Reaction Trails over Gov Udom's preferred successor

 

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

Choice of successor in the history of Akwa Ibom state has never been an easy task as the people's choices most times are always overlooked, the incumbent would always want to install a successor they felt to be their best for the state and as such the good people of the state were surprise as Governor Udom Emmanuel announced Umo Eno, his commissioner for lands and water resources as his preferred successor. 

Since the announcement was made, the people have reacted with different opinions on the choice even though he will still have to go through the primaries of the party to emerge as its flag bearer and why he was chosen.

First to react was Onofiok Akpan Luke, a member of the House of Representatives, himself a governorship aspirant who said he was present at the stakeholders meeting but was never informed about the agenda.

According to him, he honoured the invitation from the governor “out of respect and as a loyal party man. I honoured an innocent invitation from the governor for a meeting this evening at the lodge,” adding that “Umo Eno was presented as the choice of the governor for succession.”

“It was at the said meeting that I heard of the agenda and choice for the first time and no one held any discussion with me prior to the meeting;

“I am not against the choice of the governor coming from my local government, federal constituency nor the aspiration of my brother.

“However, as a fellow aspirant from the same local government at the same advantage when successful, my aspiration to serve the state in the capacity of governor remains on course.”He urged his supporters to note that “we are as resolute as ever in our desire to give our people purposeful leadership in the office of the governor come 2023.”

Also, another aspirant, Ezekiel Nya Etok congratulated Eno on his selection as the governor’s successor but advised him to “keep your eyes on the ball as there is still primaries of your party that will greatly determine the strength of the army that you will use to face the real election battle.”

Nya Etok who said he would be contesting on the platform of African Democratic Congress (ADC) urged other aspirants to align or continue with their aspiration, saying the governor had the choice to stay neutral or have his preferred aspirant.

“Just as much as you should respect the right of the governor, he also must respect your right to agree or disagree with him,” saying it “will be the first major step of the PDP in conflict management.”

According to reports, it was former governor Victor Attah who presented Umo Eno during the stakeholders meeting where he was eventually unveiled as Udom’s success.

Harry Udoh, Chairman, Civil Society Organisations, Akwa Ibom State, said it is within the governor's remit to support whoever he wants and that's not the choice of Akwa Ibom people. 

Udoh said in this 21st century, that it is fallacy for the governor to say that God revealed his successor, postulating God as a politician.

He solicited that the governor should give his people chance to make their choice of leadership, adding that every one has dreams and purpose.

"There's still the primary election to be won and theirs still the general election to be won. Anybody can choose anybody, it is left for the people to decide, I think that's what democracy is all about. The governor can go ahead and dream the dreams he wants and see visions he wants but that is not the dream and vision of the people. The people have to decide at the end of who should be governor. We can't argue with the governor, I have my dreams and visions too likewise every other persons.

"Things are changing, society is evolving the way,  we used to do elections in time past is no longer like that elections are different today, people are being more conscious, there is a heightened interest in what is happening in the polity. There used to be imposition but now I see a strong battle for that position Even in the time past there were upheavals .

"The governor is not saying I chose this one based on his antecedent or what he can do but based on what God told him, in this 21st century? that is the fallacy to 'appeal to authority,' that is just reducing God to politician. I don't have any problem with the Umo Eno but the governor's posturing is unpalatable." He said

WHY I SETTLED FOR UMO ENO AS MY SUCCESSOR-- GOV UDOM

 

Executive governor of Akwa Ibom state, Mr Udom Emmanuel

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

Akwa Ibom state governor, HE Udom Emmanuel has justified his reasons for choosing the honorable Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno as his preferred Successor. 

Emmanuel said his decision was based on the fact that he means well for the State.

The Governor disclosed this to newsmen  while commissioning the Spectrum Television, first private cable television station in the state owned by TAF Media Group on Monday, in Uyo.

He said Umo Eno was a respectable person that has the capacity to continue with the pace  of  developmental strides in the state peacefully because He is God fearing.

According to the governor, “Let me say this emphatically, I mean well for this State, that is why I waited for God to show me the man who would continue  with the pace  of  developmental strides we have started in the last six plus years and then  move the needle even further.

"Pastor Umo Eno is a highly respected person; he has enormous capacity, is an epitome of humility, and is blessed with the common touch, a compelling story and is God- fearing.

"He is a successful entrepreneur who has employed our people, lifted thousands from poverty to prosperity. 

"He will be coming to the office of Governor with an economic blueprint that will further guarantee employment, development, and economic prosperity for our people.

"He is a man of peace and will ensure that the peace and security of life we have enjoyed in the last six plus years will be maintained.

His life story resonates with the story of most ordinary Akwa Ibom people. 

"He came from the Police barracks, where, as he said during his Thanksgiving Service last year, life was dreary and hope seemed a distant ingredient. The gov stated

He added that through hard work, that Commissioner for Land summoned hope and overcame his early difficulties and ended up as one the biggest employers of labour in our State. Also stated that his story is a testament to our Dakkada philosophy; one that will inspire and motivate our youths.

The Governor stated that he never looked for a surrogate to do a third term but rather  was looking for a man of  exceptional capacity, of peace and humility and  enjoined all peace-loving and progress-minded  Akwa Ibomites to rally round and support God’s choice.  

“I will never use God’s name in vain” the Governor stated at an interview at the Spectrum Television Studio with host, Ekaete Afia.

Multi-purpose facility will address physical wellness of Nigerians-- Lawal

 

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

The Nigeria’s senate president, Ahmad Lawan, says  the multi million naira recreation centre facility built by Bassey Akpan, a senator representing Akwa Ibom North East senatorial district in Uyo, will address the physical and mental wellness of Nigerians.

In a thanksgiving/commissioning of the facility over the weekend, Senator Lawan explained that the centre has captured the visions of the 9th National Assembly members to give laudable services to their constituents.

Lawan, who described the facility as not just a sports centre but also a place that will assist in education and learning as well because it has both physical and mental fitness components.

The President who lauded Senator Akpan, the initiator of the facility for his vision to build the centre, stated that such would contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.

He urged people of the state and Nigerians at large to make good use of the multi-purpose facility to address their needs.

Senator Lawan  also described Senator Akpan as one the distinguished, patriotic and purpose driven Senators from Akwa Ibom State who have made the National Assembly proud through their wealth of experiences and contributions to the legislative functions of the Assembly.

He recalled the process that led to the passage of the Production Sharing Contract Bill at the National Assembly, which was solely sponsored by Senator Akpan, saying that it was an indication of the Senator’s love for the people of Akwa Ibom and for the unity and growth of the Country.

His words, “I have been told that this project has taken some years to be in this shape, and it tells us how members of the National Assembly care for our Constituents. This multi-purpose complex is not just only for sports but for education and learning as well because it is a combination of both physical and mental fitness.

“I want to urge you, the people of Akwa Ibom and indeed Nigeria to take advantage of this palatial facility to achieve anything you want to achieve.
For us in the National Assembly, it is always our Constituents first. This is because we are accountable to them who voted us. Here in Akwa Ibom state, you voted for Senator Akpan and we are very proud him, hence the arrays of very Distinguished Senators across the country here presence today. We believe that the 9th National Assembly has done so much in terms of the legislative interventions.

“..and for your information your Excellency, when the Senate worked on the Bill to amend the Production Charing Contract Law, that was the Bill by the Distinguished Senator Albert Bassey Akpan. So you have sent to the National Assembly someone who is focused, patriotic and who plays the games of ensuring that regardless of which political platforms we are as politicians, that the unity and growth of our Country remain paramount,” he concluded.

On his remarks, the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel expressed optimism that the multipurpose recreational facility would meet the needs of people of providing alternative to other facilities in the state and Nigeria and described it as good.

Governor Emmanuel, who joined in the prayer to dedicate the facility to God, lauded the vision of Senator Akpan to invest in the centre, describing him as a leader of Akwa Ibom Caucus at the National Assembly who leads by example that the state is proud of.

Earlier in speech, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, had said that the multi-million Naira recreational facility which sits on three hectares of land has among other components,1200-seating capacity hall, basketball court, standard football pitch, medical, restaurant and ICT training centre for training of people on digital proficiency.

Akpan, who a Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, said that his decision to build the facility, which he described as a community-life centre, being one of his numerous development projects in the state, was to give back to the people of Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District for the love shown in his elections into Senate and in line with the need assessment to achieve value.
Highlights of the ceremony including prayers and dedication of facility to God for the benefit of man.

2023 Guber: Gov Udom endorses Eno Umoh as preferred candidate

 

Pastor Uno Eno, Akwa Ibom state Commissioner for Lands

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

There is palpable fear that crises may arise in Akwa Ibom State political sphere as some elders of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) serruptitiously endorsed the state Commissioner for Lands, Mr Umo Eno as the preferred candidate of the party for the 2023 gubernatorial election.

Our correspondent learned that the governor had invited some party elders including some of those rumoured to be having gubenatorial ambition to governor's lodge on Sunday afternoon, without disclosing to them the agenda for the meeting.

It was however surprising to many for the former governor, Obong Victor Attah to present Umo Eno  and the endorsed candidate of the stakeholders of the party at the meeting.

Ironically, some aspirants to the governorship, even those still serving in the governor's cabinet, such the state Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr Akan Okon and the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Emembong,were not present at the meeting, thus confirming the existence of deep cracks and bad blood in Gov Emmanuel's team.

The chief press secretary to the governor, Mr Ekerete Udo,  who confirmed the incident to our correspondent said the action was taken by a cross section of stakeholders in the state.

"The governor announced that he (Eno) was the one God has revealed to him as the next governor of the state and he was unveiled to all the stakeholders from the three senatorial districts of the state by the former governor, Obong Victor Attah, who then commended the choice. It was an array of the political elders made up of senators and House of Representatives members." Udo said.

When asked if there were some dissenting voices at the meeting concerning the sudden endorsement, the press secretary said he wasn't away of any.

It was gathered that one of the governorship aspirants and Chairman, House Representatives Committee on Judiciary,  Mr Onofiok Luke stormed out of the meeting when he was not allowed to express himself during the endorsement drama.

 Luke disclosed to our correspondent that he was not aware of the agenda of the meeting but had to attend to honour the governor who extended the invitation to him.

"I'm not against their endorsement; and I'm not against the elders of  the state. But I'm saying the endorsement could have happened after proper consultation.

"I went to Obong Attah and told him why didn't you talk to all of us who are in this race? Why didn't you talk to Sen Bassey Albert, why didn't you talk to Akan Udofia; why didn't you talk to Akan Okon; why didn't you talk to James Iniama? because it Obong Attah that made the presentation, not the governor.

"We would have loved their endorsement but that would have been after due consultation. We would  love the endorsement by the elders of the state. But whoever they would endorse should be the choice of the majority of people in  the state

" So for me as Onofiok Akpan Luke, I am in the race for the governorship. I am going to stand election on the platform of my party the PDP. I am not part of that endorsement at all.

"But I respect their views; I respect the opinion and choice of the governor. I respect Obong Victor Attah and the opinion of the elders of the state. It is their choice. I only respect their opinion; but I am not in support of what they are doing. 

" I was ambushed. I didn't know the agenda of the meeting but I had to respect the governor and attend the meeting at the lodge on his invitation.

"For thee good times I had raised my hand seeking to  be allowed to speak but I was ignored". Like said. 

Good news!!

The lady in picture Who was dropped by the refuge bin early today has been rescued by God sent helpers. She was diagnosed of acute typhoid and currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

Have her in prayers.

Reactions as Rita Dominic's partner talks about relationship

 

Ace nollywood actress, Rita Dominic’s partner, Fidelis Anosike has allegedly spoken up about his relationship with the beautiful actress.

In the post reportedly made by Rita Dominic‘s partner, he talked about their relationship and how marriage might seem impossible due to age.

The post reads:

“Love comes at all ages but marriage could be hard at some ages”.

Recall, years ago, Dominic sent social media into a frenzy after she shared some cosy photos with her partner, Fidelis Anosike.

Following this, friends and well wishers congratulated the actress for finding love again.

Dominic’s partner, Anosike, is the founder of Folio Media Group, a multi-media company that owns Daily Times Nigeria (founded 1926), the country’s oldest newspaper.

Feedback weekend

 It's Feedback weekend! What would you like to see from Ibom Air in 2022 and beyond.

Share your feedback in the comments section, we will take it to the right authority.

We look forward to hearing from you.

##feedback #customerfeedback #customerexperience #ibomair #flyibomair #newexperience #travelnigeria

PRESS STATEMENT ON FLIGHT DISRUPTION

 

The management of Ibom Air would like to crave the indulgence  and understanding of our esteemed passengers and the general public, to bear with us on the  disruption of our Uyo to Abuja service last night and subsequent delays this morning. This is due to the breakdown of critical ground support equipment from our ground handling company.

We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you and assure you that we are working with the management of the ground handling company to urgently resolve this issue and return to our normal schedule as soon as possible.

Thank you.

Annie Essienette

Group Manager, Marketing and Communication, Ibom Air

WHAT A WICKED WORLD 😭😭😭

Earlier today, a university of Uyo student whose photos appears here ran mad, after she was dumped by unknown people, close to the waste bin around NEW RING ROAD THREE BY UBOTEX U-TURN, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

She identified herself as a University of Uyo student, and resides around IKPA ROAD.

Please if you know her kindly draw attention of her parents, thanks.

Cc UniUyo 

Uniuyo 

UNIUYO 2021/2022 ASPIRANTS/STUDENTS GROUP 

Blessing Jaja 

Uniuyo 100.7FM

Aniebiet Emmanuel

A’Ibom Assembly Clears air on Suspension Of LG Chairman

 

By Theresa Donatus, UYO

At the mid of condemnations that is trailing over the suspension of the Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state, Prince Aneikpon Ekpo, the House of Assembly has cleared the air on the matter.

Speaking in an interview in Uyo, the state capital yesterday, the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Mark Esset, clarified the House’s position on the matter, explaining that suspended Chairman got the axe following allegations of frauds and financial crimes leveled against him.

According to the lawmaker representing Nsit Atai state constituency, the alleged financial crimes and fraudulent seizure of some the council’s assets, were at variance with the Local Government Administration laws.

He added that the due process were not followed as the councilors, who constitute the Local Government Legislature were not carried along the decisions taken by the Chairman.

“The Assembly did not just wake up and jump into the issues bothering on the Local Government, the Assembly only followed the processes instituted by the Local Government Legislature.

“Our action against Mkpat Enin Chairman was based on recommendations of the councilors; about 12 out of the 15 councilors signed a petition against the Chairman, citing many breaches of the administrative abuse.

“One of the outstanding issues includes, but not limited to the disappearance of the council grader. The whereabouts of the grader remains unknown by the councilors, Director of Works and the Finance and General Purpose Committee (FGPC).

“Issues about the cost for repairs, the company handling the repairs and other surrounding issues remain unknown to other members of the council”, he explained.

Esset, who also frowned at allegations of financial impropriety including extrajudicial spending of funds accruable to the council including the Internally Generated Revenues (IGR), said the Chairman had to be suspended for proper investigation to be carried out before final decision on his case.

It was gathered that our correspondent reached out to the Acting chairman of Mkpat Enin LG, Hon. Lady Mercy Bassey and other stake holders of the council for their reactions, but the request was turned down.

2023: Group raises Alarm over Blackmail On Amaechi's Presidency interest

By Fresh gist

A socio-political group, under the auspices of Media Vanguard for Change (MVC), has decried incessant media attacks against the Minister of Transportation, Chief Chibuike Amaechi, ahead of the 2023 general elections, describing such negative disposition as “cheap blackmail aimed at dissuading the former Rivers governor from yielding to popular calls to run for the presidency in 2023”.

Speaking in a virtual interview monitored from Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, the Director General of the group, Comrade Ordinance Emeji, explained that  “The corruption allegation was ill-conceived and deliberately spewed into public space to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of Mr. Amaechi because of the politics of 2023”. 

Emeji spoke against the backdrop of what he described as “baseless and spurious", a media report linking Amaechi with a multi-billion cargo tracking contract in Nigeria’s maritime industry.

According to the Rivers-born NGO leader, “Those sponsoring that false allegation against the Minister of Transportation are those who are envious and jittery of Amaechi’s intimidating political records and credentials in public service.

“The Transportation Minister has acquainted himself with the fine art of faithful stewardship with emphasis on accountability on any given assignment entrusted to him, ever since he served as a two-term Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor of Rivers State and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, as well as his current position as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Therefore, incensed by this rising profile, his detractors have resorted to using the weapon of mudslinging; thinking such infantile actions would deter the Minister from heeding to clarion call from well-meaning Nigerians to put himself forward for the 2023 Presidential contest.

The MVC Director General clarified that the entire plot was because of the emerging fact that virtually all ethnic nationalities in the country have been mounting pressure on Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to declare his intention to vie for the nation’s plum job. He said, “This untoward action is a calculated attempt, borne out of fear over Amaechi's rising popularity and detribalized national disposition. We know Amaechi is a strong advocate of one Nigeria and a true patriot with the larger interest of unity, peace and stability of the country but he is not one to be cowed by such unsubstantiated allegations," Emeji said.

Dismissing the naysayers' fictitious claims that Amaechi does not possess the boldness to throw his hat into the ring for the 2023 Presidential contest, Comrade Emeji noted, ' Without contradictions, irrefragable proofs abound which have tipped the Minister as the best bet for the nation's number one job. Amaechi’s achievements speak volume when viewed from the larger prism of local, national and international perspective and that is why he is nominated among eminent African leaders for the prestigious Africa Blue Economy Security Award to be bestowed on him in March this year. So, if he has such interest, he will declare at the appropriate time. 

"For now, the Minister is clearly focused on the job of fixing the country's Transportation sector as entrusted to him by President Muhammadu Buhari, who clearly understands and appreciates his capacity and loyalty."

11 council areas endemic to tropical diseases in A' Ibom

 

L-R: Mrs Idongesit Ashameri, Chairman, Correspondents'Chapel with cordinator, Neglected Tropical Diseases, A'Ibom

Theresa Donatus, Uyo 

Akwa Ibom state Ministry of Health has declared prevalence of Neglected Tropical Diseases in 11 local government areas of the state.

Addressing the newsmen in Uyo on Monday to intimate public on World Negleted Tropical Diseases (NTD) day coming up on 31 January 2022, the state Coordinator of NTD in the State Ministry of Health and Public Relations Officer of Nigeria Medical Association ( NMA) Dr Aniekeme Uwa said many people have been infected Neglected Tropical Diseases in the state.

He said Neglected Tropical Diseases consisted of about 20 ailments associated with poor houses , poverty prevalent in many communities in the tropical regions.  

"These are diseases that are commonly found in tropical  and sub tropical parts of the world and they are closely associated with poverty, poor housing, poor access to portable water supply, poor access to healthcare delivery and they are not really reported probably because they don't kill as fast as other diseases like HIV, COVID-19 and the rest. 

"And apart from that,probably because they affects the worlds  poorest, they don't get the kind of attention they should get. But unfortunately these disease conditions are affecting our people. We have the high morbidity even though the mortality is relatively  low but they make our people not to live optimally and fulfill their destinies.And very importantly is the fact that this set of diseases are endemic in Akwa Ibom. 

" There are different types, Some are endemic in all Local government areas, some are endemic in about eleven while some are endemic in about four Local government areas.

"Most times we drive on the streets and see people with swollen legs or you go to the communities and see people with their swollen scrotum"

  "We also have some which leads to people having rashes on their skin. And these are rashes that you treat and treat and they just don't heal and it also leads to blindness. Most of us have heard of river blindness ,that is spread by blackfly. So these disease conditions are there in our state in about four Local government areas." He said

According to him, "The round worms, they make the children not to grow optimally and we all know that the brain of the child grows optimally within the first five years of the child's life. So if there is a condition that affects the child's nutrition because these worms stays in the stomach of the child, they suck the nutrients the child should get. So as the child is growing up,the child is not getting enough nourishment."he added

Uwa said four council areas in Akwa in the state are endemic  to Onchcerciasis ( River Blindness) with Blackfly as the vector, Soil Transmitted Helminthiasisis ( Intestinal worms) affected by 31 council areas of the state , Schistosomiasis or  snail fever with water snail as vector and lymphatic filarisis or Elephantiasis which had mosquitoes as the vector. 

  "We also have some which leads to people having rashes on their skin. And these are rashes that you treat and treat and they just don't heal and it also leads to blindness. Most of us have heard of river blindness ,that is spread by blackfly. So these disease conditions are there in our state in about four Local government areas"

He listed the most affected council areas in the state to include : Ibeno, Ibiono Ibom , Ika and local government areas . 

He regretted that patients of these sicknesses could not received necessary attention because of their conditions hence intervention of the World Agency to ameliorate their health challenges.  

He solicited partnership with the media ,private sector , enterpreneurs to bail out the vulnerable from their conditions.

 So that is why 30th of January was set aside as world's NTDs day to create awareness on the Neglected tropical diseases.  To let people know and appreciate that these  conditions still exist. There are these ones that cause blindness in the northern part of the country,Tacoma which transmitted by the housefly.

He reeled out itinerary of activities to mark the World NTD Day in  Akwa Ibom state.

Picture: L-R : Chairman of the Correspondents'Chapel, Mrs Idongesit Ashameri with the Public Relations Officer of Nigeria Medical Association ( NMA) Dr Aniekeme Uwa

2023: PDP Chieftain charges A'Ibom on younger governor

 

 PDP Chieftain, Mr Imo Udo

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

A ex-adviser to former Governor of Akwa Ibom state,  HE Victor Attah, Mr Imo Udo has said a younger candidate will govern the state better if given the chance to emerge as the next governor in coming election in 2023.

Udo, a former governorship aspirant in 2011, believed this will lead to a coordinated development in all sectors of the state’s economy.

Udo disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Uyo, therefore, called on elderly politicians in the state to take the back seat and allow the youth to run with new ideas and energy.

“My opinion is in sync with the opinion of the majority of people in our polity, that a young person should be given the opportunity to be the president and governor. This is because, at a certain age, you can’t go out to inspect projects. At a certain age, you may not want to cross the river to see what is happening in the other part of the state. There should be age consideration.

“I’m not advocating for a legislation placing restriction on the age of attending any office because that would be discriminating and segregating against someone because of age.

"The issue of age should be allowed to be determined naturally by the people. If someone is aging, he won’t be able to move freely as governor; there are also certain social things that he will not be able to do.

"There are certain economic matters he will feel are wastage on account of his age. Personally, there should be an age that someone would say, ‘I am older than this thing,” Udo said.

Asked whether there were certain aspirants he could endorse among those so far indicating interest in the governorship of Akwa Ibom, Udo said: “With due respect to other contenders, Onofiok Akpan Luke, has the capacity and the wherewithal to govern Akwa Ibom State.”

“You need to listen to him speak about the development of Akwa Ibom State. The young man knows the needs, dreams, and aspirations of the Akwa Ibom people. He can tell you from the beginning of this dispensation of democracy till now how governance has been.

“He can tell you the challenges those governors had and can tell you what needs to be done now to ameliorate whatever deficiencies we have in Akwa Ibom State.

According to him, the next phase of development in the state should focus on human capacity development to bring the citizens at par with the existing infrastructural development.

“The duty of the next government will be to bring Akwa Ibom people closer to development and bridge the gap between infrastructure and the people. That is what I expect the next government to do.

“Onofiok Luke is sympathetic to the needs of the people. It is not all about sharing money. It is also about developing policies that will address the challenges people are facing,” Udo said.

A'Ibom Keke Owners/Riders Empower Members with 30 Tricycles

 

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo 

Keke Owners and Riders Association of Akwa Ibom State has  empowered 30 of its members with brand new Tricycles to empower their members to be independent and others to advance their businesses in order to alleviate poverty.

The empowerment which is fourth in the series has been made possible through the Keke Owners and Riders Cooperative Society. 

Addressing beneficiaries in Uyo at the weekend, the President of the association, Comrade Jeremiah Jackson said the scheme was designed help members cope with daily challenges of their operations.

"Today, over 30 tricycles have been given out under keke owners and riders cooperative. Last year, we gave out 50 Tricycles. We thank God for the grace and growth of the scheme.

He appealed to beneficiaries of the empowerment to make good use of the opportunity and promptly make their contributions to the cooperative to enable others also benefit from the arrangement.

The President who stressed the need for honesty and transparency  in compliance with the terms and conditions of the cooperative in ensuring prompt payment of their contributions, hinted  that the tricycles have security mechanism installed in them as those who choose to run away with it would be caught.

He encouraged Tricycle owners and riders to be part of the various schemes created by the Association so as to know areas they could benefit from.   Stating that the empowerment scheme is one such scheme that could qualify one for a new tricycle.

 "Don't just be a member by stickers on your tricycle,  seek to know how the scheme could be of benefit to you.  We have saving scheme, financial assistance scheme, contribution scheme and the empowerment scheme." he said. 

He however listed some of the challenges faced by members of the association in their daily operations to include robbery, theft of Tricycle, harrassment by security personnel, accident, and multiple taxation from operators of the national union of road transport workers. 

"NURTW impounds our members' Tricycles, particularly those who come from Ikot Ekpene, asking them to buy emblem and tickets against the state approved unified ticket. The operation of an unknown taskforce impounding our members Tricycles at Ikot Ekpene motor park is illegal and not known to the state government". he said 

While commending Governor Udom Emmanuel and the state Commissioner for Transport, Mr Uno Etim Uno for their unwavering support to the association, Mr Jackson however called on the state government to wade into the issue of multiple taxation  as operations of Tricycles in the state were covered by a unified ticket 

The President pledged his association's support for Governor Udom Emmanuel's completion agenda. He also thanked the MD CY Original Venture,  MD Enwinsco and Akwa Savings and Loans limited for partnering  the association in its drive to growth.

On his part, the  state Commissioner for Transport Hon. Uno Etim Uno commended the Keke Owners and Riders Association (KORA) for their unwavering commitment and support in alleviating poverty among their members in the state.

Uno said the Initiative by KORA  was in line with the vision of the state government at alleviating poverty and uplift the standards of living of Akwa Ibom people through its numerous policies and programmes.

Represented by the Director of Land Transport Engr. Joseph Ebong, the Commissioner thanked the Chairman of KORA Mr Jeremiah Jackson

for his efforts in ensuring that members benefit fully from the Association. 

In his words: "It is only Kora that can do this. I was here last year and we commissioned 50 tricycles and today 30. I am very happy and excited. These people are my projects. 

 

"The Chairman has given us something to commission every year. As a government, we are excited when people have something to do.

For you to do this, you are giving these  people a starting point. God will bless you." he said.

Feature:QMA foundation showers love on Physical challenge, widows, others in A'Ibom

 

Queen Mercy Atang, the CEO, Queen Mercy Atang foundation, Akwa Ibom state

By fresh gist in

Christmas season in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state was spiced as celebrities storms the town and share some love with their people, notable one amongst others was

a non governmental organization under the auspices of Queen Mercy Atang foundation (QMA) who distributed cash and food items to the good people of Uyo Local government, physically challenged and widows to mark her foundation's second anniversary in Akwa Ibom State.

Gifts items by QMA Foundation

The items shared included rice, vegetable oil, tin tomateos and cash gift  for the physically challenged persons and elderly women of Uyo Local Govt area.

Speaking to newsmen in Uyo Local government hall, the young Nigerian Aspiring Politician, Philanthropist, Model, Ex International Beauty Queen, Entrepreneur and popular Housemate in the just concluded  2021 Big Brother Naija reality television show Season 6, and CEO of Queen Mercy Atang foundation, Queen Mercy Atang said her drive in life is to put smile on faces of the less privileged including,  depressed widows, physically challenged and orphans.

Big brother naija housemate, QMA, sharing love to kinsmen and less privileges in Uyo during Christmas season

Atang, hails from Akwa Ibom State, born on June 11, 1995. A graduate of Tansian University (TANU) in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State Nigeria, uses her platforms in Nigeria to help the Less Privileges and she is a lover of youths.

Celebrating the Yuletide season at her home town, and to mark QMA foundation second anniversary, the CEO disclosed that the foundation have gone round the state, doing different projects

like digging bore holes, visiting the special children's home, giving to the needy and sending back vulnerable children to school.

"I have done a lot of charity works since 2018, on the year 2020 I decided to make it official, to run my own foundation so that other people can partner with me for us to help the poor and needy. I've been able to drill water, I've been able to send children back to school, and I have been able to help less privileged and I hope to do better by God grace and with help of more people to partner with me, these projects took place in Eket, Abak and Uyo Local Govt.

"We started this project at watbridge hotels and suites when covid-19 came in, we shared foodstuffs, hand sanitizers, face mask and gloves. And we educated people that Covid-19 is real, taught them the precautions methods and how to manage situations. to people

"today is the second anniversary of official sharing love to people and less privilege, my aim is putting smiles on faces of less privilege, people with disabilities, children who are dropped out of school, we help them return to school.

"It's all about sharing love to people and doing a lot of projects, we are going around to all local government but today we choosed Uyo Local Govt area, and I'm so happy that the chairman of the Local Govt accepted us to celebrate with his people. Thank you so much for coming out and accepting gifts from us, we are excited, and pray, God bless them all abundantly.

"I'm excited to celebrate this Xmas with physically challenged, widows and orphans who came out, Christmas is season of love, and I'm happy that I'm able to do this.

"In the next five years, I pray that Queen Mercy Atang foundation will have a shelter, school so that we will be able to take a lot of people off the street and send them to school. That's my dreams and I pray that someday it will manifest". She said

Senate president to commission recreation center in A'Ibom

 

Obong Bassey Akpan, Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East senatorial district

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

The Nigeria’s senate president, Ahmad Lawan, will commission a multi million naira recreation centre facilitated built by Bassey Akpan, a senator representing Akwa Ibom North East senatorial district.

The multipurpose composite centre facility located in Ifa Ikot Akpan community, Uyo local government area is among constituency projects to be commissioned during a thanksgiving service to be held in Uyo next week.

Also, governor Udom Emmanuel alongside the PDP national president, Iyorchia Ayu will be among other top personalities expected to grace the occasion.

The complex which will also serve as a community centre and youth development centre is located on two acres of land on the outskirts of Uyo metropolis along the airport road.

Also billed for inauguration in the community is a 1.3km road project equally facilitated by Akpan.

The multi million naira complex among other facilities has a standard football field, basket ball pitch, lawn tennis court, and a 1,500 capacity event centre.

The complex also has an ICT hub, a dedicated transformer and water treatment facility.

The other components include a bar, restaurant and a solar power support system.

According to a statement released in Uyo and signed by Okon Osung, chairman of the planning committee, the centre will also serve as an avenue for promoting sporting activities among the constituents as well as other recreational activities.

A visit to the community over the weekend showed that the once sleepy neighbourhood was busy with heavy duty construction equipment, an indication of an advanced stage of completion.

BUA petrochemical will add value to A/Ibom economy

By THERESA DONATUS, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared that the BUA petrochemical project to be located in Ibeno local government will add value to the economy of the state.

In an interview with newsmen in Uyo,  Ini Ememobong, the commissioner for information and strategy said BUA petrochemical "is coming with a road project, " adding that it will open up the coastal areas of the state.

Ememobong said with the more than 10-20 km of road the company has promised to build  in the state, there was the urgent need to support investment in the state.

The commissioner who spoke against the background of how adverse media report could discourage investment said the state government was eager to attract more investment to the state.

"The governor is struggling to bring investment and people are writing to scare  away investors, threatening already existing companies. No matter where your pendulum will swing to, you will create a counter report," he said.

"An investment is coming to your side and this is when you are choosing to start a fight. As enlightened as you are, don't help them in the fight because they want to be heard. Reasoning will come to them that investment is coming here."

According to him,  the Ibom deep sea port project in Mbo local government which is being promoted by the state government would also boost the economy of the state.

'There are people who love to read themselves on the pages of  newspapers and hear themselves in the news,it gives them a sense of importance.

"They don't care what will happen to the larger majority, they are just interested in being seen because it is posturing them for their private business," he said.

Focus on primary healthcare for children, pregnant women and the aged -Journalists advises Emmanuel

 

Mrs Idongesit Ashameri, The Chairman, Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalist, Akwa Ibom state council.

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

Journalists under the auspices of the Correspondents'Chapel of the Nigerian union of Journalist, Akwa Ibom state council have drawn the attention of the state government to the deplorable condition of the primary healthcare services in the state  by asking that they should be better funded  and monitored to adequately take care of the infant, pregnant women and the aged.

It was gathered that the state was providing free healthcare to under-5 children, pregnant women and the aged  even as investigation had since proved that  even infant immunization is paid for, while treatment of malaria  in children of any age at government health centre, Wellington Bassey Way, close to Governor’s Office, Uyo, attracts between N3,000 and N6,000 per child.

In a communique signed by the Chairman of the Correspondents' Chapel, Mrs Idongesit Ashameri and the Secretary, Mr Isaiah Eka, to mark the one year anniversary of the administration, yesterday in Uyo,the group advised the State Ministry of Health to focus on revitalizing the primary healthcare delivery system,  especially with regards to pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as children under five years

Still in the communique, the Chapel called on contractors handling road projects in the state to accelerate their activities to ensure all the roads currently under construction are completed for inauguration before the end of  Udom Emmanuel’s administration.

But the Chapel equally asked the state ministry of works which commissioner recently disclosed that all road contractors have been mobilized with funds, to however take seriously the  supervision of all ongoing projects to ensure quality projects and timely completion.

While urging  journalists in the state and across the country to strictly adhere to the ethics of the profession, as political activities gathered momentum for the 2023 General elections, the Chapel  advised that ” journalists should not allow themselves to be used by political office holders/seekers as instruments to settle political scores.”

The Chapel urged politicians at both the state and national levels conduct their political activities in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act and Constitution of their respective parties to ensure that the forthcoming party primaries and the subseqjuent general elections are devoid of violence, bloodshed and unnecessary rancor, that would disrupt the peace that the state currently enjoys.

The union further called on journalists across the country to adhere to the ethics of the profession and not allow themselves to be used by politicians to settle scores.

"The Chapel urged politicians at both the state and national levels to conduct their political activities in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act and Constitution of their respective parties.  

"To ensure that the forthcoming party primaries and the general elections are devoid of violence, bloodshed and unnecessary rancour, that would disrupt the peace that the state currently enjoys.

"The Chapel urged members and all journalists in the state and across the country to strictly adhere to the ethics of the profession, as political activities gathered momentum for the 2023 General elections. 

"That journalists should not allow themselves to be used by political office holders/seekers as instruments to settle political scores," It stated.  

Emmanuel celebrates Super Eagles of Nigeria

The executive governor of Akwa Ibom state, His Excellency Udom G. Emmanuel

 The Akwa Ibom state governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has congratulated the super Eagles of Nigeria for being on top of the game.

Super Eagles of Nigeria jubilating after scoring the goal

The governor said on his Facebook page that all we need is to send out best eleven players from all part of the country to play as a team and win together as a nation.

According to him "the Super Eagles of Nigeria have once again proven that we can win together as a nation. 

"All we need is to put forward our best eleven, play as a team, make the right substitutions, score goals and celebrate together. 

Congratulations to our boys for an excellent outing in the group stage at AFCON. More wins till we lift the trophy!

#unity

#purpose

#dakadda" he said

Police are technologically equipped to tackle insecurity in Nigeria – IGP

 

L-R His Eminence Ntenyin Solomon D Etuk, the king of Ibibio land: the inspector of Police, Mr Usman Alkali Baba: the executive governor of Akwa Ibom state, His Excellency Udom Emmanuel commissioning the Special protection unit base of the Nigerian Police force, Awa, Onna Local Govt area, Akwa Ibom state

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Usman Alkali Baba, has charged officers and men of the Police Force to redoubled their efforts in crime prevention, saying that, the changing nature of criminality has brought about introduction of technology in fighting it.

Baba who commissioned a Special Protection Unit Base donated to the Nigeria Police Force by the Akwa Ibom State government, said the project was significant to the Nigeria Police and the entire security framework of Akwa Ibom State as it demonstrated Governor Udom Emmanuel's commitment to security welbeing of the people of the state.

Speaking shortly before the commissioning at Awa Iman, Onna Local Government Area of the State on Wednesday, the IGP assured that Governor Udom Emmanuel has by such act boosted the confidence of investors in the state. 

"This facility wll enhance the operational efficiency of the Special Protection Unit of Akwa Ibom State in a manner that would advance security across the state. It will also boost investors' confidence as it will protect their economic and industrial assets, hence strengthening the economy of the state". 

"You have by this act lead the way in quality and purposeful leadership and this will soon become manifest in and around this great state. You have supported the federal  government in addressing a critical infrastructural deficit which had negatively impacted on the operational efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force. he said 

He added that it was the responsibility of the Force to provide conducive environment for economic and social activities to thrive.

"Crime and criminality is dynamic thing, it is not something that is static, it moves with time, with modernization and it moves with technology.

"Today, we see how human being is taken away and they are asking you to bring money, that is the knew crime called kidnapping, we know of armed robbery and we started hearing of armed banditry.

"So, we must work with time, we must work with modernity and therefore, one of our cardinal principles in this job is to train and retrain ourselves.

"We just started training our 10,000 recruits effective last Monday and we have been able to change the curriculum to reflect modenity", he said.

According to the IGP, the Force, "have received over 200 brand of pick-up vehicles from the Police Trust Fund office, we have made air-wing very effective, we proud of putting six helicopters on the air at one time. Our marine section had been reactivated, our technical intelligent unit is working, we have acquired drones, digitalized our crime section, we have involved lot of technology in our work".

The IGP used the occasion to call on leaders at all levels to play their supportive role in advancement of of internal security interest  through the provision of enabling environment for the security services.

To support an immediate take off of the facility, the IGP approved that the base be designated as "Special Protection Unit Base, Awa Iman, Onna, Akwa Ibom State. He also announced approval of a brand new vehicle, quantities of fire arms, ammunitions and special protection items. 

Other approvals for take off include: an immediate deployment of a commanding Officer, second in command and other key staff officers with provision for special training of all personnel