AKWA IBOM: Encomium as Foundation Empowers 100 widows/widowers, awards scholarship to 13 varsity students

Celebrant, Apostle Elijah Jack with his wife, Pastor Mrs Deborah Elijah Jack at the middle, with students on scholarship 

By Freshgist 

There's jubilation in the air as Apostle Elijah Jack  Foundation (AEJF) empowered one hundred widows/ widowers from Onna local government of Akwa Ibom state with financial empowerment for business start ups, and food items.

The foundation also awarded scholarship to a  total of Thirteen indigenous students of Tertiary institutions within Nigeria as part of activities to celebrate Apostle Elijah Jack's 2023 birthday.

The beneficiaries were drawn across the 41 villages of ONNA local government area of the state where the board Chairman of the Foundation, Apostle Elijah Jack  hails from.

Announcing the beneficiaries of the scheme at ONNA during  the birthday celebration of Apostle Dr. Elijah Akpan Jack over the weekend, the chairman of the Scholarship committee, Dr Ohuka Chibunna Ruskin noted that the programme was designed to create an indelible impact on the lives of students and youths across the council. 

Ruskin added that Apostle Elijah Jack  Foundation 2023 Scholarship Programme aimed at supporting and empowering Onna indigenes and students in tertiary institutions across the nation, 

He noted that the scholarship scheme was borne out of the Founder's desire to invest in the future of the youths, Ruskin said the  exercise lasts for a semester and the beneficiaries  can always reapply so as enable others to benefit.

 On how the beneficiaries were selected, Ruskin explained, "After the advertisement, 70 people applied for the scholarship but only 23students uploaded their documents( admission letter, last school fee receipt, letter of recommendation etc), so that made 47 applicants disqualified. An online test was also conducted for the 23 successful candidates with a pass mark of 60 percent, again only 13 student passed the online test and we're screened and granted the scholarship.

According to Ruskin, "AEJ Foundation is a non bias foundation, but the scholarship was designed to create impacts on the 41 villages in ONNA local government , before the scholarship, a committee was set which I happened to be the chairman of the scholarship committee, we made announcement through traditional media, our website and social media, so that we gave it a wide spread. Our concentration was targeted at Onna students in Tertiary institution except private universities in Nigeria.

"Apart from the scholarship, the foundation also provided  a Motorcycle empowerment to one of the indigenes of Onna local government area of Akwa Ibom state

"100 widows and widowers went home with food items and cash empowerment to start up businesses. All these were done as part of event to celebrate our sponsor's birthday Apostle Dr Elijah Akpan Jack"

One of the beneficiary students, Shadrach Ezekiel Peter who is the Onna students world wild president, a 500 level student, studying Marine Engineering  in Akwa Ibom State University studying told our correspondent, on behalf of others , thanked the sponsor, Apostle Jack for his benevolence and desire to secure their future.

He said the scholarship would help to ease the financial stress on his parents and pledged to put more efforts academically so that the good gesture extended by the Apostle will not be in vain.

"I applied for the scholarship because I was having some financial challenges.  I believe it will help me a lot  in my academic pursuit and help my parents.

I feel very delighted and I express my sincere gratitude to Apostle Dr Elijah for coming up with this initiative, it is people who love God and humanity that would want to invest in the future that can do this. An investment in knowledge is the greatest profit." He said 

Speaking earlier, Apostle Jack, who is the celebrant said the Foundation is anchored on principles of love, empathy, selflessness and positive change to the lives of the vulnerable and poor. 

He said aside the scholarship, the Foundation provides essential medical care to underprivileged individuals in various communities, business startup empowerment for individuals as well as provisions of  financial materials and food item support to widows, widowers.

 The Cleric also called on humanitarian Individuals,  organizations and corporations to join hands with him in the pursuit  of his agenda. 

"Your support, whether big or small, will make an immeasurable difference in the lives of those we serve. Let us march forward, shoulder to shoulder, with compassion as our guide and humanity as our compass. Together, we shall create a world where love reigns supreme, where the warmth of kindness touches every heart, and where no one is left behind." He said.

Briefly after his birthday celebration, the Chairman of AEJFOUNDATION, Apostle Jack expressed fulfillment, stated that his motive behind the scholarship was to promote the ARISE agenda of the state governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo  Eno.

 Jack added that as a firm believer in the transformative power of education, he was committed to nurturing exceptional students who have exhibited outstanding academic performance, leadership qualities, and a strong drive towards making positive impact in the society.

 "We understand the financial challenges that can hinder students from realizing their full potential, and our foundation is dedicated to breaking down those barriers, ensuring that brilliant students have the opportunity to excel academically and contribute meaningfully to their chosen fields." He added

Rights Group appeals Gov Eno to Intervene unpaid Doctor Salaries in A'Ibom

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo 

A rights group, under the aegis of Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), has drawn the attention of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, unpaid allowances and entitlements of 22 Medical Doctors who were employed by the State Ministry of Health for their one year Housemanship. 

In a statement signed by Director of CHRAN, Otuekong Franklyn Isong and Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Comrade Vincent Aluu and made available to newsmen in Uyo Over the weekend,

had it that the medical doctors led by Dr. Emekem Akabom paid an advocacy visit to the CHRAN on July 25, 2023, where they narrated their ordeals as House Officers who were in the employ of the Ministry of Health but, posted to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) for their one year Housemanship beginning from February 2022, the end of which was to be February 2023. 

According to their appointment letters from the Ministry of Health which copies were presented to the CHRAN, the doctors were engaged to start their services in February 14, 2022 which were to end February 13, 2023 but, they were not posted by the Ministry untill April, 2022 when they were eventually posted to the UUTH. The CHRAN stated that most of the doctors resumed the same April, 2022, while others were subsequently posted in May, 2022 and June, 2022.

The CHRAN said that the House Officers worked until April 2023 but were paid half salaries for February, 2023 without the salaries for March and April 2023. 

The statement noted that the house officers have made several efforts including letters to the Ministry on the subject matter but to no avail, saying that they had also written to the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health Matters, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel, and got relevant medical bodies, the Permanent Secretary and the Commissioner for Health, involved but got no solution. 

Armed with the facts of the matter and moved by the plight of the doctors, the rights group said it led a delegation of the affected doctors to pay an advocacy visit to the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health Matters, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel, on Friday 28, 2023 in his office in Government House, noting that the SSA has assured the CHRAN and the doctors that the government of Governor Umo Eno will clear the outstanding salaries of the doctors. 

The CHRAN described the situation as unfortunate and unacceptable, noting that the 22 medical doctors are being subjected to untold hardship and made to suffer for the mal-administration and inefficiency of those in the Ministry of Health who have shown incompetency in their handling of this matter. 

The CHRAN said that the non-payment of the house officers outstanding salaries has affected their progress in the medical profession, observing that they are unable to pay for the registration fee of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) which has made them not to be mobilized for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). 

The CHRAN commended Dr. Ekem Emmanuel, for his effort in getting the matter resolved thus far, while appealing to Governor Umo Eno to look into the matter by directing the relevant government Ministry to clear up the unpaid salaries of the 22 medical doctors.

IbomWASH applauds Gov Eno for creating Ministry of WASH in A'Ibom

 

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo 

IbomWASH+ Policy Cluster Project has applauded Akwa Ibom state Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno over the announcement of the creation of a stand- alone Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Akwa Ibom.

Recall, the Governor had earlier announced the creation of the new ministry in a restructuring of MDAs in the state while addressing participants on the Day 3 of the Akwa Ibom Dialogue for interpretation and implementation of the A.R.I.S.E. Agenda blueprint in Uyo on Wednesday.

In a press statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Uyo, The Project Director of IbomWASH+ Cluster, Prof Gabriel Umoh maintained that the creation of the new ministry has been one of the major advocacies of the Cluster. Added that With the new Ministry, water resources, sanitation and hygiene issues in the State would receive the attention it deserves.

“IbomWASH+ has been working asiduously with other stakeholders to advocate for the establishment of Ministry of Water Resources and we are happy that the Governor has hearkened to our call.

“With the new Ministry, water resources, sanitation and hygiene issues in the State would receive the attention it deserves. We thank all who worked with IbomWASH cluster towards the realisation of this feat.

“It is important that the WASH Policy, WASH Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, and Akwa Ibom State Open Defecation-free Roadmap which were submitted by IbomWASH cluster to Akwa Ibom State Executive Council and was referred for further discussion be approved so as to assist the new Ministry with the right tools to work with.

“These are ancillary documents to the Water Sector Law of the State It is also our prayer that a strong team be assembled to run the new Ministry for effective service delivery and accelerated development of Akwa Ibom State.

“We in IbomWASH cluster will continue to work with the new Ministry and other stakeholders in the WASH Sector to make sure Akwa Ibom State is top notch on matters relating to WASH.” The statement said.

According to the new arrangement, the Ministry of Agriculture has been merged with Rural Development, a new Ministry created for Water Resources and Sanitation while Ministry of Power would function in a separate capacity.

The Governor decried the state exclusion in water related benefits from the Federal Government and donor agencies, and told the participants that the creation of a designated Ministry for Water Resources, would fully integrate the state in the United Nations Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH Programme.

The new ministry, Eno also said would reposition the state to implement the existing Water Law as well as tackle other water and sanitation related issues most appropriately.

He frowned at the inability of the Ibom FADAMA Micro Finance Bank to achieve its fundamental objective of assisting farmers with credit facilities and the continuous depletion of share holders’ fund and ordered the immediate disbandment of the Management team to make way for a functional team to ensure results.

Eno who also encouraged collaborations among MDAs, explained that a situation where parastatals remain independent and not leveraging on the works of other MDAs would be discouraged to avoid waste of time and resources.

Impressed by the exceptional performance of the former Group General Manager of NNPC incharge of Crude Oil, Mrs Rose Eshiet, at the Sectoral Road Map Presentations of the Summit, the Governor announced her immediate appointment as Honorary Special Adviser on Oil and Gas.

He also announced the appointment Mrs. Ime Udoh and Mr Nkereuwem Onung as Honorary Special Advisers on Culture And Tourism, while Miss Linda Umoh was appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora Affairs.

A'Ibom: Ibom Air arrests Passenger over In-Flight Theft

 

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo 

Akwa Ibom State Government-owned Airline (Ibom Air) has apprehended one of its  passenger who stole a laptop belonging a co-traveller in the flight, added that he was handed over to appropriate  prosecution Agency.

In a press release made available to newsmen on Thursday in Uyo, the state capital,  The General Manager Marketing and Communication Ibom Air, Mrs Aniekan Essienette, stated that one of the passenger by name David Ogeneochuko  was apprehended for allegedly taking another passenger’s laptop from his bag in the overhead cabin on Wednesday,26th July 2023.

According to the release,” On the morning of the 26th of July 2023, during the boarding of Ibom Air flight Q1300 from Lagos to Abuja, a passenger, Ogeneochuko David, was apprehended for allegedly taking another passenger’s laptop from his bag in the overhead cabin.

“The owner of the laptop, who suspected the movement of the said Mr David within the aircraft, decided to check where his laptop was kept and immediately realized the item was no longer there. He raised the alarm by notifying the crew members accordingly”.

 “A search was immediately instituted, which led to about half an hour delay, and the laptop was found with Mr David.

“He was immediately offloaded and handed over to the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN) Aviation Security (AVSEC) for further investigation, who then handed him over to the Police for further investigation.

” The police have since confirmed that the suspect is a member of a large syndicate specializing in stealing onboard aircraft.

“The owner of the laptop voluntarily stepped down from the flight to assist with the investigation and promised to follow up with the case to its logical conclusion.

Ibom Air disclosed that In line with their corporate policy, the airline has zero tolerance for any sort of criminal activity on board their flights and will prosecute any offenders to the full extent of the law.

They further recalled that one Kingsley Chinsunum was alleged to have stolen the sum of one hundred thousand Naira(N100,000.00) from a wallet kept inside a bag in the overhead bin, while on board Ibom Air flight 4150 at Murtala Muhammed Aircraft Terminal two Ikeja, on the 31st of May 2023.

“He has since been charged to Court and is presently facing trial at the Ikeja Magisterial District.

Not too long ago, a passenger, one Mr Adebayi Adelugba, staged the stealing of his own checked-in bag and declared it missing, accusing the airline of negligence amidst threats of litigation, but for CCTV footage which caught him in the act.

“He was convicted of the crime of threat against Ibom Air, disturbance of public peace, and lies at the Ogba Magistrate court in Lagos, where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two weeks imprisonment and a fine”.

The Airline said reports of an increase in stealing onboard aircraft highlight the importance of passengers being extra vigilant and attentive to their belongings during flights.

“Following instructions from the crew members and taking necessary precautions can help minimize such incidents.

“Passengers are therefore encouraged to report any suspicious activities they observe during their flights to the crew members immediately, as early intervention can prevent potential thefts and ensure a safer travel experience for everyone on board”.

AKWA IBOM: ExxonMobil, NNPC Unveils Host Community Trusts

 

By Freshgist 

Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPN), a subsidiary of ExxonMobil and operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC)/MPN Joint Venture has inaugurated two Host Community Development Trusts in Akwa Ibom State covering its Oil Mining Leases, in compliance with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.

In a two days formal inauguration events which took place in Uyo on Tuesday and Wednesday, The Trusts are the Incorporated Trustees of NNPC/MPN JV EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust (Eket, Mbo, Onna, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Esit Eket and Eastern Obolo communities), and the Incorporated Trustees of NNPC/MPN JV Ibeno Host Community Development Trust (Ibeno community).

Speaking while the unveiling ceremonies was going on, the General Manager, Joint Venture Operations of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mark Fraser, disclosed that the inauguration events signal a significant milestone for the NNPC/MPN JV and its host communities in Akwa Ibom State, as it sets in motion the commencement of a new era of organic and sustainable community development.

According to him, “With the inauguration of these Trusts, our communities in Akwa Ibom State will now be in the driver’s seat and determine the pace, nature and impact of community development projects and programs in the respective host communities.

“We are delighted that the collaborative efforts involving our company, partner, communities, regulator and state government have resulted in the success we are witnessing today.

“We are confident that with the quality of individuals selected by the communities to serve on the Trusts, the people will enjoy the benefits as envisioned by the framers of the Petroleum Industry Act.

“The ultimate objective is for the Trusts to help enhance peace and further accelerate development and prosperity in our host communities.”

He further stated that the Joint Venture has enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with the host communities and has continued to play its part through significant revenue contributions and community development initiatives, noting that the JV has consistently remained the highest private sector employer of labour in the state.

Also speaking at the event, the Manager, Stakeholder Relations, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Julie Utang, representing the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NUIMS, Bala Wunti, commended all stakeholders for successfully harmonizing various interests, culminating in the eventual incorporation of the two Trusts.

She stated, “As we get into the next phase, we should remain guided by the provisions of the enabling Act and regulations, ensuring we sustain our collaborations to derive optimal value.”

Media Group raises alarm over incessant harassment, intimidation of gov Umo Eno in A'Ibom

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo 

Group under the aegis of Uyo Senatorial District Media Practitioners' Forum(USDMPF) has raised an alarm over what they described as 'incessant and disturbing' attack and harassment by all the opposition parties in State against the governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

This came as a results of a fresh launch of  investigation into alleged fake WAEC certificate of the governor, Pastor Umo Eno at the Federal High court Lagos which was earlier ruled by the supreme court.

The recent case file No: FHC/L/CS/1247/2023 instituted by the Inspector General of Police(IGP) through a Motion Ex-Parte had sought  document and records of WAEC from Heads of National Office of WAEC and WAEC itself at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

In a statement signed  by the chairman, Comrade Ofonime Isong  and obtained by our correspondent in Uyo on Wednesday said all the move was just a ploy by the opposition to inveigle and intimidate the governor to join the opposition party so as to have access and plunder the state treasury. 

He said that the governor needed concentration to work, not unnecessary distractions continuously fuelled by the  oppositions even as stressed that the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal should be allowed to finish its work.

Isong, however called on the citizens to defend their governor and not allow the oppositions steal the mandate which they unanimously and overwhelmingly gave him at the elections.

The statement in parts, "The intimidation of the governor and his constant harassment in the media and the recent Suit at the Federal High Court in Lagos by the Police are all ploy to distract the governor and force him to eat the APC's humble pie which is bad and callous.

"The USDMPF feels that this new antics is nothing short of a gang up against Akwa Ibom State Governor to truncate the mandate willingly and overwhelmingly handed him by Akwa Ibom people, or worse still, adopt the carrot and stick tactics to intimidate him to defect to the ruling APC which remains unacceptable as majority of the people know that PDP is like a Religion in the oil rich State.

The ultimate aim is to have access to Akwa Ibom State Treasury by all means and at all costs.

"However, USDMPF is worried by the unending legal battles and landmines plotted by the opposition elements to distract the progress of Akwa Ibom State's Golden Era meant to herald more Peace, Security, Wealth and Prosperity for the people.

"While the Police is free to engage in its investigation process, a few questions beg for answers simultaneously in this regard: Why  is Akwa Ibom State Post Election case of interest to the IGP to the extent of seeking an Ex-parte Order to compel the WAEC Officials and WAEC itself to avail his investigation Team with examination records of an entire Examination Centre(Victory High School, Ikeja) in Lagos State for the sake of one man?

"Is the IGP taking instructions from Obong Bassey Albert a k.a. OBA of the YPP; Mr Akan Okon; Mr Akan Udofia who wandered into the APC at the eleventh hour and became its controversial governorship candidate, or Senator John James Akpanudoedehe of the NNPP?

"The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal should be allowed to finish its work.

The group also noted that  it suspects that the olive branch extended by the senate president, senator Godswill Akpabio to Governor Umo Eno at his inauguration  which the later publicly accepted could be a poisonous chalice.

Gov Eno charges council chairmen to relocate to their domains

  

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo 

Akwa Ibom state governor, Pastor Umo Eno has charged all Chairmen of Local Government Councils in the State  to live within their local government areas for effective delivery on their mandate as chief security officers and champions of rural development.

Governor Eno declared this during the swearing-in of two new Chairmen and Vice Chairmen for Nsit Ibom and Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Councils, at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo yesterday 

He added that  living within their jurisdiction would henceforth be a prerequisite for occupying the office of Chairmen of Councils, assuring that an Executive Bill would be sent to the state House of Assembly for legislative backing on the decision.

The Governor used himself  as an example, that he relocated from Eket Local Government Area to Uyo the state capital on assumption of office, justified his decision on the need to enable him function effectively in his new office.

At the inauguration, Deaconess Otobong Aaron and Hon. Oyosoro Oyosoro, former Vice Chairmen of Nsit Ibom and Urue Offong-Oruko respectively, were sworn-in as Chairmen of their respective councils following the resignation of the former substantive Chairmen to contest elections into the House of Assembly, while Mr Mbosowo David and Arit Ambit took the oath as Vice Chairmen of the two local government councils respectively.

The Governor, who congratulated the new Councils’ bosses, assured that his administration will work with them in tackling unique and compelling issues in their respective council areas in line with the A.R.I.S.E. Agenda of his administration.

“As heads of your respective councils, you are expected to lead in our determined effort to bring development to our rural areas. I expect that as Local Government Chairmen, you should begin to live in your local Governments Areas because we are going towards a point where Chairmen function more effectively by residing in their Council Areas.

“I will soon present a bill to the House of Assembly to enact and enforce it to ensure that people who must lead our Local Governments must live in their respective Local Governments. So if you are willing to contest as Local Government Chairman, and you know you will not live in your Local Government, please don’t do so.

“This administration, in line with the core values and vision, as encapsulated in our ARISE Agenda, is determined to transform and deepen growth and development in our rural areas, as a strategic way of curbing rural-urban migration”, he stated.

Governor Eno invited the guests to the first ever “Akwa Ibom Dialogue” scheduled for Monday, July 24th through 27th, at the Ibom Icon Hotels and Golf Resort, an event he said will feature presentation of the A.R.I.S.E. agenda blueprint and have experts make contributions on its implementation.

“Let me use this opportunity to invite all of you to the Akwa Ibom Dialogue, an event where we will present our Government’s blueprint, the ARISE AGENDA and have experts and our people make their contributions in its implementation.

“The event will take place on Monday July, 24th to 27th at the Ibom Icon Hotels. The ARISE AGENDA is a blueprint for progress, development, growth and sustainability of our people.

“As an inclusive Government, we throw open the space for people across party lines to make inputs and see the Agenda as a PAN Akwa Government philosophy as opposed to partisan instrument. And with trust, our people will see it as such.

“This is the time for governance. Politics is temporarily over and we will not play politics with development of our dear state and our people”, he assured.

Gov Umo Eno re-nominates all of Udom's commissioners

  

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo 

The Akwa Ibom state Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno has re-appointed all the commissioners and special advisers that had served the former governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration whose tenure came to an end in May 29.

this was cited in a letter sent out by the State Assembly announcing that it has received the names of 25 nominees as commissioners and one special adviser.

The letter dated 19th July, 2023, addressed to the Speaker of the House, Udeme Otong was read at the floor of the house during Thursday, 20 July, 2023 plenary thus:

“In line with section 192 (2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I forward the under listed names of nominees for appointment to the office of the Commissioners and Special Adviser for confirmation by the State House of Assembly”.

The names of Commissioner-nominees include:

Uko Essien Udom, SAN; Monday Ebong Uko; Nsikan Linus Nkan; Bob Almond Emem; Iniobong Edward Ekong, Bassey B. Okon, Charles Udoh

Orman Esin, Offiong Samuel Offor, Camillus Essien Umoh, Uno Etim Uno, Raphael Bassey, Aniefiok Isaac Nkom, Eno James Ibanga, Frank Archibong, Augustine Vincent Umoh, Ini Adiakpan.

Idongesit Iboro Etiebiet, Ini Ememobong Essien, Imo Moffat, Enobong Udemeabasi Mbobo, John James Etim, Koko Essien and Amanam Nkanga as special adviser.

The house, accordingly referred the nominees to the House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights and Pubic Petitions for screening and confirmation.

CHRAN tasks Gov Eno to set up Climate change Agency in A'Ibom

 

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo 

Non governmental organization, The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has charged Akwa Ibom state governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno to set up a Climate Change Agency managed by professionals to provide timely solution to the climate change challenges.

In a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Uyo over the weekend, the CHRAN Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong and his deputy, Comrade Vincent Aluu 

(Deputy Director Public Affairs advocated that urgent remedial works be done on Atiku Abubaka way, and Udo Ikpe Street beside Power City Church, off Nwaniba Road in Uyo as the road has been seriously affected by gully erosion, putting the lives of inhabitants of the area at a high risk. 

.

The CHRAN boss, commended the State government on its efforts on industrialization, mitigating the effects of climate change and energy security. 

He urged the visiting NIPSS participants to ensure that the outcome of the interaction is published and made to reflect on some of the policy decisions of the federal, state, and local governments. 

Isong called on the state government to domesticate the Climate Change Act 2021, enacted by the Federal Government of Nigeria by ensuring the implementation of Energy Transition Plan to encourage significant investment opportunities in the state such as; establishment and expansion of industries related to solar energy, hydrogen, and electric vehicles and to review its environmental policy.

The CHRAN urged the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection And Waste Management Agency to be alive to its responsibility by ensuring timely evacuation of waste from the drainages, roads and streets of Uyo and its environ in order to reduce flooding in the state.

He also drew government’s attention to the debilitating effects of flooding in some parts of the state, stressing that areas worst hit by reoccurring ravaging flood incidents include: Abak Road, Nkemba street, Michael Abraham off Nkemba street; Oron Road by Uruan street; IBB Way by Ukpong Ebet and Akpa Ebet streets; Dominic Utuk (Brooks) street by Gibbs street; middle of Nsentip street; Udo Eduok street; Ikot Ekpene Road near former AKTC Park; Ibom Plaza; Ewet Housing Estate, Shelter Afrique Estate, Osongama Estate, Atiku Abubakar Avenue, Ukana Offot street, Obio Imo street, Nwaniba road, Aka road by IBB junction, Nsikak Eduok Avenue, among others. 

Isong noted with dismay that part of the reasons for flooding is the indiscriminate dumping of waste by citizens and residents of the state along water channels and drainages, calling on the people to deploy ownership approach in disposing waste by disposing their waste at the designated locations and at appropriate time. 

The group urged the state government to take urgent steps on the deplorable condition of the Dumpsite along Uyo village road, noting that, "the site and the road are in bad shape hence the need for immediate intervention". 

Mentally illed persons takes over uyo city

 

By Freshgist 

Massive influx of Mentally deranged persons along the streets of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital has become a source of worry to residents of the state.

The development which contradicts  the desire of the state to keep its internationally recognized record as the cleanest and most  serene environment for residents, tourist and investors, was described as hazardous by the residents.

Recall, the former commissioner for women Affairs and social welfare, Mrs Glory Edet  had in 2021 attributed that over 70 percent out of hundreds of mentally deranged persons in the streets of the state were sneaked into the state from neighboring states at night, while flagging off her evacuation of mentally sick persons campaign in the state capital.

Speaking with The Reporters diary in Uyo, on Monday, one of the residents who was seen exchanging words with a mad man, Mr Peter okon, a plumber, disclosed it was not reasonable to have mad people on the street alongside with normal people, described his experiences as hazardous.

Okon urged the new state governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno to facilitate the process of evacuating the mentally deranged persons to psychiatric hospital.

"It is embarrassing to have mentally deranged persons everywhere in our dear state because most of them are dangerous. Imagine as I was on my way back from fixing tap for my customer, I felt a very heavy drop of stone on my left shoulder,  and I looked backward, just to realize it was from a mad man. And when I asked him why he stoned me, he responded in another language which I could not understand, and started laughing". Okon stated

A lady who pleaded Anonymous, expressed sadness over the massive influx of mad people in the state, urging the securities to be more vigilant especially with incoming long vehicles covered with tarpoline. 

 Also Narrating his encounter, Mrs Ekpedeme Ekobi disclosed that her windscreen was smashed by a mad man while she was taking her child back from school  along Abak Road.

Analysing, our Correspondent gathered that there was needs for the state government to act fast in evacuating the mentally illed persons from the street in order to ensure that serenity of the state.

Investigation revealed that not less than 70 percent of mentally illed persons are from neighbouring states, brought in at night into the state capital and some developed local government of the state.

Reacting on the issue, the Chairman of The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) Mr Franklyn Isong, called on the government to take the insane persons off the streets. 

He called on the state government through the ministry of social welfare to set up a tax force committee to investigate and evacuate the insane persons off the streets to a psychiatric hospital for treatment and questioning.

The CHRAN boss added that if the situation is allowed to go unchecked it could constitute a security threat to the state.

"It is very unfortunate to have a large number of insane people flooding Akwa Ibom , most of them don't speak languages we understand.

"Even in my own local government, Ikot Akpaden -Ekim area of Mkpat Enin Local governments, people load mad people and import them to the state in the night , dump them and run away and when you wake up in the morning , you see mad people everywhere in both rural and urban areas of the state.

"So this has become more worrisome to the point that we in CHRAN , are calling on ministry of social welfare to begin to investigate the influx of the insane persons, and they should set up a tax force, made up of the civil society groups, media, health and security agencies, to pick up all mad people to psychiatric hospital in Eket for treatment , as some of them might be a minor issue, so that if they recover, they will be able to answer some questions to know where they come from.

"The government should also investigate to know where and how the mad people are being imported to the state because some of them are knocked down by hit and run vehicle , not less than a week ago , some one was found dead a long Sampson Udo Idiong avenue and after some days, it began to stench, I had to inform the Akwa Ibom state environmental and waste management agency Chairman and security personnel who came to pick up the corpse 

"So there's needs for the state government to evacuate these insane persons  from Itam market area, Atiku, Idoro, Nawaniba, Oron road, IBB way, Abak road, Ekom Imaan/ Ikot oku ikono junction, mkpat enin, Ikot Ekpene, Abak, Etinan , Eket, Oron and many other places , clean the up and when they recover, they will be able to tell where they are from because more than 70 per cent of them are not from Akwa Ibom.

"Most of them are constituting security traits in the state , some of them are normal, walking around the street as mad people in the day to spy the area and in d night they may harm our people in one way or the other". Isong added

CSOs applauds TINIBU over retention of NDDC key Board members

 

By Freshgist 

A coalition of Niger Delta stakeholders have applauded President Bola Amed Tinubu over retaintion of key members of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Goup led by the Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality, MOSIEND, in conjunction with a coalition of various Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, drawn across the nine Niger Delta states, at the weekend converged  in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, and threw their weight behind President Bola Tinubu's decision to partially desolved the Board of the NDDC.

Stakeholders of the region representing various groups including the Niger Delta Coalition for Peace, NDCPP; Niger Delta Non Violent Youth Leaders Association, NNVYLA; Rivers State Youth Leaders Assembly RSYLA, and the Indigenous Youth Council of Ogoni People, IYCOP, who endorsed the communique at the end of the meeting, commended the President for retaining key officials of the agency.

They expressed confidence in the retained officials led by the Managing Director, MD, Mr. Samuel Ogbuku, and the two Executive Directors in - charge of Finance, and Projects, to deliver on the mandate of developing the region pending the reconstitution of the full Board.

 

President of MOSIEND, Kennedy Tonjo West, and Counsel to the group, Afoegba Peter Goodyear, who jointly addressed the communique, commended the NDDC leadership for high level consultations with leaders and various interest groups in the region with a view to ascertaining the core issues of infrastructural development, empowerment and jobs for the teeming unemployed youths of the region.

They warned against any smear campaign against the Ogbuku -led NDDC, aimed at rubbishing the hard - reputation the genuine drive towards ensuring effective delivery of its mandate for the betterment of the people of the region.

Part of the communique reads: By a notice on June 19, 2023, President Bola Tinubu, announced the dissolution of all Federal parastatals, agencies, institutions and government-owned companies across the country. The dissolutions which took place according to tenure limits, charge or transition to a new government, is not done as a punitive measure.

"For the NDDC, it was a matter of mixed reactions, when the Commission was named amongst parastatals and agencies dissolved by the Federal Government. We are relieved, however, to know that the MD, the Executive Directiors of Finance and Projects, were retained to manage the Commission pending the reconstitution of a new Board.

"As stakeholders in the Niger Delta region, we recognize the sacrifices and efforts expended by sons and daughters of the region before the last Board was constituted. At this time of our lives, the peace and progress of the region matters more than the infighting for positions and appointments. We say enough of the fight over the NDDC."

Warning that gone were the years when the agency was used as the cash cow for the satisfaction of political interests, the coalition urged the Federal Government under President Tinubu, to ensure that other officials dropped from the current Board were recalled when the agency is properly reconstituted, as the regional leaders and stakeholders have absolute confidence in them as partners in progress in the development of the region.