Umo Eno: On Safety and Security of the Girl Child

“A research published on Sabinet African Journal shows that cultists and gangsters cannot protect life and property, because they are the prime perpetrators of conflict and insecurity- rape, murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and domestic violence.

This is supported by a survey on 50 victims of rape in Akwa Ibom State, by lsdhub.org, in 2021, which indicated that perpetrators were mostly gangsters and cultists, who disguised as armed robbers to carry out the act.

PUE’s administration, from 2023, will be effective in the fight against rape and the abuse of the girl child in Akwa Ibom State, in line with Goal 8 of the Arise Agenda, which harps on safety and security, and the SDG -16, which seeks to ‘promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development…’ Eno, therefore, will be uncompromising in his desire to give the girl child in the state, a sustainable future…”

Akwa Ibom, Arise and Shine!

Uwemedimoh Umanah, PhD, ANIPR
Development Scholar and PR Expert

©️UwemedimohUmanah

PANIC GRIPS OBA OVER YPP TICKET, CHANGES LEGAL TEAM AMIDST 48HRS ULTIMATUM

A Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State has given the Governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party, YPP in Akwa Ibom State, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, and the State Chairman of the party, Pastor Nyenime Andy 48hours to file amended processes in a case instituted against them by a member of the party and Governorship aspirant, Barr. Alexander Asuquo.

Barr Alexander Asuquo had dragged Senator Bassey Albert to court to stop Albert from inheriting the Young Progressives Party ticket from the party chairman, Pastor Nyenime Andy.

The Court presided over by Justice A.A. Okeke on Tuesday summoned Bassey Albert popularly referred to as OBA and the Chairman of the party, Pastor Andy after asking them to be served with substituted service.

The duo of N. B. E. Wigwe and Uchegbu had earlier filed processes for YPP, Pastor Andy and Senator Albert however when the case came up before Justice Okeke on Tuesday, the YPP Governorship candidate announced a change of his defense counsel with Ime Nya Asanga alongside Jerry Akpan, who appealed to withdraw the earlier process filed on Sen Bassey Albert’s behalf.

The Court ordered YPP and the State Chairman to file their amended processes within 48 hours and asked the Plaintiff to respond within 24 hours of being served with the new process.

The Court had adjourned sitting to Tuesday, August 30, 2022, for hearing after ordering court summon to be served on Albert and Andy, while hearing notice was ordered to be served on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and YPP.

The lawyer is joining the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Pastor Nyenime Andy, Senator Bassey Albert and the Independent National Electoral Commission, as Defendants.

YPP had earlier submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the name of the state party Chairman, Nyenime Andy, as its Governorship Candidate.

The plaintiff is seeking judicial interpretation to questions bordering on whether the state chairman of the party can validly use his position as the chairman of the party to preserve and reserve the gubernatorial ticket of the party to Sen. Bassey Albert (3rd Defendant) who was already an aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, the aspirant, Mr Alexander Asuquo said, “besides challenging the legality of the chairman's action, he wants the court to determine if after filling and submitting a nomination form in PDP, Bassey Albert can be validly nominated by YPP in view of the provisions of Section 35 of the Electoral Act 2022.

“I'm not just a member but a gubernatorial aspirant under YPP who was received into the party by Dr. Andy himself.

DAKKADA DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING 1.0: EQUIPPING AKWA IBOM ENTREPRENEURS FOR GLOBAL EXPLOITS

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution is creating a demand for new competencies and the need for upskilling, un-learning, re-learning and re-training has never been more severe than now.”
― Nicky Verd

According to unesco.org, digital skills are defined as a range of abilities to use digital tools, devices, communication, application and networks to access and manage information. African e-commerce writers – afrodigital.org puts it differently thus - “Digital skills are any skills that give you the ability to find, evaluate, utilize, share, and create content using information technologies and the Internet.”

From the foregoing, it becomes clear that in any field of endeavour, digital skills are a viable and valuable add-on that enhances efficiency and guarantees productivity.

In times past, entrepreneurs isolated themselves from fields that didn’t have any direct impact or bearings with their enterprise or craft. For instance, a graphic designer or even a woods craft man had little or nothing to do with storytelling, content development or digital marketing. However, with the advent of the internet, newer trends have emerged, and this has obsoleted the traditional markets as we knew it. The internet has affected all aspects our lives and entrepreneurship has not been spared. Digital technology connects people and machines with one another to deliver an experience which was far beyond our reach decades ago.
Some of the ways digital skills optimize entrepreneurship include:
- Communication
- Branding
- Marketing
- Audience
- Networking
- Automation
- Recruitments and outsourcing.

Digital skills have been proven overtime to be effective in reducing operating costs, which ultimately increases an entrepreneur’s chances of succeeding. In fact, pundits believe that digital skills helps MSMEs to compete squarely with larger businesses and increase their effectiveness.

It is therefore laudable that in Akwa Ibom State, the Governor Udom Emmanuel Administration is not just taking entrepreneurship development seriously, but also placing premium on the acquisition of Digital skills by these entrepreneurs. Recently, the Directorate of Marketing and Brand Management announced an upgrade programme tagged Dakkada Digital Skills Training 1.0 for entrepreneurs who had been previously trained in the My Entrepreneurship goals programme (MEGP), listing areas of focus for the Dakkada Digital Skills training to include Web development, graphics design, storytelling, social media marketing, as well as photography and videography.


Dakkada Digital Skills Training
The Dakkada Digital Skills Program is a Skills Acquisition training for Digipreneurs, an initiative of your administration, under the supervision of the Directorate of Marketing and Brand Management. Targeted at assisting Digipreneurs acquire up-to-date digital skills, it seeks to create business linkages among indigenous Entrepreneurs and assist in reducing the cost of digital services, while growing the network.

The program is designed to teach Digipreneurs modern digital skills that will enable them market and grow business solutions, and will equip participants with the knowledge required to apply best practices in Web Development, Digital Marketing, Graphic design, Photography & Cinematography, Social Media Marketing, Storytelling & Content Curation in the global marketplace.

The global Internet of Things (IoT) market stood at $384.7 Billion in 2021; this is expected to rise to $2.465 Trillion over the next 7 years at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 26.4%. Governor Emmanuel’s investments in nascent Digipreneurs and Human Capital Development at large will secure a significant economic return for the State.

Clearly, with the Dakkada Digital Skills Training 1.0, entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom State can safely look forward to not just being trained in business basics, but also be equipped with 21st century compliant skills set that will enable them compete on the global scale.

A HOUSE OF OPPORTUNITIES.


 UDEME NANA


The other day, a 61 year old lawyer and former Member of the House of Representatives, infact, the spokesman of the House in his time, walked into the monthly meeting of Uyo Book Club and shared the story of the life of his late father. Mr. Eseme Eyibo regaled Members of the intellectual hub about how his late father, a village carpenter used to walk from Eket in the morning to Etinan to fix stools and wooden doors for people only to walk back to his humble homestead in Eket in the evening.


 However, the man, whose offsprings have immortalized him, saw an opportunity to drop his carpentry tools and port into teaching. Today, The House of Eyibo, THOE, is in the philanthropy of giving scholarships to students in various disciplines, with emphasis on Law, Pharmacy and Medicine.


The House of Eyibo is not just a physical structure. This article is about a towering building in Uyo, in a choice and well secured part of the Capital city, which occupies more than 18, 000 square meters on an expanse of 48,200 square meters, with a 500 capacity parking lot. That house was formally opened as part of activities to mark the 34th Anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State by the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo with a fulfilled Governor Udom Emmanuel, his officials, special guests, stakeholders in the state grinning in satisfaction and beaming with smiles. That house was one unique birthday cake to the people of the State. A birthday cake, not to be eaten and digested  with choice wine or water but one to be leased to choice tenants. 


Already, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, through the Minister of state for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has indicated interest to take two floors. Built for such high- end tenants which include International Oil companies, indigenous Oil companies prospecting and drilling in the State, the 21 storey state-of-the-art house holds much more than its glittering sight at day and in the night sky. It has changed the profile of the capital city to the town with the tallest building in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. 


Nevertheless, it's not really about the height, it's location, it's elegance and elevators, fire protection sensors, card readers, biometric control keypads, central stand alone server work station or electric cabling for doors and automatic cards and other 21st century technology compliant devices. That multi - billion bespoke piece of property represents a transformation which holds countless options for engagement. 


In recent history, the world has witnessed and embraced opportunities which saw drone technology replacing still - hand held cameras for photography and video coverage. Also, the banking sector has evolved to bring several opportunities where smart people have exploited. It is pertinent to point to transformation in writing from long hand to typing with typewriters to desktops, laptops, palm-tops. Our society has seen the transformation from 'Alalok' to the prevalent corporate taxis. There were people who saw opportunities in the music industry from recording on turntable disc players to compact disc's, flash drives, music players and blue - tooth mediated downloads. 


The society has seen the evolution from stationary telephones to  mobile phones of various types and sizes complete with digital cameras, television and radio access. One could go on and on to reel out opportunities which came in the wake of new facilities which visionaries explored and exploited for economic gain. The brand new intelligence edifice is one such house of opportunities beyond what the eyes can readily see. It is a boon to techies.


This was aptly captured by Mr. Udom Inoyo, former Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil Companies in Nigeria in his Keynote Address to participants in the Akwa Ibom Technology Week held on Friday, 17th September 2021. Speaking on the theme 'Positioning Akwa Ibom Youths for Global Success in the 21st Century, Mr. Inoyo pointed to opportunities awaiting the youths in "the servicing of the smart building". According to the widely exposed erstwhile oil company executive, "youths are expected to leverage on the low technology adoption rate within the state as an opportunity to explore new frontiers to test and market their capabilities".

He told the budding techies 'you must be smart to access multiple frontiers with promising economic opportunities and break technological barriers".


If the youths took that tip offered by Mr. Inoyo who, given his vast knowledge and experience spanning 31 years in an industry which adapted easily to new technologies, the youths would not only become employees in that facility but  employers of labor who would occupy office spaces in the city, pay taxes, improve their purchasing power and would be challenged to join the pantheon of technopreneurs who saw opportunities in emergent systems or circumstances and take bold steps to explore and exploit such opportunities for the benefit of humanity.


Mr Inoyo cited the example of several youths globally and in Nigeria including Mark Essien, who innovated with a hotel booking platform to serve the needs of customers. To walk his talk, the Advisor of Inoyo Toro Foundation, a Non Governmental Organization which has impacted the lives of thousands of people in the state since its inception more than a decade ago, further affirmed the Foundation's mission to support innovative solutions that will stimulate capacity development to enhance economic growth in the state. He announced a build and grow boot camp for 72 techies valued at more than N100million where all the participants would be inducted into the African Fintech Community Platform with access to markets, partners and investors.


The inauguration of that beautiful house in Uyo, therefore provides a challenge to the teeming youths of the state to examine critically, the opportunities offered by the state of the art facilities with a view to leveraging on the strategic window to add value. As Mr. Inoyo charged, youths should grab this house of opportunities "with open hands and make the best of it".

PRESS RELEASE

IBOM DEEP SEAPORT AND THE TANTRUMS OF ETHNIC CHAUVINISTS.


Akwa Ibom in the last 72hrs has been enmeshed in wild ethnic altercation arising from uncultured and ill-mannered statements and several articles with ethnocentric content, streaked with biases, inciting intent on social media, emanating from some ethnic dogmatists from Oro Nation of Akwa Ibom State, Engr. Nkpubre Okon Nkpubre and others who poured invectives on the office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State in an attempt to discredit the status of Ibom Deep seaport as explained by Governor Emmanuel in that media chat.

Nkpubre and his coteries, in their unintelligible version of ethnic defense swerved from a supposed issue based argument and went so low to insulting, maligning and castigating the Governor for stating inter alia that Oron people should be held responsible if Ibom Deep Seaport is not actualized before the exit of his tenure as Governor in 2023.

In as much as we are not holding brief for the State Government, it is however noteworthy as those who hold the office of the Governor in high esteem, that no one is against a genuine agitation for the well-being of his or her people or the development of his region, but resorting to parochialism and harangue on the Governor while making these agitations, speaks explicitly of the concealed aims and motives -which is to incite the Oronians against the Governor.

Everyone is aware that the shifting of Ibom Deep Seaport to Uyenge still in Mbo Local Government of Oro Nation wasn’t the decision of the Governor but the recommendation made by a Technical Committee of witted personalities in the Marine Sector. These personalities, professionally inclined in this sector, having assessed the plethora of encumbrances that might hinder the easy ride to fruition of the Seaport made professional suggestions which included the port movement to another part of Oro Nation. It is therefore absurd that some selfish individuals have, because of politics and hatred, erased Mbo from Oro Nation, and rather than confront the technical team with some superior technical arguments, the resort to attacking the Governor whose only duty was to approve the recommendations of the committee after an unreserved satisfactory brief.

The Nkpubres have forgotten that from the inception of democratic dispensations, it is an unarguable fact that only the administration of His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel has visited Oro across every stratum of the economy, from the education, agricultural, health sectors, even in road infrastructural network, and has left visible imprints in the sands of Oro Nation- such a man deserves commendation and not trash-talking. The Udom Emmanuel’s administration in his magnanimity has awarded more contracts to Oron sons than any other government in his own way of promoting local content. If in doubt, ask Bishop Etim Ante, President of Oro Union, who is also a beneficiary of the Governor’s kind gesture.

If they cannot praise Governor Emmanuel for remodeling and re-equipping Oron General Hospital, Iquita, they should applaud him for the Uya Oro - Oron Beach Expressway he rescued from gully erosion. He should be applauded for Murtala Mohammed Way, Mainland Avenue, Customs Road, Post Office Road, Apostolic Road, and several other roads which he reinvented.

Nkpubre (whatever that means) and his cronies have shredded away the remains of their personae. They have proven that instead of encouraging their kindred to be open to development, they prefer to rather twist facts and chase away the development off their areas. Their likes belong to a class of ingrates who complain about the one thing the Governor have not done for them, instead of being thankful for the thousands of things he has done for them.

These polemics on the Governor by these chauvinists, who portray themselves as true lovers of Oro Nation, when in actual sense are the real enemies, is highly provocative, an affront on our people who hold the Governor in very high esteem and is capable of disuniting the tie of friendship and brotherhood that is existing between our people and the people of the Oro Nation.

We will not fail to remind Nkpubre and his allies that Governor Udom Emmanuel road on the back of 996, 001 Akwa Ibomites to the Hiltop Mansion in 2015, in 2019, Akwa Ibom people overwhelmingly voted for his reelection, it wasn’t in anyway Oron’s mandate, it was Akwa Ibom people’s mandate, so the same obligation the Governor owes Oro people, he owes Eket, ONNA, Uyo people same. Oro should kill that entitlement mentality; they should know that one who wants to occupy the office of the Governor must respect that office. No one desecrates the office of the Governor and still wishes to claim it.

Ibom Deep Seaport is for Akwa Ibom people, and the largeness, overwhelming benefits and impact of the project should kill all sentiments from all ethnic jingoists. It is obvious that anyone who pitches his tent against the actualization of this project in any guise, is the true enemy of his people. Nkpubre Okon Nkpubre and his co ethnic jingoists are to be held responsible should the project fail.



Jerry Edoho
Chairman


Mfon Bassey
Secretary General

Edet Edet
Publicity Secretary


For Eket Federal Constituency Media Professionals


28/09/2021

Etokowo Owoh

There were opportunities in the past, there are opportunities today, and there will be even greater opportunities in the future, for those who dared to explore the world to berth breath-taking innovations in history. Usually, such opportunities when they are being hatched, defy the attention of the world, even its immediate environment until they become irrefutably obvious. The world is full of “Thomases”, where seeing is believing. That seemed to be my observation on the 17th day of September 2021, when I attended the grand finale of AKWA IBOM TECH WEEK, 2021, held at Emerald Event Centre in Uyo. I am convinced not many Akwa Ibom people took studied notice of the Tech Week. Not even many would appreciate the import of the paradigm shift, and that 5-years from now, the result of this effort will certainly re-define the State technology landscape and re-configure the socio-economic character of our young people.

The event, sponsored by Inoyo Toro Foundation, brought together techno-hungry, techno-passionate, young Akwaibomites who are ready to dare the IT world, willing to learn, and ready to debut their talents in the process of breaking loose from the hackneyed civil service state, politically laden and failed wealth creation mentality. This also included 72 already identified candidates who had applied to be part of a pitch competition. What was perhaps more germane, and exciting, was the array of equally young Akwa Ibom sons and daughters, who are miles ahead of their time, a galaxy of indigenes who are making their marks in the IT industry and who voluntarily came together to support, educate, and encourage their younger generation on the mechanics and business dynamics of the IT industry; and to help them navigate what many of the locals may think is impossible.

These include Usoro Anthony Usoro who is the CEO, Y’ello Digital Services at MTN Nigeria; Otto Abasi Williams, the Senior Vice President, Head of Partnerships Innovation and Digital Solutions at VISA, Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa; Nsikan Utuk, a Technology Strategy Consultant; Mark Essien, the Founder/CEO at Hotel.NG; Aniedi Udo-Obong, Program Manager, Developer Ecosystem for Sub-Saharan Africa at Google; and Awana Efiong Esang, M/D/CEO, Primera Microfinance Bank. This galaxy of young stars and highflyers in the IT community lent their support to Mr. Udom Inoyo, Advisor, Inoyo Toro Foundation, and immediate past Vice Chairman, ExxonMobil Nigeria whose job, beyond the sponsorship, set the tone for the day’s business with a most encouraging, opportunity-loaded keynote address.

A few things from Inoyo’s keynote address became apparent and significant from this weekend's business refreshment. First were Mr. Inoyo’s words to the youth whom he advised not to worry about the current visible signs of poverty, but work to create lasting prosperity. Because present hardship the youth are experiencing is nothing but a blue sky which will soon give way to prosperity if they remain focused. To him, “If there is any subject that should engage everyone’s attention today, it should be about evolving a society that creates opportunities for our youths and challenges their psyche in terms of not only how they see themselves but also how the outside world perceives them”.

The second was the very low government presence at the occasion. This indicates that other than the government, other members of the Akwa Ibom community, from all demographics, could cooperatively fashion innovative development solutions to complement state government initiatives. Third, the gathering itself suggests that there are other sets of 72 (indeed more) young Akwa Ibom indigenes who can leverage opportunities of this nature across sub-sectors of our economy from where they could be groomed and encouraged to form a critical mass of ready to dare Akwa Ibomites. It is also germane to note the many kinds and empathetic big brothers who could be brought in to help salvage the ship of our young ones who are victims of several years of economic mismanagement. That rather than condemn, our veritable youths could be unhooked from the hanger of failure and paucity of opportunities. Indeed, with many of such events in our clime, even the other youths amongst us whom we see as irredeemable, could be turned into success stories.

Pretenses aside, we should asterisk the cooperative initiatives of Mr. Udom Inoyo, Aniekan Ukpanah, Managing Partner of Udo Udoma, and Belo-Osagie, a leading commercial law firm (who donated the one-million-Naira prize money to first place winner at the Pitch Competition slated for October 8, 2021, and hours of free legal counsel), Nsikak John, Head, Enterprise Innovation at the Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX) who facilitated a partnership with Africa Fintech Academy – a strategic development partner. The Academy will be deploying a build and growth boot camp for all the 72 idea owners at N1.5 million each. There are many others: Hanson John, Managing Director/CEO, Start Innovation Hub, Eric Ekwere, Ubong Ekefre, and Idotenyin Isaac to mention a few.

The Akwa Ibom Tech Week represents one example of the many avenues we can come together to provide platforms for our youths to be empowered to tap into opportunities. Futuristically, Tech Week is a route to the world IT market and benefit from the local, national, and international technical and financial support systems to transform the State into an IT hub. Our youths want to become key solution providers in the renewed drive to create new wealth, stem unemployment, reduce over-dependence on government, and free themselves from the hackneyed yet unsubstantiated accusation of being lazy, unimaginative, and non-adventurous.

Our youths are talented, gifted, but they should be harnessed, supported, and guided to hold their own in the world. Hitherto, it would appear private sector encouragement was lacking in supporting youth activities. Despite the government's concerted efforts, a large chunk of the Akwa Ibom youth population could not be adequately accommodated in the ongoing transformation because development was not sufficiently multi-sectoral and with a diversified support base. Public-private sector collaboration was few and perhaps driven by individual egos. Inoyo Toro Foundation for the last 14 years has pointed the way to better social responsibility activities that emphasizes collaboration and networking. By sponsoring Tech Week and calling forth our sons and daughters to join hands to build a new future, the Foundation is set to unleash new succor on the youths. The aim is to re-invent the Akwa Ibom youth as a key component in the process of re-defining the State’s business landscape. Principally, it is to harness youth energies and take a key interest in the emerging future where only knowledge-based systems will survive. Public responsibility should be to select, train, incentivize, and create a pool of investment funds to grow a crop of Akwa Ibom youths who are willing, ready, and able, to swim in the rich waters of modern technology.

The week-long event sensitized the youths to have self-confidence and utilize their potentials vis-a-vis the myriad of opportunities in the IT world. The program covered all the senatorial districts. From the ensuing interactions and discussions that followed, it is obvious that a major challenge of the youths was the business geography of the State which seems insular and “limits” the extent of their forays into the IT world. There was the fear of resources scarcity to forge ahead with marketable IT solutions, particularly finance. There was gender phobia which tended to limit the female youth population. There was also the paucity of institutional support and excessive political pollution which blocked the visions of our young ones. All these fears were categorically, practically, and sincerely allayed. The IT industry is a distance enabler. The ability to constrict the world into a ‘small global community’ is made possible by IT. And this has opened opportunities for everyone, irrespective of distance. Not long ago, we talked about paperless offices. The covid-19 pandemic has brought the benefit of working from home and keeping even multiple jobs.

The Pitch Competition which has already attracted prizes ranging from one million Naira to three hundred thousand and the funding of the expected 72 boot camps valued at over N100 million proves that what matters is not funding as much as it is having winning ideas and having the heart and mind to dare and innovate to create value for the varied consumers of IT outcomes.

And therein lies my reference at the forum to Stafford Beer’s books: The Brain of the Firm and The Heart of the Enterprise, both being resource materials that can ignite mental audacity and passionate hearts to push for success. A hint was also made of the need for participants to appreciate the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and investment finance, through the understanding of financial intelligence. Financial intelligence should be built into all funding templates as long-term expansion, growth, and sustainability should be the hallmark of this very worthwhile venture.

It is envisaged that 5 years hence, the fruits of this seed sown by Inoyo Toro Foundation and the sacrifices of the resource persons drawn from across the globe, Akwa Ibom’s first eleven, this state of limitless possibilities will emerge as an IT destination reminiscent of America’s Silicon Valley, even if a microcosm of it.


Etokowo Owoh is a Management Consultant, Researcher, and Public Policy Analyst

I RUN ON THE FUEL OF HARDWORK, DILIGENCE, HONESTY AND FEAR OF GOD - UDOM INOYO

At exactly 10.40 am, my phone rang as I headed out of the office. At the other side of the phone was a baritonic voice calling my full names and inquiring to know how I was doing. “Vincent Aluu, how you today?” I answered in the affirmative not knowing who the caller was. When the caller introduced himself as simply Udom Inoyo, I melted inside of me wondering why such an unassuming personality would dial my line on a rainy Tuesday.

He told me, “Thank you for all you have been doing to promote our little effort at pushing the human race forward. You did all of them without meeting or knowing much about me. I do not take this for granted”. I was yet to recover from the shock when he went to give in details some of the things, I have done to promote him.

He invited me over to his residence which I obliged. At least it would afford me the platform to have a one on one of the greatest Malabites, of which I happen to be one. It was a memorable meeting with one of Akwa Ibom finest who spent 31 years in Exxon Mobil, rose to the top of his career and retired without a query, bribery allegation, suspension or corruption issue.

We discussed on a variety of contemporary issues plaguing Nigeria inclusive of leadership recruitment process, politics, journalism, governance, his life and times at Mobil. We also talked about the impact he is creating in Akwa Ibom state unannounced. It was indeed an eye-opening meeting for me.

I queried to know why he does not do media hype of his contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom State. He told me Vincent; “the left hand must not know what the right hand does. We do what we do to put smiles on the faces of people and not to take the shine off them. We are not in a popularity contest”.

“My passion is to create value in people so they will be useful to themselves and society, not people who would be begging for handouts to survive. My mission to create capacity in youths to be self-sustained, independent job and wealth creators. If leadership is not to show the people the road to better life and future, then the opportunity is a wasted one’, he said.

“I run on the fuel of hard work, diligence, honesty and fear of God. Prayer alone won’t do for you what preparations would do because God is not a partial God”, he added.

As I rose to take my leave after about 2 hours of tete-a-tete with the immediate past Vice President of Exxon Mobil, founder and Advisor of Inoyo Toro Foundation, it was a reinvigorated me that bid him goodbye.

As a scholar on leadership and governance, the conclusion of the matter is that if Akwa Ibom or Nigeria, needs a new kind of leadership that is transformational, they should search no further. Udom Inoyo represents that paradigm shift we earnestly seek or yearn for.

_Aluu Vincent is the Publisher of Naija Eye Witness News_

A'IBOM PEOPLE SALUTE GOV EMMANUEL OVER ANTI-OPEN GRAZING LAW

...defaulters risk 5 year jail term, N1 Million fine

A cross section of Akwa Ibom people have hailed Governor Udom Emmanuel following the signing into law of the open grazing prohibition bill passed by the State House of Assembly.

The people of the state see the development as worthwhile, aimed at stemming needless instances of skirmishes, conflicts as well as infractions on the enviable peaceful disposition of the people of Akwa Ibom.

They have also commended the State House of Assembly for being responsive and sensitive to issues of great concern to the citizenry.

Governor Emmanel had posted on his social media handle, Facebook informing the public of his assent to the Anti-open Grazing Bill passed by the state legislature. Torrents of reactions greeted the development.

A London based lawyer, Adede Steve Sam Akpan who hails from Etim Ekpo local government area in his reaction described the Governor's assent as a milestone and a step in the right direction, aimed at maintaining peace in the State.

"Your Excellency this is a milestone law aimed at maintaining the peace currently being enjoyed in the state and importantly, this law represents what majority of Akwa Ibom people actually want as it would arrest the historical injustice of cattle destroying people's crops".

Speaking on the development, the lawmaker representing Essien Udim State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Barr. Esse Umoh applauded the Governor for the speedy action he took on the matter, adding that the law will greatly promote unity, security and peaceful coexistence among residents in the state.

Hon. Umoh, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Economic Development, posited that the new law will promote global best practices in livestock administration, regulation and control in the state, as well as prevent the destruction of farmland and crops, while also reducing clashes and killings between herders and farmers in Akwa Ibom state.

"Our Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, is a man of peace, all the developments his administration has bequeathed us is founded on peace and this Law seeks to promote same.

"As a people, having understood the implications of the lack of peace and the gains of prevalence of peace, Essien Udim Constituents are very happy with this Law and its attendant benefits"

While acknowledging the important roles of dealers and rearers of livestock as well as farmers to the state's economy, Barr. Umoh, commended relevant and critical stakeholders, including the Igbo Community, Arewa Community, Civil Society Groups, Cattle Dealers Association and Yoruba Community in Akwa Ibom State, whose useful suggestions were solicited and obtained in the legislative process that saw the enactment of the law.

Also reacting, a public affairs commentator, Mr. Otobong Sampson from Mkpat-Enin, who commented on the Governor's social media handle, called for strict enforcement of the law to achieve desired result.

"Strict enforcement beyond the passage should be the deal. The hovering dangers must be stopped in time before Akwa Ibom becomes a pool of blood".

Ukeme James from Etinan who was excited over the Govenor's speedy assent on the bill, described him as a pragmatic leader.

"Well done my amiable governor, you are such an active leader"

On his part, a Lagos based travels and tourism management consultant from Oro nation, Obong Kendy Edet Aduak, prayed God to bless Governor for rising in defense of his people at such a time like this.

"I am a senior travel management consultant based in Lagos. I am also the BOT Chairman of Ibom Big Deal Club of Nigeria, a non governmental organization established to empower Akwa Ibom people economically and also champion for the course of promoting good governance.

"Cattle and other livestock should not be allowed to roam about and be destroying people's farmland. I want to really commend our governor for joining the rest of the southern governors to sign the anti-open grazing bill into law. With an enabling law now in place, defaulters will be charged to court. I must say this is indeed a welcome development.

"It will certainly put a stop to reported incidents of kidnapping, rape and killing of farm owners by herdsmen. God bless His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel", he said

A youth from Uruk Uso in Ikot Ekpene, Udeme Udofia on his part argued that the law would put a stop to some evil that have been pepetrated against innocent farmers.

"On point His Excellency. In this one you have the full backing of Akwa Ibom people. No one should rob Peter to pay Paul for whatever reason"

Samuel Ekanem in his observation noted; "You've gotten this very correct, Your Excellency. You have the full support of Akwa Ibom people in this one".

A cleric, Pastor Sylvanus Akpan advised the state government to set up a taskforce or a special purpose security outfit to oversee the strict implementation of the Anti-open grazing law in the State. "Please Mr Udom, what ever that will take you to resist all the wickedness, evil SATANIC manipulations that the APC are projecting against Akwa ibom, please do it. And please kindly within your power create some internal security and empower them because the enemies in APC want to take over Akwa ibom state like Cross River State"

A Journalist from Onna, Mr. Ebong Umofia, wants the government to interface with cattle rearers, so they can fully understand and appreciate the intent and content of the open grazing prohibition law which has now come into effect in the State.

" His Excellency, that's just the best thing you have done. Akwaibomites that have cattles should provide ranches for their cattles, as these cattles, especially those ones along Onna- lkot Abasi Road are really destroying crops, while the owners of these farmlands suffer setbacks.

"We understand some highly placed government officials own these cattles. We, the farmers along the mentioned Onna - lkot Abasi Road shall appreciate your gesture by using your good offices as the Governor of our State to call these cattle owners to order, as all efforts to stop these herders and the cattles to further destroy our farmlands has proved abortive. God bless you His Excellency".

Samuel Duncan had this to say about the new law in his commendation; "You have done beautifully wonderful.. May God continue to guide you aright as you steer steadily the ship of governance in Akwa Ibom State"

Speaking the minds of Akwa Ibom youths, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Matters, Comrade Anefiok Iwaudofia, said youths of the State especially those of them who have ventured into agriculture receive the news of the signing into law of the Open Grazing Prohibition Law with great excitement.

He noted that the law would help secure farms of youths who are already into agriculture.

The law which Provides for establishment of Ranches in the State is in line with the resolution of the Southern Governors’ Forum at its last meeting in Lagos where September was set as the deadline for governors in the Southern parts of Nigeria to sign the Anti-Open Grazing Bill into law to prevent future loss of lives occasioned by frequent clash between herders and farmers.

The law which came into effect on the 14th of September, 2021 stipulates a 5 year jail term and N1million fine for defaulters, among others.

He said it would be unnecessary for anyone found culpable to attempt to use his power or influence, as the law will be fully invoked to ensure that justice is served.

The Governor, when he signed the bill into Law last week, said "the law will be used against you, irrespective of who you are, so make sure you create ranches to take care of your livestock.

" It is very painful for a farmer to wake and discover that his crops that he had toiled for several months, have been destroyed by your cattles.

"Just as you are rearing your animals to make profits, the farmer is also aiming for profits and as such you should not come and destroy his own business with yours.

"Once you are caught, such animals would be confiscated and the fine would add to the revenue of the state government, and shall also be used to settle the loss of the farmer," Governor Emmanuel said.

The Budget signing by the Governor was witnessed by the State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon Aniekan Bassey with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Uko Udom (SAN).

The new Law promotes modern techniques in animal husbandry, prevent the destruction of farms by wandering cattles, and aims to address clashes between herders and farmers in the state.

It also promotes international best practices in livestock administration, regulation and control in the state, among other things.

Inoyo Attends Akwa Ibom Movie Producers Inauguration

...discloses why Inoyo Toro Foundation sponsored 33 students in movie production

The Advisor, Inoyo Toro
Foundation, Mr. Udom Inoyo, was among the dignitaries who attended the inauguration ceremony of the Association of Movie Producers in Nigeria (AMP) Akwa Ibom state chapter.

Inoyo, was a special guest of honor at the event held at the Conference Hall of the Watbridge Hotel & Suits, IBB Way, Uyo, last Saturday.

Speaking, in his goodwill message, Inoyo narrated how his passion for acting led him to feature in Wole Soyinka's satiric play, 'The Trial of Brother Jero' at age 17, which was covered by NTA, Channel 6, Aba, while he was a student at the Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene.

He pointed out that having acted so well, his teachers at the college were not happy that he registered to study Political Science and later Law because they felt he had an authentic calling in Performing Acts.

"I think I may have been good in Performing Arts because at age 17, NTA channel 6, Aba, covered Wole Soyinka’s satiric play, The Trial of Brother Jero, which I played the key role, while a student at Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene. My teachers at the college were not happy when I enrolled to study Political Science and later Law. But they took consolation in the fact that my younger sister, Eno, at the same FGC, studied Theatre Arts in the university."

Inoyo confessed that he admires movie producers and their pursuit, that besides producing movies to make money, the contribution of stakeholders in the movie industry to the mental well-being of the nation is enormous, though it is yet to be fully appreciated.

He further affirmed the enormous role that movie producers play in creating jobs and promoting the culture of Nigerians as the reason why in 2020, the Inoyo Toro Foundation partnered with The Royal Arts Academy, a film monotechnic based in Akwa Ibom State to train 33 students on a 3 months certificate program in various aspects of the creative and performing arts.

While congratulating the Aniebiet Francis-led executives on their inauguration, the special guest of honor said that he values the body and would like to engage the movie producers in a discussion on how to collaborate with them to aid them to succeed more.

In her inaugural speech, the Akwa Ibom Chairperson of the AMP, Aniebiet Francis thanked the guests for attending the event and informed the gathering that Nollywood has attracted global attention with the movie "King of boys" taking the front role as one of the most talked-about movies on Netflix, hence, Akwa Ibom should take advantage of the global acceptance and recognition which Nollywood is enjoying.

She observed that any government that is serious about job and wealth creation, tourism development, and diversifying her economy must place great value on movie production.

She said: "An investment in the movie industry is an investment in hospitality, food, music, makeup, fashion, etc. The producers are ready, we need sufficient support and partnership to succeed."

The inauguration was attended by the national body, headed by the National President, Association of Movie Producers, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, MFR, National President, Director's Guild of Nigeria, Victor Okhai; National Grand Patron, Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, Andy Boyo; Sunny Mcdon BOT Member, AGN; Francis Onwochei Veteran Actor, Director; and Anthony Chukwuma, National Financial Secretary of the AMP. Others dignitaries are the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Local Government, and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, the Facilitator of Inoyo Toro foundation, Mrs. Imo Bassey, Mr. O. J. Adiakpan, among others.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of an award to the Inoyo Toro Foundation for exemplary partnership in training and upscaling the talents of the youth in Performing Arts.

Akwa Ibom Technology Day 2021: Udom Inoyo Rallies Support for AKS Technopreneurs

...as foundation secures N100m for capacity building of potential innovators


The Advisor, Inoyo Toro Foundation, Mr. Udom Inoyo has pledged his commitment and support for Akwa Ibom state Technopreneurs to excel.

Mr. Inoyo gave the assurance during his speech at the Akwa Ibom Technology Week 2021, grand finale held at the Emerald Event Centre, Uyo, where he was the keynote speaker.

In his remark, the former Vice-Chairman of ExxonMobil companies in Nigeria noted that participants at the Akwa Ibom Technology Week hold the key to unlocking the economy of Akwa Ibom state, and indeed, the nation because some of the problems confronting the country can be solved through the force of market-creating innovations, expressing confidence that Akwa Ibom youths can witness real transformation if they dedicate their time to identify what the population lacks or is struggling with.

"As you know, the 21st-century economy will be largely anchored on technology and innovation, and if this country must make progress, we must look in your direction. Society is bedeviled with many problems, but these struggles are also opportunities, which some of you have already identified. I salute you for this, and for being audacious, savvy, and ready to conquer the world, notwithstanding your name, location, circumstances of birth, etc."

He explained further that Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) of $514 billion (nominal) relative to a population growth2 rate of 2.6 percent (2019) is not enough to support the country's socio-economic needs, accordingly, the youths must be willing to explore new frontiers to test and market their capabilities with a determination to break technological barriers, crippling self-doubt, and forging ahead with appealing dispositions and must never say it cannot be done.

Inoyo, who pointed out that the mission of the contest is to allow innovators to present their business concept to a panel in the hope of winning a cash prize or investment capital to support innovative solutions that will stimulate capacity development and enhance economic growth in Akwa Ibom State, expressed delight at the interest and eagerness of Akwa Ibom youths to compete nationally and globally.

He announced that the contest which will hold in October will attract prize money for winners to support the advancement of their businesses, as well as sponsorship of 72 idea owners to the build and grow boot-camp/capacity-building organized by Africa Fintech Academy estimated at over N100M aggregated value for the young innovators.

The one time President of the Chartered Institute Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) acknowledged the support of Barrister Aniekan Ukpanah, who is the Managing Partner of Udo Udoma and Belo-Osagie, a leading commercial law firm in Nigeria, and Nsikak John, Head, Enterprise Innovation at the Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX) for partnering with the foundation.

The Akwa Ibom Technology Week, sponsored by the Inoyo Toro foundation attracted seasoned Akwa Ibom indigenes who are experts in the field of innovation such as Usoro Usoro, Chief Executive Officer, Y’ello Digital Service at MTN Nigeria; Otto Abasi Williams, Senior Vice President, Head of Partnerships Innovation and Digital Solutions at VISA, Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa; Nsikan Utuk, Technology Strategy Consultant; Mark Essien, Founder/Chief Executive Officer at Hotels.NG; Aniedi Udo-Obong, Program Manager, at Google and Unwana Esang, a Microfinance Bank MD.

ONNA PEOPLE WILL CONTINUALLY FOLLOW GOVERNOR EMMANUEL – PAT IFON

- Emerges Coordinator MPM, ONNA Steering Committee

Hon. Pat Ifon, member representing Eket/ Esit Eket/ Ibeno/ ONNA Federal Constituency in the House of representatives, has reiterated ONNA people’s resolve to follow Governor Udom Emmanuel through the completion Agenda, succession plan and his future endeavors.

Ifon, who spoke glowingly in an acceptance speech immediately after his inauguration as the Coordinator, ONNA steering committee of the Maintain Peace Movement, Friday, said Governor Emmanuel has done so well, hence the need for massive support and followership.

He stated that the Maintain Peace Movement came to ONNA to water the seed of Peace that has already been planted by the Governor over the years and the people are glad that a son of the soil is a peaceful Governor.

“His Excellency, what the MPM came to ONNA to do today is to water the seed of peace that you have already planted over the years”

“We will follow you, we will fly with you through the Completion Agenda, through your succession plan and your future endeavours” He added.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel advised the people of the State to be wary of those plotting blackmail and violence as political tools in their quest to attain political power in 2023, saying such politicians do not wish the people well.

Addressing a crowd of supporters, Friday at Onna Sports Stadium during the grand finale of the inauguration of the local government steering committees for a peace advocacy machinery, Maintain Peace Movement, MPM, he expressed his belief that power is not attained through blackmail and violence but by Divine Providence.

Governor Emmanuel who formally accepted the role of Grand Patron of the movement, described MPM as a divine and forward looking movement geared towards sustaining the gains of good governance in the state.

He emphasized that no meaningful development can be achieved in the absence of peace, hence his insistence that the prevailing peace must be sustained beyond 2023.

"MPM is forward ever, backward never. We are trying to consolidate what God has done for Akwa Ibom. This movement is like Noah's ark and I must say this is another Noah's ark. We set up the ark in 2018/2019. We called it Divine Mandate, Only God. Those who joined the ark that time now have cause to smile.

"There can't be development without peace. We want to sustain the peace. Any body who is seeking power through violence and blackmail does not wish Akwa Ibom well.

"There is only one Governorship seat. you have to take difficult decision. It's about peace in our State for us to attract foreign direct investment, for us to attract investors, for us to create medical tourism for Akwa Ibom people and lots more".

Governor Emmanuel gave the Central Coordinating Committee of MPM, led by National Legal Adviser of PDP, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem a pat on the back for doing a good job, describing them as true lovers of the State.

"These people love the State that's why they are accepted to go round and preach the message of peace."

The MPM steering committee for Onna has the National Assembly Member representing Eket/Esit-Eket/Ibeno/Onna Federal Constituency, Hon. Pat Ifon as Coordinator, while the Deputy Chief Whip of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Member representing Onna State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Nse Essien is to serve as Deputy Coordinator.

The Chief Protocol Officer to the Governor, Mr. Edmund Ufang is the Secretary.

Members of the steering committee include, Mr. Ephraim Inyang, Mrs.Owoidighe Ekpoattai, Ubong Adiakpan, Umoette Umoette, Ukpong Ukpong, Etienne Bob. Johnny Udofot Sunday, Ekerette Udo, Akaniyene Idem, Umoette Ukoette and Friday Ufot Ben.

Advisers are; Imo Attat, Mfon Umoedet, Joshua Nyoho, Ezekiel Umoh, Dr. Bernard Duncan. Elder. Barr. Ime Ekpotai, Hon. Courage Inam.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has advised the people of the State to be wary of those plotting blackmail and violence as political tools in their quest to attain political power in 2023, saying such politicians do not wish the people well.

Addressing a crowd of supporters, Friday at Onna Sports Stadium during the grand finale of the inauguration of the local government steering committees for a peace advocacy machinery, Maintain Peace Movement, MPM, he expressed his belief that power is not attained through blackmail and violence but by Divine Providence.

Governor Emmanuel who formally accepted the role of Grand Patron of the movement, described MPM as a divine and forward looking movement geared towards sustaining the gains of good governance in the state.

He emphasized that no meaningful development can be achieved in the absence of peace, hence his insistence that the prevailing peace must be sustained beyond 2023.

"MPM is forward ever, backward never. We are trying to consolidate what God has done for Akwa Ibom. This movement is like Noah's ark and I must say this is another Noah's ark. We set up the ark in 2018/2019. We called it Divine Mandate, Only God. Those who joined the ark that time now have cause to smile.

"There can't be development without peace. We want to sustain the peace. Any body who is seeking power through violence and blackmail does not wish Akwa Ibom well.

"There is only one Governorship seat. you have to take difficult decision. It's about peace in our State for us to attract foreign direct investment, for us to attract investors, for us to create medical tourism for Akwa Ibom people and lots more".

Governor Emmanuel gave the Central Coordinating Committee of MPM, led by National Legal Adviser of PDP, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem a pat on the back for doing a good job, describing them as true lovers of the State.

"These people love the State that's why they are accepted to go round and preach the message of peace."

In their goodwill messages, the State Chairman of PDP, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan, Senator Akon Eyakenyi who spoke on-behalf of Members of the National Assembly, Leader of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udo Kirean on-behalf of Members of the State legislature, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ephraim Inyang, and Chairman of Onna local government area, Mr. Iniabasi Ekanem as well as the chairman of forum of local government chairmen, ALGON, Mr Iniobong Robson, all re-echoed their readiness to remain supportive of the Completion Agenda and succession plan of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Inaugurating the steering committee of the movement in Onna, Chairman of MPM, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, who described the people of the area as worthy ambassadors of MPM, said he and his team were in Onna to water a seed that would be beneficial to all.

Harping on the importance of peace and the need to sustain the Governor's development efforts, Enoidem who is the National Legal Adviser of PDP said the best thing that has happened to ONNA and Akwa Ibom State was the emergence of their son, Mr. Udom Emmanuel as Governor in 2015.

He pointed out that while the nation, Nigeria is still grappling with the negative effects of APC's misrule at the centre, Akwa Ibom has enjoyed relative peace and unprecedented economic growth as a result of quality leadership employed by the Governor.

"Today is the grand finale of the inauguration of MPM across the 31 local government areas in the State. We stand here representing you as Ambassadors of peace. We have your mandate to ensure peace is maintained in your time and after your time"

"There is no part of this state that your administration has not touched. You've engineered in the minds of every Akwa Ibom son the spirit of entrepreneurship.

God, through you, has brought peace to Akwa Ibom State. This Peace cannot be taken for granted", Enoidem stated.


The MPM boss enjoined the people of Onna who have attained voting age, but haven't gotten voter's card to visit the nearest INEC registration center to collect their PVC's. He equally enjoined those wishing to become members of the PDP to avail themselves of the ongoing online membership registration exercise.

The MPM steering committee for Onna has the National Assembly Member representing Eket/Esit-Eket/Ibeno/Onna Federal Constituency, Hon. Pat Ifon as Coordinator, while the Deputy Chief Whip of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Member representing Onna State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Nse Essien is to serve as Deputy Coordinator.

The Chief Protocol Officer to the Governor, Mr. Edmund Ufang is the Secretary.

Members of the steering committee include, Mr. Ephraim Inyang, Mrs.Owoidighe Ekpoattai, Ubong Adiakpan, Umoette Umoette, Ukpong Ukpong, Etienne Bob. Johnny Udofot Sunday, Ekerette Udo, Akaniyene Idem, Umoette Ukoette and Friday Ufot Ben.

Advisers are; Imo Attat, Mfon Umoedet, Joshua Nyoho, Ezekiel Umoh, Dr. Bernard Duncan. Elder. Barr. Ime Ekpotai, Hon. Courage Inam.



Media Unit
Govt House, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State
17/09/21

Here is a platform for innovators in Akwa Ibom State to pitch their ideas/startups at the grand finale of the Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2021 scheduled for 9am on September 17, 2021, at Emerald Event Centre Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Five (5) applicants from the pool of applications received will be selected to pitch their ideas/startups live (3 minutes each) to the panelists and the audience. The panelists will announce the winner at the end of the event.

WINNER

The first prize winner will receive funding of One Million Naira (NGN1,000,000) to propel their business, six months of coaching and mentorship, and free six-month access to a tech hub in Akwa Ibom state to advance their business development.

RUNNERS-UP

Selected runners-up will have access to six months of coaching and mentorship and free six-month access to the tech hub in Akwa Ibom State to advance their business development.

All five participants may also have the opportunity to be introduced to an accelerator/incubation program.

For eligibility, visit https://akitech.community/pitch/

...ROLLS OUT IBOM SOFT TISSUE PAPERS

Akwa Ibom State government has approved urgent intervention at erosion sites affecting parts of Uyo Village road and Ikpa road within the Uyo metropolis.

This was the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Udom Emmanuel, Wednesday at the Exco chambers.

The state executive council directed the Ministry of Environment and Solid Mineral Development to act immediately to prevent further destruction of the environment and loss of property.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong in a statement at the end of the Exco meeting, said, "Council approved the immediate award of contract for the intervention in the erosion sites at Ikpa road and Uyo village road.

"The Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals was directed to act immediately to prevent further degradation of the environment and loss of property"

The Governor who received in the executive chambers, the new soft roll tissue papers appreciated the Ministry of Trade and Investments for the addition of the tissue paper production line to its facility at the Dakkada Composite Industries.

Governor Emmanuel charged the Commissioner, Barr. Prince Ukpong Akpabio to ensure that the factory and its products are managed profitably.

Earlier, Commissioner Akpabio had presented the Ibom soft roll tissue papers to the state executive council, where he informed the executive council that the necessary approvals have been gotten and that the products were ready for the market.

Meanwhile, the state government has reiterated its earlier decision on the upper age limit (12 years) for students seeking entry level admission into public junior secondary schools in the state. To this end, School administrators have been charged to strictly adhere to the decision.

The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong , has called on the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission to recommend the increase of revenue allocated to States and Local Government Areas from the Federation Account.

He said the review of the vertical revenue allocation formula to the three tiers of government has become necessary, considering the changing socio-economic and political dynamics of the nation.
Mr. Archibong, made the appeal on Tuesday, 31st August, 2021, during an interactive session he facilitated between Members of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission and the 31 Local Government Council Chairmen in Akwa Ibom State.

The Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs boss, commended the Commission for living up to its constitutional mandate of engaging representatives of various Stakeholders and the general public in the process of reviewing the vertical revenue allocation formula for the Country. This, according to him, will not only give the citizenry a sense of belonging, but will ensure conformity with the changing realities.

Earlier on, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Linus Nkan, while setting the tone for the session, expressed optimism that the visit will afford the Commission the opportunity of getting first hand information from the Local Government Chairmen, who are the closest to the grass roots. He encouraged the Council Chairmen to feel free to air their minds, even as they propose a revenue sharing formula which conforms with present day realities.

The Commission's Team Lead, that is, the Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State in the Commission, Engr. Elias Mbam, explained that the primary purpose of the visit was to sensitize the good people of Akwa Ibom State on the need to present a well-articulated position on how revenue should be shared between the Federal, State and Local Governments.

Engr. Mbam, reiterated that the Commission is greatly desirous of providing within the shortest possible time, a generally acceptable new vertical sharing formula that will meet the yearnings and expectations of the three tiers of Government for the benefit of the citizenry.

The ALGON Chairman, Mr. Iniobong Robson , who summarized the opinions of the Council Chairmen, described the current vertical revenue sharing formula as "unacceptable and antithetical to the growth and development of the nation". He wondered why the Federal Government with less governmental and developmental responsibilities should be taking the chunk of the allocation.

Mr. Robson, who is the Executive Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Council, concluded by recommending a devolution of some of the powers and responsibilities of the Federal Government to the State and Local Governments. According to him, the Federal Government should limit itself to policy formulation and regulation in areas like Agriculture, Internal Security, Health etc.

He promised to make the position of ALGON, Akwa Ibom State ready and submitted to the Commission before the 20th September deadline.

The visit was attended by Chairmen of Council, led by the ALGON Chairman, Mr. Iniobong Robson, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Elder Ini Ikie and the Chief of Staff to the Commissioner, Mr. Tommy Enodien .

© Press Unit, Office of the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

We have watched with dismay, constant pollution of the media spaces with tantrums spewed against our leader and Governor of the State, Mr Udom Emmanuel by several media hirelings, masquerading as emergency activists. These people jump into every space, to play bitter politics at the expense of common sense.

There’s an axiom that “he who seeks equity should approach it with clean hands”. These thoughts explain in bolder relief the recent smear campaign by sympathizers of Pastor Nyenime Andy of the Holy Ghost Ambassadors Church, whose church building was recently marked for demolition by the UCCDA.

Ordinary, we don’t get entangled with trivialities, but for the sake of the vulnerable public who could be misled by these merchants of falsehood, it’s important to set the record straight for posterity, which is the most potent tool that either vindicates or convicts humans based on the decisions they took.

First, attempting to politicize a purely legal and procedural matter smacks ignorance of the reality of the situation. It is tantamount to reducing the sanctity of human life for selfish egoistic reasons. It begs to ask: Why is it just the sympathizers of Holy Ghost Ambassadors who are revising reality by masquerading the truth, when two other churches namely, God’s House of Refuge, Nkemba Street, and Dunamis Church, Ikpa Road, Uyo, were also marked?

Secondly, it’s apposite to note that the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel is committed to the protection of lives and property in the state and would not compromise in this sacred responsibility. Thus, what’s appropriate for Holy Ghost Ambassadors and its sympathizers is to respond to the issues raised by UCCDA by providing the necessary approvals for the church project instead of engaging in the futility of psychological projections.

Thirdly, how is it Governor Emmanuel’s fault or undoing that the church building had no requisite approval? Is it the pastor of Holy Ghost Ambassadors and his political contractors who would be blamed in the court of public opinion IF the building collapses on innocent indigenes of the state? This situates the entire narrative within the prism of environmental threat and insecurity which the Government of Mr Udom Emmanuel would spare nothing at obliterating to ensure the safety of the people he swore to protect.

As legal theorists note, “equity aids the vigilant, or the indolent.” It is instructive to note that what reasonable people whose buildings are marked for demolition do, is to visit the appropriate authorities for clarification and harmonization, instead of engaging in the nuisance of blame-shifting and political vendetta. However, these constitute no threat to the Governor’s completion agenda, implying that there’s no degree of smear campaign that will dethrone the agenda of God for the state, which Governor Emmanuel is religiously following. Therefore, “playing god” by engaging in unguarded utterances would only relegate perpetrators to the dungeons of History.

Finally, we wish to sound a note of warning to political merchants who feel that the seat of government is their birthrights and as such, heaven would fall if not given to them, enough is enough.

Comrade Joseph Okon
Secretary
MANDATE EYES
01/09/21

UDOM INOYO WRITES ATUEKONG DON OBOT ETIEBET, CON ON HIS BIRTHDAY

My dear Atuekong,

It is with inexplicable joy that my family and I celebrate you today as you clock 76 years. Yours has been a life of huge, indisputable accomplishment—a life dedicated to humanity. There are many incontrovertible reasons that make us celebrate you today. First, you are my esteemed in-law. You have been an inspiration and a pathfinder.
I recall that as young men who arrived Lagos in the 1980s, and were desirous of confronting any impediments to a career success, your several accomplishments, especially in business, provided the much needed impetus and desired assurances that we too can break any glass ceiling.

You represented a generation of daring leaders from our part of the country, and it was not surprising that we all wanted to learn at your feet.
We came to appreciate what made you a shining star. From your academic accomplishments in Imperial College of Science and Technology, England; to getting your hands dirty while working for Shell Company in Holland, and Reo Trinto Exploration Co. Ltd, in Canada, and your interest in imparting knowledge, as a university lecturer in Physics and Applied Geophysics, both at the University of Western Ontario, Canada and University of Ibadan.
Being restless and always eager to better the society, you took a bold step upon return to Nigeria in 1972 to set up Earth Sciences Limited—a resources engineering and mineral exploration company—the first indigenous Nigerian computer services company in mineral data gathering and processing. That was indeed a bold statement about local content in the oil industry!

In 1979, your signature company, Data Sciences Nigeria Limited, emerged a pioneer company to market computer hardware and software systems to various sectors of the Nigerian economy. Of course, following thereafter was the first ever Nigerian brand name in Personal Computers: the OBODEX-PC, which was assembled in Nigeria with the Naira sign keyboard.

Sir, I thank you for invoking in us an unexplainable audaciousness as far back as the 1990s. As we traversed Bank Anthony Way, to and from Lagos Airport, there was this imposing edifice, ETIEBETS PLACE.

Being one from the oil industry, I will be remiss not to salute you for your tenure as Minister of Petroleum & Mineral Resources. You served the country with integrity.

So my dear in-law, on this special occasion of your birthday, we are thankful to God for keeping you in health. We extend to you our best wishes. We will continue to celebrate you.

Happy Birthday, Sir.

UDOM INOYO

Business Support: August DNE Business Grant winner receives Cheque.

The August edition winner of the Dakkada Networking Experience (DNE) Business Grant for Participating Entrepreneurs, Mr Wilson Wilson has commended the Directorate of Marketing and Brand Management for initiating the Grant as a part of the Dakkada Networking Event. Wilson made the commendations this morning at the DMBM offices while receiving a cheque of one hundred thousand naira, being the DNE grant for August 2020.

Recall that Wilson, an Uyo Based entrepreneur and CEO of EMYKPE Multimedia Studios emerged winner of the DNE business grant for participating entrepreneurs, after providing the first correct answer to the break-time trivia at the August Edition of the Dakkada Networking Experience.

In his remarks, the SSA to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Marketing and Brand Management, Mr Ime Uwah commended the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel for facilitating the Dakkada Networking Experience, stressing its benefits to entrepreneurs, stakeholders, regulatory and government agencies. Uwah said the grant which is mobilized by the Dakkada Business and leadership forum (DB&LF) was introduced to reward participating entrepreneurs at the event and support their enterprise.

ART-PRENEURSHIP: GOV'S AIDE COMMENDS INGENUITY OF ART ENTREPRENEURS IN AKWAIBOM

Art articulates a diverse range of human activities in creating visual, audio or performing arts, while expressing the author's imaginative conceptual ideas or technical skill, intended to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. Therefore whether visual art which includes painting, sculpture and architecture or literature, Music, theatre, film, dance, and other performing arts. Arts contributes $763.6 billion to the U.S. economy, more than agriculture, transportation, or warehousing. Also, the arts sector employs 4.9 million workers across board with earnings of more than $370 billion.

In interpreting the theme for the celebration of 2020 World Entrepreneurs Day in AkwaIbom themed:'Innovation & Entrepreneurship’, It will interest you to know that opportunities for Tourism -Art related Enterprises were highlighted, in a view to working ways to scale up tourism-art related enterprises in the state.

On a working trip to a cross section of arts related enterprises, the Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Entrepreneurial Development, Mrs Meflyn Anwana supported creative talents that make up several components of the art eco-system, in form of knowledge sharing, seed investments and accelerator launch pads to fire up as well as proliferate the economic impact of arts and cultural productions, making it a value-added contributor across the value chain.

Akwa Ibom State has been an incubator for innovation and entrepreneurship over the years, His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel has beamed light and ignited the spirit of enterprise, while creating the environment for entrepreneurs to thrive as catalysts of a vibrant economy. Clearly, as a people we must ask ourselves how we can continue to produce future innovators and entrepreneurs, looking beyond crude oil to other natural resources deposited in our domain.

Mrs Anwana noted that angel investments when explored, would cause a boost in the arts and craft sector, considering the opportunities that abound.

Meanwhile, Data released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) offers an insightful picture of the impact arts has on the U.S economy.

Although the COVID - 19 Pandemic has created a lot of challenges, that has evoked concerns globally, the year 2020 is hereby demanding the ingenuity of deep thinkers and problem solvers, hence this commendation of the Akwa Ibom State Government for the entrepreneurial drive of whole systems and sects to consider alternative income sources in the post COVID era.

Nelson NseAbasi writes from Etinan.

The Pandemic and Energy Transition: the Future of Work, Post-COVID-19,

By Udom Inoyo

Premium Times

A few weeks ago, I was opportuned to speak to a group of Energy practitioners under the auspices of Women in Energy Network, on the subject of leadership agility and resilience.

It was a good opportunity to remind ourselves of the turbulence previously encountered by the oil and gas industry and how our dogged employees, majority of whom are members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) worked collaboratively with management, to push through the storm.

Some of you will recall the 2007-2008 global financial crises, which had the oil price crashing from US$147 to US$30 a barrel. You will also remember the period between 2014 and 2015, when members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) consistently exceeded their production ceiling, China experienced a marked slowdown in economic growth, and the U.S. oil production nearly doubled due to substantial improvements in shale “fracking” technology.

Businesses were roundly impacted, but somehow we were able to pull from the brink. Some of you were actively involved in the rescue mission, and we often referred to you as crises management experts, notwithstanding the fact that sometimes, you overreached your mandate by getting involved in matters not under your direct purview, just to help. Well, you know your slogan: injury to one is injury to all!

So, while the COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and globally devastating, affecting individuals and corporate organisations in diverse ways, be aware that the dexterity and cooperation you have demonstrated in the past will be required to navigate businesses out of the woods.

All hands must not only be on deck, but everyone must row in the same direction. Even though I am no longer involved in the day to day management of people issues in the sector, let me quickly acknowledge that everything I have heard so far points to an understanding by the Union of the current situation, and with your members already making huge sacrifices.

For example, those working in remote/offshore locations are subjecting themselves to long periods of quarantine prior to departure, and maintaining longer work schedules, just to keep production going.

That is how it should be and it is quite commendable. And I know that a lot more adjustments may have to be made in the coming weeks/months.

The Future of Work Post COVID-19 Pandemic

You have asked me to speak today about the future of work post Covid-19 pandemic and energy transition. Given your mandate and obligation to your members, I presume what you really want to hear from me is whether the oil industry still has potentials for growth and particularly, if the current disruption will lead to excess manpower, thereby triggering bouts of redundancy or separation.

In other words, you want assurances on job security and better opportunities for your members; just as you want the Union as a body, to continue to be financially buoyant, given that the check-off dues is predicated on membership. These are realistic concerns, otherwise you may be caught napping.

You may wake up one day, even in the not too distant future, to realise that the relevance of the Union has been eroded if you don’t reposition it in line with current realities and evolving trends. While that is not my wish for you, it could be the case. And I will explain shortly.

Energy Transition

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

Energy transition (also called the green transition) is the plan to zero out the dependency on fossil fuels (oil and natural gas) thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions with their impact on climate change, and transitioning into renewable energies such as wind power, solar power (thermal, photovoltaic and concentrated), hydro power, tidal power, geothermal energy, ambient heat captured by heat pumps, biofuels and the renewable part of waste, which are environmentally friendly and biodegradable (Eurostat Renewable Energy Statistics).

The European Union has an objective to be the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050 through a European Green Deal. If things proceed as planned, hundreds of billion of barrels of oil and trillions of cubic feet of gas investments will be left in the ground as stranded assets due to the transition. Many billion dollar projects will be re-evaluated, with many becoming no longer viable.

The good news is that Nigeria is not inactive in this space.

In furtherance of her commitment as a member of the United Nations, African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), all of which have variously adopted several treatises and policies to promote the use of renewable energies, the Nigerian government in 2015 rolled out the Nigerian Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (NREEEP). It also set an integrated energy mix target, under the Electricity Vision 30:30:30, of 30 per cent generation from renewable energy sources.

At a 2018 pre-conference workshop of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, the then minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, could not have been more explicit about the Federal Government’s seriousness when he said: “Let me be clear and unequivocal by saying upfront that our commitment as a nation and government to pursue renewable and low carbon energy at a low cost is clear, firm and unshakable. But this is not all. It is a commitment driven by necessity, contract and policy.”

The business environment has been altered and adaptability is the new marketable skill. It was Alvin Toffler, an American businessman and writer, whose works discussed modern technologies, including digital revolution and the impact of culture worldwide, who opined that the illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.

To further demonstrate its seriousness, the Nigerian government has enacted a Feed-in Tariff policy to support the implementation of renewable energy addition to the overall energy mix in the country.

The market is huge in Nigeria, and the country is blessed in abundance with renewable energy sources. In the North, we have the sun and wind; in the South, we have hydro and wind; and there may be possibilities of geothermal sources in the Middle Belt of Jos. It remains to be seen if this would be found in commercial quantities. Additionally, and with regard to funding, Nigeria has successfully issued a green bond (which was oversubscribed) and in July 2018, the Debt Management Office (DMO) listed N10.69 billion green bonds on the stock market at a coupon rate of 13.48 per cent.

The Federal Ministry of Environment is leading the effort to partner donor agencies and the private sector to ensure a steady stream of funding is available for renewable energy projects through the issuance of green bonds and engagement with Financial Centres for Sustainability (FC4S).

Some companies are already moving in this direction, knowing that it is the right thing to do. For instance, the national oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has a department focused on renewable energy, while Total has retrofitted some of its gas dispensing stations with renewable energy.

There are more examples to cite. A recent Deloitte 2020 Oil and Gas Industry Outlook mid-year report acknowledged that the oil and gas companies of today, many of which aspire to be the broad-based energy companies of tomorrow, will need to figure out how to produce more oil and gas (and increasingly power) year after year, while also being carbon-conscious and addressing stakeholder’s sustainability concerns.

Coming back home, the year 2020 was expected to be a good year for the industry, both for liquids and gas. In fact, 2020 was tagged Our Year of Gas. We had plans to ramp up investment in exploration and drilling activities, unlock opportunities in marginal fields (the Department of Petroleum Resources is proceeding with the bid process) and generally increase production.

Gas reserves actually increased to a peak volume of 203 trillion cubic feet (cf.) in 2020 through these increased exploratory activities. Major gas projects including NLNG Train 7 and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline are in progress, given the attendant benefits to the nation.

With the AKK project, despite a few political shots to the contrary, the benefits should not be lost on us as the completion of the project will see an increase in electricity generation, clean gas for domestic and industrial consumption, and improved supply from Ajaokuta through Abuja and Kaduna on to a terminal gas station in Kano.

Also important is the opportunity of getting Nigeria’s gas into Europe, being the first part of the Trans Nigeria Gas Pipeline Project (TNGP).

While the oil (liquid) reserve target of 40 billion barrels by 2020 has not been met (the current reserve level is ~36bb), we managed to keep production steady at about two million barrels per day (~2mb/day) of liquid oil. However, presently, the OPEC cap to manage price through the demand/supply mechanism is a major constraint to production.

Overall, while fossil fuel will continue to remain attractive, at least for now, we should never forget the country’s commitment to pursue renewable energies, driven by necessity, contract and policy. And, it is the right thing to do.

PENGASSAN – Today and Tomorrow

Resources for the Future, an independent, nonprofit research institution, in her May 2020 report opined that while it is still unclear how long lasting the effects of COVID-19 will be, there is already clear evidence of its immediate impacts. As of the end of April, crude oil prices had fallen bmore than 70 per cent in just two months, amid cratering demand and stubbornly elevated supply. Real-time data on electricity use for the United States has revealed falling electricity demand, as people change their habits.

Similar declines have been seen in Europe, coinciding broadly with the timing and stringency of each country’s lockdown.
Additionally, with the world practically shut down, economic activities halted, and everyone focused on survival. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has acknowledged that this period has witnessed the largest decline in global energy demand since World War II, stretching across every continent. So how should PENGASSAN respond to all these?

As earlier canvassed, PENGASSAN’s immediate focus area should be the impact of COVID-19 on her members.

So what should PENGASSAN be doing to keep the ship sailing and mitigate further damage to the industry?

As Africans, I want us to be reminded of the proverb which says only a fool tests the depth of a river with both feet.
More than ever, whatever you desire to do must be carefully considered and responsibly executed. I hereby propose the following posers for your kind consideration:

What Is Keeping Business Leaders Awake?

All of you seated here are business leaders. And I am sure you are not sleeping comfortably, knowing what COVID-19 has done to businesses; with some hitherto rock-solid companies filing for bankruptcy, while others have either laid off many staff and or are struggling to pay salaries.

How prepared are you for the aggressive role of technology in today’s market? More than ever, technology cannot be wished away in today’s business environment. In the last six months, we have witnessed a minimum manning level, with fewer personnel working in critical oil and gas sectors, while getting production going in a safe manner.

You must have heard that in the U.S., about 40 million jobs have been lost, while in Nigeria, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has just released the unemployment figure in the country, showing an increase from 23.1 per cent in 3Q 2018 to 27.1 per cent as of 2Q 2020.

The number of the underemployed is much higher and it is going to get worse with those hitherto employed likely to join the labour market.

What is needed most at this time is understanding and support from bodies like PENGASSAN, given that your members must reinvent and hone other skills to ensure they can fit into the new ways business will operate going forward. Every support counts towards recovery. Nothing should therefore be done to increase the misery of companies.

What Skills Will You Require In Your Organisation?

On August 15, there was a Business Leadership Roundtable on Mindset for the New Agenda, hosted by Effiong Esumo for the Oro nation, and he highlighted the fact that businesses are no longer looking for employees who simply carry out tasks, but those who are solution providers. How apt!

The business environment has been altered and adaptability is the new marketable skill. It was Alvin Toffler, an American businessman and writer, whose works discussed modern technologies, including digital revolution and the impact of culture worldwide, who opined that the illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.

How prepared are your members to adjust to the current realities? What training opportunities are you canvassing for them? Most are now virtual and the cost is low.

How prepared are you for the aggressive role of technology in today’s market? More than ever, technology cannot be wished away in today’s business environment. In the last six months, we have witnessed a minimum manning level, with fewer personnel working in critical oil and gas sectors, while getting production going in a safe manner.

While projects have been scaled back, and there are no on-going drilling or exploration activities, we can be assured that various technology centres are aggressively seeking ways to re-start programmes, and with technology playing a much bigger role. At a recent online ADIPEC Energy Dialogue Webinar, Philip Whittaker, partner and director, Oil and Gas, at the Boston Consulting Group was quoted as saying that one of his clients, working in North Sea operations, which demobilised about 40 per cent of its traditional crew from the platforms because of the pandemic, was still able to liquidate 90 per cent of her plant maintenance and integrity activity due to the application of wearable technology, digitised remote viewing and remote work planning.

Additionally, oilandgasrepublic.com has a report that Huawei has already highlighted seven technologies that will reshape the oil business: from big data and analytics, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and edge computing, cloud computing, AI and machine learning, robotics and drones, 5G networks and collaboration tools. Will the members of PENGASSAN be ready when these tools are fully deployed?

How Can the Union Reinvent Itself?

I foresee that the traditional role of the Union will take a natural decline, and if you must stay relevant, you need to start refocusing on getting your members, including personnel, likely to be on-boarded through a virtual hiring process and working outside the traditional office setting to continue to appreciate your offerings.

For instance, we know that most offices may not be fully reopened for some time, how is the Union assessing this situation and advancing engagements aimed at bringing terms and conditions of employment to be in conformity with current and evolving business realities?

Why should companies continue to bear costs originally in place for a physical work arrangement? This should be a subject of conversation.

Conclusion

There is a Ugandan proverb that reminds us that, “It is survival, not bravery that makes a man climb a thorny tree.” The oil and gas business is capital intensive, technology driven and has a long-term orientation. No one goes in with a view to making immediate profits.

We have seen many companies go-under on account of errors; drilling dry holes, project cost over-run, safety gaps, etc. We are also privy to situations where fiscal terms, community strife and general insecurity become barriers to investment. While there may have been strategies developed over the years to respond to some challenges, very few organisations thought about a response to a pandemic attack on the scale of COVID-19. This is therefore a time to meaningfully revisit the Unions popular phrase of a salubrious relationship.

You have an opportunity to innovate, becoming advocates for businesses and rowing in the same direction, for the overall good of all parties. Thats the right thing to do. Thats what will benefit thousands of your members. And at a personal level, thats what I want, given the need to secure my pension after 30 years of hard work in the industry we all care about.

Udom Inoyo is a former vice chairman, ExxonMobil Nigeria.

This was delivered as the guest speaker at the Sixth Triennial National Delegates Conference of PENGASSAN IN Abuja on Thursday August 27

…APOLOGIZES TO JOURNALIST, OTHERS OVER OUTBURST

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani Kayode has described his visits across the country as a fact finding assessment meant to evolve strategies that could help solve the country’s challenges.
He has again apologized over the media outburst in Calabar, Cross River State, saying it is an action he regrets.

Speaking at a media chat to mark the end of his visit to Akwa Ibom State, Kayode said he was very impressed with the strides of Governor Udom Emmanuel in Akwa Ibom State.
Chief Kayode who was emphatic on his source of funding for the tour said, “I am not being bankrolled by anyone. If I am being funded for this fact finding mission, I won't be able to have a mind of my own.”

The former presidential spokesperson said the visit is a personal sacrifice which he has no regret undertaking.
“Akwa Ibom has really impressed me. I want to say this, you are blessed to have a Governor in mould of Mr Udom Emmanuel."

“Governor Udom Emmanuel has attracted massive investments into Akwa Ibom State, you can only achieve that if you have an enabling environment. Gov Emmanuel is a focused and very disciplined professional.
Stressing that the visit was his first ever, he maintained that, “I have never been to Akwa Ibom before but what I have witnessed since I came in has been mindblowing. The state is not only very beautiful but truly blessed.”

The PDP chieftain whose recent outburst against a journalist in Cross River State sparked uproar in the media circle expressed regrets for the action, saying it was not worthy coming from a leader.

“I very much regret the Cross-River State incident, I let my anger becloud my better judgement. I deeply regret my actions on that day. My response was disproportionate and unacceptable, that is why I had to apologize to my family, friends and the Media world.
“No leader should ever be found wanting on such. I have reached out to the person

Ime Uwah

It is no news that the establishment of the Dakkada Cottage Industry has created opportunities for many job seekers in Akwa Ibom State. However, we must appreciate its potential of promoting and encouraging establishment of more cottage and small industries in the state, especially in the rural areas.

Cottage Industry, according to Investopedia, is a small-scale, decentralized manufacturing business often operated out of a home rather than a purpose-built facility. Also, Cottage industries are defined by the amount of investment required to start, as well as the number of people employed.

This description of cottage industries mirror the model of some of the common cottage industries in the State, which includes, Palm Oil Processing Mills, Garri Processing Mills, Fish drying facilities, Fashion Design Houses, iron fabricators, and now, with the establishment of Dakkada Cottage Industries, mini paper, pencil , toothpick production factory, and plastics crafting facilities have been added to the list.

The Dakkada Cottage industry uses bamboo as its major raw materials to produce pencil, tooth-picks, and tissue papers while using recycled local plastic waste gathered within and outside the state for its plastic products.

The establishment of the Dakkada Cottage industries by a visionary leader, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Gov. Udom Emmanuel goes beyond investment in a lucrative and profitable venture, but rather setting the tone, opening the doors and making available business models and resources for small business owners to invest in the sector, thereby effectively mobilizing the local economy.

With a growing market that seeks original handcrafted products as opposed to mass-produced products, there’s an investment opportunity for Akwa Ibom indigenes in this bamboo products sector.

Recently, during a tour of the Dakkada Cottage Industry at the Itam Industrial Park, the Commissioner incharge of the Ministry of Industries and Investment in the State, Prince Ukpong Akpabio, noted that some of the possible small scale industries that can be created in homes and small spaces with lesser capital requirements includes pulp/paper making factories, handcrafted pencil factories, pulp furniture factories, pencil and toothpick factories. He also said that, other associated business opportunities include; Supply of Bamboo (locally sourced raw materials), Commercial cultivation of bamboo, Sourcing and supplies of recycled local waste plastics and finished products distributorship opportunities.

Cottage and small scale industries are labour intensive and provides employment. This reduces unemployment and offers opportunities for self-employment. It provides economic opportunities to the poor.

With rising demand for reusable and disposable plastic containers for storage and packaging, handcrafted and customized pulp, paper and pencil products in the domestic and international market, it is very necessary to communicate and mobilize wide interest in the State cottage industry development, especially in rural areas. With an expanded market for our cottage products, it will promote our own culture and sustain the state's status as a destination State.

GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL AND THE HAND OF GOD


I grew up having great passion for football, though I knew it was never going to be possible for me to have a career in the sport.

At childhood, what really intrigued me about this sport was Diego Maradona's controversies in the pitch each time he's frustrated. One of those controversial moments was when he insisted that what got the ball to the back of the net was not his hand but the hand of God.

Overtime, many great footballers had strived to apply same hand of God in their times of frustration and desperation but failed. They are not Diego so it can never be the hand of God. What this clearly states is the fact that if it is not Panadol, then it can never be Panadol. But today, we now have another great player in which the hand of God is imprinted in every of his doings. He is not Diego Maradona, his name is UDOM EMMANUEL.


The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel from the inception of his Administration in 2015 has recorded numerous achievements in diverse sectors that flesh and blood may never be able to comprehend if given the opportunity.


Not minding the dwindling economy, the governor has been able to put up things in places, he has built the future where generations yet unborn would be proud of. To crown it all, he has built the Akwa Ibom State of our dreams. Indeed, Udom Emmanuel is a name which against all odds will stand the sands of time.

From a 100% Civil Service State, Governor Udom has turned Akwa Ibom to an Industrial hub. He has not only fulfilled his campaign promises by making available not fewer than 22 functioning industries in the State, he has ensured that his industralization agenda for our dear State is consolidated with tight security for the safety and protection of both lives and properties. The introduction of Ibom Air with over five aircrafts on its fleet has added more prestige to the State as well as booming the State's economy.

Throughout his first tenure as Governor, Mr. Emmanuel had invested massively in youths empowerment initiatives as a means of trimming the high rate of unemployment which was almost becoming the greatest problem in the State. Through these initiatives, grants have been given out to thousands of youths who went into agriculture, business, entrepreneurial training of all kinds. Today, thousands of these youths are owners of diverse businesses and are independently doing great.

Significantly, there have been food sufficiency in Akwa Ibom State. We now have youths who are owners of cocoa, cucumber, tomato, okro, water melon, rice, etc farmlands of at least 4hectares.

The resumption of his second tenure was accorded with encomiums and ovation with the commissioning of about 43 newly constructed roads across the State as a prove that his Administration has invested hugely in infrastructural development. As at today, a total of about 1800km of roads have been completely constructed, while others are still ongoing.


At this point, one would be forced to ask how Governor Emmanuel with the availability of very lean resources is making great things done without excuses, while others are yet to boast of even a project. Indeed, there's something behind all of these.

On the 29th of May 2020, Governor Emmanuel celebrated his one year in office as a second term Governor. This one year has been tremendous as he has changed the sad narrative about Akwa Ibom State. With the construction of the State-of-the-art Infectious Disease Control Center at Ituk Mbang with up-to-date equipment is one project that has placed Akwa Ibom on the global map as an industrialized State.
With the employment of the best hands and a 24/7 medical services in the Infectious Disease Control Center, and a standard Molecular Laboratory, the World Health Organization, WHO, and the National Center For Disease Control, NCDC have ranked it the best in Nigeria and West Africa.


Again, while the Corona Virus pandemic was still hitting hard on the world which negative effect is extremely obvious, the Government of Akwa Ibom State remained unperturbed and procured a new aircraft to the already existing fleet of Ibom Air. Today, the Airline routes Abuja to Calabar and vice versa, as well as Lagos State.

Having considered the times, how others are striving to cope, and the great achievements Mr. Emmanuel has recorded thus far, I cannot agree less that indeed, the hand of God is involved in this present Administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel.



Umani Uwemedimo, a Public Affairs Analyst writes from Uyo.

CELEBRATING A TRAILBLAZZER AND STELLAR PERFORMER @ 54

With glad tidings on a day like this, I, on behalf of my immediate and extended family of Okobo State Constituency, extend without reservations our warmest felicitations to a great visionary, exceptional leader and man of the people, His Excellency, MR UDOM GABRIEL EMMANUEL, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, on the auspicious occasion of his 54th birthday.

Celebrating with His Excellency today is a momentous occasion for thanksgiving and testimonies, occasioned by how the Almighty God has used you in the last five years to impact upon lives, change the course of history for good and laid a solid foundation for a greater Akwa Ibom State through your intellect-driven leadership and populist consciousness.

We cannot forget that His Excellency came into the leadership narrative of Akwa Ibom State after he has distinguished himself and left indelible trails in the private and corporate world as a highly respectable world class professional, financial sage, renowned management expert, celebrated technocrat, exceptional corporate brand and prudent manager of human and resources.

His Excellency, we thus celebrate you today as a true democrat, game-changer, target-oriented achiever and advocate in the chronicle of good governance and human growth and development, which easily remind us that every era in the progression of humanity has its own heroes whose footprints can never be erased. Your personality and leadership template instill in us trust, dependability, foresightedness, capacity and a better Akwa Ibom in the comity of States.

Satisfied as we are with Your Excellency’s towering achievements as an individual and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, I therefore use the joyous occasion of your birthday to reassure you of our continued solidarity and support to all your programmes and policies. Above all, praying that God continues to bless you with sound health, wisdom and protection to more successfully steer the ship of the State.

God bless Akwa Ibom State!
God bless Okobo State Constituency!!
God bless Nigeria

RT. HON. PRINCESS FELICIA A. BASSEY
DEPUTY SPEAKER/ MEMBER REPRESENTING OKOBO STATE CONSTITUENCY

JOI NUNIEH RUNS AMOK AFTER BEING CAUGHT IN THE WEB OF CERTIFICATE FORGERY
 
UNTOLD STORY OF HER SACK AS NDDC MD
 
On January 30, 2020, a civil society organization, “Anti-Corruption and Accountability Coalition Against Corruption fired a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari accusing the then Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Ms Joi Nunieh of certificate forgery.

 

According to the petition, “Your Excellency Sir, it is now a clear fact that Joi Nunieh did not participate in the mandatory one year national youth service, as we have gathered from reliable sources that she has been parading forged credentials including her NYSC discharged certificate hence she failed to produce same, rather running to bribe her way through to shield her from security operatives.

 
“Your Excellency Sir, we know that you are a man of integrity and by virtue of direct, we wish to state in clear terms that Joi Nunieh is not worthy of your appointment of any kind as she lacks the moral and legal locus to do so. In view of the above, we urge you to withdraw the aforesaid appointment of Joi Nunieh and relieve her of her duty due to forgery as Managing Director of NDDC for the interest of the Niger Delta people and society at large,” the petition stated.
 
We gathered that it was based on this that President Buhari ordered an investigation by Security Agencies into the allegation of certificate forgery by Ms Nunieh. And what the found out was startling.
 
To cover up her track, Ms Nunieh had gone to Nigerian Law School Police Station to obtain a Police extract about loss of her documents to enable her to go to any court of law and swear to an affidavit. According to the affidavit which she had sworn to, “Upon the death of my sister Bar. Mrs. Ledee Ndorbu- Ebenezer who died on the 19th April, 2002 at her residence at doctor’s Qtrs Braithwaite Memorial Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State,
 
“Her husband Dr Zacheus Ndorbu Ebenezer refused to grant me access to her safe and refused to hand over all my Educational documents including my call to bar certificate, NYSC call up letter and certificates, University Certificates and other valid documents which were in custody of my late sister Bar. Mrs. Ledee Ndorbu-Ebenezer and effort made to recover documents listed above proved abortive till this day.”
 
A letter from the Council of Legal Education claimed that Ms Nunieh was mobilized for the National Youth service Corps programme for 1989/1990 service year. However, a letter by the National Youth Service Corps signed by Okonofua, K. N (Mrs) Director of Corps Certification for the Director General stated, “However, no record exists either in NYSC Kwara State or NYSC National Directorate Headquarters to evidence her participation in the Scheme.” In essence Ms Nunieh had all along been parading forged and fake NYSC call up letter and discharge certificate as she claimed in her affidavit.
 
We gathered that upon her appointment as the Acting Managing Director of the NDDC whenever the issue of her certificates came up she became evasive and attempted to bribe security agents who carried out the investigations. However, when the report got to the President that she was parading forged certificates, she was immediately relieved of her appointment.
 

Ever since she was sacked, Ms Nunieh has become very frustrated and in a typical “I-will-not-go-down-alone” syndrome has been making wild and unsubstantiated allegations those she perceived may have been responsible for her downfall.

NDDC RESTATES NO MISSING N40BN AS ALLEGED BY NATIONAL  ASSEMBLY 



In a rare display of transparency unseen in the history of Nigeria, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has publidhed the list of all payments made by it between February 20 and May 5 this year.


The publication which was in response to allegations that N40 billion was missing from its accounts, detailed the beneficiaries of the payments, projects paid for and the date and time.


The Commission, rather affirmed that the sum of N35.3 billion was disbursed to vendors and contractors between February and May 2020.


The Senate had launched a probe into alleged missing N40 billion under the leadership of the Interim Management Committee (IMC), an action that immediately pitted the Commission and its supervising Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs against the Senate resulting in series of allegations and counter-allegations from all sides.


But in a statement published earlier today, the NDDC disclosed that the move to pay the sums became necessary in order to alleviate the suffering of the vendors which, it argued, had a ripple effect on the Niger Delta region.


It further explained the action was in line with recent mandate handed to the Commission by Mr. President to change it former ways and act responsibly.


The statement, which was issued by Mr. Charles Odili, the Director, Corporate Affairs, read as follows; “In a rare display of transparency, the NDDC presents details of the N35.3 billion paid to vendors and contractors between February 20 and May 5, 2020.


“The management of the Niger Delta Development Commission has been inundated by enquiries from stakeholders following allegations that the expanded Interim Management Committee (IMC) misappropriated N40 billion between February 20 2020 and May 5 2020.


“Although, most of our stakeholders are aware of the malevolent intentions of those making these allegations, we believe that we owe them a duty of transparency to present the true financial picture of payments by the Commission during the period.


“We are therefore taking the unusual steps of publishing all payments made by the Commission between February 20, when the expanded IMC came into office and May 5 when the allegations were made.


“The list covers the beneficiaries of the payments, the projects which they executed and for which the Commission had a contractual obligation to pay, the amount paid and the date and time of payments. The IMC has only paid out N35.3 billion to vendors and contractors within the period. The debts paid covered historical debts to vendors, some of whom had been owed between N1 million and N3 million for up to eight years.”


The statement further added that “the payments were intended to save lives and livelihood as well as alleviate the suffering in the region. Most of the vendors borrowed monies from banks to render services to the Commission. Some became very ill in hospitals.


“The mandate handed down to this IMC by Mr President through the Honorable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs is that the Commission must change from the ways of the past. Acting responsibly in  honouring obligations is part of the changed ethos, ” the statement said.

Governor Emmanuel: Building the 5th Generation Youths

Our world is changing, and changing at a speed unimaginable. Technology connects everything: continents, cultures, people, countries, ideas, and even things. From smart cars to smart diapers and even smart bed spreads, things are changing very fast and more are coming that will even shock the gods.

With this perspective in mind, Gov. Emmanuel is undoubtedly raising the 5th Generation youths in Akwa Ibom State that will drive the economic, political and social change we have been craving for, through ingeniousness, inventiveness and creative thinking. And this is the best gift for the future.

With the ravaging of the world by the dreaded coronavirus, everything has changed, including norms and values, and in the words of Gov. Emmanuel, "great leaders must seize the moment to galvanize the people to new realities", and this he is doing by building new frontiers that will sharpen the skillfulness of our youths to suit the New World and realities.

It was Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of The United States of America that said "We cannot always build the future for our youth; but we can build our youth for the future".
In line with this noble call, Gov. Emmanuel from the beginning of his administration has ensured massive involvement of youths across all the strata of government, celebrating and revitalizing their creativities and ingeniousness, and they have not failed us.

The duo of the commissioner for youths and sports, Mr Monday Ebong, and the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Youth Matters, Mr. Aniefiok Iwaudofia, are exceptional in their approach towards youth affairs, complementing the governor's efforts through advocacy programmes for attitudinal change and adoption of good morals, shunning of violence, discovering and grooming of talents and gifted children, condemnation of cultism on all fronts and promotion of entrepreneurial developments among youths. Today, many youths are engaged in businesses, without being overdependent on government and other good spirited individuals, as it was in time past. Kudos to the Dakkada Initiative, a brainchild of this administration. All other young people manning different offices have discharged their duties creditably well through the encouragement and support of Gov. Emmanuel who sees possibility and greatness in every Akwa Ibom youth.

While acknowledging the efforts of the Economy Recovery Committee headed by Prof. Akpan Hogan Ekpo, set up by his administration to make recommendations that would make the state economically viable amidst the global pandemic, Gov. Emmanuel gave glowing tribute to the Senior Special Assistant on Marketing and Brand Management, Hon. Ime Uwah, describing him as the man behind the next generation. This description does not in any way undermines the contributions of other members, which the governor equally poured praises on, but it shows his unequaled interest in the next generation: The youths.

This, no doubt informed his appointment of youths into various positions in government, training of over 30,000 youths in various skills, including ICT, solar power installation and agro-based ventures, sponsorship of youths to undergo foreign training programmes in specialised welding and other engineering fields in the USA, giving of interest-free loans to youths, among others.

Today, at a growth rate of 3.2 per cent, Nigeria's population is projected to exceed 289 million people by 2050, with more than 60 per cent of this population expected to be youths. It was in the realization of this fact that inspired Edward Kallon, The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria to note that without genuine efforts to pursue integrated economic policies that will empower young people and initiate a sustained job creation plan for this demographic overshoot, Nigeria faces a dire future.

Already, Gov. Emmanuel, a man who sees tomorrow had already developed a 30 year plan that will make Akwa Ibom to be economically self-sufficient. Only great leaders make such moves.

The United Arab Emirates(UAE) was undeveloped, with economy based primarily on fishing, pearl diving and simple Agriculture. But a man, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan had a 20 year plan to transform the UAE to a modernized community. Today,
Emirates is known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene. Burj Khalifa, an 830m-tall tower, dominates the skyscraper-filled skyline. At its foot lies Dubai Fountain, with jets and lights choreographed to music. On artificial islands just offshore is Atlantis, The Palm, a resort with water and marine-animal parks. Dubai is seemingly connecting the world economically and otherwise. This is the path that Gov. Emmanuel is driving us through, and in few years to come, we will be glad that God gave us Gov. Emmanuel.

The governor is often quoted as saying that when the passion is right, nothing is impossible. Hence, he has on many occasions called on Akwa Ibom youths to think outside the box, develop their dormant abilities inorder to remain relevant in our new world.

The 5th generation youths must be ICT compliant to compete favourably with other creative youths around the globe. The governor at the outset of his administration trained over 200 Akwa Ibom youths in Oracle, one of the ICT Masters around the world, trained about 3000 Akwa Ibom youths in Digital marketing in collaboration with the Federal Government and Google, and provided massive supports to major ICT Hubs in the state to continue to offer training to youths in the areas of Apps Development, Robotics, Block Chain Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IOT), etc.

Indeed, Gov. Emmanuel has secured the future for the next generation, building a platform for them to grow through self appraisal, capacity building and exposure to the demands of our technologically driven new world.

(C) Richard Peters

COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS FURTHER PROVEN UDOM EMMANUEL AS A GREAT ACHIEVER - FRANK ARCHIBONG


...applaud fathers of faith on covid-19 safety guidelines compliance




Netreporters News


Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has been described by the Chairman of Eket Local Government, Mr. Frank Archibong, as a great achiever and a wise leader.


Mr. Archibong, said the recently commissioned world class Isolation Centre with inbuilt molecular and Diagnostic laboratory at Ituk Mbang, the State Government ability to have secured approval for Testing of COVID-19 cases in the State by Nigeria Centre For Diseases Control (NCDC) and the setting up of Covid-19 monitoring team for the reopening of religious gathering in the State are other practical evidences to attest to the fact that Udom Emmanuel is a great achiever.


"Governor Udom Emmanuel's innovative leadership style has positively showcased Akwa Ibom to the world. His numerous unbeatable legacies in the health sector; undiluted effort and creative ideas towards curtailing the spread of Coronavirus disease deserves worthy commendation" Archibong stated.



Mr. Archibong, gave the commendation Tuesday 9th June, 2020 at his Eket office while briefing a team of journalists on the level of compliance by churches in respect to established safety guidelines for reopening of churches. He said members of the monitoring team which include; the State Secretary of CAN, Bishop Dr. Emmanuel Ebitu, notable fathers of faith and security agencies have been directed to carry out inspection to churches during midweek services to ensure maximum compliance is maintained.


Reacting to questions on his observations as well as possible solution during Sunday 7th June, 2020 inspection to churches by the Eket Senatorial District monitoring team, Mr. Archibong, who is the leader of the team, submitted that some churches are yet to embrace required safety guidelines already put in place by government.

"If strict adherence could be observed, compliance during subsequent Church services would be encouraged and members will equally be more proactive and Safety conscious during and after Church services" he added.



The Eket Council boss while appreciating the roles played by the leadership of CAN, said it is important that churches in the State should have a comprehensive database for easy record keeping and documentation.


He noted that it is imperative for everyone to observe Social distancing, compulsory use of face masks in a crowded environment and frequent washing of hands in order to help fight the deadly Covid-19 pandemic from spreading.


Archibong who expressed optimism that the spread of coronavirus disease could possibly be controlled urged Church leaders, worshippers, transporters and market women to give strict adherence to NCDC and government stipulated safety guidelines,

He maintained that the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Akwa Ibom State Council and other religious leaders have impressed him as it is shown in their readiness and efforts to collaborate with government to combat the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the State.



Frank listed some of the churches visited by the ESD monitoring team to include; Catholic Church, Liverpool, Eket LGA., Lutheran Church, St. Paul's Cathedral, Ikot Ibiok, Eket LGA, The Redeem Christian Church of God, Akwa Ibom Province Two, Eket Oron Road, Eket. Mount Zion Church Mission INC, Eyokponung section VI, Udung Uko LGA, The Apostolic Church, Okosi Two Assembly, The Apostolic Church, Okosi, Oron field, Christ Embassy Oron Town, Living Faith Church (LFC Okosi).


Others listed are; Methodist Church Nigeria, Iquita, Oron LGA, Methodist Church Nigeria, Oron Circuit, 5 Anamfa Street, Idua Assang, Deeper Life Bible Church, Oron, The Apostolic Church, Idua Oron district, Oron Town Area, Oron Field.


He assured that the team is expected to record about 90-100% rating ratio during coming Sunday's inspection. He attributed lack of finance by churches, poor awareness and sensitization as factors why some churches did not comply as expected.

UDOM INOYO AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
By Paul Bassey

May 1, 2020 began a new day for Udom Inoyo. It was particularly the day of his release from life as a Chief Executive of an oil conglomerate into private life. That day in my reckoning did not go without some timeous activity. History was again made. It signified the day he walked from one public responsibility into another public duty. It was the day his immense wealth of knowledge and incredible experience in public administration was recruited and re-entrenched in another public call. And this time, it was to be in the service of his own state.

Inoyo is a golden fish. Hence his lack of a good hiding place. He cannot be allowed to exit into a quiet and seamless retirement life by the government of his home state or given the benefit and privilege of resting like others before him; who, having gone into retirement from years of serving the nation or some reputable international corporation should have retired into the peace of fishing on holiday beaches around the world.

But Inoyo is not so “lucky”. Which goes to explain the maxim more plainly and appropriately that “to whom much is given, much is expected. That the reward for good work is more work.” So Inoyo, in his supposed time of required rest is drafted by his state government into the copious work of teaming up with equally well-honed and endowed egg-heads to chart a post – COVID-19 economic survival and reconstruction blue print for Akwa Ibom State government. Such lies the dilemma of a most sought after individual with an incredible capacity for proven results.

But Inoyo is perhaps one of the biggest names in corporate Nigeria from Akwa Ibom State. He rose to the Zenith of his industry and was a leading ambassador of the State brand even as the President of the Nigeria’s Chartered Institute of Personnel Management. It is on this note therefore, that one can see me as being happy at this instance to invite myself to comment on many of his key possibilities and contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria as well as in Akwa Ibom State.

I have heard and read about Udom Inoyo’s retirement from Corporate life; heard and read about his Growing Business Foundation (GBF) Micro-Credit Facility for micro, medium and small enterprises in the state.

I have heard and read about this illustrious son of Akwa Ibom’s relentless contribution to developing education through the Inoyo-Toro Foundation, a solely private initiative where indigent students, hardworking and dedicated teachers and the hoi poloi of the state’s poorest of the poor have benefited from scholarships, monetary and distinguished awards in service or starter financial packs to roll off small businesses with a view to eradicating poverty among the state’s expanding socio-economic segment.

I have heard and read about so many things including his timeous promotion of oil and gas projects resourcing to the exclusive advantage of our state and country, Nigeria; the Support and Training Entrepreneurship Program (STEP) that has raised many of our indigenous youths from crime and poverty to excellence and success. But I am yet to hear and read about some of his contributions to sports, which happens to be my culture medium.

For the purpose of this expose, I may have to recall that though he retired as Vice Chairman and Manager, External Adviser Upstream, our paths crossed in 2002 when he was General Manager, External Relations, and Member, MPN Leadership Council.

In that position, he superintended over the Akwa Ibom State/MPN/Schools Athletics and Championships. A sports talent and skill discovery programme which ran for a whole of 15 years. On his table was the decision to fund and host a competition dedicated to the honing of the athletics fortunes of the youths, in schools and colleges of Akwa Ibom State.

Before him, there was Mr. Adeyemi Wilson, assisted by Isong Akpabio and Regina Udobong. When the mantle fell on him, it was a simple case of “hallelujah”, of a patriotic Akwa Ibom son saddled with a project aimed at benefiting the youths of his home State.

As consultant to the project, I had the herculean task of convincing the top Mobil Producing Management of the need to fund and support this novel ideal even as a corporate social responsibility.

Whenever I walked into that meeting, there is no gainsaying the fact that the presence of Udom Inoyo was the needed vaccine, a shot in the arm that aided the quality and flow of my presentation and inspired a responsibility buoyed by his ever nodding head and body language.

Every year for 15 unbroken years, I had a responsibility of defending the need to stage the competition in Akwa Ibom and every year, I got the approval and nod of the ever demanding and highly expectant Mobil Producing Nigeria, thanks to Udom Inoyo.

Today, Akwa Ibom can, through that novel investment and vision boast of a cream of talented young men and women who passed through this programme to establish themselves in the national and continental limelight of sports.

It also promoted grassroot sports development at the time, provided sport equipment and incentives to schools and individuals, such as spike shoes and one off scholarships to winning athlete students.

Interestingly, the year 2013 was very key to this annual sport programme in our State. A certain Aniekeme Alphonsus of Community Secondary School, Ikot Abia Idem, Ikot Ekpene, emerged overall best athlete with three gold medals in 100, 200, 4x100 girls.

That same year, Mobil Producing approved the taking of the winners to Calabar for a two-week holiday training programme and invited the best coaches in the nation including, Amelia Edet, Solomon Abari, Onuagaluchi Kerechukwu, Sule Oluyomi, Gabriel Okon, Stephen Nuhu, Utitofon Uko-Nkantah, Obajimi Lucas, etc. They were all recruited to help train and raise Akwa Ibom talented youths to fame and prominence in sports.

The impact was wonderful, as Akwa Ibom State left the Calabar camp for the 1st Nigeria Junior Sports Festival in Abuja and won the Athletics event with six gold, five silver and seven bronze medals.

At the said national event, Aniekeme, emerged the fastest female junior athlete in the country and proceeded to represent Nigeria at the African Championship in Addis Ababa and Mauritius, where she also excelled exceedingly. Today, she is plying her lucrative trade in USA, joining her compatriot Ifiok Andrew, sponsored by the Governor Udom Emmanuel Administration.

And same can be said of the National Mobil Track and Field competition, which for 21 years was Nigeria’s biggest and most glamorous Track and Field event. It was the pedestal to choose Nigeria’s athletes for Olympics, Commonwealth Games and the All Africa Games.

This yearly sport event produced top athletes like Aniefiok Udobong, Obikwelu, Fasuba, Durotoye et al. It helped to revolutionize the athletics environment with modern equipment and infrastructure, including electronic timing devices and the training of officials to oversee the growth of the athletics industry.

In casual estimation, these investments in sport and youth development consecutively ran into tens of millions of naira in corporate funding and approval. And it is however left to be considered how could a man have loved raising the potentials of the youth of his state and country better than this?

That, is the Udom Inoyo I know, a man whose passion for community projects, whose love and vision for youths helped me in midwifing and delivering a trail blazing championship, a unique national event that laid a foundation for the realization of the dreams of hundreds of school children, every year for 15 years.

On behalf of Ifiok Andrew (400m), Goodnews Akanimoh Ntuk (400m), Christiana Emmanuel (400m), Deborah Emmanuel (800m), Bright Ikpe Tom (100m), Esther Ekanem (100m), Atiata Daniel (800m), Esther Okon (100m, 200m), Aniekeme Alphonsus (100m, 200m), Comfort James (800m), Deborah Johnny (400m), Idara (Javelin) etc. I take this opportunity to say thank you to Exxonmobil, thank you to Adeyemi Wilson, Gloria Essien Danner, Isong Akpabio, Regina Udobong… Thank you Udom Inoyo.


_Mr. Paul Bassey is an internationally recognized sport consultant and executive chairman of Akwa United_

Rep. Unyime Idem inaugurated today as Adhoc Committee Chairman to Investigate DSTV, others over discriminatory billing system.

By Naija Eye Witness Reporter.

The Deputy Chairman Communications Committee and member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Hon. Unyime Idem, was inaugurated as Chairman of the Ad-hoc committee set up by the House of Representatives, to investigate DSTV, others, over discriminatory billing system foisted on unsuspecting Nigerians. This appointment comes barely few months after he sponsored a motion on non-implementation of Pay-As-You-Go Tariff plan by DSTV and other Broadcast Satellite Service Providers in Nigeria.

The inauguration which took place today Tuesday June 2, 2020 at the House Conference room 034, was carried out by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamilla who was represented by the House Deputy Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Peter Akpatason.

While inaugurating the ad-hoc Committee, Speaker Femi maintained that the task before the ad-hoc committee was an important one aimed at unravelling why Digital Satellite Television Service Providers in Nigeria are not giving Nigerians maximum value for their money by not applying the principles of Fair service “PAY-AS-YOU-GO Tariff Plan. Speaker Femi added that the Chairman and members of the committee were persons of high moral standards and proven integrity and that the House repose high confidence in their ability to deliver on their assigned mandate. He urged them to ensure that the by-product of the Ad-hoc Committee assignment will help to ensure compliance to the established regulations guiding operations of the Satellite Broadcast Service providers, especially as it relates to terms and conditions set out in the third schedule of the Act establishing the National Broadcasting Commission.

Responding, Rep. Idem thanked the House leadership for finding him and his colleagues fit for the national assignment and promised to deliver on the mandate of the Committee stating that he understands the enormity of the responsibility of the task ahead and the bobby- traps, discouragements and allegations the investigative assignment may generate. He assured Nigerians of their resolve to ensure that they get value for their money while using DSTV and other satellite broadcast stations. He also wondered why these firms are sleazing Nigerians of their hard-earned fortunes by way of monthly subscription while subscribers in their home countries enjoys Pay-As-You-Go.

“Let me sincerely thank the leadership of the House for finding us fit to carry out this national assignment. I understand the enormity of the responsibility ahead, the bobby- traps, discouragements and allegations this investigative assignment may generate but be assured that we are going to be above board. Nigerians must be at liberty to use or not to use any payment made and validly standing on their name from any service providers without a fixed time frame. The services rendered by foreign and local digital satellite service providers must be user friendly. Refusal to implement Pay-As-You-Go Tariff amounts to economically enslaving Nigerians and robbing Peter to pay Paul. The need to protect fellow citizens and the economy, underscores why this assignment has to be done now. We cannot afford to connive with fraud-stars and economic saboteurs who subtly defraud the country and the citizens by their way of billing.”

Recall that Rep. Idem had on March 17, 2020, sponsored a motion on the floor of the House, questioning the rationale behind the current tariff plan used by broadcast satellite service providers in Nigeria where subscription is done on a monthly basis while users are made to forgo their unused subscriptions. He described the plan as sabotaging the economy, robbing Peter to pay Paul and modern-day slavery imposed on Nigerians by Digital Broadcast Satellite Service Providers chief among whom are South African-owned DSTV and GOTV.

Sequel to the people-centric motion moved by the Ukanafun-born lawmaker, the House among other prayers resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the matter.