Actress Regina Daniel and husband welcomes second son on the birthday of their first son

 

“It’s a double blessing ” – Ned Nwoko Reacts As Regina Daniels Give Birth To Second Son On Their First Son’s Birthday

 According to Mr Nwoko, Regina  and the baby are doing well. 

 

A'Ibom: USAID S2S Preaches Peaceful Coexistence, train Women, Religious leaders on conflict mitigation

 

4th-Right: Secretary to state government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem and the state team lead, State2state activities, A'Ibom state Mr Borve Paago- Imabel in a group photograph with participants

By Freshgist

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) State2state project has recently organised a three days training on conflict mitigation for Religious and women leaders in Akwa Ibom state.

The training which was held at Havillah Hotels and Tower, Uyo, was intensive and mind engaging, aimed at peaceful coexistence, using gender and social inclusion as a working tool to mitigate conflicts in the state.

The state team lead,  State accountability, transparency and effective state2state Activity for Akwa Ibom state, Mr Borve Paago- Imabel, in his opening remark disclosed that the activity was designed to create synergy and multi stakeholders' response to addressing conflicts in the States where State2State works across Nigeria.

 The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem delivering his speech at the just concluded conflict mitigation training by USAID State2State activity.

Imabel added that the State2State conducted the Conflict Assessment Framework in Akwa Ibom State to empirically determine the nature of conflicts in the state in June 2021. The study, he said helped to determine the approach to conflict mitigation activities planned for the state. 

The state team lead said, "The conflict Mitigation Training for Religious and women leaders in Akwa Ibom State is therefore one in a series of conflict mitigation and management trainings provided to critical stakeholders in the state.

"The inclusion of women serves to reinforce the strategic role of mothers in the society. It is accepted that if you train a woman, you are training a nation. It is our hope to build a resource pool for conflict mitigation in the state towards the emergence of state conflict management framework in Akwa Ibom State."

Some participants displaying their certificate of participation after the training.

He explained that their major focus is on the implementation of actions developed at the end of the process to reengineer the oversight functions and deepen engagement with various state institutions for the benefit of the State.

"Prior to now, our conflict mitigation training has been delivered to Youths, political parties, CSOs and citizens groups, Akwa Ibom State Council of Traditional Rulers, the media and also government institutions. State2State is USAID's flagship governance activity in Nigeria running from 2022-2025," he added.

Presentation of certificate of participation

He maintained that the purpose of the S2S activities was to increase the accountability, transparency and effectiveness in targeted states and Local Government (LGAs) in Nigeria, also to increase efficiency of Sub National Government Operations: strengthening governance systems with a focus on public financial  management (PFM) and procurement, as well as monitoring and evaluation.

Freshgist Editor, Comrade Mrs Theresa Donatus receiving her certificate of participation

Imabel also thanked the state Governor, HE Udom Emmanuel and the State Executive Council for the continued support to the activity in the State as well as the Secretary to State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem for participating in the activity to open the workshop and to the Donor and Multilateral Relations Department for their partnership.

"The state2state team is grateful to the state governor, Mr udom Emanuel for their continuous support in the state2state activities, showing commitment to the reform activities of the USAID funded activity, the State Governor HE Udom Emmanuel approved the provision of office space and the composition of the State Transformation Committee headed by the Commissioner for Finance Dr. Linus Nkan which was inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem On June 21 2021."

He listed some key achievements recorded since inception in 2021 to include: Conduct of the state Public Finance Management Assessment which allowed state institutions to undergo a process of self-assessment, scoring and rating; Development of State Budget Calendar; Standard Operations Manual for MDAs; Develophent of the Medium -Term Expenditure Framework for the 2022-2024 Fiscal Years and Full migration of the 2022 state budget to the National Charts of Accounts template with support from the Nigeria Governor's Forum and delivery of services in the key sectors of basic education, primary health care and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

One of the facilitators, Mr Cosmos Dinee, Conflict specialist,  State2State

Mr Imabel also informed the public that State2State has concluded plans for the development of the state Medium Sector Strategy as wells as Monitoring and Evaluation Framework with the Ministry of Economic Development.

In his words, "This workshop offers us a unique opportunity and platform for exchange of ideas to build more resilient and strong society as well as state institutions competing to meet best standards to foster the development of our state. Therefore, Interfacing with and building the skills of key religious leaders in conflict mitigation is a strategy to support social cohesion, stability and security as given the peculiar calling and mandate of faith based organizations.

"I also  thank the State Transformation Committee under the chairmanship of the state Commissioner of Finance Dr. Linus Nkan whose pivotal support has resulted in the many successes of the project in Akwa Ibom State. As we mark a year of the STC today, we pray for more achievements together," he submitted.

Barr Emaediong Akpan, GESI specialist, preaching gender and Social Inclusion to participants

Also speaking, The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem  also charged the religious and women leaders to be guarded in their utterances because people are listening to them otherwise they can set the country ablaze by the way they speak.

The state scribe also tasked the religious and women leaders on quality representative adding that "Our words matter, as opinion moulders and influencers. The women who are the custodians and by nature very patience and detailed have lots of people they come across everyday from home, school, church, farm etc for them to counsel or meet as a group. 

"It is a serious responsibility in Akwa Ibom State politics, church and all, let peace lead. Cross check, verify and do not just swallow whatever anybody tells you. When you verify, you will be so shocked that you were told only 10percent of what happened."he added

Describing the state as the most peaceful state in Nigeria, Ekuwem maintain that peace is the greatest bone as it settles all, added that peace is an important and necessary instrument both in the Christian and Muslim religions. He listed some beatitudes in the scriptures as blessing to Christian life hinting that Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.

Ekuwem described women as partners, noting that one conflict usually identified is domestic violence and charged men to respect women.

According to him, "A sound man does not look at a woman with disrespect or disdain, do not do that. A complete man does not disrespect womanhood or think he holds monopoly of knowledge." 

He reminded women that they can make it as God has blessed all equally no matter the gender. "There is no area of subject the women have not excelled. Counsel your sons and daughters to dialogue and exchange ideas as two good heads are better than one which is the first port of call. We can all excel. Peace is what is used to address conflict. 

On his part, the state Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN) General Secretary, Rev Isang Eyoumoh  thanked God for the grace as well as USAID for the training to discuss and interact as regards conflict mitigation. 

He also thanked the state government for accommodating them to encourage their Programmes and activities. "Conflict is as old as man and not a new thing to Nigeria or Akwa Ibom State, "If your brother acts wrongly towards you, go and point out his fault to him when only you and he are there. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother." Matthew 18:15-18. He charged all to embrace peace.

Moreover, Mrs Idongesit Okoko, President, National Council For Women Societies, Akwa Ibom State Chapter thanked the governor for being proactive even before the electioneering period by putting in place the Maintain Peace Movement to avoid conflict and prayed God for the technical know-how to ensure peace wherever they are while supporting one another.

In a thank you interaction at the end of the training, Hon Mrs Aniedi Inyang, Ex Officio1 representing the good people of Nsit Ibom local government at the People's democratic party (PDP) Akwa Ibom state council, thanked the USAID S2S activity for coming up with such an intensive training, added that the knowledge gathered will be used to train others in their organisations, communities and where ever one finds his/ her self.

Inyang also charged USAID to increase numbers of training days in their subsequent trainings, especially those topics with larger scope of studies as the just concluded training in order to help the organisers in time management and the participants to learn everything with understanding.

"The training was so unique, very embracing and elaborate, and i so much enjoyed it, and the knowledge I have gathered is going to help me in mitigating conflicts in my party if any, and also as a national secretary of Qua Ibo church Nigeria, it will help me in dealing with conflict amongst women and organisation in the church.

"I appreciate all the facilitators of the training, they did excellent work and the knowledge impacted on us will go a long way, streamlining violence within our communities and in any environment we find our selves because personally I'm going to use the knowledge to train other people, other leaders under me who will in turn train other members of the public.

I also want to suggest that USAID state 2state activities can increase  their training days to five days, since the scope of the training is very wide , so that we will be able to learn everything and time will be well managed 

"I want to encourage them that they should continue with this  sensitization and training because participants will also use the idea to train people in our offices, churches and local communities and if this is done, most conflicts will not take place, thank you." She added

Topical issues handled during the sessions were; Political Stability; Economy, Champions and Spoilers of Reforms,Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI), Status of Civil Society in Advocacy and Accountability, Inclusion of Women and Vulnerable Persons, Conflict Trends ( Type, Location, Nature and Actors) and Conflict Mitigation as well as other issues.

Hoodlums invade A' Ibom community, destroy properties worth N85m

 

By fresh gist

The people of Ikot Obio Offong in Ibesikpo Asutan local government area of AKwa Ibom state are living in fear of their neighbours  from Ikot Ekwere village  who allegedly attacked them over protracted land dispute . 

Speaking to newsmen on Sunday at the palace of the Village Head of Ikot Obio Offong , one of the family heads chief Sunday Etim Nyong said on 27th April , 2022 at about 11-12pm , some youths  from Ikot Ekwere village  numbering over 200 invaded the village chanting war songs with several gunshots .

Continuing, Chief Nyong said the hoodlums were also chanting slogans of different cult groups such as "lion!" , "bargo" challenging the people of Ikot Obio Offong to come out for a fight . 

He said the youths suspected to have come from Ikot Ekwere village entered the village  from the first house  invading different compounds breaking  house window glasses , burnt down houses and motor cars parked in the compound while one house was burnt down . 

" They looted some household properties such as TV sets , stole money in many houses , rape women and burnt down one house completely while we escaped into the bush 

" They also burnt down one Toyota Camry car belonging to the son of the village head Christopher Ephraim and wounded many people in the compound . 

Nyong noted that over 20 houses were burnt down while domestic animals, money and other belongings were carted away . 

He explained that what surprised the people was that after reporting the matter to police at Ibesikpo Asutan police division who later came for inspection, the hoodlums reinforced and return for another attack in broad daylight  the following day . 

The family head stated that the police from the state headquarters also reinforced in about five Hilux vehicles to rescue residents of Ikot Obio Offong . 

" This time property worth over N85m was destroyed and another house belonging to one Aniebiet Edet Eyo was razed down . 

" One of the suspects identified as Innocent Essien from Ikot Ekwere shot a policeman in the rescue team during the cross fire between the hoodlums and the police" 

" The suspect is now in Ikot Ekpene Correctional Centre awaiting trial . I believe he must have mentioned members of their gang who are now at large " 

He accused the village head of Ikot Ekwere and former Head of Service in AKwa Ibom Obong Akpa Inyang of masterminding the attack as he was found at the police station making effort to bail one of the suspects now in prison . 

He said while the matter was in the police , the Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan local government area Nsobom Nsidibe Ekong issued native injunction (ayei) to stopped further hostilities . 

He said the peace deal failed as the people of Ikot Ekwere have issued fresh notice of attack against Ikot Obio Offong people . 

" As we speak now , they can strike anytime and kill people this time . we are not safe. " he said 

He therefore urged the state government to call the village council of Ikot Ekwere to order to avoid impending bloodshed . 

Contacted , the Police Public Relations for AKwa Ibom SP Odiko Mcdon said the crisis in the affected communities is being investigated . 

" Investigation is ongoing clampdown on those who escaped while others arrested have been charged to court " he said 

One of the houses burnt down during attack on Ikot Obio Offong village in Ibesikpo Asutan local government area , AKwa Ibom state recently 

Commissioner tasks NAWoJ on investigative journalism, truth

 

The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Mrs 

Idongesit Etiebiet, Akwa Ibom state.

By Freshgist

 

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet has charged female journalists in the state under the aegis of Nigeria Association Of Women Journalists (NAWoJ), to engage more in investigative reporting so as to stand out among their male counterparts.

The Commissioner also urged them to ensure they are fair, balanced and truthful in their reports so as to project the state in progressively.

Etiebet gave the advice on Wednesday when the leadership of NAWOJ led by Comrade Nsikak Okon paid a courtesy call on her ahead of the activities marking their 100 days in office

According to the Commissioner,  "the female journalists should show their male counterparts how to be fair in doing investigative journalism, how not to report what you are not sure of and avoid character assassination  as  we  see on social media.

"Your reports can make or mar the society. If you want to mar the society, it is to report half truth or complete lack of truth. As women, you should do better and you are expected to do like three times better than men to be seen. It is disheartening to see group of people reporting lies as if they are truths, as women let us stand out from that position."

Etiebiet added that Akwa Ibom has been adjudged as the second best in Foreign Direct Investment and urged NAWoJ to maintain the status quo by reporting positively about the state so that prospective investors will not be scared away.

Reacting to the line up programmes of NAWoJ which included boy child advocacy among others, the commissioner disclosed that the state government  is beaming its focus on the improvement and Advancement of the Boy Child whom she said have been neglected for some time adding that analysis carried out in schools showed that the girl child who receives more attention is doing better in academics than the boy child. 

Speaking earlier, the Chairman, NAWOJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Okon reeled out the activities to mark the Executive's 100 days in Office to include advocacy for the Boy Child, visits to schools in the three senatorial district to speak to the boy child, visit to the Village heads to sensitize the people on the essence of parents to take good care of their boy child, a one day training for women Journalists on gender based reporting and a thanksgiving service for a successful elections

Comrade Okon solicited the support and partnership of the Commissioner and the Ministry for the line up of events.

APC chieftain flays Igini over stance on guber candidate in A'Ibom

 

                      Prof Chris Ekong

 

By freshgist

One of the front line gubernatorial aspirant Under the platform of APC in Akwa Ibom state, Prof Chris Ekong, has challenged the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barr Mike Igini, over claims that the party has no governorship candidate in the state.

He described such claims as a fairytale and ridiculous.

Speaking with our Correspondent in Uyo yesterday, Ekong disclosed that whatever sentiments expressed by Igini were his personal and not the position of INEC adding that the guber primary that produced Mr Akan Udofia as candidate was sanctioned by the national leadership of the APC.

"I am very happy they are saying that APC might not have a guber candidate. The 'might' in their statement tells you explicitely that they are merely insinuating, but I want to tell you that APC has a guber candidate. Primaries were well conducted and the person who won was Akan Udofia. 

"Don't forget I was part of the primaries as an aspirant. I know some of the aspirants wants to be talked to while some wants to play the spoilers' role.

"It is even unfortunate that one of us who was the National Secretary of the party and supretendend over elections to elect people to fill the leadership structure of the party could not have even an ex officio member in the leadership of the party in the State, from the ward to state chapter levels of the party. And if that has happened and he wants to stoke fire, he can go ahead. These are the things they have been doing and profiting from.

" But coming round to say we don't have a governorship candidate is a fairytale and amusing and who are they using to garnish their story, they are using Igini." The former state Youth and Sports Commissioner said.

He expressed regret that Igini has allowed his personal issues with some politicians in the state to override his official assignment.

"You see, Igini works for INEC and he is not the chairman of INEC and he is not INEC and he is privy to the fact that APC National Caretaker Committee, represented by Buni and Udoedeghe went to Court and were defeated at the lower court. They went to Appeal Court but later used their hands to withdraw the case, saying and affirming  that they recognize Ntukekpo as the State  Chairman of APC in Akwa Ibom State.

"The national leadership of APC wrote to Mr. Ntukekpo to inform INEC in the State to come and monitor the APC governorship primaries in the State, and Igini sat here and said no, Ntukekpo can never be even when INEC was part of the Court process. I think something is wrong somewhere. This is suggestive of growing insinuations on ground that Mr. Igini is a 'factional leader  or Chairman of INEC'.

"What I want to tell Akwa Ibom people is to forget that negative propaganda. Akwa Ibom APC has a governorship candidate and he is Akan Udofia and by next week he will be given the flag and when he collects the flag we will bring it here." Ekong said.

He maintained that the party is no longer factionalized  after the exit of the group that perpetuated crisis adding that unity and reconciliation remained key to the party winning the governorship election which has eluded it since 2011.

"For now there is no faction in the APC in the state. Members can have issues which happen in every party especially after primaries of this nature. But there is always room for reconciliation. The person that wanted to create factions have moved to NNPP and he is happy there.

"So my message to all APC faithfuls is that there is no time as beautiful as now for us to take power. We have been trying since 2011 and this is our time. 

"For people that read the Bible, when Jonah was in the boat, people in the boat experienced turbulence and the boat could not sail freely and when they decided to put Jonah out of the boat some of them pitied him that he will die but they still had to.put him out of the boat and immediately that happened the boat returned to its peace and everybody was happy.

"This is what has happened to APC in Akwa Ibom. We are back to our point and position of peace and the turbulence is over, it is now for our members to come, let us hold our hands together and work our party to victory in Akwa Ibom." Ekong concluded.

In the meantime, another chieftain of the party, Barr. Victor Iyanam      has called on the leader of the party in the state, Senator Godswill Akpabio's to expediate action aimed at uniting that party and reconciling aggrieved members inorder to reposition the APC to win next year's governorship election in the state.

Iyanam, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Akwa Ibom said such move would save the party from further disintegration and strengthen it to effectively challenge the PDP in next year's gubernatorial election in the state.

"We are lucky to have a former Governor and minister in the person of Senator Godswill Akpabio and so I am calling on him to convene a caucus meeting so we can contribute our ideas towards uniting the party. He should talk to people in a way that will boost their confidence and create cohesion within the party so that we can move forward.

"We should be celebrating that we have someone like him to counter what the PDP is doing but unfortunately I don't know if it is the former minister we should blame or the people hanging around him that are causing the disintegration of party leaders. It is very sad that all of us have invested so much in the party since 2014 and some people are coming to spoil it for everybody." He said.

2023: Ekpo Wins APC Senate slot in A'ibom.

 

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

A former  House of Representatives member, Rt Hon Ekperikpe Luke Ekpo yesterday emerged the All Progressives Congress candidate for Akwa ibom North west senatorial district.

Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo who scored a total of  427 votes, to beat his closet rival DIG Udom Ekpoudom who scored 12 votes, and Joseph Akpan, polled 5 votes in a keenly contested election held in ikot ekpene township stadium on Saturday.

The senate primaries Committee Chairman  appointed by APC  National executives  Barr. Eugene Okolocha led three other members to oversee the smooth conduct of the exercise. 

 Hon Aboh Uduyok who was appointed as Returning Officer for the election announced Ekperkpe Ekpo  as the winner at the end of the rancour free election.

Speaking with Journalists after the election, Hon. Ekpo expressed deep gratitude to Almighty God for the smooth conduct of the exercise.

He urge his supporters and APC faithful  to return to the drawing board and restrategise for the general election stressing that APC will sweep all available positions in 2023 and provide dependable leadership at all levels of governance.

He called on the contestants to support and  synergise with him to change the narratives for the growth progress and prosperity of ikot ekpene senatorial district before and  after the general election.

Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo who is  a renowned grassroot politician and former Chairman of Ika local government area of Akwa ibom state is also the Director general of Akwa ibom Democratic Forum.