streets of Uyo to applaud Governor Emmanuel’s proscription of cult groups in the State. They have faith that Governor Emmanuel is ready and willing to take them away from an era of total insecurity and lawlessness. They have risen in support of his proactive actions since the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic in the State. This is a way of their telling the governor that they have faith in his leadership. Not minding the hardship during this trying period, they are satisfied that they are following a leader who knows the way and is giving quality, effective and efficient leadership. By this, they are exemplifying Elton Trueblood’s definition of faith which according to him “is not belief without proof but trust without reservation”.

With this kind of massive support, cooperation and goodwill, more and sustained training and development programmes will continue to come the way of the Youth of Akwa Ibom State. In addition, the advancement of the cause of the youth will ensure a peaceful prosperous and secure Akwa Ibom State. In a not too distant future, we will say like Rouget De Lisle, a French writer; “come children of our native land, the day of glory has arrived”, and all thanks will be to a leader, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

GOVERNOR EMMANUEL, COVID-19 AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT

Aniefiok Macaulay

At a restaurant, a cockroach suddenly flew from somewhere and sat on a lady. She started screaming out of fear. With a panic stricken face and trembling voice, she started jumping, with both hands desperately trying to get rid of the cockroach. Her reaction was contagious, as everyone in her group also got panicky.

The lady finally managed to push the cockroach away, but it landed on another lady in the group. Now, it was the turn of the other lady in the group to continue the drama. The waiter rushed forward to their rescue. In the relay of throwing, the cockroach next fell upon the waiter. The waiter stood firm, composed himself and observed the behavior of the cockroach on his shirt. When he was confident enough, he grabbed it with his fingers and threw it out of the restaurant.

Above presents a picture of the ability and inability of many a person to manage crisis and attitude to crisis situation as postulated in the Cockroach Management Theory by Sundar Pichai.

In his conclusion, Pichai reasoned that it was not the cockroach, but the inability of those people to handle the disturbance caused by the cockroach, that disturbed the ladies. Thus, while the ladies reacted without getting any positive result, the waiter responded to the situation in a perfect manner.

Crisis comes in different shades and colours and managing it, is one of the numerous challenges confronting humans on daily basis. Some may be predictable while others unpredictable. At times, it could be intrapersonal, interpersonal and in some cases, global in nature like Covid-19.

In whatever nature, form and shade the crisis comes, the outcome whether successful or not would largely depend on the attitude, knowledge and confident level of the crisis manager.

The insurgence of the COVID-19 has once again thrown up the leadership capacity of crisis management by state governors and heads of government of many nations.

While some leaders have been blamed by their citizens for the poor handling of the COVID-19 pandemic owing to their lackadaisical approach to curtailing the number of deaths, others have been commended for leading the fight from the front.

Interestingly, just as, it may not be the shouting of bosses in the office that disturb us, but our inability to handle the disturbances caused by their shout, so it may not be the noise of the minority members of the opposition who criticize every steps of a leader in the handling of the situation but the ability or attitude of the leader towards the generated noise.

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state, even in much more better ways than the waiter in the Pichai’s theory has often times shown a legendary prowess in responding to crisis that are far more complicated than the cockroach analogy. In doing that, he has always led in the front, maintained a positive attitude and gave hope that solution was realizable.

Good enough, the governor is not new to crisis management. For instance, he successfully managed the economic recession of 2016. While most of his counterparts ran to the center for bailout funds to pay salaries of their employees, and others even with bail-out funds owed salaries for ten months or more, Governor Emmanuel expertly navigated the troubled waters of recession without owing salaries and pensions.

Needless to point out that even at close shave with fatality, the governor has always risen to the occasion in showing exemplary leadership by leading in front. Many are appreciative of the strength and confidence he exuded in the management of the December 10, 2016 Reigners’ Church collapse crisis which led to the control of the death toll and rapid treatment of the victims.

Regardless, Governor Emmanuel also proved book makers wrong in their assumptions that Akwa Ibom was a flash point of the 2019 elections. By his peaceful mien, godliness and pursuit of peace with all men, he refused to be distracted by the sounds of the drums of war beaten by the Warsaw saw war political warlords.

In a rare exhibition of the character of the biblical Zedekiah, on the eve of the governorship elections, Governor Emmanuel went to the Latter House Chapel and offered prayer to God. He requested God to honour His name against those who taunted the Only God mantra.

Moreso, he prayed for the peaceful election, echoing the words similar to that of former President Goodluck Johnathan that “his ambition and that of any politician was not worth the blood of any innocent person”. The result was that the “mercenaries and militants investors” brought in from Edo and Rivers states by the opposition were either arrested or retreated from the state without firing a shot.

Today, just about a year after that, the governor is again called to the task of managing yet another crisis of a different dimension that has already sent over 95000 persons to their early graves in places like the United States alone and over three million worldwide.
Though no one planned for the pandemic of this magnitude, Governor Emmanuel as usual has shown himself ready to confront the pandemic headlong. Recalled that while others trembled out of fear and reacted to the pandemic by intuition, the governor, like that waiter, studied the situation, exuded confidence and took appropriate steps that have paid off.

Rather than reacting to issues or playing to the gallery by jumping in front of a moving truck, talking tough or sending his exco members and aides to keep vigil at the motor parks and boundaries, the governor adopted a digital approach to checking influx of people into the state.

Knowing that the dissemination of accurate and factual information is key to crisis management the governor ensures that this is done for the citizens and residents to be kept abreast of measures the government have taken to contain the pandemic.

Within the last two months, the governor in a bit to updating the people on the progress made in the fight against the pandemic, has had at least three statewide special broadcast, three media live interactions beaming across all social networks, radio and television as well as two press conferences. These are besides, the frequent briefings through his Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Incident Management Committee Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem.

Perhaps, to show that those infected are still humans and should not be treated like animals by keeping them in makeshift canopies, caravans and tents at playing grounds, the governor ensured that there is a well-furnished isolation center at the Ibom Specialty Hospital as well as initiated and completed a state-of-the-art 300 bed isolation centre in Ituk Mbang in just about 30 days awaiting commissioning.

Besides, the governor has taken steps to ensure a quick recovery of the state from the pangs of Covid-19 by setting up a committee for economic reconstruction of the state, the Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery Committee, headed by renowned economists Prof Akpan Ekpo.

Mindful of the fact that times may be difficult and no volume of palliatives would be sufficient to satisfy the over six million Akwa Ibom people, the governor, in a statewide radio and television broadcast empathized that he also feels the pain and he is together as always with the people.

There is no magical words that could be so soothing and reassuring than hearing Governor Emmanuel say “you have entrusted me with the responsibility of leading you and on this issue as with all other issues, I will continue to lead you from the front”, adding “I can promise you that we will leave no stone unturned in the fight against this pandemic”.
“ we may have been bruised but we will not be broken, while hoping for the best, we will prepare for the worst but rest assured that whatever that worst may be, it will not break us,
“I am hopeful that with God on our side, this pandemic shall pass and we will be able to say that we have been counted and not one of us is missing”, he enthused.

Macauley, a journalist writes from Uyo, Akwa Ibom state

AKWA IBOM: THE ROADMAP TO POWER-FOR-ALL BY 2021

Godwin Ibok

Governor Emmanuel has, since his first term, demonstrated a clear understanding of the central role that power plays in the effort to change the status of the state, from a predominantly civil service to an economic power. In other words, he is fully aware that the effort to build infrastructure to support his economic programme would come to naught without uninterrupted power supply throughout the state.

The various initiatives of the administration in the power sector over the last five years have been geared towards providing the backbone for other sectors of the economy to thrive. These initiatives have primarily centered on intervention projects in power generation and injection, to ensure every community in the state is linked to the national grid. The interventions have seen the government construct injection and sub-stations in strategic locations around the state, from Uyo, the state capital, to other locations that would enable easy distribution of power to the nooks and crannies of the state.

The focus of the Udom Emmanuel administration from inception in 2015 has been the building of an economy that would make Akwa Ibom State not only economically self-sufficient, but also one that would reposition the state as an economic and business hub not just in Nigeria, but also in the West African sub-region.

The governor spent the first four years of what would be an eight-year tenure laying the foundation that would make that plan realizable. Apart from setting up numerous industries, about 18 so far, that have employed thousands of the state’s indigenes with the domino effect of contributing to improvement of the standard of living of a good number of people, the governor paid priority attention to the building of critical infrastructure on which the state’s economic independence would stand, in order to guarantee sustainable development of the present generation of Akwa Ibomites and beyond.

For instance, the government has constructed a 2x5 MVA, 33/11KV injection sub-station on Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo, to ensure constant power supply in parts of the the state capital and environs. The construction of a 2x15 MVA injection sub-station at the Victor Attah International Airport is intended to move the airport away from dependence on the electricity generating set on which it has operated since its inauguration on September 23, 2009, which has been at an enormous cost to the government. The constant and uninterrupted power supply to this important facility is expected to significantly enhance efficiency and improve services at the state’s major gateway to other parts of Nigeria and the rest of the world. This is more so as the state now has its own carrier – Ibom Air – that is expected to play a leading role in conveying the expected surge of visitors to the state on investment and tourism.
The government has constructed 2x60 MVA, 132/33 KV power sub-station at Ekim, in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, in addition to the rehabilitation of facilities belonging to the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company at Etim Ekpo, Mkpat Enin, Ikot Abasi Ekpu and Ikot Ekpene.

The effort to ensure electrification of all parts of the state has led to the installation of 1x60 MVA, 132 KV transmission sub-station at Afaha Ube, Itam, in Itu Local Government Area and acquisition of 1x30 MVA transformer for communities in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area. The present administration has also extended public power supply, through dedicated lines, to Four Points by Sheraton Hotel at Ikot Ekpene.

Perhaps what could be regarded as the boldest and most ambitious initiative of the Udom administration in the area of power supply is the launch of Power-for-All by December, 2021. The commitment of the administration to attaining this goal could be seen in the fact that it is actually tied to an achievement date. It is unarguably the first of its kind in the country.

These initiatives were targeted at achieving the government’s objective of providing uninterrupted electricity supply to all the communities in the state, 24 hours of the day, seven days of the week. The significant improvement in electricity supply that is noticeable today in all parts of the state is a pointer to the fact that the objective is achievable.

Realization of this objective has, however, been hampered by the fact that the state is not allowed to transmit the power it generates. Despite the liberalization of the power sector, which allows private participation in power generation and distribution, transmission still resides with the federal government, through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). As it stands at the moment, only 40 per cent of the electricity generated by Ibom Power is evacuated by TCN. As a consequence, the power generated in Akwa Ibom is not available in large quantity even to the people of the state.

Governor Emmanuel has remained undeterred by this development, as he is bent on meeting the target of his Power-for-All by December, 2021 Programme. The government is currently collating data for all villages in the state for a community metering programme, with a view to ensuring every community is connected to the national power grid.
Also, an inventory has been made to know villages in the state without electricity power

Even with the inability to evacuate all the electricity generated by Ibom Power, the government is still forging ahead with its plan to generate additional 685 megawatts of electricity from the power plant, for which the state had since received a license. This would increase its capacity to 875 megawatts, from the current 190 megawatts. The hope is that sooner than later, the state would be able to transmit and distribute the power it generates, for the optimum benefit of the people.

The plan to generate more power is an indication of the governor’s foresightedness in recognizing, from the futuristic infrastructure he is putting in place today, that the power the state currently generates will not be enough to sustain the economy he is building when it gathers full steam to fully benefit from the numerous investments that are being anticipated from within and outside the country, post COVID-19.

Generation of additional power would not only ensure availability of electricity throughout the state, but would also enable it to sell the surplus to neighbouring states in what is certainly a veritable source of huge revenue to the state.

The single-minded approach of the government to the building of power infrastructure is borne out of the fact that the plan to make all parts of the state conducive for residency and investment is tied to availability of uninterrupted supply of electricity to all the areas, including the hinterland. The aim is to make it possible for people to live in any part of the state to utilize the numerous opportunities the various government incentives are opening for job creation in all sectors, including micro, small and medium enterprises. This would achieve the overall objective of significantly improving the quality of life of the people of the state, now and in the future.

NDDC And The Sponsored Attacks On Idongesit Nkanga: The Kicks Of A Drowning Horse




The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC is an interventionist Agency which was established by an act of parliament for the sole mandate of developing the Niger Delta Region. Subsequently, a Federal ministry, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs was created and its core responsibility was to oversee and report progress of development in the region before the Federal Executive Council.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC was to become a parastatal under the ministry and the core mandate of the Commission was to train and educate the youths of the oil rich Niger Delta regions to curb hostilities and militancy, while developing key infrastructure to promote diversification and productivity. Now, one would be forced to ask, " has this dream been fulfilled thus far?

Tracing antecedents, one could picture how woeful NDDC, as well as the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta have fared in the discharge of their core mandates. The objectives behind their establishment have outrightly been defeated, and it takes consistent reawakening activities by patriots of the region for actual reparation by them.

Without mincing words, notable organizations like the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF which is chaired by a one-time Military governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga, rtd amongst others, have unanimously taken upon themselves the burden of striving to ensure the improprieties in the Commission and Niger Delta region at large are wholly corrected. This, every right thinking person from the region would support for proper accountability in the Commission which is for the general interest of the region. And not to be used as a mercenary of destruction to anyone who dare to call NDDC and the Ministry of Niger Delta to probity.

Having perused on the Press Statement of PANDEF which commended the National Assembly on the probe of NDDC, it's saddening to note that it does not in anyway warrant the relentless insults, abuses and castigation on the Chairman of the Forum, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga by some sponsored mercenaries.

On the Press Statement, the former Military governor enumerated the many challenges faced in the Niger Delta region and the need for both Chambers of the National Assembly to be patriotic not to drop the petition because of the pressure that would be mounted on them by some Desperados. I did not stumble upon any line which described the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Desperado or among the Desperados. But a couple of APC media hirelings and political contractors in Akwa Ibom State have claimed otherwise through concocted Press Statements, . Maybe they are indirectly trying to tell the world about how desperate Akpabio is, and how far he would go to mounting pressure on the National Assembly to decline the probe of his ministry and NDDC. But how would they be so mean to have turned to ironically bait Senator Akpabio even after being induced financially.

As the then governor of the State and subsequently Senator representing Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Akpabio's greatest philosophy was " what money cannot do more money can do". Thus, he would always create hopes from absolute hopelessness. Everything would be manipulated to occur the way he wanted. Because of how dangerous this philosophy had been, the former President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Olusegun Obasanjo had warned Barr. Mike Igini who served as as the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Akwa Ibom State to run away from Senator Akpabio. " If you allow him come near you, he'll give you an offer you may never be able to reject". This was his advice to the INEC REC. Because the INEC REC adhered strictly to this elderly advise, Akpabio and his cohorts had sought for all available avenue to destroy Igini's image. The rest is history for those that know or would want to know.

Today, some unregistered groups are unceasingly threatening both Chambers of the National Assembly to drop the proposed probe of Akpabio and NDDC's wanton and reckless spending of about N42bn within few weeks. Some acclaimed Niger Delta Militant groups are not left out of this. This was what PANDEF meant by pressure. We thank God that at last, Akpabio's core mercenary has been able to indirectly point at Akpabio as the man behind the scene. This means that Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga who's from the same State with Senator Akpabio understands him better than others who are not from their State.

I also read an open letter to Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga written by one Rachel Etuk, one of the Akpabio's media foot soldiers. In her piece, she descended on the Elder why he should dare call the attention of the Federal Government and National Assembly to the abandoned East-West road which has been under construction for more than 15years now. She cried bitterly why the former Military governor should involve Akpabio to the hapless condition of the road considering the fact that Akpabio is barely a year in office as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

Sincerely speaking, I didn't see where Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga said or wrote that Akpabio is the reason why the East-West road is in that misfortunate state it is currently. Rachel linking Akpabio's name to this is something I do not understand. Was she trying to say that the N43bn that's been complained missing would somehow or someday be said to have been disbursed for the construction of that road without the requiring paper work? She really needs to explain to her paymaster, Akpabio why she had to drag his name to the East-West road saga. Maybe next time, Rachel would learn to digest a piece carefully with utmost understanding before venturing into giving reactions either against or in support. That's if she's even intelligent enough to read without the help of a second party.

Because they were trained to always attack personalities and not issues, Rachel in her open letter to the highly respected Akwa Ibom Elder had tried to soil his hard-earned reputation. One of the points she raised was that throughout Akpabio's 8-years in office as governor, the former Military governor had supported Akpabio unreservedly. "If Akpabio was that corrupt, why then did you support him throughout those years? This was the question Rachel put forward to H.E Idongesit Nkanga.

I don't know if Rachel has never made a mistake in her life before. If she'll claim not to have made any mistake in her life, she should know that life is like a football game. A center referee may blow his whistle, awarding a penalty kick against one side of the teams. But on looking critically at the VAR, he then discovers that his decision to have given a penalty kick was so grossed. He blows the whistle again calling for a fair play as against the penalty kick he had awarded earlier. That's how life is. Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga after the 8-years of Akpabio as governor discovered that if Akpabio had used 40% of the total money that had flourished in the State as at then, Akwa Ibom State would have been better than Dubai today. Rachel, if you were in his position, wouldn't you have called off the penalty kick the way Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga did? Be sincere to yourself for once!

Again, I saw where one of the media urchins of the Minister tried to explain how Akpabio made Idongesit Nkanga who he is today. This is only ludicrous. How's it possible for Akpabio to have made a man who was made even before Akpabio graduated from college? At times, I don't debate when some people maintain that everyone in Akpabio's camp is a tramadol addict. 'Akpabio made Idongesit Nkanga' is only but a statement that is tramadolically motivated.

I don't know how possible they think that blackmail, castigation and insult on anyone who dare support the National Assembly on the probe of the Interim Management Committee of NDDC and Senator Godswill Akpabio would help them quench the fire that has been burning and about setting the Minister and his cohorts ablaze.

I'm yet to understand how all the threats by some faceless and Militant groups would help make both Chambers of the National Assembly decline the probe of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and NDDC over the undocumented reckless spending of about N43bn within few weeks.

At this point, I'm left with no option than to state that Akpabio's efforts to subvert the Elders of Niger Delta as well as the National Assembly is nothing but the last kicks of a drowning horse. When it's time, he'll appear before both Chambers of the National Assembly to give proper account of the sudden disappearance of N43bn.


Umani Uwemedimo, a good governance advocate and public affairs analyst, writes from Uyo.

A'IBOM COVID-19 IMC: GOV. EMMANUEL'S TACTICAL COMMAND IN WINNING THE WAR

James Edet

The advent of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 as a global pandemic has no doubt brought about growing concerns and uncertainties to the global community. That the virus has no respect for national barrier, race, sex and political or religious affinity has intensified global anxiety over public health outcome as well as global and national economies, both at the macro and micro fundamentals.

The intensity of COVID-19 becomes more complex and frightening for African nations and other third world countries where malfunctioning economies, poor infrastructure, weak healthcare system and endemic poverty are the open sores which escalate the morbidity of the pandemic. Paradoxically, even the developed and great nations of the world like the USA, Great Britain, Germany, Russia and China have not escaped the fangs and pangs of this panting pandemic.

Given the crises and gloomy scenario that this bellicose contagion has bestrode our world today, there is urgent need for proactive leaders with the capacity to think outside the box, leaders with motivating impulse and foresight to change the negative narrative in governance, leaders who can effectively activate the turnkeys of development and rally the human and material capitals of their states to frontally confront the pandemic to cessation.

Fortunately for Akwa Ibom, one of Nigeria’s fastest growing State, the above prognosis of proactive and efficient leadership befits its current Governor, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, who from all indications was divinely ordained for a time like this, given his deep vision and robust organizational dexterity in the management of the novel coronavirus pandemic, and in the overall governance and wellbeing of his people, anchored on industrialization, job creation, poverty alleviation and the attendant fiscal growth and economic emancipation.

General Charles de Gaulle, a onetime French President, was one of the outstanding leaders and army commanders of the modern era. From his experience in the battlefield after leading the French resurgence against Nazi Germany during World War II, the iconic General conjectured that: “Faced with crises, the man of character falls back to himself. He imposes his own stamp of action and takes responsibility for its success’’.

That the COVID-19 pandemic is a serious global crisis today is not in question. In fact, for some leaders in the likes of Governor Udom Emmanuel, combating the novel coronavirus is literally a warfare that must be fought with all seriousness and with the deployment of the best of combatants and armaments. For Governor Emmanuel in particular, the war against COVID-19, is a war that must not only be fought; it is a war that must be fought and won outrightly and uprightly!

From all indications, the Governor is winning the COVID-19 battle in Akwa Ibom State. Just like a general and tactical war commander in the mould of General Charles de Gaulle in a conventional combat situation, Governor Udom Emmanuel has, since 1st April 2020, when the virus announced its first incursion into the Akwa Ibom territory, led the COVID-19 battle from the frontline, spending sleepless nights on tactical planning, as well as committing enormous time, energy and material resources to execute the warfare. As if he knew the world will one day be on its knees, running from pillar to post in search of medical palliatives to mitigate the effect of COVID-19, Governor Emmanuel had since his assumption of office in 2015 positioned the healthcare sector as paramount in his agenda for the state, investing huge resources in this direction.

Today, the gains of these investments are very visible, highlighting our medical landscape in great abundance and opulence. The cutting-edge facilities at the Ibom Specialist Hospital, Uyo, the Infectious Disease Hospital in Ikot Ekpene and the 300 bed ultra-modern Isolation and Disease Control Centre in Ituk Mbang, built to completion, fully and tastefully furnished in a record thirty days, as well as the many other modern hospitals constructed and remodeled, with some of the best facilities in the country, are eloquent testimonies of Governor Emmanuel’s commitment to not only eliminating the novel coronavirus from the state, but also raising the bar to satisfy the overall healthcare yearnings of his people.

Every battle commander needs a battalion of soldiers, a tactical command to successfully execute his war strategies. For Governor Udom Emmanuel, being the general commander in the frontline of the fight against this raging pandemic, the state COVID-19 Incident Management Committee provides the engine room and the tactical command to propel the epic medical combat against the novel coronavirus.
The conformation and routines of this committee, which he set up on Sunday March 29, 2020 as a rapid response team, again bring to light the governor’s deep understanding of corporate governance stratagems and managerial competence, as the team is made up of some of the best medical experts and other professionals in the land, who are primed to interpret the governor’s blue print and juxtapose same with their expertise to exterminate COVID-19 in the state. Since its inauguration, the state COVID-19 Incident Management Committee (IMC) has worked round the clock to achieve its overall objective of ensuring effective preparedness and response to any case of COVID-19 in Akwa Ibom State as well as containing the outbreak and spread of the virus.

As a critical interventionist think-tank and rapid response team, the IMC by Governor Emmanuel’s modus operandi, is structured into pillars whose interfacing functions are overseen by the Incident Manager and the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dominic Ukpong, while he, Governor Udom Emmanuel, is at its echelon as the Taskforce Chairman, providing dynamic leadership and the resources for the successful execution of the COVID-19 warfare.

Among the pillars of IMC are the Epidemiology and Surveillance Pillar, which oversees the early detection and reporting of infections as well as outbreak characterization and data analysis for response and decision making; the Laboratory Pillar for early laboratory confirmation of suspected cases as well as facilitating sample transportation to the laboratory; the Point of Entry (POE), which screens all passengers at arrival points – land routes, airport and seaports, into the state for early detection of high-risk persons for follow-up, isolation of symptomatic passengers and transfer of same to the designated isolation centres for testing; the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Pillar which ensures that effective infection prevention and control protocols are in place and implemented to break the chain of transmission at points of entry, health facilities and communities; and the Case Management Pillar which works round the clock for prompt isolation and management of suspected/confirmed cases with improved outcomes. There is also the Risk Communication Pillar, which sees to the sensitization of communities on preventive and protective measures, as well as conducting rumour monitoring and countering of misinformation.

As an integrated system, the IMC has the Logistics lead, which ensures there is adequate forecasting, quantification, prepositioning and tracking of drugs, lab reagent and health care products. The Coordination Pillar oversees the mobilization and coordination of resources, partnerships and strategies for effective and efficient management of outbreaks while the Finance and Administration Pillar fashions budgetary provisions, tracks allocation of resources and monitors implementation of activities. The Incident Management Committee also has the Safety and Welfare Pillar which ensures the safety, security and welfare of all responders. The Liaison Officer and Public Information Officer on the other hand play the vital role of interconnecting the various publics, internal and external, in its daily activities with the attendant feedback impulses.

Central to the rapid response role of the Akwa Ibom State COVID-19 Incident Management Committee is its Situation Room/Emergency Call Centre. With 4 call stations, on 24-hour operation, running on three shifts – morning, afternoon and night, the facility remains one of the best in the country in terms of cutting-edge facilities and professionals to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic. Significantly, as at Wednesday, May 20, 2020 the cumulative number of calls so far relayed to the Call Centre since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the state stood at two thousand, seven hundred and eighty five (2,785). All calls to the centre are given premium attention and most of them have prompted follow-ups and necessary actions by the appropriate pillars of the IMC

A cursory analysis of activities of these pillars showcases the highest level of professionalism in the execution of their assigned responsibilities and the overall objective of effective response to outbreak and spread of the novel coronavirus in the state. For instance, data at the Point of Entry Pillar indicates that as at Wednesday May 20, 2020, the total number of persons who had been screened for entry into the state since the outbreak of the pandemic stood at 45,476. Details of this number from the 10 identified points of entry into the state stood as follows: (i) Eket-Ibeno -3808; (ii)Azuminri-Iwukem-6591; (iii)Ikot Abasi-Opobo-5256; (iv) Ikot Ekpene-Aba-4464;(v) Itu Head Bridge-7327; (vi)Obot Akara-Umuaihia-3472; (vii) Obot Akara-Aba Road-5571; (viii) Oron Maritime Police Post-4330; (ix) Ikot Abasi-Ogoni Border(Horricon)-4371; (x) Victor Attah Int’l Airport-286. Out of the total number of 45,476, 69 persons were intercepted as persons of interest (POIs).

On Contact Tracing, the cumulative number of contacts so far traced in the state as at Wednesday May 20, 2020 stood at 341. Of this number, 299 have been discharged from tracing while thirty one (31) are still on the radar for follow up. For Case Management, the total number of confirmed cases within the same period, stood at 18, according to the state Epidemiologist, Dr. Ntiense Umoette. Of this number, 13 of the cases had been discharged from isolation following successful management by the state IMC with the facilities at Ibom Specialist Hospital; 3 cases were still under admission but in stable condition; while 2 cases of death have, unfortunately, been recorded. Worthy of note too is the fact that the Infection Prevention and Control Pillar has undertaken massive decontamination of health facilities as well as other public facilities and spaces across the three senatorial districts of the state, including homes and facilities of confirmed cases, since the outbreak of the pandemic in the state, in order to break the chain of transmission.

From all indications, the COVID-19 fight in Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel has been an enviable success story.
The untiring efforts of the Chairman of COVID-19 Committee and Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, the Incident Manager, Dr Dominic Ukpong who is also the State Commissioner for Health, his Works counterpart, Akparawa Ephraim Inyangeyen and the Commissioner for Information, Sir Charles Udoh, among other government functionaries, must be commended for their strategic roles as brigade commanders in Governor Udom Emmanuel's tactical army for the execution of the COVID-19 warfare in the state.

The entire members of State COVID-19 Incident Management Committee must also be commended for purposefully translating the Governor’s blueprint into reality. The investigative effort of IMC at contact tracing, case isolation and management, and its many other proactive methodologies in managing and stemming the tide of the COVID-19 in the state is widely acclaimed. For instance, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control scored Akwa Ibom State 99.1% in contact tracing, in recognition of the state’s hands-on response in mitigating the pandemic. The commitment of the Committee has also paid off greatly as the State continues to maintain almost 100% feat in case management. Almost all the cases managed by the IMC have recorded full recovery, except for the two mortalities which were referrals managed by private health facilities only brought to the notice of the IMC too late in near-dead conditions.

Worthy of note too is the fact that Akwa Ibom State is perhaps the only state in Nigeria that employs 3D surveillance technology at its borders for point-of-entry reconnaissance. This has paid off handsomely as the IMC has on many occasions intercepted and apprehended several persons who attempted to enter the state illegally, some with suspected corpses for burial.

Considering the caliber and expertise of the professionals at the disposal of the Akwa Ibom State COVID-19 IMC and the state-of-the-art facilities available in healthcare institutions across the state, all at the instance of the state governor, the monumental accomplishments recorded in combating the novel coronavirus in the state is not unexpected. Speaking at one of the daily meetings of the IMC, at the Ibom Specialist Hospital in Uyo, the state capital, the Deputy Incident Manager of the team and Director of Public Health in the State, Dr. Godffrey Akro submitted that Governor Udom Emmanuel is the driving force behind the success story of the IMC. He postulated that, “Akwa Ibom State will be used as a case study nationally and globally in the fight against COVID-19 because of how Governor Udom Emmanuel's dynamic leadership has made our response against the pandemic one of the most successful in Nigeria”.

Patients who have been successfully managed and discharged of COVID-19 in the state have also paid glowing tributes to Governor Udom Emmanuel. For Dr Otobong Asukwo, “kudos must be given to the state government under Governor Udom Emmanuel. Without the effort of government, successful management of cases would not have been possible in the state”. For another survivor, Pharmacist Ememobong Udo-fa, “thanks must be given to Governor Udom Emmanuel and the Incidence Management Committee for working tirelessly round the clock’’ for the successful management and discharge of COVID-19 patients in the state.

With his people oriented governance style exemplified in the manner he has successfully piloted the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state, Governor Udom Emmanuel has once again proven his capacity and dexterity in leadership, and again reassured Akwa Ibom people that his choice to govern the state was divinely preordained, particularly for a precarious time like this.

James Edet is the Director of Information,
Akwa Ibom State

Attack on Idongesit Nkanga: Unnecessary Waste of Energy

The myriad of vicious media attacks and insults against the National Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum(PANDEF), His Excellency, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga(rtd), over his endorsement of the National Assembly's intention to probe the alleged N40 billion fraud by NDDC is uncalled for.

As an elder statesman, his responsibility include advocating for good governance, Justice and adherence to democratic principles by political office holders, which he has done over the years.

PANDEF as an advocacy forum made up of elders with sound minds from the Niger Delta extraction has from time to time been advocating for a currupt-free Nigeria, supporting good leadership among others since its inception, and no one ever coughed. But it makes a concerned mind to wonder why the recent call by PANDEF for the NASS to continue with the planned probe of alleged misappropriation of funds by the NDDC and the Interim Management Committee(IMC) has raised dust, instigating attacks from APC loyalists in the state against the leadership of PANDEF.

The forum was equally in support of President's Buhari's order for the forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) last year. But why this attack on Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga this time around?

Media hirelings sponsored by the Minister of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sen. Godswill Akpabio have not failed to insult the elder statesman, calling him names for standing for justice and equity. A faceless group named "Akwa Ibom State Concerned Elders" has equally spat fire, wailed and panted over the development, calling the leadership of PANDEF names. It makes one to begin to think that the Akwa Ibom Concerned Elders is a beneficiary of the proceeds of fraud that has bedeviled and amputated the growth and strength of the Commission. Why should elders support fraud and corruption? Why shouldn't they respect themselves and wait for the outcome of the forensic audit?

Why would such a group shamelessly kick against the path of justice, especially at a time when coronavirus pandemic has devastated our economy, leaving it in a state of economic convulsion?

What did Idongesit Nkanga really say that triggered such insult from Akpabio's boys and those retired and politically irrelevant elders? It must be noted that during the time that Idongesit Nkanga was sacrificing for the repositioning of Akwa Ibom State politically and otherwise, some of the people calling themselves elders were doing 419 businesses.

Since our son Godswill Akpabio is at the helms of affairs of the NDDC, should PANDEF which is much concerned with the affairs of the Niger Delta fold their hands and watch things go wrong in that Commission? No. It should not be so. If Akpabio is clean, there should not be any reason for fear and paid insult. Such forensic audit to be carried out by the National Assembly is in the best interest and development of the Niger Delta.

Throughout Akpabio's tenure as governor, Idongesit Nkanga was solidly behind him, playing both advisory and fatherly role throughout his tenure. Why is such fatherly role considered an attack on Akpabio today?

It is very obvious that an old woman would always feel uneasy when dry bones are mentioned in a proverb. But let us all, especially the Niger Deltans wait for the outcome of the forensic audit, and then truth shall speak for itself.

AKWA IBOM: THE MAKING OF NIGERIA'S CLEANEST STATE

Aniekan Ukpong

A clean and safe environment is essential in promoting good health, conducting businesses and creating wealth. In realization of this fact, governments at all levels and in different climes, have continued to provide the enabling environment and structures that ensure clean and safe environment for their citizens and residents.

Akwa Ibom has been adjudged the cleanest state in Nigeria over the last couple of years. This has been made possible through effective vegetation control, waste management and environmental protection programmes of Governor Emmanuel's administration.

As Governor Emmanuel continues to actualize his vision of transforming the state into an industrial haven and a destination for investors and tourists, he has made concerted efforts to tackle holistically, the challenges of environmental protection and waste management in the state, making it clean, beautiful and safe as well as create enabling environment for residents and businesses to thrive. To achieve this, he put in place mechanism to ensure sustainable ways of managing wastes and ensuring a clean and green environment.

Conscious of the significant role of a clean and safe environment in an emerging industrial economy such as ours, and his avowed determination to ensure sustainable development through a safe, healthy and beautiful environment, Governor Emmanuel has continued to empower the state Environment Ministry to perform its statutory responsibilities.

To further underscore the importance his administration accords the issue of safe environment Governor Emmanuel has also re-energised and empowered the Akwa Ibom Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) to drive his vision for the attainment of a clean environment, for the good health and well being of the people.

So far, the Ministry of Environment and the Akwa Ibom Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency have worked assiduously in collaboration to carry out their responsibilities with strong determination, particularly in the area of waste evacuation, daily sweeping of roads, desilting of drainages, banning of roadside trading and illegal structures in the capital city, vegetation control, among other things. Through the efforts of government, a healthy sanitation habit has been imbibed by the people in the state. This has been achieved through sustained campaign against filth and well coordinated monthly environmental sanitation exercise across the state.

Government has adopted a pragmatic vegetation management strategy that defines the best maintenance approach for achieving sustainable development through clean and safe environment. This approach consists not only of controlling vegetation through different methods such as mowing, brush cutting, cultivating desirable vegetation and re-vegetation, but also ridding the space of undesired plants and other vegetation for the attainment of environmental aesthetics that will attract investors and tourists to the state.

Today, through deliberate efforts of government, roadside markets and illegal structures along major roads in the capital city have been removed. The monthly sanitation exercise has been re-invigorated with Mobile Courts and a Task Force constituted to enforce compliance, while evacuation of refuse has been strengthened with the procurement of functional receptacles and waste disposal trucks.

Also, flooding in the capital city of Uyo, during rainy season has drastically reduced following a holistic desilting of drains/gutters, which has been the main reason the state capital suffered spate of flood cases in the past years.

Besides waste management, the state government has invested huge resources in erosion control and drainage channelization to ensure safety of lives and properties. This is evident in the area of road construction and erosion control projects, where well designed drains are top priority to check flood and its associated challenges. Among such is the Etim Okon Usanga - Anua erosion control project which is being executed in collaboration with NEWMAP.

In a bid to contain the spread of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic and ensure a safe environment, the state government through AKSEPWMA has continued to decontaminate public places such as Victor Attah International Airport, Hospitals, Parks, Markets, Plazas and Hotels across the state. This is being executed in phases, with major cities like Uyo, Eket, Ikot Ekpene, Ikot Abasi already decontaminated.

Realizing that an unkempt environment has a huge potential to increase the risk of spreading the disease, it is heart warming to note that citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom State are unrelenting in maintaining the good personal and environmental hygiene for which the state is renowned.

The imperative of keeping the environment clean and safe cannot be over emphasized, especially as the state has become a destination of choice for investors and tourists from around the world.

Thus, Governor Udom Emmanuel deserves commendation for his efforts in ensuring that Akwa Ibom environment is clean and safe.

AKWA IBOM STATE GOVERNMENT COMMENCES ENUMERATION OF FARMERS IN THE STATE

In a bold effort to establish a detailed database of farmers, the Government of Akwa Ibom State has commenced the enumeration of farmers across the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.

Commissioner For Agriculture and Women Affairs, Dr Glory Edet said the directive to establish the number of farmers in the state came from the Governor Mr Udom Emmanuel to enable him further implement life touching agricultural policies in the state.

Dr Edet who spoke at the Akwa Ibom State Farmer’s Enumeration training programme for supervisors held in Uyo on Tuesday said the Governor’s vision is to make agriculture a key driver in the post Covid-19 recovery era.

Farmers’ enumeration is the process of establishing the number of farmers in a geographical location. The enumeration programme in Akwa Ibom State is coordinated by the Directorate of Agricultural Investments, Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation.

Executive Director, Agricultural Investments, Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, Pastor Umo Eno on the occasion harped on the advantages of having a dependable database.

He said the aim of farmers’ enumeration, is to gather statistical data of farmers, pin-point the needs and challenges of farmers in a geographical location and draw out solutions to their needs based on the acquired data, which will in turn support government in developing policy and programmes regarding food security.

Pastor Umo Eno noted that the enumeration exercise will commence next week across the entire state and enjoined all community leaders and farmers to cooperate with government to achieve what will be masterstroke in agricultural development in Akwa Ibom State.

The training programme which was handled by El-Kanis and Partners had different sessions including Practical and Interactive Sessions for the supervisors.

Also present at the event were the Chairman and members of the Technical Committee on Agriculture and Food Sufficiency led by Prof Edet Udo

Mr Gabriel Nkanang, a member of the technical committee said the absence of the database had accounted for several missed opportunities within the global market and stressed that such will be a thing of the past henceforth.

LEADERSHIP: THE UNTOLD SIDE OF ITS REALITY

Itoro Udotim



To some, leaders are destined, to many leaders are mentored, to a few, any head in an office is a leader. Although all of the above have shadow reflection of who a leader is, but in my opinion, leadership is an attribute putting subordinates in a just position to be productive and progressive. This makes such leadership style run faster than a cataractous hurricane capable of descending on the unqualified to make him qualified. King David and king Solomon are historic examples.

Barrack Obama, in his high school at Indonesia, once told his peers, “one day I will become an American president”, his Indonesian friends laughed him to scorn, but stupendously, Obama never relented until he became the president of United States of America In fulfilment of Malcolm X’ and Martin Luther King’s dream for the black race.

Leadership begins from home, village, religious and other legitimate social institutions. This means, you can't assume yourself a leader if you weren't destined to be one, lest you will be like a directionless chariot leaving your followers or supporters at the junction of confusion. Therefore, projecting yourself to be a leader is a good idea, but the essential part of it is that “you must have a good vision for the mission you are aspiring to accomplish”.

Today, the way some desperados understand the word ‘leadership’ is out of context and amusing. Many continually see it as an avenue to quick wealth, while some pursue it as totems to be behold at all costs, even without any vision for the downtrodden, thereby creating animosities among families, friends and supporters.

Stating the obvious; Leadership is beyond being saddled with the responsibilities or affairs of the institution one sees himself as the head, but it is about bringing dreams and visions to realities without excuses.

Today, every part of the world is faced with one leadership crisis or the other, may be, it is logically observed that some leaders are not living up to their promises as enshrined in their manifestos, or perhaps, the pressure of the office they occupy. Moreover, before you criticize them, it is imperatively pertinent, you do so constructively, because you are not in their shoes to detect how it pinches.

However, some venture into offices with vocational ideas but along the line missed it completely because of wrong advisers they surround themselves with, thereby creating nuisance among the officials and the governed.

Leadership has become a global issue, everyone wants to lead, everyone wants to be addressed as ‘Sir’ without consideration. To me, leadership is a process which offers lofty opportunities to take different people to meet expected end. All can't be leaders the same time for the same position.

Leadership is a divine call to serve and never to be served, therefore, while dreaming to become a celebrated leader, you must prepare, wait and believe that someday your services will be needed.

21 STOREY SMART COMPLEX - A'IBOM IS SET FOR WORLD BUSINESSES

By: Grace Akpan

It is a cynosure of all eyes, the tallest architectural masterpiece in the South/South region of Nigeria, the most ICT compliant intelligence structure, the 21 storey smart office complex, located in the central business district of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, set to host any known corporate organization or world class company in the Nigeria Oil and Gas industry.

With the Tower as high as 108.8 meters, the 21 storey Five Star business accommodation occupies a construction area of 18, 639.50 meters square on a massive site area of 48,200.00 meters square, making room for a 500 capacity car park.

The visionary Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, burning with the desire to attract huge volumes of Foreign Direct Investments, FDI, to Akwa Ibom and catapult the state into an investment hub of Nigeria, undertook the 21 storey building, a flagship of his government, as a major catalyst in his envisioned economic renaissance.

For years, Akwa Ibom suffered from dearth of international standard office accommodations for world class corporate organizations as well as International Oil Companies, IOCs, some of which operate in the state but with operational base and headquarters in other cities, a situation which deprived the state of huge internally generated revenues, IGR.

As a leader committed to the overall development of the state in all sectors, Governor Emmanuel saw the turn-key high rise office building as a bait for the oil companies which hitherto laid claims to lack of suitable business accommodations as the major hindrance to the relocation of their headquarters and operational base to Akwa Ibom State.

This much may have accounted to the near lack of presence of any substantial Federal establishment in the oil and gas sector in Akwa Ibom State since creation over 33 years ago. As the hen that lays the golden egg, Akwa Ibom, the largest oil producing state in Nigeria contributing large chunk of revenue to the Federation account from its crude oil, could not boast of a single oil depot, an office of the Directorate of Petroleum Resources, DPR or the head office of any of the oil companies exploiting the State's rich oil reserves.

Coming with all the attractions and safety mechanism expected of a smart building anywhere in the world, the 21 storey building is a dream come true in the sustainable infrastructural drive of the Governor Udom Emmanuel administration. The project which kicked off on 17th January, 2018 with a two year work term is scheduled for completion by the end of this year, precisely on 17th December, 2020.

The Mega project handled by a Turkish construction company, VKS, is a magical architectural design on land, the first of its kind in Nigeria which ongoing work is providing direct and indirect job opportunities to the people of Akwa Ibom State and which on completion will not only generate employment - skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled, to the teeming youths of the state but will contribute to the area development as well as house oil and gas companies and serve as a ready haven for investors.

The Tower which has added aesthetics to the landscape of Akwa Ibom will run with 24 hours power supply and contains all necessary facilities and equipment of a smart building including: 4 elevators, 2 emergency exit, fire protection sensors and aviation wing. The ground floor is designed to accommodate banks and canteens while the mechanical floor controls sewage and takes care of waste disposal.

From the second to the twentieth floor seamless office accommodations are provided to end - users while the twenty-one floor is a terrace where guests, tourists and investors can stand to have a glimpse of the beautiful landscape of the capital city.

It is worthy of mention that, the smart building has an access control with such components like, the card reader, biometric control keypads, central stand-alone server workstation, electric lock hardware cabling for doors, boom barrier for cars, automated cards, automated turnstiles, fire protected doors and time attendance readers.

For the fire system, the tower boasts of: fire electric pumps, diesel pump backup, Fire extinguisher hose real, technical rooms E30 cabling for S90 fire, protection sprinkler system, intelligent smoke detectors and fire alarm panel connected to the CCTV room. The state-of-the-art communication gadgets of the intelligence building are in place with all accessories of a public address system including: speaker, combine audio+media via sms for evacuation, control station, UPS and amplifiers.

Other unique features of the super imposing edifice are the Led lighting, Touchscreen control KNX occupancy and motion sensors, Digitally addressed lighting interface(DALI), network switch for outdoor lighting motion sensor, Solar fitted nano type facade panel to power facade light at night as well as Perimeter fence light.

Quite expected of a Five Star business environment, the 21 storey smart building makes room for video conferencing, thus putting in place necessary cameras and efficiently managed workstation. With a chiller system of chilled water sensor, infrared toilet system, automated facade sprinklers and cleaner and automated Rain gage.

With Humidity and temperature sensors in all the floors, the smart office complex stamps out itself as truly an intelligence building with no comparison in the south/south region of Nigeria.

Already, Governor Udom Emmanuel has put up Akwa Ibom as first among equal in all sectors such as, Agriculture, Aviation, Healthcare, Education, Human capital development, Power, entrepreneural development and even in the current fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

It is notable that with the very friendly government policies, so many investors have been attracted to Akwa Ibom while some others such as ExxonMobil and Black Rhino have gone ahead to register their intent to share in the opulence of the 21 storey commercial business accommodation.

And so, with a peaceful environment, coupled with warm and friendly people, rich cultural heritage, internationaly acclaimed cuisines, abundant natural endowments and resources, mega projects, including the 21 storey smart building, it can only be concluded that, Akwa Ibom is ready and set to host world businesses.

© Grace Akpan, Ministry of Information, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, May 2020

BEFORE EMERGENCY LAWYERS SHED MORE CROCODILE TEARS FOR KUFRE CARTER

By Umani Uwemedimo

The Nigerian Constitution has attempted to provide answers to almost all questions concerning the government and the governed, most importantly, insisting that nobody is above the law.

The recent case of defamation concerning one Kufre Carter is one that the Constitution has a strong voice against and the consequences are stated expressly. But what is of great concern to us is the manner by which the defendant's so called lawyer, Inibehe Effiong is making noise about the case. The young school leaver appears more energetic dragging his arguments and sentiments to the social media, with little or nothing left to be presented before their lordships.

A brilliant lawyer knows that judgements on the social media do not translate to judgements in the court. The court is only bound by the volume of evidences before it and not the quantity of paid insults and verbal abuses on the internet which have already pronounced victory for the accused. The misfirings by the attention seeking facebook lawyer, is a warning to sane minds, never to engage a lawyer who only knows how to make empty noise fused with insults. The accused, from indications may have hired a lawyer who is more interested, not in solving the matter, but flapping for recognition. Egoisitic lawyers only bury their clients in the deep waters and move on to look for other unsuspecting preys.

Cases are won through accurate presentation of facts. What is the essence of jumping into a case without proper preparation? How does a thousand insults hurled at the Governor of his state, help the case by Inibehe and his client? Is the trial judge on Facebook? What is the Twitter handle of the Chief Judge?



The law is the framework by which the system of government exists and no matter how much noise one makes in the media, it will not alter the operation of the law. Common sense demands that Inibehe Effiong should leave his quest for popularity as this case is beyond seeking sympathy from the media and other individuals who are guided by emotions. It is beyond converging emergency court sessions and making unnecessary press releases on Facebook and Twitter. Is Inibehe Effiong a social media lawyer?

Since the case was instituted, I have followed the defendant's lawyer with keen interest and come to realize that instead of following legal processes to see to the success of his case, he is showing a clear sign of ineptitude, gross incompetence with a recourse to playing to the gallery.

One attribute of good lawyers is that they give their clients good counsel. They seek possible ways of winning cases, and not to aggravate the situation. I make bold to say that if a smart lawyer was sought to mediate for Kufre Carter and not Inibehe Effiong, the case would have become history by now.

I am not a lawyer, but the application of common Sense would make one to understand that there is no way the SSS would release Kufre Carter without meeting his bail conditions. Again,the court was silent about where Kufre Carter should be kept, hence his stay in the custody of the SSS. Instead for the defendant's lawyer to see it in this light, he is abusing and insulting everyone.

Even the Honourable Minister of Information Lai Mohammed in his reaction had clearly affirmed that once someone is charged to court, there is nothing that can be done than plead for clemency or allow the rule of law take its course. This is the kind of lecture needed by textbook lawyers like the infant in this purview. Instead, he has chosen to blow his trumpet the way he feels and devised illegal and emotional means to facilitate the release of his clients. Winning election on the social media does not culminate to winning election at the polling unit. This is a lesson I have learnt over the years, and I had expected our brother and his cohorts to understand this much, if actually he is learned.

This brings us to the issue of a video by Mama Carter allegedly at the precinct of the Uyo State Security Headquarters. It is enough to appreciate that there must be that natural love of a mother who cherishes and has emotional attachments with her son. There is no mother that won't be emotional about her son who is incarcerated, but for a lawyer to use that as his strong argument is a display of incompetence. But is this part of the facts that Inibehe will present before the court tomorrow?

I am not saying that the mother should not visit her son, neither do I support that she be denied access, on the contrary, all suspects have the liberty of controlled visits by their counsel, relatives or concerned individuals. However, parents should see the opportunity of the freedom and uninterrupted access they have with their children to caution them against putting themselves on the wrong side of the law. Whether on the social media, regular media or ora media, the laws of defamation, sedition, obscenity and other violation of other people's rights, suffice.

We should not be oblivious, that those hurt in the course of the media onslaught are equally people with parents and families.

Since nobody is above the law, whoever is seeking equity, should first wash his hands clean.

Umani Uwemedimo, a human rights advocate writes from Uyo.

MANAGING COVID-19 EXPECTATIONS THE UDOM EMMANUEL WAY

Aniekeme Finbarr

Last night, my wife reminded me that I never proposed to her before we got married. ‘What? After how many years?’ I almost screamed. Women can be very wonderful. Of all the problems in the world, the only thing she remembers is how I did not propose. For peace sake, I explained to her that I did propose somehow and that is why we are husband and wife today with kids. She told me what I did was far below expectation.

She said she expected a meticulously planned and creativity executed stuff. Perhaps, it should have been done at a beach, a romantic vacation spot, an exotic restaurant or maybe right in front of the Magic Kingdom castle at Disneyland. She said I should have at least attempted the traditional ‘down-on-one-knee’ format; where a man kneels like a recalcitrant student in front of the school principal, with an engagement ring held high in his right hand and the girl pretending to be surprised, covering her eyes or mouth or both. Well, I have promised her a very ‘decent’ proposal before our 25th Anniversary. I hope that helps.

Managing the expectations of people as a leader especially in a crisis situation is not in the same league as handling my wife’s proposal worries. It is a serious business. A leader must be swift, creative, visionary, very patient and never weary of explaining why certain decisions are taken at every given point. I think Governor Udom Emmanuel has acquitted himself nicely in the management of the dreaded Covid -19 pandemic.

In this part of the world, citizens expect government to meet every need, from private to communal and deservingly so. Once the pressing need is met, new expectations kick in. In Akwa Ibom State, who remembers that once upon a time Information Drive was such an impassable road, despite leading to the NUJ secretariat? How do you explain to people the quality of materials and funds spent in taking out flood water around Nsikak Eduok avenue, Akwa Efak, Udo Udoma axis of the capital city? Students now graduate at Akwa Ibom State University without any second thought whether their courses are accredited or not. People now visit general hospitals in the state, from Iquita to Ibiaku Ntok Okpo, Etinan, Eket, to Ikot Okoro without remembering that some of these facilities had become fertile grounds for weeds and shrubs and safe habitats to snakes and all forms of reptiles.

Governor Udom Emmanuel long before the covid-19 era had invested generously in healthcare and agro-allied industries. With a ravaging virus strutting the universe like a colossus and forcing towns and nations to be on lockdown. Akwa Ibom State has been able to manage its own situation greatly, recording one of the highest recovery rates in the country’s books. Governor Emmanuel has also reached out to the local factories to buy off its products and in turn distribute them to all villages in the state.

It sounds all easy, but there were times some of these decisions did not go down well. When the state muted the idea of owning an airline. Not a few people thought the aviation industry was a no-go area, with airlines shutting down. But with a well thought out model in tune with market realities, Ibom Air is expanding on all fronts, bringing joy and satisfaction to its customers and returning jobs and cash to the state as investment benefits. Recently the airline landed its forth airplane preparing grounds for more local routes and regional flights.

Governor Udom Emmanuel has handled the day to day decisions in managing this pandemic with utmost maturity and wisdom. Without pandering to the gallery, uttering offensive verbiage, pulling stunts or seeking unnecessary attention, he has painstakingly consulted widely and dispassionately taken correct steps to contain the spread of the virus. With the fast recovery rates and the gradual re-starting of the economy, it is expected that Akwa Ibom State will be out of the woods soon and re-launch life with zest and excitement.

While states and nations are looking at how to deal with this pandemic, Governor Udom Emmanuel is already managing future expectations of Akwa Ibom people by setting up an economic recovery and reconstruction committee to give detailed plans for the future. The team is led by a renowned Professor of Economics, Akpan Hogan Ekpo.

In that committee are also very capable hands like, Dr Leo Stan Ekeh , Chairman, Zinox Technologies, Prince Bassey Sampson Inwang, President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria –Akwa Ibom Chapter, Sir Effiong Afiakurue, Former Executive Director, NCDMB, Chairman/CEO of Rootcare Pharmacy, Lady Mary Uduk, Acting DG, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Udom Inoyo, until recently, Executive Vice Chairman of Exxon Mobil, Mr. Hilary Akpan, Executive Director, NNPC/NAPIMS.

It is a well packed team, so you will also find therein, Prof. Vincent Anigbogu, Institute for National Transformation, Pastor Samuel Archibong, League of Akwa Ibom Business Association (LABUSA), Mr. Lordswill Umani , President, Akwa Ibom Business Community (AIBC), Obong Nseyen Ebong, President, Uyo Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines & Agriculture (UYOCCIMA), Sir Inyang Inyang, Managing Consultant, NobleHouse Consulting.

To represent government as members of the committee are Pastor Umo Eno , Executive Director, Agricultural Investments (AKICORP), Dr. Glory Edet Hon. Commissioner for Agric & Women Affairs
Mr. Ephraim Inyang-Eyen, Hon. Commissioner for Works, Mr. Akan Okon, Hon. Commissioner for Economic Development & Ibom Deep Sea Port, Mr. Linus Nkan , Hon Commissioner for Finance, Prince Ukpong Akpabio, Hon. Commissioner for Trade & Investment, Prof. Emmanuel Onwioduokit, Head of Department of Economics, University of Uyo and Mr. Imeh Uwah.

The times we are in are unique times, a sweeping crisis could affect every aspect of life including people's confidence in financial stability for decades, leading to more cautious investment behaviour. Governor Udom Emmanuel is working his socks off to ensure the situation does not get that bad. His efforts so far are more than impressive, from agriculture to health, worker’s welfare to stimulation of SMEs, the testimonies are as eloquent as the future expectations. God bless Akwa Ibom State.

EFFECTIVELY AKWA IBOM, WHO BEWITCHED THEE?
Part 1

Itoro Udotim

Amidst the uncertainty of the next victim of Corona virus, right thinking persons all over the world are in their sanctuaries seeking the face of God.

It is justified because the disastrous, pestiferous and pestilential virus threatening the entire globe with death is blind to race, religion or status.

In Akwa Ibom State the tension and panic arising from the virus appears to be lifting a ban against political campaigns.

The attention against the pandemic is loosing focus to political activists, vigorously determining who is fit to be in a certain position and who doesn't.

This idea is conspicuously eating deep the thick layers and we are not bothered to ponder on the hazardable effects of this insensitive cum hatred mentality on the next generation.

When other climes are celebrating creativity, we are here nodding our heads for mediocrity, or perhaps clapping for those whose duties are to blackmail, reprimand and mislead the general public just to gain cheap popularity or to satisfy their paymasters who have continually idolised themselves as political El Doradoes during the election periods for crumbs as wages.

Our dear state is fast becoming a taxonomy where; people consider politics as a lucrative profession, thereby creating animosities among friends, families and communities. Less than few is interested in building a career for themselves, others rather analyse politics everywhere without substance.

Because election didn't favour you, therefore; “Must you appoint yourself an agent of reprehension?
Or myopically recruiting some gullible juveniles in to throw dummy spit on their supposed teachers to make you a leader?”.

Some go for elections as civil war, such that after being defeated even the ancestors will be censured. And a non supporter would be tagged ‘an enemy of progress’. Is this the Akwa Ibom our forbears collectively agitated for?

Some will make themselves perpetual sycophants even at old age without emancipation, always metres behind rational reasoning, continually defending cluelessness, creating a very strong odious for themselves just to be called ‘loyalists’ narrowly gravitating towards life time slavery or political and social mismarry.

Many will even be in the political corridor of decision making, but effortlessly sabotaging the progress of the same government they pledged allegiance to protect with their best Arsenals, secretly perforating the gallery they openly vowed to defend. And each time I come across this kind of fellows I am tempted to ask “EVEN THOU BRUTUS?”.

Sometimes when you look at the sets of vain conscience demanding accountability or castigating the people at the public offices, you realize that even though some of them were to be messengers in offices, they would have always delivered destructive messages.

Akwa Ibom who bewitched thee and fractured thy sense of humor?

Itoro Udotim is my name, this is my humble opinion!

TWO A’IBOM SUSPECTED CORONA CASES CONFIRMED NEGATIVE

All patients who were suspected of the dreaded Corona Virus in Akwa Ibom State have been reported negative.

The State Commissioner for Health Dominic Ukpong revealed this in a radio interview on Planet FM in Uyo.

He said the persons both in Immanuel General Hospital, Eket and the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo have been tested and cleared of the Corona Virus Disease.

“We went to the teaching hospital once we heard the rumours and got the patient investigated and tested and the result came out negative.”

He said their samples were all taken and tested and no positive result has been recorded.

“Ventilators are used only when someone cannot breathe on his own. We paralyze you so that the machine can breathe for you."

On his relationship with the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Dr. Ukpong said, “I was Chairman of NMA in the old Cross River State and the pioneer chairman of NMA in Akwa Ibom State. I relate well with the NMA and the chairman comes to my office frequently and we discuss.

“Recently I was honoured by the Association in the state in view of my relationship with them.

BREAKING!!!!

AKWA IBOM STATE COVID 19 UPDATE 2.0

Following a critical analysis of the situation relating to COVID-19 situation, I have been directed by HE the Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel to make the following announcements;

1. Salaries of state government workers for the month of March will be paid today, Thursday, March 26, 2020.
2. Workers are advised to prepare to stop going to work and stay at home for one (1 ) week with effect from Monday 30 March, 2020. The stay-at-home order will be strongly enforced.
3. All borders and roads leading in and out of the state are closed with immediate effect; except for the transportation of food items.
4. Ibom Air will suspend all flight operations from Sunday, 29 March, 2020.
5. Markets are to remain open for sale of foodstuffs and essential items only.
6. All Churches are strongly requested to fast and pray for God’s mercies on Sunday 29 March, 2020.
7. Residents and citizens are strongly advised to apply all the preventive measures earlier announced.

While the one week stay-at-home order subsists, the Akwa Ibom State Government will continue to monitor and provide regular updates on any development in the COVID-19 situation in our state

Although there is no confirmed COVID-19 case in Akwa Ibom State, we abide by the ancient adage that “prevention is better than cure”.

The Governor, also enjoins all residents and citizens; including professional bodies, to desists from creating unnecessary panic within the state by propagating unverified news, whipping up selfish and myopic sentiments and fanning the embers of discord for pecuniary/or political gains.

God bless, guard and keep Akwa Ibom State.

Amen!

Signed:
Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem
Secretary to State Government

March 26, 2020

Akpabio's Recent Interview: The Lamentations Of An Embittered Loser


Chief Kingley Ikpe,
Abak

“It is the unsaid things we say that speaks louder than those we say” – Anonymous

Days ago, the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio is said to have hosted a group of journalists in his hometown and made some spurious comments making him sound like a broken record.

Among his assertions were disparaging comments about himself looking like one who fell among robbers when he joined the All Progressive Congress (APC), untruths that he was not invited to the burial ceremony of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s late father, the American embassy did not deny him visa, he borrowed money to go to law school, he was warned not to install Udom Emmanuel as successor, he will represent the whole of Akwa Ibom till he dies, Nigeria owes Buhari an apology and other things which were not necessary.

Akpabio we know is gifted with the gab of talking – an endowment he sometimes uses to his disadvantage.
A lot of times, we do not say certain things, not because we fear to say them but because the utterance of them may lead to us being seen as a child, a failure, an attention seeker, a loner, embittered and even a loser.

Overtime, actions have spoken louder than words and the manner in which we express ourselves have often said more than the words we say in itself. This is undoubtably the reason many leaders locally, nationally and internationally succumb to the scrutiny of their speeches by their media aides and sometimes leave the job of speaking about their achievements to them.

This is however not the case with Senator Akpabio who would not resist saying whatever comes to his mind at any place or occasion he has to do so, to a point that he even creates an occasion if such does not come to him when we feels like talking.
This has overtime presented him as an embittered, expired, lonely yet dangerous fellow with a lot of venom to spit if accosted or challenged.

Perhaps Akpabio does not know that the honour which he retired with as Governor has diminished and that his reign as the Niger Delta Minister does not hold much fulcrum compared to when he was governor – all thanks to his careless talks about what he did and did not do in office which we have heard a million times.

He should also be told that his absence at the Late Gabriel Nkanang’s burial (though not important) has painted him as one who is truly embittered and prideful. As a matter of fact, Akwa Ibom people were over satisfied with the dignitaries who graced the occasion, all of whom were on their own, formidable forces which his ego would never meet-up.

He should never have mentioned that no seat was kept for him in a place where people were struggling to even stand. Was he thinking that “his seat” would be kept sacred and covered like a statue in his absence till the end of the event? No way!

His assertion that he was warned by the former Borno State Governor and ex- PDP Chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff and an undisclosed Bank MD, not to choose Governor Udom Emmanuel as his successor is yet another indication of lacking what to say. What are the bearings of his musings by the way?

Is Governor Udom Emmanuel not discharging his functions creditably? Are there no projects counting in thousands to Udom’s credit as much as he had? By the way, Governor Emmanuel has taken time to complete the projects he abandoned and paid debts he owed in his tenure which he (Akpabio) never did to his predecessor. Nobody cares what he thinks of the governor so long as Udom Emmanuel is working. We are content. Let him keep his kwashiorkor feeling to himself.


Besides, his allegation was confirmed to be false where he said that the former PDP Chairman spoke to him when he came to the State to receive his Ph.D Honoris Causa Degree during the period he was contemplating handing over to Governor Emmanuel.

A source who placed a call to the University of Uyo disclosed that Ali Modu Sheriff was not given any academic award by the institution and that the then PDP Chairman was the former Bauchi State Governor, Adamu Muazu and not Modu Sheriff.

I do not care whether or not he was denied visa. That again sounds like what people who lack what to say talk about; its his personal issue. I do not care about the honours from whichever institution he got them. There are a thousand and one awardees in Nigeria whose houses are laced with awards yet, they do not make noise.

It doesn’t matter who Ojukwu’s daughter is marrying in Akwa Ibom. Inter-marriages with the easterners and other tribes of the world started before Akpabio was born.
The projects he can not stop talking about were all done with Akwa Ibom’s Money. Why does he speak as though he executed them with his pocket money? Is there any of those things which another has not done?


All of these self-aggrandizements will only continue to show Mr. Minister as a ranter who’s full of himself.
We knew when he played Moses and we knew when he was Gideon but as it stands, the Akpabio we knew has far played Nebuchadnezzar with his actions and utterances and the consequences of such stage play will in time, manifest as it did in the Bible.
One does not need to slit a knife on another’s neck before being called a murderer, there are many ways to kill a man.

No one is stopping him from talking since he wont stop but he should be careful not to kill his already dwindling integrity with unneedful talks that are not seasoned with salt.
He should rather concentrate on the name-redeeming works he is doing at the NDDC, channel his energy into project implementation and seek the opinion of his aides before going out to demean himself before right-thinking members of the public.

AKPABIO TOO EVIL, DEVILISH FOR GOVERNOR EMMANUEL'S ATTENTION

 By Aniema Akpabio, Uyo

Reactions have trailed a news report credited to the Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Godswill Akpabio and published on the social media platforms by his media aide-Jackson Udom.

The report quotes the former Senator in an interaction with a select group of so called APC journalists at his Ukana, Essien Udim country home, as making some wild and decidedly unsubstantiated allegations against Governor Udom Emmanuel.

 Among the spurious and false statements credited to Akpabio was the one he was quoted to have stated that he was warned by the then PDP Chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff and a phantom Bank MD, not to anoint Governor Emmanuel as his successor for fear that he would eventually be betrayed.

In a swift response, sources close to the Governor Emmanuel say Akpabio is delusionary and needs help.

They tore to shreds the Ali Modu Sheriff angle where he said the former PDP Chairman was in the State to receive his PhD Honoris Causa Degree during the period he (Akpabio) was contemplating handing over to Governor Emmanuel and had warned him to be wary of corporate titans because they always look down on politicians and that Governor Emmanuel will betray him in the course of time.

A call to the University of Uyo revealed that Ali Modu Sheriff as the PDP Chairman was not given any academic award by the institution.   

"The National Chairman of the PDP during the 2015 gubernatorial elections was the former Bauchi State Governor, Adamu Muazu and not Modu Sheriff.

"Akpabio was simply inventing a lie as a result of his evil hatred for Governor Udom Emmanuel."

 Sources close to the Governor also dismissed the story as a function of an angry and bitter man who has fallen off the emotional hinges and truly needs help.

"Akpabio is evil, devilish and satanic who is not worth the attention of the Governor.

"Does he understand what constitutes betrayal? A Governor who went out of his way to show him  undeserved respect, a Governor who tolerated his many protocol infractions and excesses, a Governor who bent over backwards to  satisfy his insatiable monetary and contract demands?"

The source maintained that, "this was the basis Governor Emmanuel sometime in 2018, prayed during a church service that God should give him the kind of successor he was to Akpabio until, he defected to the APC on August 8th, 2018.

He went on further to say that, "Akpabio brought Udom Emmanuel from the private sector to destroy him but God disappointed his evil intentions and rather destroyed him politically.

"Don't forget God used Pharaoh as devilish as he was to bring Joseph so why is Akpabio so taken in by ''I brought him" narrative?

"Did he not betray and tried to destroy politically the man who gave him a political life-line, former Governor Victor Attah?

"Akpabio has no moral bonafides to talk about betrayal, he saw the dynamics of the new Akwa Ibom politics during the last elections and the new feeling  of national coalition and bridge-building which  the burial of the Governor’s late Father represented and his anger and frustration continues to bite him harder leading him to manufacture lies and satanic assertions that cannot stand the scrutiny of truth and facts.

"Akpabio indeed needs help urgently", the source concluded

GOV. EMMANUEL: TRUTH THAT CANNOT BE BURIED

Richard Peters

No matter how men try to bury the truth, it must surely surface. Truth is like stubborn pregnancy, which defies every effort aimed at eliminating it. History is replete with stories of how men always try to bury the truth, and some had buried for ages, but with time they were exhumed.

Even in the bible, the Pharisees made all attempts to bury the truth about the resurrection of Jesus. They formulated all kinds of lies to suit their selfish interest. They faked stories to excite the masses and give them that sense of false power and influence. But in the end, it was known everywhere that Jesus was no longer in the grave. The empty tomb was enough reason that "He was no more there".

Today, many people in politics are experts in burying the truth, especially if they are not in support of one's political party, or do not like your person. They often churn out lies and falsehood to mask the good leadership face that some leaders display. They even pay media hireling to ensure that their satanic ink flows at all times against the truth. They fetch words from various lexicons to deface truth and mislead the defenseless masses.

A case in point is the many forms of lies churned out by many enemies of progress to discredit His Excellency, Gov. Udom Emmanuel. But such cups of falsehood were on Sunday emptied to the gutters when the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan extolled the excellent leadership approach of Gov. Emmanuel during the 60th birth anniversary celebration and thanksgiving service of Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the senator representing Eket senatorial district at Destiny International Mission, Uyo.

It was a gathering of who-is-who in the country. Ahmed Lawan is from the APC, but the truth about Gov. Emmanuel's excellent leadership was so pronounced and visible that the senate president could not hide his feelings.

Of course, Gov. Emmanuel is an entirely new breed of politician, the species that the modern Nigeria needs. Not only was the governor described as a very decent person, but one who works across party lines to achieve development objectives.

This is not the first time that leaders from other political parties pour glowing tributes on Governor Emmanuel. The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo is one honest man that at every opportunity tells the world the truth about Gov. Emmanuel.

The Governor is one man who sees leadership as an opportunity to serve the people, and not a platform to make enemies. He exemplifies this vision but associating with leaders from other political parties who have what to offer to the people. A perfect testimony is what transpired during the burial of his father, late Pa Gabriel Nkanang. People from all walks of life and political parties assembled at his instance, and all of them spoke in one voice about the integrity and honesty of Gov. Emmanuel.

The Governor is different. This has been the popular narrative from every leader that ever had the opportunity to speak about Gov. Emmanuel. He is like a golden fish that can never hide. Despite how many had been buried in the mucky political waters, Gov. Emmanuel is still clean. His integrity is still intact. That is what defines him.

However, what baffles me is the heartlessness by which people attempt to bury the truth about him. But as we know, you may bury the truth for ages, even centuries, but it will surely be exhumed one day. No one ever hid the truth for eternity.

Sen. Lawan in his words noted that Gov. Emmanuel " is one elected leader who believes we should all work together to deliver service to Nigerians". No wonder why the governor has achieved so much since assumption of office. While some governors are complaining of lean resources, and their inability to deliver dividends of democracy to the people, Gov. Emmanuel is invading different areas of investment, taking industrial territories, completing breath-taking projects and initiating bigger ones.

Truth is, Gov. Emmanuel sees beyond a typical Nigerian politician. He is one who believes that love for humanity should drive one to reach out to anyone to facilitate leadership success. By the evaluation of many, even people from the other side of the political divide, Gov. Emmanuel is a new breed of leader for the new Nigeria project; one that other governors should emulate; one that can survive in leadership anywhere in the world. Indeed, Akwa Ibom is blessed.

STUDENTS RIOT AND MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

In 2012 When Prof. James Epoke was inaugurated as the new Vice Chancellor of the prestigious University of Calabar, he introduced certain concepts that drove a greater percent of the students mad. Though at a long run, we discovered that these concepts were to trigger seriousness and discipline amongst students, the truth is that his timing was inaccurate.

One of the concepts he introduced was the increment of school fee after one month from the resumption date, and the closure of the school's portal a month after the one month grace. That means in every week of the month of grace, students who were unable to pay their school fee immediately after resumption would have to pay N5000. What this means is that each of such students will have to pay N40,000 in addition to the normal school fee. Not just this, if after two months and you're unable to meet up, it means that automatically, your studentship in Unical has been terminated.

Students thought this was a joke not until the portal was closed. They were left with no option than to stage a serious protest against the management. You know one thing about protest? The process is always hijacked by some bittered and unknown persons who have no link with the main protesters or the issue that led to the protest. Theirs is to take advantage of the process and make things happen. This was what happened during the Unical 2012 riot. Innocent students were robbed at gunpoint. School properties were destroyed and even commercial vehicles were also destroyed. An unlucky student was killed at the school's main gate because of a phone. There was nothing the management could do than to close the school for a while. Both the innocent and bad students later paid the consequences of this; they stayed at home for almost a year.

Again, sometime in 2015 we had another protest but this one wasn't as regretful as the former. Though at the end of the day, we still had to spend six months at home as our punishment. The punishment wasn't for a section of the students, but it was for both the so called good students and the bad students. This is to say that whenever there's a protest in any institution and there's a punishment attached to it, the punishment will be served to all students across board. Not minding who's a pope or devil amongst the students.

After witnessing more than three riots in my University of Calabar, there was a new law made by the management. This law restricted the students from organizing any form of protest in the school. The penalty for anyone who leads a protest was an immediate rustication from school.

Along the line, the then Students Union Government President was inspired to organize a mini-protest against the management. What motivated him was greed. The then Bursar had used him to settle his differences with the VC, his boss. The President was a level 500 student of Medicine and surgery, and was rusticated from school as his punishment for organizing a protest in Unical. After a year, he was recalled but till date, I don't think he has graduated.

Barely after few months that the President was suspended, the next in line was Umani Uwemedimo Frederick who was the Director of Information, Faculty of Biological Sciences. What really happened?

I was in my lodge when a group of students came, complaining and bitterly weeping. When I asked why they were in that mood, they informed me about the mass failure in one of the GSS courses. The course was Computer Application. I was informed how the students were threatened that anyone who doesn't pay the sum of N8000 would be made to carryover the course. And this affected some students who had one or two problems in their respective Departmental results. I rushed to the school and behold, I found out that 97% of the total students who wrote this course had failed. With this, it could be seen that there's something fishy that was going on. But would I just close my eyes and move on because I wasn't affected? What would be my fate at the tail end of this? Having understood the existing law that stated " no protest", I knew that if I followed mind, I was going to be rusticated, but at this moment, someone needed to make himself the scape goat for others to be freed. I was ready to lead a protest, get rusticated so far the GSS result is reviewed across board.

After series of meetings with some Deans and Head of Departments, I was mandated to lead the students on a peaceful protest. By this time, I had forgotten that I was about going into my finals. I had also forgotten what awaited me. I was controlled by another spirit. I moved out, addressed the students and boom, the protest was on.

Few hours later, findings were made to know who actually led the protest. At last, they got an information that it was me. How did they know it was me?

One of the students who had took active part in the protest had snapped me while leading the students on the said protest. He presented the photos and my details to the Chief Security of the school. In a joint Board meeting, the VC had mandated that I be rusticated from the school with immediate effect. But why was I betrayed by the same people I staked my academics to salvage?

When the news escalated and I got to know about the person that betrayed me, though disappointed, I understood his reason was concrete even before he had approached me for his explanations. If he didn't betray me, a lot of students including those at the Students Union Government would have been dismissed from school. They needed to point out the black fish and I was that black fish. After series of meetings with the management, the result was reviewed across board. The following day, the Director of GSS, Director of CES, Director of Academic Planning, DVC Academics, Deans of different Faculties and a cross section of Students Leaders approached the VC soliciting for my pardon, and he succumbed to it. I erred. I was doing the right thing the wrong way.

What am I trying to say in essence? In every riot, there's always a punishment there after. For the punishment no to be general, the black fish must be spotted. But when the black fish is unable to be spotted, both the good and the bad will be victims of the punishment.

The temporary closure of Government Technical College, Uyo by the State Government is in line with the punishment of the school's inability to spot out the perpetuators of that yesterday's crime. Without this punishment, those students would never sit up and be watchful.

Maybe there was a misunderstanding between some groups of students, and maybe the whole process was later hijacked by some NON ACADEMIC STUDENTS. These set of students may be students who have been expelled from that some school because of one thing or the other. But to avoid certain questions from families, they keep putting on the school uniforms, going to same school on daily basis. These are students who are constantly praying for something that looks like a problem to occur so they could hijack it and make life unbearable for the real students. This set of students have nothing to lose even if the school is shut down for years.

But because crimes and punishment are the twin brothers of destiny, everyone is asked to go back home and if the school is not reopened anytime soon, students in SS3 and JSS3 would have to repeat their classes. But at the other hand, it'll serve as a warning to students of other public schools in the State. By the time those students in SS3 and JSS3 miss their final year examinations respectively, other students would take cognizant of the fact that instigating crisis in school is at their detriment. When next they find any group of students indulging in any act that would cause unnecessary tensions in the school, or find students who were expelled still coming to school, they would run as fast as possible to report these group of students to the management for prompt actions just as I was reported back then in school.

This is one lesson they all must learn.

Umani Uwemedimo writes from Uyo.