₦airaland Forum

By Aniekpeno Mkpanang

As I reminisce about the day I proposed to my beloved wife, Ama, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. It was my birthday, February 26, and I had meticulously planned a surprise that would change the course of our lives forever. Perhaps Ama herself would have told this tale better;
but then I've elected to do it, and on her birthday!

Ama, with her captivating smile and infectious warmth, had caught my attention long before that fateful day. Our paths used to cross every weekend at the AKBC Radio and Television transmitting station, where we both worked as guest artists, but we had never really connected beyond a cordial greeting.

I had, however, been drawn to her intelligence and beauty, and I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. As I sought some way to ask her out, I devised a plan to invite her to accompany me to Calabar, under the guise of delivering a package to a friend. Little did she know that the package, a carefully crafted proposal nestled within 26 intricately sealed envelopes, was, in fact, for her.

In my formative seminal years, one place I used to go and read regularly, was the library at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints on Etta Agbor Street, opposite the main gates of the University of Calabar. It was a small but very neat place with few readers and loaded with the type of books that made sense to my research efforts in those days.

Oftentimes, I would get to Calabar early, wait for the library to open, and then read all day till it was just time enough to rush and catch the last bus back to Uyo. Beyond the books, the Church compound was so well kept. The flowers and gardens were welcoming, and the building and layout were an aesthetic haven. It was the ideal place, or so it seemed, to propose, enveloped by beauty and purpose.

The day of our trip arrived, and Ama, oblivious to the surprise that awaited her, graciously accepted my invitation. As we drove to Calabar, I couldn't help but steal glances at her, my heart swelling with affection and anticipation. Upon our arrival, we proceeded to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The serene atmosphere and picturesque surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for my proposal.

Visitors are always welcome at every Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints, and the folks at the church at Etta Agbor already knew me, so I was no stranger to the environment. I had, however, intimated the keeper of the library of my mission, and he had ensured that I would have the most quiet section of the library all to myself and Ama.

Once seated, I presented Ama with the bulky package, clearly adorned with her name. As she began to unwrap the envelopes, one by one, I retreated to a secluded spot. The minutes ticked by, and I could sense Ama's curiosity and patience being tested. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she arrived at the last envelope with the prized message, imploring her to be my wife.

As I returned to the reading room, I found Ama sitting in contemplative silence, a soft smile playing on her lips. I stood speechless, looking at her for a while. I then escorted her to our car, where we embarked on a most serene three-hour journey back to Uyo. The days that followed were a whirlwind of emotions, as we began the mutual planning that led to our eventual marriage.

This day, as I raise this toast to my beloved wife, Ama, on her birthday, I am filled with gratitude and adoration. Many years have passed since that unforgettable proposal, and I am still awestruck by the serendipity that brought us together. Ama has been the rhythm that synchronizes my every step and the harmony that has brought balance to my life.

Happy Birthday, Daughter of God. May this special day be a celebration of our journey and the countless memories we've shared. If I had the chance to relive that proposal, I would do it all over again, with the same 26 envelopes anywhere on the planet that you would be found. I wish you many happy returns and the best of God's blessing in the years ahead.

To further boost rural healthcare delivery in the State in line with his ARISE Agenda, Governor Umo Eno will on Friday February 21, 2025 inaugurate two Model Health Centers in Ika and Udung Uko local government areas respectively.

Governor Eno had previously inaugurated three Model Health in Ikot Nkwo, Ibesikpo Asutan, Odot, Nsit Atai and Oboyo Ikot Ita, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.

12noon is time for the inauguration of the new health facility in Udung Uko local government, and the facility in Ika will be inaugurated by 3pm in Abiakana, Ika local government area.

All are invited to the commissioning events

The event management training organized by the Honorable Special Adviser to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Ime Eseme Essien, entered its second day today, with participants gaining deeper insights into the art and business of event planning.

As part of the Flair Academy's three-month intensive program, Mrs. Ime Essien has assured trainees of empowerment opportunities upon their graduation in May 2025. She emphasized that beyond acquiring knowledge, the participants would receive support to kickstart their careers in the event industry.

Speaking to the trainees, she reiterated her commitment to youth development and skill acquisition, aligning with Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda for entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. She encouraged the participants to remain focused, take every lesson seriously, and maximize the opportunity presented by the academy.

The training, held at Flair More Event Center, has continued to expose young Akwa Ibomites to venue management, logistics, client relations, budgeting, and event execution strategies. The participants have also benefited from hands-on experiences and facility tours of top event centers in Uyo, gaining practical knowledge to sharpen their skills.

The news of empowerment at the end of the training has further motivated the participants, who have expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Many see the Flair Academy as a game-changer that will equip them not just with skills but also the resources to launch their careers.

In line with Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda on entrepreneurial development, the Honorable Special Adviser to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Ime E Essien, has taken proactive steps to equip young Akwa Ibomites with essential skills in event management.

The intensive training, which took place earlier today at Flair More Event Center, marked the official kick-off of Flair Academy, a specialized training program designed to groom the next generation of event professionals.

Mrs. Ime Essien, who is also the CEO of Flair More Event Center, provided hands-on training, sharing practical insights and best practices in the ever-evolving event industry.

She also took participants on a facility tour of the Flair More Event Center, Eseme Essien Event Center, and the Warehouse at Shelter Afrique, exposing them to key aspects of venue management, logistics coordination, and business operations.

Speaking during the session, Mrs. Ime Essien emphasized the importance of skill acquisition and business development in fostering economic growth and self-reliance among young people.

She noted that Governor Umo Eno’s administration remains committed to creating opportunities for Akwa Ibom youths through strategic empowerment initiatives like this, while calling for continued support for the ARISE AGENDA of the Governor Umo Eno led administration.

She further revealed that the training will run for three months, with the first batch of 20 students set to graduate in May 2025. This milestone will mark the beginning of a structured program aimed at building competent professionals in the event industry.

The participants, who expressed excitement and gratitude for the training, described the experience as transformative and a step toward professional excellence in event management.

Is it now the duty of the National Assembly to probe the Akwa Ibom state immediate past government?

I highly doubt it.

The National Assembly's primary role is to focus on federal matters, exercising oversight functions over the federal government and its agencies.

While they can investigate matters of national interest, probing a state government's actions is typically the responsibility of the State House of Assembly.

In Akwa Ibom State's case, the State House of Assembly is responsible for overseeing the state government's activities, including investigating any alleged wrongdoing by the immediate past government.

It's concerning to see the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, involved in smear campaigns against Mr. Udom Emmanuel. This raises questions about the motivations behind such actions.

It is now confirmed that Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President from Akwa Ibom, is still expressing bitterness against his successor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel. This bitterness is driving him to allegedly sponsor all the petitions and smear campaigns against him.

Akpabio's actions have raised eyebrows, especially considering his position as Senate President. Instead of focusing on federal matters, he seems to be fixated on discrediting his successor. This obsession has led to allegations that Akpabio is manipulating the system to settle personal scores.

If allegations involve federal agencies or national interests, the National Assembly may have a role to play. However, in general.