A'Ibom @35: Obasanjo commissions 29km dual carriage way, two cable bridges

 

By Freshgist

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has inaugurated a 29-kilometer dual carriage way that has two cable bridges along Etinan-Ndon Eyo Road in Akwa Ibom State. 

The Etinan-Ndon-Eyo road which was constructed by a Chinese firm, Wizchino Engineering, connects several communities in Etinan and Onna local government areas with the East-West road and grants access to the industrial belt of the state.

Speaking in Onna on Monday shortly before commissioning the road, Obasanjo applauded the infrastructural development strides of Governor Udom Emmanuel and encouraged him to continue with his good works. 

The former President urged that infrastructural development must be backed with employment for the people so they can take adequate care of the infrastructure, also added that the infrastructure should enable the people carry out their businesses effectively. 

"I don't know why anything good and very good in Akwa Ibom State, you call me to take part in it. Why? The longest flyover in Uyo, you asked me to come and commission it  and I was very very pleased to be the one who commissioned that flyover. 

"Again, with the amazing grace of God, you have this, the longest, first class, dualised road in the state. You again asked me to come and commission it. Governor, I thank you. 

"Leadership requires character. Anyone who knows you reasonably well will know that you are a man of character. And one of the characteristics of a man or woman of character is to be a man of his words. When you say you do it, you do it. I have seen that in you at close quarters. Keep on doing what you are doing. 

"These infrastructures that you are putting in place are very very good. When we have good infrastructure, when we have a road like this going through the rural area, there must also be what the people would do to ensure that they make maximum use and take maximum advantage of these infrastructure. 

"That is what are they going to do? If they are farmers, they have opportunities to farm more. If they are traders, they have opportunity to trade more. Whatever you are, you now have opportunity to enhance whatever you are doing. 

"God has given you the enablement, and God will continue to strengthen you. I come here to join them in thanking you," he stated. 

Speaking on his achievements so far, Governor Udom Emmanuel said he felt fulfilled that despite the economic situation in the country, Akwa Ibom State was still making progress.

He noted that he was mocked and criticized on the social media about his ability to complete the road, adding that he would continue to inaugurate more projects until the last day of his administration in May 29, 2023. 

"This road carries two cable bridges of 80 metres each. This is the first time my people has seen cable bridges.

"When you look at all these, I feel fulfilled that despite the challenges of the economy, we are still making impact in communities; and this is not all. 

On his part, the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga mentioned that the road has 13 outfall drainages, total of 6.3kilometres and 1.3 kilometers underground drainage that takes water into Ekpene Ukpa bridge.

Ibanga applauded Governor Emmanuel for the project saying, "This is a gateway for all industrialisation, vehicular movement, commence and everything you can think of. 

"With this project, Governor Emmanuel has told the world that everything is possible when the passion is right".

Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Onna local government area, Edidem Raymond Inyang commended Governor Emmanuel for the road, explaining that the road had a historical significance.

Inyang stated that the road connected the three communities that make up the local government area which were cut off when the road became impassable as it became a river. 

The inauguration of the dual carriage, 6 lanes road with walkways, street lights cable bridges, and three roundabouts,

is part of activities to celebrate the 35th Anniversary celebration of the state.

35th Anniversary: Encomium as Goodluck Jonathan applauds Gov Udom, Past Leaders over recorded achievements.

 

By Freshgist

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has over the weekend extolled Governor Udom Emmanuel and past leaders of Akwa Ibom state for their contributions to the milestone achievements recorded since her creation, thirty five years ago.

Former President Jonathan accompanied by his wife, Patience Jonathan were Special Guest of Honour at the State Banquet, organised by the Akwa Ibom State Government at the Ibom Icon Hotels and Golf Resorts, Uyo, as part of activities to mark the 35th anniversary celebration of the state.

 Jonathan acknowledged visible improvement in the areas of physical infrastructure and other basic amenities across Local Government Areas of the state, within the period of thirty five years.

“I will say that Akwa Ibom State, which was carved out of the old Cross River State is one of the states that have met the expectations of her people in fulfilling the reasons for her creation. If you have been coming to Akwa Ibom within these period of thirty five years, you would agree that people from the state would always thank God for the creation of this state.”

Commending the efforts of the current Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel in laying a solid foundation for future development of the state, Jonathan advised politicians to shun politics of violence and division, and team up with the Governor to ensure that the state continue to remain a centre of positive reference.

“Governor Emmanuel has done very well, therefore the youths can no longer afford to be laid back, and in this election season, I charge the young ones to be vigilant to ensure that their choices are not thwarted”, he said.

In his earlier Remark, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel said his administration has connected with the people at the grassroot level through the provision of healthcare facilities and other live-touching projects.

Nigeria, Rtrd Gen Ibrahim Babaginda, whom he said, yielded to the aspirations of the founding fathers of the state by creating Akwa Ibom State in September 23rd, 1987.

“I want to thank all our past leaders for the great works they have done in shaping us into where we are today”, he said.

Emmanuel who enumerated his achievements in the past seven years, said his administration would continue to work for the benefit of the people despite the global economic and financial challenges, as he was not given to accepting excuses but results.

Other dignitaries who graced the event include: Former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, former Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo, former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, former Military Governors of Akwa Ibom State, as well as the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, who proposed the anniversary toast

Gov Emmanuel tasks Royal fathers, LG Chairmen over boundary crises

 

HE UDOM G. EMMANUEL, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, AKWA IBOM STATE

By Freshgist

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has cautioned traditional rulers and council's chairmen  on needs to operate within the ambience of the law and permissible boundaries of their offices while discharging their duties.

The state governor gave the caution during the Swearing-in/Presentation of Staff of Office ceremony to the Paramount Ruler of Ini Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Udoette Edon and certification of nine newly recognized clan heads on sunday, at the Traditional Rulers Council Chambers in Uyo.

While commending  the contributions and support of the traditional institution to the success of his administration, He congratulated the newly sworn-in royal fathers and tasked them to be guided by their oath of office in carrying out their functions. He particularly passed a vote of confidence on the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, for always delivering on the mandate of his office without fail.

On issues of interventions in land disputes, the governor stressed that the ownership of every land within the state, by law, resides with the governor and cautioned Chairmen of Local Government Councils, Paramount Rulers and other traditional rulers against making pronouncements that should not be made by any other outside the office of the governor or use the privilege of the their office to cause disharmony among communities in the state.

In his words, "every single piece of land in the state is entrusted in the governor, not in the Paramount Ruler. No Paramount Ruler has any right to make pronunciations about boundaries except the state governor. So please let no Paramount Ruler cause confusion. ...please, let nobody disturb the peace of this state because of selfish interest. Let's continue to love in peace and harmony. If you have any issue, let the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs know and from there, I'll know immediately and then the Attorney General will come in and we take it through the right law. Please don't go and make any pronunciations that are not allowed".

 "I also want to caution, no Local Government Chairman has the right to delineate the boundary of any Local Government Area or any state. If you do that, it means you are not fit to hold that office and I'm sure the law would take it's course" the governor added.

The Akwa Ibom Chief Executive also used the occasion to sue for synergy between to local government and the traditional institutions, while admonishing traditional rulers from village heads upwards to accord due respect to those higher in hierarchy.

According to him, the Local Government Chairmen are the closest to the traditional institution and should do everything possible to accord the traditional institution due regard and recognition as stipulated by the law and help bridge the gap between them and the state government.

Earlier in his speech, the Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, lauded the  the royal fathers for celebrating with Governor Emmanuel, the new frontiers of economic development, peace, unity and prosperity of  the state in the last 35 years.

The Commissioner expressed appreciation to the governor for giving the traditional fathers their pride of place and assured that the traditional rulers will continue to play the role of maintaining peace in their various domains.

According to him, 

"This, being the last state creation anniversary to be celebrated with Governor Udom Emmanuel, is a mix feeling of the traditional institution having to miss an administration that has demonstrated genuine commitment to redefining the status and boosting the image of the traditional institution in words and deeds".

In his remarks, the President General, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk, the Oku Ibom Ibibio, commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for supporting and recognizing the traditional stool to carry out the responsibility of upholding peace in the state, and urged Akwa Ibom people to support the governor to succeed.

Highpoints of the event were the administration of oath of allegiance and oath office on the new Paramount Ruler, followed by presentation of Certificate of Recognition, Staff of Office and a brand new Toyota Prado SUV as official car.

The Clan Heads elect who were presented with Certificates of Recognition of their Royal Highness were: Etebom Usen Okon Udo, Clan Head-elect of Abak Clan, Abak LGA, Etebom Isidore Jacob Udoinyang, of Nto Edino Clan, Obot Akara LGA, Etebom Ikpe George Okon of Ikono Clan, Uyo LGA, Etebom Ime Okarafor Abara, Clan Head-elect of Southern Ukanafun Clan, Ukanafun LGA, Etebom Etim Akpan Udoekong, Ikpe Annang Clan, Essien Udim LGA, Etebom Monday Solomon Udo, Clan Head-elect of Ikpe Clan, Ini LGA, Etebom Okon Udo Ekpo, Ikono Clan, Ikono LGA, Etebom Xavier Okon Usung, Ibighi Clan, Okobo LGA and Etebom Offong Oyokunyi Okon Idiokune of Ubodung Clan, Udung Uko LGA.

Happy 35th anniversary to Akwa Ibom state-JAMES INIAMA -FNIVS

 

FEYReP @ 7: A'Ibom First lady Doles Out Cash, Starter Packs to Over 400 female youths.

By Freshgist

The Akwa Ibom State First lady, Dr Martha Udom Emmanuel has doled out certificates of completion and starter packs to over 400 female youths in the state to mark FEYReP at seven. 

According to Mrs Emmanuel, the gesture was in line with one of the objectives of her pet project;  Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Path Initiative (FEYReP), Which is to empower women to provide economic and emotional support to their families. 

Speaking at the seventh anniversary celebration of FEYReP in Ibom Hall, Uyo, Mrs Emmanuel said the beneficiaries were drawn from the thirty one local government Areas of the State on  completion of  their training on different vocations ranging from; tailoring, hair dressing, barbing and cobbling.

She listed items to be distributed to include sewing machines, hair dryers, cobbling machine, cash and other items needed to start the journey to entrepreneurship.

While warning beneficiaries against selling off the items, Akwa Ibom First Lady said her goal is to ensure that women, especially wives and mothers are gainfully engaged to add value to their respective families. " No woman should remain a housewife, so that you can support your husbands". She said

In line with other objectives of FEYReP which include to; create a platform to showcase successful families, advocate for the prevention of teenage pregnancy and education of the girl-child and to  create a platform for promoting moral values and economic excellence in the youths, Dr Emmanuel said she has devoted the past seven years to service to humanity in line with sustainable development goals. 

She enumerated programmes and achievements she has so far executed to include; girls uphold your dignity, bright future for responsible boys, shelter of hope, follow your star, fight against gender based violence, pregnacare and various kinds of medical interventions amongst others. 

In her words "We have carefully tailored our works round the 16 sustainable development goals of the United Nations which are well captured in the following areas: 

"GIRLS UPHOLD YOUR DIGNITY CAMPAIGN

FEYReP implemented the Girls uphold your dignity campaign which took enlightenment messages on HIV and AIDS, VVF, teenage pregnancy, rape and the rights of the girl child to secondary schools across the state.

"BRIGHT FUTURE FOR RESPONSIBLE BOYS

The advocacy also gave birth to a program tagged “Bright Future for Responsible Boys”. Noticing that the boy child appears neglected, left dangling on the cliff of social ruins, consumed by drug abuse/ addiction, cultism, rape, promiscuity and other vices, FEYReP stemmed the tide by educating the boys on sexual orientation and need for financial independence. The innovative approach has rescued our young boys from the clutches of abandonment and neglect.

"FIGHT AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE:

As the Chairperson of the GBV Committee in the State, I and my team have built a State GBV Rehabilitation Centre in Uyo, and established Sexual Assault Referral Centre across the three Senatorial District with free medical care.

"SHELTER OF HOPE PROJECT: 

Through FEYReP within the period under review, we have successfully built, furnished and delivered 62 two and three units bedroom bungalows to the poor and indigent citizens of Akwa Ibom which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and it is still counting.

"MARTHA PREGNACARE PROGRAMME:

 An outreach Programme which is geared towards reducing infant morbidity and maternal mortality in the state where over 7000 expectant mothers across the 31 Local Government Areas have received free Medicare, cash, as well as delivery kits. This exercise has been conducted in 10 phases.

The Akwa Ibom first lady also listed free surgical intervention, eye restoration scheme, deworming exercise, educational intervention, presentation of grant and scholarship to students in tertiary institutions, back to school for students and entrepreneural support for women empowerment, as some of her major achievements in the last seven years. 

She thanked her husband, Governor Udom Emmanuel whom she declared her pillar of support, donor agencies and members of her team for standing by her to drive her vision. 

Addressing the occasion, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel applauded his wife Martha for standing in the gap for the less privileged and expressed satisfaction on the impact she has made in the past seven years."Thank you for standing by me to leave this state better than we met it". He said 

The Governor however decried high level of moral decadence in the society and harped on the need for parents, religious organizations and traditional institutions  to rise to the responsibility of training the children especially boys, as this would help curb the menace in the society.

He assured Mrs Emmanuel of his unwavering support on her ongoing fight against Gender Based Violence and expressed specifically his disappointment over sexual abuses by parents against children.

A'Ibom @35: Gov Udom declares Friday Public Holiday to Mark Anniversary

 

By Freshgist

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr  Udom Emmanuel has declared tomorrow Friday 23rd September, 2022 Work Free Day to mark the 35th anniversary of state creation. 

Consequently, government offices and other public places in the state are to observe the holiday.

The holiday was announced through a release by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong, and made available to our Correspondent in Uyo on Thursday.

"This declaration is made in the spirit of the celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the creation of our state . 

"The Governor wishes all Citizens and residents happy celebrations". The release stated.

Rejoice Iwueze says yes to her heart desire

 Congratulations to Rejoice Iwueze of destiny kids, Rejoice AKA  "Joy Joy Joy" has  said "YES" to the love of her life❤️❤️

She wrote:

You Brighten My World In Million Ways and I’m Blessed To Call You “MINE”

I Said “YES” To Forever.

You're next to celebrate in Jesus name amen

APC Guber Candidate in A’Ibom Unveils Running Mate

 

By Freshgist 

The All Progressives Congress candidate in Akwa Ibom state, Mr Akanimo Udofia has officially unveiled and presented Mr Victor Antai as his running mate.

The APC guber flagbearer did the presentation to the Paramount Ruler of Mbo local government area, HRM Ogwong Okon Asukwo Abgang at his palace amid a mammoth crowd of supporters.

The Director General, Akan Udofia campaign organization, Mr. Don Etim, said it is in the nature of the campaign organisation to acknowledge and respect authorities.

While his running mate, Udofia said the fortunes of Akwa Ibom State will be changed and their joint ticket will serve as a union that God has blessed to usher in a new phase of development and shared prosperity for Akwa Ibom State.

Accepting, Mr Victor Antai thanked the Royal palace for accepting them. In his words, “A robust prosperity is visiting the state. I accept to be the running mate of my boss, Obong Akanimo Asuquo Udofia.

“In me you have found a friend and we shall unify and prosper the state together.” He also appreciated the entire traditional institution for their support as he emerged Udofia’s running mate.

Responding, the paramount ruler of Mbo, His Royal Majesty Ogwong Okon Asukwo Abang, called for true leadership and also showered blessings on them.

Furthermore, Udofia proceeded to the Palace of the paramount ruler of Urue Offong Oruko, and Chairman Obio Ifong Isong Oro, HRM Offong Effiong Matthew Unanaowo, to present his running mate to the council and pledge for support.

In his response, the Paramount Ruler said Akan Udofia’s decision to come to oro nation and pick a running mate is a right choice and promised to stand firm with them.

Present at the event were His Royal Highness, Okokon Ita Issonsi 1 of Okobo Kingdom, Paramount Ruler of Oron LGA, His Highness, Etim Okwong, His Royal Majesty Odiong Akan, Chief Ekeng, Chief Samuel Onobo, Chief Engineer Etim Edet Okon.

Others include Chief Effiong Okon Uye, Chief Ulo Ante Uyeh, Chief Etinyin Edet N. Ekeng, Uya Oron Village Council led by Chief Cyril Bassey, scores of village heads, party faithful and Akan Udofia Campaign organisation.

Encomium as NGO donates 50 plastic chairs, tables to government school in A'Ibom community

 

4th from left (on suit) is the Treasurer of Mkpat-Abasi group, USA, Mr Steve Ikpim, next to him is the village head of ikot Obio Ndoho, Eteidung (chief) Friday Jeremiah Akpan with members of his cabinet.

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

A non-profit organization under the aegis of Mkpat-Abasi group, USA, have donated not less than fifty Quality plastic chairs and tables to Early Child Care(ECC1/ creche) class of the QIC Primary school ikot obio ndoho, Mkpat Enin Local government area of Akwa Ibom state.

The group which is made up of sons and daughters of ikot Abasi and Mkpat Enin Local government, residing in the  united states of America  pledges to exclusively support educational, medical and cultural projects in their communities.

Speaking with our correspondent over the weekend at Mkpat Enin Local government area of Akwa Ibom state during the project delivery, The president of the Mkpat-Abasi group, USA, Dr Joseph Akpanikot disclosed that researchers have emphasized on the importance of early childhood education as an essential building block of a child’s future success, hence, he decided to take up the project two days after he was told that children do fall from the government desk.

Newly furnished Classroom by Mkpat Abasi group, USA

Akpanikot who was represented by the Treasurer of the group Mr Steve Ikpim maintained that children of such age deserve an enabling environment to learn, so that their brain can also develop positively, added that the group will always do everything possible to ensure than the creche Section of the school is encouraged and not wiped out.

According to him; "QIC Primary school, Ikot Obio Ndoho, Mkpat Enin Local government area is the only school we have in my village, so when I came home, I decided to pay a visit to know what my group overseas can contribute to make the school better, and from my findings, I saw the dilapidated classroom block, no perimeter fence, Electrical pole on the middle of the school field, and the Cables almost touching the grass, then the Headmistress also told me, she needed desk for pupils in the creche, that those children fell from the government desk time without numbers".

"I took a lot of pictures and sent to the group and all members felt sorry for those little children, and so that is the reason we decided to fix their classroom before their resumption date.

I give Glory to God for enablement and I also thank the Headmistress of the school Mrs Korona Akpan  and the village head Eteidung Friday Jeremiah Akpan for accepting our token of love to our community.

"I'm thanking them because if they never accepted, we would not have done it. Researchers have emphasized on the importance of early childhood education as an essential building block of a child’s future success so our Children at the Early Child Care class deserve an enabling environment to learn and interact  with their age mates, and this will help their brain to develop faster. So we will try all our best to encourage those children because education is the keep to success.

 

On his part, Eteidung (Chief) Friday Jeremiah Akpan expressed gladness  over the project delivery, he applauded Mkpat-Abasi group, USA for their kind gesture and project delivery, he blessed them, asking God to replenish the source of their income.

"I thank God for his grace and wisdom of how you can develop ur community school,thank you for bringing your group for finish a class room for our Early Child Care, we the entire members of this community, we are grateful to you and your group.

"Thanks for taking a step after your father, who was a lover of education, he fought  and brought Enlightenment to ikot obio ndoho,he was also the first to bring in electricity to this our village, so I thank God for sufficiency given to your family as a whole, and the love for community services that  your family  have extended to our community.

"We pray that light of God should accompany you and all members of your family, in Jesus name Amen. There's no how our will touch one finger, that other fingers won't benefit from it, so the entire village decree that it is well with you and all members of the group, may God bless you all Mkpat-Abasi group USA, in Jesus name, Amen

"I speak with all authority that God gave to me as an elder in church and a village head that as you provide for this community sch that all difficulties in your ways are over, and the blessings of God that added no sorrows is your portion, as the name of your group "Mkpat-Abasi"  implies, God will order your feet's to greatness and we pray that before next year this time, we will celebrate greater achievement in Jesus name, amen, thank you so much, we are proud of you all ". He added

Reacting, Mrs Korona Friday Akpan, the Headmistress of QIC Primary school, Ikot Obio Ndoho lauded the group and the initiator of the idea Mr Steve Ikpim for reaching out to the school and rescuing the future of the children and generations unborn who will learn through the school, adding that God should bless the group abundantly.

Mr Akpan called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to send more qualified teachers to her school as they have only three teachers to teach two hundred and fifty pupils from ECC1through Primary six.

She also called on government and we'll wishers to help remove Electrical polls and cables from the field as it is very dangerous as pupil no more have a football field

Explaining that the polls were taken out of the roadside to the middle of the field with a promissory note from the government that immidiately after dualizing of the road is done by that it will be taken back to the roadside, and since after then nothing has been done about it.

"I have seen and recieved this great gift from Mkpat Abasi group, USA, to our Creche section(ECC1), furnishing a whole classroom with plastic chairs and tables , including two teachers table and desk, sir we are greatful, please extend our thank you to your members, our children will have a story to tell their parents at home, and they will no more fall from the government desk which was to big for them.

"I always feel sad seeing the children fell from the government desk, especially the last incident which the child suffered dislocation from the incident. So that was why I told the group about it, and not up to a week, this group furnished the children class and it now looks like what I have been seeing in television, may God almighty who knows the begining from the end, visit you all at the point of your needs, in Jesus name, Amen

"I want to use this medium to call on the government of Akwa Ibom state to send us teachers, the population of this school is two hundred and fifty pupils,  (250) with only 3 teachers including myself, the Head Mistress.

"We have written time without numbers to the ministry of Education Akwa Ibom state, but up till now, there's no response from them.

"We also call on our government, charitable organizations, lovers of education and able individual to help us renovate the three classroom block which has dilapidated because we only have 4 class room block right now for ECC 1 to primary 6, we have been managing, we are pleading, please come to our rescue. She added

PTA chairman of the school and Secretary of the village council Chief Udo Sunday Ukpong also commended the good gesture of Mkpat-Abasi group, for providing enabling learning environment for their children, asked that God should bless them abundantly.

I want to say a big thank you to Mr Steve Ikpim and his entourage, he has taken after his father, by giving aids to his community, thank you for remembering us. Thanks for wishing our children well, it's not that I, the Parent teachers association chairman (PTA) of the school didn't observe, I did, but we were all praying for a God sent to come to our aid because we don't have such money here.

We pray may God bless you abundantly and replenish your source, God bless Mkpat -Abasi group and give you the grace to do more good works in Jesus name

Family heads present were Chief Bassey George Amatie, Ekpok Etuk udo eyen uko. Chief Inyang Friday Ekanem, Ekpok Essien Udo Eka. Chief EKPO Samuel Akpan, Ekpok Ebija, and Chief Slassor Josiah Ekpo, Ekpok Nsidung Royal family while two family heads were absent.

Pic 2: the old classroom with government desks