Exclusive:

GOV EMMANUEL ANNOUNCES 10 ADDITIONAL AIRCRAFTS FOR IBOM AIR, CELEBRATES EKET MONARCH AT 85

A deal is underway for additional A220-300 series aircrafts to the fleet of Akwa Ibom State owned airline, Ibom Air, as Governor Udom Emmanuel remains upbeat in leaving enduring legacies in the state.

Governor Emmanuel dropped the hint while speaking at an event to mark the 85th birthday of the Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government Area, Obong Etim Charles Daniel Abia, in his palace.

The Governor also disclosed his determination to ensure quality is not compromised in the Eket stadium project, international market project, roads and other development programmes in the area, stressing that the peculiarities of the terrain is being taken into consideration to ensure works done in the long abandoned area stand the test of time.

Appealing for patience, Mr Emmanuel assured that all the projects will be delivered and appreciated long after his tenure.

From records of the state’s finances, the Governor explained his administration has performed well with the construction companies handling projects in the state, but that issues of climate and weather conditions, the COVID pandemic and other natural occurrences have impacted on the pace of works.

“People have said a lot of things about developments and projects. Your Majesty, we have had major challenges in the past two years that we never envisaged in governance.

“The whole of 2020, nobody could do much because of COVID. That took into 2021 and in 2021 we were so poised for infrastructure development, but the volume of rainfall has been unprecedented”, the governor explained.

“The only reason I won’t be at the banquet is that as I’m leaving here, we’re signing fresh agreements that will give us ten brand new A220-300 Air Buses, so that even when I leave office, it will remain as an ensuring legacy”, he added.

Governor Emmanuel congratulated Obong Abia on his 85th birthday and spoke glowingly of the endearing characteristics of the Eket patriarch.

“In life, I watch out for two words in any leader and any human being, character and charisma. As a paramount ruler, that your character, to me, is that charm that inspires devotion in others, including me.

He maintained that charisma is outwardly seen and attracts, whereas character is inert and endears one to others, and maintained that Obong Abia is blessed with both attributes.

With these qualities, the Governor affirmed that the patriarch had united Eket people, as evident in his ability to bring together virtually all the Ekid elites in one event.

Governor Emmanuel lauded the Eket Royal Father’s initiative of using the special event to honour some illustrious sons of Ekid extraction with the prestigious title of “Mkpisong Ekid, stressing that at a stage in one’s life such recognitions of their trail in life outweighs material benefits, and congratulated the recipients.

The Governor expressed appreciation fpor the tremendous support from his people in Eket Federal Constituency and urged the elder and stakeholders to do their best to maintain peace so as to draw more positive developments to the area.

“On behalf of the government and good people of this state I say happy birthday to you, Your Majesty and long live the King”, Governor Emmanuel declared.

Obong E. C. D. Abia, in a birthday speech, thanked God, his wife and family.

He appreciated Governor Emmanuel and the Eket leaders for their support and commitment to serve Eket people Akwa Ibom State, and by extension all Nigerians.

Expatiating on the honour bestowed on the awardees, the Attah Ekid Afid said the title, Mkpisong, literally means Pillar of Progress and Leading Light in the community and establishes a class of leaders proudly recognized and honoured for leading roles in the affairs of Eket people and Akwa Ibom State.

Update:

BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUMMIT/GRADUATION CEREMONY HOLDS IN UYO AS GOV. EMMANUEL CONGRATULATES GRADUANDS

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has, today November 12, congratulated graduands of the just-concluded Business/Entrepreneurship Training programme organised by a frontline Non-Governmental Organization in the state, the New Breed group with the theme, “Entrepreneurship, A Catalyst for Sustainable Development”.

At the graduation ceremony of the programme which was held at Ibom Hall, IBB Way, Uyo, Governor Udom Emmanuel who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Dean of Commissioners/Special Advisers, Dr. Glory Edet congratulated the graduands and encouraged them to use the knowledge they have received to impact the state positively.

Dr. Edet praised the group for organizing the programme, stating that such innovation was in line with the objectives of the Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration which she noted has placed enormous emphasis on entrepreneurship through its Dakkada philosophy.

Earlier in his remarks, the representative of the Deputy Governor and Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Nkopurok Ekaiko appreciated the group for impacting the youths of Akwa Ibom state and advised the beneficiaries to put to judicious use all they have learnt from the programme.

Also speaking, the International Coordinator of New Breed, Engr. Ekpenyong Ekpenyong noted that the group which started in 2013 are believers of the philosophy of Governor Udom Emmanuel, saddled with the responsibility of changing the narrative and empowering young people, thereby making them self-dependent. He appreciated the Governor for his support to the group.

Goodwill messages were received from the State Coordinator of MPM, Emmanuel Enoidem Esq., the MD of Ibom Power Engr. Etido Inyang FNSE, Dr. Charity Ido, Member representing Ukanafun State Constituency, Sir Monday Uko, Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan, PDP State Chairman and others. They all appreciated Governor Udom Emmanuel and New Breed for the vision

Tori Pigin:

Two Ogbonge Bills Don Land For We National Assembly

Persin wey standa for Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika for we house of rep, Hon. Aniekan Umana don drop two ogbonge bills for we national assembly and dis two bill don Waka pass first reading for di floor of house.

Dis na bills wey go helep put beta school like National Institute for Artificial intelligence and robotics studies for Abak, and Federal college of agriculture for Etim Ekpo for inside him federal constituency

Oga aniekan Umana yarn sey wen dem put dis school, e go helep give work to plenti pipo and give space mek plenti pipo develop and ontop di agric school dis go helep solve problem as e concine we agric sector for we kontri.

Oga aniekan beg mek him follow lawmakers mek dem join hands support di bill ontop sey E go bring bettamen come we kontri Nigeria

News Splash:

UNYIME IDEM AGAIN!!!

REP. IDEM SPONSORS CONSTRUCTION OF SIX CLASSROOMS BLOCK IN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, IKOT OTOIWUO IN UKANAFUN

Less than 24 hours after approving the construction of six classrooms block to Migrant Farmers School, Ikot Akpan Nsek in Oruk Anam local government area, the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rep. Unyime Idem has approved the construction of another six classrooms block to Government Primary School, Ikot Otoiwuo/Ikot Ikpe in Ukanafun local government area.

While presenting the sponsorship letter to the Headmistress of the School, Mrs Glory Friday, Rep. Idem who was represented by a former member of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Barr. Idongesit Umoh said the project was in fulfillment of his campaign promise to give a facelift to the school.

According to him, the choice of the School was part of his vision to contribute to Governor Udom Emmanuel’s education completion agenda and boosting of knowledge economy.

The village head of Ikot Otoiwuo, Chief Gabriel Joseph Awan commended the gesture of the lawmaker, describing him as a worthy son and representative of Ukanafun who is mindful of the welfare of his people and is ready to make their lives better. He expressed the gratitude of the village council and promised to support and supervise the project from start to finish.

On her part, the Headmistress who led the management staff to receive Rep. Idem’s delegation thanked the lawmaker for the project which she said will ameliorate the plight of the school and provide more space as well as conducive learning environment for the pupils.

“Our cries have finally been heard. God will bless Rep. Unyime Idem for coming to rescue us and provide classrooms and toilets which we lack in this school. On behalf of the school management, I want to say that we are grateful and we welcome this project,” the Headmistress added.

Others who spoke including former legislative leader of Ukanafun council, Hon. Elder Elijah Akpan commended the representative style of Rep. Idem which they said has impacted the children, youths, women and the elders, promising their unflinching support for the lawmaker.

Highlight of the occasion was the taking over and inspection of the site by the lead contractor, Mr Olalekan Sonela who assured that work will commence immediately.

Those present at the occasion were members of Rep. Idem’s delegation which included the Chairman of the Technical Committee Mr Clayton Eyeneka and the members of the Technical Committee namely; Mr Ediong Charles, Mr Etukudoh Ukpanah, Mr Inimfon Etuk and Mr Ubong Umoh as well as the village youth leaders and women.

Recall that recently, Rep. Unyime Idem also sponsored the ongoing construction of ICT centres in Akwa Ibom State University Obio Akpa Campus and Comprehensive Secondary School Ikot Esenam as well as the construction of six classrooms block in Government Primary School Ikot Akpan Udo and Migrant Farmers Primary School Ikot Akpan Nsek all in Oruk Anam local government area. The latest project brings to 32 the total number of projects executed so far in the federal constituency by the lawmaker.

Update:

EXCERPTS FROM THE MEETING OF THE AKWA IBOM STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2021 AT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

The meeting which was presided over by HE the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, had in attendance,HE the Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Head of the Civil Service, Honourable Commissioners and Special Adviser. It commenced at 11AM with the rendition of the National and State Anthems; the opening prayer was worded by the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs.

Chairman’s opening remarks
The Governor charged members to ensure speedy delivery of their ministerial targets as delay is cost ineffective due to the continuous pressure exerted by economic factors like inflation and exchange rates. While acknowledging the delay in the delivery of many road construction projects, caused by the persisting rain, he he urged the Ministry of Works and Fire Service to find creative ways of undertaking their tasks.

Business of the day

Council charged the Commissioner for Transport and his counterpart in Environment and Solid Minerals were charged to ensure that traffic witnessed on different roads, during rush hours caused by illegal markets and bus stops, are cleared.
HC- Culture and Tourism presented the proposal to hold the 2021 Christmas village. The proposal was approved and he was charged to ensure that this year’s editions surpasses the previous, in all ramifications .
HC- Trade and Investment presented a proposal for the establishment of Ibom Youth Innovation Entrepreneurship and Leadership Development Center . The proposal was approved by Council . When operational, the center will be a one stop learning center on entrepreneurship and leadership for youths.
HC-Environment and Solid Minerals presented a Memo for the Adopt-A-Space initiative, where corporate bodies are to adopt and maintain public spaces for the purpose of beautification.
Approval for the construction of the following roads : (i) 2.1km Ukpong Street and 2.1km Effiong Esang Street with 800M discharge drain in Oron LGA.
(ii)21.5 Km Ikot Ayan Ediene-Ikot Ntia- Urua Naira-Ikot Nseyen-Nkwot-Nung Ukim road with 45m span bridge in Ikono LGA
(iii)Phase 2 of Nto Edino Junction-Ikot Ukpong-Mbiaso road with 45m bridge in Obot Akara
(iv)12.5 km Idiaba-Ibakang-Adia- Ndukpoise road in Nsit Atai and Nsit Ubium Local Government Area

Closing
The meeting came to a close at 3:48 PM, with a prayer offered by Honourable Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Sea Port.

Signed:

Comrade Ini Ememobong
Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy
10112021

Update:

EXCERPTS FROM THE MEETING OF THE AKWA IBOM STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2021 AT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

Business of the day

Council charged the Commissioner for Transport and his counterpart in Environment and Solid Minerals were charged to ensure that traffic witnessed on different roads, during rush hours caused by illegal markets and bus stops, are cleared.
HC- Culture and Tourism presented the proposal to hold the 2021 Christmas village. The proposal was approved and he was charged to ensure that this year’s editions surpasses the previous, in all ramifications .
HC- Trade and Investment presented a proposal for the establishment of Ibom Youth Innovation Entrepreneurship and Leadership Development Center . The proposal was approved by Council . When operational, the center will be a one stop learning center on entrepreneurship and leadership for youths.
HC-Environment and Solid Minerals presented a Memo for the Adopt-A-Space initiative, where corporate bodies are to adopt and maintain public spaces for the purpose of beautification.
Approval for the construction of the following roads : (i) 2.1km Ukpong Street and 2.1km Effiong Esang Street with 800M discharge drain in Oron LGA.
(ii)21.5 Km Ikot Ayan Ediene-Ikot Ntia- Urua Naira-Ikot Nseyen-Nkwot-Nung Ukim road with 45m span bridge in Ikono LGA
(iii)Phase 2 of Nto Edino Junction-Ikot Ukpong-Mbiaso road with 45m bridge in Obot Akara
(iv)12.5 km Idiaba-Ibakang-Adia- Ndukpoise road in Nsit Atai and Nsit Ubium Local Government Area

Closing
The meeting came to a close at 3:48 PM, with a prayer offered by Honourable Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Sea Port.

Signed:

Comrade Ini Ememobong
Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy
10112021

Exclusive:

AKSG ORDERS RECOMMENCEMENT OF ROAD PROJECTS IN ORON, NSIT ATAI, OTHERS

The Akwa Ibom State Government has demonstrated its readiness to take advantage of the ensuing dry season following the directive for an immediate recommencement of construction works in various parts of the state.

The approvals were given today at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel at Government House, Uyo.

According to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong, who briefed government house correspondents after the meeting, the approvals included construction of 2.1Km Ukpong street, 2.1Km Effiong Esang street with 800m discharge drain in Oron Local Government Area, as well as 21.5Km Ikot Ayan Ediene-Ikot Ntia-Urua Nnaira-Ikot Nseyen-Nkowot-Nung Ukim road with 45m span bridge in Ikono.

The state executive council also granted approval for the construction of 12.5Km Idiaba-Ibakang-Adiang-Ndukpo Ise road in Nsit Atai and Nsit Ubium Local Government Areas”.

The Executive Council also declared the commencement of enforcement of state government order to curb the menace of illegal road side trading and loading of vehicles which, the Information Commissioner said, has continued to constitute nuisance to road users during rush hours.

The Commissioner said the Governor, in his leniency, had provided two weeks moratorium for necessary sensitization after the initial sounding of the order and has now directed immediate commencement of enforcement by the relevant government agencies.

He however stressed that the government has no duty issuing any other official quit notice or relocating the already illegal users of those spaces.

“The Council charged the Commissioner for Transport and the Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals to ensure free flow of traffic, by way of ensuring that illegal markets on major roads are removed and illegal bus stops are removed because during rush hour we’ve discovered that a lot of major roads in Uyo have become impassable and that situation is totally unacceptable”.

“The issue of relocation has been that which a lot of people ask, but people must know that for relocation to occur, you must have been a legal tenant. A person who is an illegal tenant does not expect a quit notice”, he added.

Also approved was the proposal presented by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment for the establishment of the Ibom Youth Innovation, Leadership and Entrepreneurship Training Centre.

“The Centre, when operational, will become a one-stop high-class training centre for entrepreneurship and leadership issues for the youths of Akwa I om State and anyone who may be interested”, Comrade Ememobong said.

For the 2021 Christmas village, the Governor in Council is said to have approved a proposal presented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Orman Esin, with a directive that this year’s edition should surpass those of previous years in both standards and organization.

Boom:

DR. GLORY EDET FETES INI WOMEN, LESS-PRIVILEGED AND WIDOWS
…harps on continued support for Governor Udom Emmanuel

It was an electrifying atmosphere, today November 9, at Ikpe Ikot Nkon as the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet rejoiced with the women, less-privileged and widows drawn from across the 11 wards of Ini LGA. The colourful event which was also attended by female appointees of Government, female Stakeholders, wives of political stakeholders of Ini extraction and others, featured the distribution of financial support, wrappers and other gift items to the attendees.

Addressing the women, Dr. Edet extolled the Governor for giving women their pride of place and for appointing Ini sons and daughters into key positions in this administration and noted that Ini has immensely benefitted from the industrialization and infrastructural renaissance of the Governor.

She further appreciated the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Martha Emmanuel for supporting families through her pet projects.

The aim of the meeting she noted was in fulfilment of her promise to the women to always interface with them regularly with the aim of feeling their pulse and providing solutions where possible.

The Agriculture boss encouraged the women to be good ambassadors of their gender irrespective of where they find themselves and charged them to take advantage of the ongoing PDP e-registration and revalidation exercise . She charged them to continue supporting the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel till 2023 and beyond.

In a goodwill message, the Wife of the Dean of Supervisors, Mrs. Idorenyin Ukata, Obonganwan Flora Ogbonna, Mrs. Effiong Udofia, Mrs. Eno Ekpe and other Stakeholders, all appreciated the Honourable Commissioner for her love for the women and pledged their unalloyed support for the Governor

Update:

Few days ago, the member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Onofiok Luke held his audience to a discourse that gave a perspective to the new normal in the changing world of work. As a keynote speaker on “Skill development: reshaping union’s policy, strategies and actions for sustainability of the workplace” at the opening of the 2021 State Level School of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Akwa Ibom State Council, Luke reflected on evolving workplace policies and how it may displace many workers if they do not re-skill and retrain themselves for the years ahead.

While acknowledging the significant contributions of labour to the political, economic, social and cultural development of Akwa Ibom State, the Federal lawmaker did not hold back his bullets by pointing out the lapses within the workforce which labour leaders must urgently address.

“Despite the milestone achievements by the Nigerian Labour Congress particularly in Akwa Ibom State, a deep dive into the Union’s policy document shows clearly that our approach and strategies as a Union might be counter-productive and at best prepares the Organized Labour for a world that ended yesterday.

“There is a new reality of unprecedented, transformative change in the world of work. This transformative change will only excite the people who are sustainable thinkers and are ready to grow with the growth of the future. On the other hand, this reality will only intimidate those who are unprepared for the future and who live only for the now. It is my belief that this chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress will be among the excited class in this conversation.”

“These are critical times and critical times require critical measures. As forerunners, we must go beyond the easy by constantly disengaging from the norm. We must have a deep reflection and reshape our tools to stand a chance in this exciting future by developing a plan for sustainable growth.”

“The world of work is undergoing a major process of change. There are several forces transforming it, from the onward march of technology and the impact of climate change to the impact of demographic changes in economics and employment.”

“It is important to note that while the nature and location of work has always been changing, the pace of change has greatly accelerated, the scope of change has broadened, and the impact of change has deepened, affecting even existing social values.

“The drivers of change in the world of work include aspects such as globalization, automation, digitization, demographic developments, global warming and other environmental developments. Those are not new, but the speed of change has increased greatly during the last two decades: the rapid expansion and acceleration of communication technologies, the spectacular progress in automation and digitization, as well as the increase and growing importance of emerging economic sectors. This situation was further attenuated by the COVID-19 Pandemic which ravaged the world.”

Onofiok Luke’s assertion on new labour policies in line with trend is necessary. The era where workers go on strike to drive home their demands or get a deal for a better welfare is over. While Nigerian Organised labour still hold onto this crude policy, workers in countries like United States of America, UK, Canada are giving government and their employers opportunity to have a rethink on better welfare packages for them through mass resignation.

For instance, in April 2021, 4 million people in the US quit their jobs according to the Department of Labor-the biggest spike ever. Since then approximately the same number have voluntarily left employment every month, so far peaking at 4.3 million in August.

In the UK 38 per cent of workers said they planned to quit in the next six to 12 months, according to a survey by human resources software firm Personio.

Research by Microsoft found that 41 per cent of 30,000 workers surveyed around the world were thinking of leaving their jobs or switching professions. This is because COVID-19 pandemic gave workers the opportunity for self-development which has enabled them reappraise their work environment and condition of service. Today, some employers have found that they simply cannot hire people on the same terms as they could prior to the pandemic and are being forced to adapt to increasing salaries and changing internal policies.

It is antithetical that while workers in these countries are resigning to effect changes in work places and get better welfare, workers in Nigeria are sitting tight to their wooden chairs, clinching their fists on their poorly paid jobs. Their fear and limitation is hoarded in lack of self-development.

Beyond this, the transition to the post COVID-19 era is gradually eroding physical work place. People now prefer to execute their assigned roles remotely. In Nigeria, since March 2020, Chevron Nigeria has not called back its staff to office. Everybody now work remotely. This is a new normal that will redefine every organisation’s workforce. Employees will be treated on order of relevance and their contributions to the organisation, not on labour policies. The world is titling to a time where organised labour will have no say in the workings of any organisation with regards to workers’ welfare. Workers will be left to what they can offer instead of what labour laws or policies say the should be offered. With this, there is urgent need for concern.

Onofiok Luke’s position is a clarion call for workers to reappraise their roles, contributions and prospects in any organisation they find themselves. There is need for labour leaders in Akwa Ibom State to engage in mass training of workers on Information and Communication Technologies. There is need for individual self-development based on work place demands so as to sit pretty at any turn of event in the organization.

Onofiok Luke’s challenge to labour leaders cannot be said to be a political statement. In his leadership positions over the years, Luke has engaged in assisting techies stabilise in business. During his time as the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, he approved several trainings for Staff of the Assembly, his colleagues and members of the House of Assembly Press Corps. These trainings were meant to enable them sit balanced on their jobs in demands with post-modern changes in workplace.

As a Federal lawmaker, Luke has so far provided laptops to youths for educational training and enterprise development. He has also constructed ICT Knowledge Centres at Nsit Peoples Grammar School, Afaha Offiong, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area and Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikot Etobo, Nsit Ubium government area.
These are testimonials that Onofiok Luke is not a public office holder who talks to impress but a leader who works the talk.

As a man who has been with the labour, supported their courses at different times, he understands the need of workers in the state and he is a better option for a change in leadership process of Akwa Ibom State in 2023.

Kufre Etuk writes from Uyo.

Update:

REP. IDEM SPONSORS CONSTRUCTION OF SIX CLASSROOMS BLOCK IN MIGRANT FARMERS PRIMARY SCHOOL, IKOT AKPAN NSEK IN ORUK ANAM

The member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rep. Unyime Idem has approved the construction of six classrooms block to Migrant Farmers School, Ikot Akpan Nsek in Oruk Anam local government area.

Presenting the award letter to the Headmistress of the school, Mrs Aniedi Umoh, Rep. Idem who was represented by the Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Project Monitoring Hon. Amos Udom said the project by the lawmaker was to assist in the provision of a conducive learning environment for the pupils.

The Deputy Chairman, Communications Committee in the House of Representatives said the choice of Migrant Farmers Primary School, Ikot Akpan Nsek was part of his vision to contribute to Governor Udom Emmanuel’s education completion agenda and boosting of knowledge economy.

In her response, the Headmistress who led the management staff to receive Rep. Idem’s delegation thanked the lawmaker for the project and described it as touching the critical needs of the institution.

” I am very happy to witness this day. Rep. Idem is an answer to the prayers we have been offering to God, last year he donated text and exercise books to the pupils and today he is sponsoring the building of six classrooms block with toilets. These children will not stop praying for him, may God bless him for showing this kindness to our school,” the Headmistress added.

Speaking on behalf of the village, the village secretary, Mr Harry Udoh thanked the federal lawmaker for effectively representing the interest of the people of Oruk Anam and promised him their unwavering support and loyalty, adding that the contractor would be supported by the entire village to carry out the project within the stipulated time for the benefits of the pupils.

Highlight of the occasion was the taking over and inspection of the site by the lead contractor, Mr Olalekan Soneke who assured that work will commence immediately.

Those present at the occasion were members of Rep. Idem’s delegation which included former Vice Chairman of Oruk Anam local government area, Hon. Edwin Udofa, Chairman of the Technical Committee Mr Clayton Eyeneka, Secretary of the Committee Prince Ikpongifono Udom, a member of the technical committee, Pastor Ndifreke Otu, his Legislative Aide Nsenam George and the Special Assistant to the member representing Oruk Anam State Constituency, Mr Amadie Akpabio.

Recall that recently, Rep. Unyime Idem also sponsored the ongoing construction of ICT centres in Akwa Ibom State University Obio Akpa Campus and Comprehensive Secondary School Ikot Esenam as well as the construction of six classrooms block in Government Primary School Ikot Akpan Udo all in Oruk Anam local government area. The latest project brings to 31 the total number of projects executed so far in the federal constituency by the lawmaker.

Exclusive:

A toast to Dr. Uduak Luke at 40

By Kufre Etuk

To Dr. Uduak Onofiok Luke, a young lecturer with 16 academic publications, numerous conference papers, and a member of the John Maxwell’s School of Leadership, London – UK, life has offered a lot at 40.

Unassuming, quiet and humble – a character trait alien to wives of most public office holders in this clime, Mrs Luke can be tagged a rare human specie who has quietly followed her husband through different stages of leadership without exuding powers outside her limits.

To her, 40 years on earth has been eventful, challenging and successful and attributes all her achievements to God, her late mother, her beloved husband and significant life lessons she has learnt from influential women including, Hayija Turai Musa Yar’Adua, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, and Dr. Martha Udom Emmanuel, wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

“Growing up is by the grace of God, I happen to come from a family where I was introduced to God very early. I’ve had to face situations and circumstances in life that could be really challenging and wants you to do things otherwise. But when I remember the verses we used to recite in the Sunday school over and over again, I pause and it takes me through life. Irrespective of whatever happens; hold on to your faith.”

Women of high academic attainment, exposure and contact like Mrs. Uduak are wont to create a class for themselves, a class that looks down on the not-very-well-placed. This is not the case with her. She sees power, wealth and status as fleeting; and social stratification, a disorder. To the poor and the rich, she adjusts to communicate and relate easily with them. Her relationship with people is influenced by the urbane lessons in leadership she picked up through her mentors and the Maxwell’s School of Leadership.

“Going through John Maxwell’s School of Leadership taught me how to relate with people. How to sometimes bend backward, accommodate the excesses of other people, how to relate with different characters. There are times people would naturally, maybe, unconsciously do things in certain ways you feel shouldn’t be done that way. I learnt that whatever it is you think or feel as an opinion, every other person has the right to navigate their own opinion.”

Born on 9th November, 1981, to Elder Akpan Udo Akpan and Late Deaconess Cecelia Akpan Udo Akpan, of Ikot Udo, ONNA local government area, Dr. Uduak found her perfect match 13 years ago in the person of Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Onofiok Luke who she has followed for years. She sees her husband as the backbone of her success and the only person that redirected her career path to where she is today. She is not the typical politician’s wife, flamboyant and ostentatious in dressing and loud in speech, however she stands taller in humility, knowledge and grace.

Marrying an intelligent and politically inclined personality like Barr. Onofiok Luke may be demanding but to Dr. Uduak Luke, her husband’s insatiable adventure for knowledge motivated her to engage in various leadership trainings. This, she does, not to compete with her husband but to grow their compatibility. “I realized very early that the man I got married to naturally has a high intelligent quotient even if he was not basically educated. Woe betide you, if you get married to such man and think you’ll just fold your arms and watch, he’ll outgrow you.”

The woman who now inspires and motivates others to find, and embrace a happy and confident life, Dr. Uduak never forgot that part of her life that would always want to be alone, face her academics and emerge the best which is the key reason that inspired her to pick up a teaching job at the University of Uyo. She has helped women build self confidence and positive thinking through counselling and mentoring.

For her, contentment and focus should be the hallmark of anybody who wants to achieve anything in life. Dr. Uduak does not believe everybody has the same calling. She holds the opinion that diversity in views is healthy for communal living.

“Everybody has their unique calling and we are all running different races. Whatever it is that you are, you don’t intimidate me because that’s your journey. I have mine and what do I do? Focus! Irrespective of what you think is the trend right now, if it deviates from my focus, you won’t find me there. So, for me, just be comfortable in your skill, stay focused and run your race.”

Dr. Uduak Onofiok remains an epitome of humility, exemplary life to wives of many political office holders. At 40 years, Dr. Uduak has made inroads into her field with Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, University of Uyo; Masters in Clinical Biochemistry University of Calabar, Ph.D Environmental Toxicology, University of Calabar.

Dr. Uduak is (N)Lebosh certified, ORACLE certified; member, WEMBIS (Women in Management Business and Public Service); Member, Environmental Society of Nigeria; member, John Maxwell School of Leadership, member, Organization of Women in Science, UNIUYO Chapter; Member, American Chemical Society and a few others.

Despite her achievements, Dr. Uduak believes everybody, no matter the person’s status in the society, is worth learning from . “No one is too small, big or irrelevant for you to learn from so, whatever it is you want, take it, believe it, work for it and trust the process”.

Update:

DR. GLORY EDET COMMISERATES WITH RT. HON. EMMANUEL EKPENYONG OVER MOTHER’S DEMISE

The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Dean, College of Commissioners and Special Advisers, Dr. Glory Edet has commiserated with the Member representing Ini State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ekpenyong over the demise of his mother, Deaconess Affiong Bassey Ekpenyong.

Dr. Edet presented her commiserations at Ekpenyong’s residence, Odoro Ikpe Monday, November 8, when she led a cross section of political stakeholders from all the eleven wards of Ini LGA on a condolence visit.

In her remarks, the Agriculture boss urged the deceased family to draw solace from the many positive legacies that the late Deaconess Ekpenyong has left behind for her family and the entire people of Ini and beyond.

While noting that the departed mother lived a God-fearing life and impacted positively on the less privileged, Dr. Edet also prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed soul in God’s bosom.

She assured the Assemblyman that the people of Ini; women, youths and elders will be present on the burial day to honour his mother.

Responding, Rt. Hon Emmanuel Ekpenyong, appreciated the Hon. Commissioner for identifying with him and his family in their trying time and prayed God’s blessing upon her and members of her entourage.

He advised the guests to continue to live in peace and harmony with one another and assured them that together, Ini LGA will be greater.

He appreciated the stakeholders for coming out and prayed God to grant them a safe trip back to their destinations.

Exclusive:

AGRIC BOSS MEETS YOUTH LEADERS IN INI
…sensitize them on the ongoing e-registration and continuous support for Governor Udom

As part of her avowed commitment to promote the maintenance of peace in her locality, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet has met, today, Monday, November 7, youth leaders under the aegis of Youth Caucus, Youth Council, Christian Youths, Dakkdda Youths and Village Youths of Ini LGA.

The brief event which aimed at encouraging the youths to maintain the existing peace in the area by continuing to live in harmony with one another, took place at the Ewet Housing residence of the Honourable Commissioner.

Addressing the youths, Dr. Edet emphasized the need for the youths of the state to have inherent trust in Governor Udom Emmanuel and stand by him untill 2023 and beyond because of all the benefits they have continued to enjoy from the Governor.

“Governor Udom Emmanuel has done well for the youths including his different empowerment programmes, skills acquisition, capacity building and many other programmes which is aimed at preparing them to be responsible future leaders”, she said.

The Ini MPM Coordinator further commended the Governor for recently sponsoring some Akwa Ibom youths to attend the recently-concluded first-ever National Youth Conference describing such gesture as commendable and also urged them to take advantage of the ongoing PDP e-registration and revalidation exercise.

Responding, the Coordinator, Youth Caucus, Ini Chapter, Comr. Iboro Nnah, Coordinator, Dakkada Youths, Ini Chapter, Mr. Sunday Nnanna, Coordinator, Christian Youths, Ini Chapter, Comrd. Nsisong James, Representative of Ini Village Youths, Mr. Akaninyene Ndarake and others all extolled the Governor for his commitment to the development of the youths of the state and thanked the Honourable Commissioner for hosting an enlarged meeting with the youths.

They assured her of their unwavering support to PDP and the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration.

The attendees were treated to a sumptuous reception before the colourful occasion was brought to an end.

Boom:

IBOM AIR ATTAINS ONE MILLION PASSENGERS MARK, SETS EYES ON MORE MILESTONES

The vision of Governor Udom Emmanuel to transform Akwa Ibom into the aviation hub of Nigeria is become realistic following the attainment of series of milestone by the state owned airline, Ibom Air.

Ibom Air has announced the one-millionth passenger mark on board its airline.

The Management of Ibom Air announced the airline’s attainment of one-millionth passenger mark on board flight number IAN4134 departing from Victor Attah International Airport Uyo, to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, last week.

The passenger, Olowodu Daba Obene, was on the queue to boarding when the countdown to the 1,000,000th passenger began.

The company’s communications and marketing manager, Annie Essienette who confirmed this in a statement said the Director of Maintenance, Lookman Animashaun, conducted the count which saw Ms Olowodu emerging as the 1,000,000th passenger.

The Chief Operating Officer, George Uriesi, explaining the reason for the symbolic recognition of the one millionth passenger, said it was an essential element of the airline’s culture, to track every aspect of its performance and capture major milestones.

“By so doing, the airline is able to keep its passengers and stakeholders informed about the progress and achievements of the airline,” he said.

He said: “It was easy to track with precision, when the one millionth passenger milestone would be reached.”

According to him, it was also an opportunity to thank and appreciate customers for their loyalty and patronage in the two years and five months since commencing operations.

The company achieved the 500,000-passenger milestone on the 2nd of March 2021, seven months ago.

On her part, Ms Olowodu, the 1,000,000th passenger, who was unaware of what was going on, said the recognition took her by surprise and thanked the airline for the award of a free premium return ticket to any of its destinations.

The airline, which began operations two years ago is one of the flagship ventures of the Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration.

Exclusive:

50 golden lessons of life (10) – The end

8th November 2021

Opening the closing chapter of this 10-week-long series with a confession is an irresistible temptation. On Facebook, three weeks ago, I had innocently looked for what turned out to be real trouble. My invitation for fans to suggest topics, I should round off with, resulted in an unexpected downpour. At the last count, that thread had pulled 529 engagements -with scores of topics which left me totally and completely overwhelmed.

This space cannot today or in any single edition accommodate all the requests. In the circumstance, the best we can do is to treat as many as can be. Even then, each topic would mostly get a teaser -not the full dose. Thankfully, in our clime, half bread is better than none.

Starting with gossip, this 50-year-old believes the Bible position of not one perfect human being on earth is a function of God seeing gossip as a defining minus. Listen: big or small, black or white, rich or poor, tall or short, male or female, there’s not one person living or dead who never took part in gossip -one way or the other. Yes, everyone gossips. The difference though, is that some gossips are hypersmart: we know with whom and where to gossip safely.

Some of us, our spouse is our gossip partner. Some of you, your childhood friend is. Some of them, their mouth only runs when with confidant or mentor or mentee. Some of all others, gossip happens only with someone tested and trusted.

Whoever and whatever, to not be tagged a gossip, never run things with an enemy, never publicly, never in writing, never on telephone, and never to or with someone you are not eternally sure of. And, in this superdynamic world, you need to pray permanently that your gossip partner doesn’t tomorrow spill the beans -complete with pepper and salt and such other spicy condiments you didn’t add. With a frightening regularity lately in spouse turning against spouse, children rising against own parent(s) and besties transmogrifying into worsties, nobody is sure of anything, anymore. Therefore, do everything even when you can’t for the public to see you as tactful, classy and reserved -so that in the event of a former gossipmate wanting to spoil your name, the public will shout them down because of the you they think they know!

Stop laughing and concentrate, would you? In this business called life, wisdom is need number one: so, get it, use it, to enjoy life on all sides. Wisdom is at once a foundation, an enhancer, a rescuer, an alibi and a compass. By the way, never lampoon those accused of or shamed for being gossips, because they are one of us!

Which takes me to love, the most tricky aspect of life. Such sweet-something that guarantees nothing. Love can be hated, despised, dismissed, exploited, mocked, suspected, un(der)appreciated. Still, we (all of us, all of you, all of them, and all of the others) must love forever.

Another respondent suggested relationship, which in every ramification is all about love. A relationship in which at least one person has the commonsense called love would succeed against all odds. Love doesn’t crave drastic changes on own terms and within own time frame. Love allows own lifestyle and examples -not own mouth, not own face nor own body language- to do most of the talking, teaching, and correcting.

Yet another wanted my thoughts on focus, growth, consistency. The three belong together in a slightly different order. The trajectory of focus, consistency, growth is a surebanker talisman. It fits into every field of endeavour, every religion, every race, every culture and for every age.

On religion, I have learnt that if you don’t grow your spirit man you would be kicked around by impostor representatives of the Creator. God is and should remain a personal experience. Don’t allow them coax you to ever see the owner of heaven and earth and everything else as transactional or also capable of evil. Children of God should live free and happy and fearless 25 hours daily; with our spiritual antennae activated to detect deception and exploitation which is the objective of the other gospel itself betrayed by its unchristocentricity!

Now, let’s run to parenting, teaching and mentoring. In five decades, I have learnt that there are only a few real parents, teachers and mentors and even fewer true children, students and mentees. No better proof than the perfunctory passion and the abysmal failure that one finds across the divide. To fix the sorry state of things, we need urgently to recalibrate our value and reward system; as only thereafter would we take ourselves seriously.

Until then, we remain a joke -clearly taken too far. Nigeria needs models, not jokers. Also, someone wanted me to share what I have learnt about peace. You can here repeat everything said earlier on love.

People disrespect peaceable people. They take advantage of us. They entertain no iota of fear where and when peace holds court. They brag of war, never of peace because war is expensive while peace is so cheap even the weak ridicule it.

This is not about another peace. Just as another christ and another gospel, another peace is not the it because it doesn’t last long. Genuine peace comes from the heart, not the lips, and ought to be maintained at all costs. That way, the human society enjoys steadier progress, sweeter longevity, better relations, higher living standards and longer moments of good health.

As we close this series, please permit me to iterate one last time how grateful I am for life, family and the people I met in the course of 50 years. Although these takes are in no way exhaustive, it is hoped that they embody something for everyone. Finally, I want the world to join me in thanking President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) and Ministry of Information & Culture plus National Broadcasting Commission for the belated birthday twin gifts they sent to BUSH HOUSE NIGERIA and me penultimate month. The two presidential yeses are a befitting climax to 50, a smashing opening to 51.

God bless Nigeria!

Thursday is for my father

My elder brother, and new Head of House, Pastor Eddie Mike, has approved a week-long line-up of funeral activities for our father -Etubom (Elder) Michael Effiong Mbaba- aged 76.

Popularly called Chief Udo Iyaya, a successful fisherman and trader, the former president of Nigeria Union in Bekumu, Bamusso Sub Division, Ndian Division in Southwest Province of Republic of Cameroon who also doubled as Chief of Ekpene Ukim Quarters in that part of the Anglofrancophone Republic for many years, is survived by a huge clan.

Mourning house opened last Friday at home of the deceased in Ekpene Ukim, Uruan LGA, Akwa Ibom state.

Burial holds on Thursday, 11th November, 2021 at Ekpene Ukim (on the fringes of Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo)

Boom:

A’IBOM MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE FLAGS-OFF SALES OF YAM
…charges populace to key into agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture has flagged off sales of yam from her demonstration farms in Itak Ikot Udo, Ikot Ekpene LGA and other farms across the State.

Speaking, at the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat on Friday, 5th November, 2021, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Glory Edet noted that the state government has worked towards achieving its agricultural goals of ensuring that over 80% of food consumed is produced by the state.

“When the governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel assumed office in 2015, he told us that over 80% of what we consume will be produced in Akwa Ibom State and I’m sure before he leaves, 90% of food consumed will be produced in the state.” She added.

Dr Edet maintained that the state now produces onions, vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, increase cocoa production, rice, coconut, cassava, among others which has boosted the state’s economy as members from other states patronise foodstuffs in the state.

While thanking God for a good soil in the state, she reiterated that the yams harvested are for the populace.

“We planted the yams and today we are harvesting them to sell to the public at a reduced price. This is to encourage the people to know that God has blessed Akwa Ibom soil and it is fertile for planting almost all types of crops”.

The Agriculture Boss averred that the state government is geared towards making food available and accessible to all and called on the teeming population to actualise the agricultural visions of the state government by engaging in farming activities.

Commending the governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, She thanked him for his passion in agriculture which according to her has attracted landmark achievements in the agricultural sector and other sectors of his completion agenda.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Mary Bassey while harvesting the yams, appreciated God for good yield and appreciated Governor Udom Emmanuel for his support in the agricultural sector.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria(AFAN), Prince Bassey Inwang commended the governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for the agricultural milestone and thanked the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet for properly interpreting the agricultural vision of the state government.

Exclusive:

AKWA IBOM CAR ASSEMBLING PLANT FOR COMMISSIONING, MAY 2022

The MIMSHAC-MERKAVIM Automobile Plant in Akwa Ibom State will be ready for commissioning within the first half of next year.

The automobile plant was one of the pioneer industries that the governor flagged off in 2015, and Governor Emmanuel is determined to ensure that the factory commences operations by May 29, 2022.

Mr. Emmanuel, accompanied by some members of his executive council, visited the vehicle Assembly Plant at Ikot Ukap, Itu Local Government Area, where he extracted commitment from the top Management of the Company handling the project, Mimshac Transportation Technologies, that the project will be completed in six months.

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Akan Okon, who spoke to journalists following the Governor’s visit, assured that arrangement was underway for not less than twenty youths from the state to embark on training in Israel for technology transfer.

The training of the student sent abroad will last for 6 weeks and they students would become experts in automobile assembling.

The Commissioner added that the project, when completed will draw a lot of economic developments to the state, in terms of job creation and revenue generation.

“The whole gamut of economic activities associated with such industry will be experienced in the state.’

The Managing Director, Valentino Okorie, explained that his company is waiting to take delivery of Complete Knock Down (CKD) and Semi Knock Down (SKD) components to facilitate the take off of the factory.

The Managing Director of the company, Engr. Valentino Okorie assured that the last set of components for the factory will arrived before December, assuring that it will be the largest vehicle assembling plant in the country.

“The facility is at 90% completion, and it is the first car assembling plant in the South South region of Nigeria.

“Very soon, over 3000 direct staff would be employed and 25 sent abroad for a 6 weeks training in automobile assembling.

“The automobile plant has 6 production lines with a capacity to chun out 5 conventional vehicles, 18 cars/ SUVs, 13 mini buses, 9 midi buses, 5 luxurious buses. A total production of 108 cars/SUVs, 56 buses in two weeks. 30 Luxurious buses and conventional vehicles in 1 month”, Okorie concluded.

Exclusive:

DR. GLORY EDET CHARGES WOMEN ON UNITY
…harps on continued support for Governor Udom Emmanuel

The women of Ikono Local Government Area have been charged to continue living in unity with one another and keep supporting Governor Udom Emmanuel . The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet, gave the charge when she met with women and mothers under the aegis of Mbong Iban (Female Chiefs), Ikono Chapter today Thursday, November 4, 2021.

The meeting which took place at the Ikono Council Headquarters, Ibiaku Ntok Okpo, had in attendance the wife of the Chairman of Ikono Local Government Area, female supervisors, female appointees, the wife of the Immediate past Chairman of Ikono LGC, royal mothers, widows and the less-privileged from across the 12 wards of Ikono.

Addressing the women, Dr. Glory Edet thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for being gender-sensitive in running the affairs of the state which reawoken a sense of commitment among the women of the state. She said through the passion and commitment of the wife of the Governor, the current state administration has taken bold steps to promote the wellbeing of women in the state, hence the need to continue supporting Governor Udom Emmanuel even beyond 2023.

While congratulating again, the wife of the newly appointed Paramount Ruler of Ikono, Obonganwan Blessing Etim Nnanna, she added that the meeting was to foster unity and togetherness among the royal mothers.

Dr. Edet further implored the attendees to be proactive in farming , adding that the Ministry of Agriculture will continue to support them with farm inputs and technical advice aimed at improving their productivity levels.

Earlier in her remarks, the wife of the Ikono council boss, Mrs. Otobong Okoibu appreciated the Commissioner for her visit to ‘Ntippe Ibibio”, to support the women and also assured the mothers of the protection of their welfare during the local administration of her husband.

Goodwill Messages were received from the wife of the immediate-past Chairman of Ikono LGC, Mrs. Ekaette Columba, Obonganwan Lovina Umoefa, Member, Akwa Ibom College of Arts and Science Governing Council and others.

Highpoint of the day was the distribution of edibles, wrappers and financial support to royal mothers, widows and the less privileged .

Update:

FRANK ARCHIBONG RECEIVES PARTICIPANTS OF NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE STUDY COURSE 30

…Harps On Improved Ways Of Tackling Insecurity

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Frank Archibong had on Tuesday, 2nd November, 2021, received in his office participants / faculty members of the National Defence College study course 30.

Brigadier General E. F. Oyinlola, team leader of the participants, thanked the Commissioner and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for their warm reception and hospitality.

In his remarks, Brigadier Oyinlola enumerated the theme of course 30 as COUNTERING INSECURITY IN AKWA IBOM STATE: THE WHOLE OF SOCIETY APPROACH TO ENHANCING HUMAN SECURITY.

He described the National Defence College as a premier institution that provides strategic level training in security and environmental studies to prepare selected senior officers of the armed forces of Nigeria and their civilian counterpart with expertise knowledge and leadership function in national and international service, towards tackling insecurity and other social vices affecting our communities.

The College according to the Army General was established in 1992 had over 2548 participants which includes; 938 Nigerian Army officers, 532 Navy officers, 455 Airforce officers, 92 Police officers,216 officers from ministries, departments and agencies, 255 military officers from other countries, he further enumerated that course 30 comprises of 108 participants which includes; 9 Nigerian Army officers, 20 Nigerian Navy officers, 5 Airforce officers,6 Nigerian Police officers as well as 23 staff from strategic departments, ministries and agencies with 20 international participants.

The essence of the National study tour, he said is to avail participants the understanding of the socio political environment of Nigeria and other neighbouring countries inorder to access contemporary issues affecting national and international security as well as development.

The studies is also aimed at building capacity in peace and community studies as well as national security, designed mainly as Ecowas training center for peace and support operations Oyinlola stated.

Mr Oyinlola commended the State Governor Mr Udom Emmanuel for his Industrialization drive and infrastructural development and drew special attention on Ibom air whom he described as the best in Nigeria.

The Commissioner in his response,thanked the participants and faculty members for choosing Akwa Ibom State and notably, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for their study tour, aimed at enhancing their work in the college.

He tasked all participants to make effective use of the knowledge gained during their tour in tackling insecurity which he said is a major setback to Nigeria’s development.

Mr Archibong described Akwa Ibom people as a peace loving people culturally very homogeneous but united for unity and the betterment of the society.

He commended the State Governor Mr Udom Emmanuel for his unwavering support and avowed commitment towards the growth of the State which is witnessed in his drive to industrialize the State with workable industries spread across the State and institutionalized peace as a symbol of identity across the State.

Describing the State as the most peaceful State and safe heaven for businesses, he informed the visitors of the inauguration of Maintain Peace Movement (MPM), an initiative of the Akwa Ibom people to help strengthen and consolidate on the existing across witnessed across the State.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of an award of Excellence to the Honourable Commissioner.

In attendance were the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Elder Ini Ikie, Directors and notable senior staff of the Ministry.

©Press Unit, Office of the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs

Boom:

INSECURITY – AKSG TASKS FG ON USE OF SECURITY HOTLINE, COMMUNAL GROUPS, ORS

Akwa Ibom State Government has tasked the Federal Government on the use of security hotline and non State actors like communal groups in the fight against insecurity in the country.

The State government gave the charge Tuesday, November 2, during a visit to the Ministry of Information and Strategy by the Faculty members and participants of the National Defence College Course 30, currently on Geo-Strategic Study Tour of Akwa Ibom state.

Presenting the model used by Akwa Ibom State Government in combating insecurity in the state to the visiting team, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong urged the Federal Government to enlisted the use of security hotline with a memorizable number and engagement of communal groups such as youth leaders in the national security network.

Comrade Ini Ememobong intimated that, the State Government, through the Ministry of Information and Strategy, is running a security hotline with a memorizable phone number – 07000000001, which the public is using to send urgent messages and Information on security matters thus boosting the fight against insecurity in the state.

He said the profiling of non-state actors like the association of village youth leaders and boundary youth movement, in the state security network have also helped greatly as information from the communities are passed through these groups to relevant government agencies for quick response and action.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy who was briefing the visitors on the theme – “Countering Insecurity in Akwa Ibom State: The Whole of Society Approach To Enhancing Human Security”, stated that, in addition to these, the State government through the Ministry has set up a State Strategic Information Management Committee, SSIMC, which comprises of all relevant Federal government establishments operating in the state, including the Military and paramilitary organisations and the Nigerian Police Force, to enhance shared information on security matters in the state.

Moreso, the government interfaces with Civil Liberties Organisations, CLOs and Non- Governmental Organisations, NGOs on issues bordering on security of lives and properties of the people of the State.

Comrade Ini Ememobong disclosed that, to further boost security in the state, the State government had gone the extra mile of installing CTV cameras at the boundary entry points into the state during the COVID-19 Lock-down to ward-off any element of insecurity that may have loomed round the boundary entry points.

He said, these multifaceted approach have worked tremendously in the maintenance of peace and security in the state and urged the Federal Government to adopt this Akwa Ibom State security model, as the regimented approach in combating insurgency and other security issues in Nigeria is not yielding the expected result so far.

While commending the professional prowess of service commanders posted to Akwa Ibom State in the fight against insecurity, the State Information helmsman advocated for the inclusion of “Governance” in the school curriculum to be taught right from the Pre-primary education level to make children security conscious and alive to looming insecurity in the surroundings where they live and play.

Drawing inference from the Russians, Comrade Ini Ememobong said, everybody is looked at with suspicion, thus reducing cases of insecurity amongst the people in that clime, while in the United States of America, children are taught to look pointedly at visitors enough to describe their facial features and identify them even through graphic design work if need arises.

He emphasised that, such virtues like confidence and trust are very necessary amongst operatives in security networking, as confidentiality of Information on security matters is very paramount.

Answering a question on Dakkada Secretariat, the State Spokeman, said, the facility was originally designed to be the 12th Anniversary hotel but having been abandoned by that government and successive governments, the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration picked it up from being a den of criminals and rehabilitated the facility into a Secretariat Complex Annex which accommodates most government Ministries and Agencies including the Ministry of Works.

Comrade Ememobong said, Dakkada which is a philosophy created by Governor Udom Emmanuel, is a clarion call for all Akwa Ibomites to Rise up to their faith of Greatness as enunciated in the Dakkada creed.

While welcoming the visitors to the Ministry of Information and Strategy in particular and Akwa Ibom State in general, the Commissioner emphasized that, Security is the duty of everyone and urged all “To say Something, when You see something”.

Earlier, the Team Lead of the National Defence College Course 30 Study Tour of Akwa Ibom State, Brig. Gen. EF Oyinlola, gave the theme of the tour had explained that the team consists of 103 participants made up of 29 Nigerian Army, 22 Nigerian Navy, 5 Nigerian Airforce, 6 Nigerian Police and 23 from strategic MDAs.

Brig. Gen. Oyinlola said, the team also has 20 International participants from friendly foreign countries including: Bangladesh, Benin Republic, Cameron, Chad, Còte d’lvoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia and Ghana. Others are: India, Mali, Japan, Uganda, Sierra Leone and Tanzania.

He said that the 2021 NDC Course 30 comprises 6 teams on a tour of 6 States of Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Imo, Jigawa, Ondo and Plateau with the objective of generating and interrogating viable ideas for harnessing the various possibilities of combating insecurity for economic development of these States.

In a vote of Thanks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Inyang Jameson, expressed appreciation to the team for choosing Akwa Ibom as one of the states to undertake the study tour saying that, the security profile of the state is very high as Akwa Ibom has been declared the most peaceful state in Nigeria.

He urged the visiting team to find time out of their busy schedule to savour the rich and salivating cuisines of the state such as: edikang ikong and ekpangnkukwu, among others.

Highlights of the event, watched by Directors in the Ministry were: the singing of the Visitors register by the team lead, presentation of mementoes to the Commissioner by the team lead, Brig. Gen Oyinlola and the presentation of publications of the Ministry – “Akwa Ibom Update” Magazine and “Explore Akwa Ibom” tourists and investors guide to the Team Lead by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong.

Exclusive:

Ikim Has Raised The Bar Of Performance In Environmental Management – Rep Unyime Idem

Impressed by the effective management of environment in Akwa Ibom and his nationwide acknowledgment, Rep Unyime Idem, the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Communications has given a thumbs up to Obong Prince Ikim, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, AKSEPWMA.

Rep Idem who represents Ukanafun/OrukAnam Federal Constituency at the Green Chamber, gave the kudos while speaking with the duo of Kendi Jumbo and Abasiono Dan at Sheraton and Towers Hotel, Abuja, venue of Igbere TV Award Night, yesterday.

Rep Idem also felicitated the AKSEPWMA Boss on his national award as the Environmental Health Personality of the Year 2021 and described the award as well-deserved.

The Ukanafun born federal lawmaker while commending Ikim’s passion for a cleaner and greener Akwa Ibom scored him 80℅ on a scale of 100℅, and urged him never to rest on his oars as “reward for hard work is more work”.

Hear him: “Tonight, I am here to witness the recognition done my brother, friend and one of my great constituents in the person of Prince Ikim. Today, he is being recognized nationally – not just at the State level or local government level but at the National. This goes to confirm the level of impact he has done in Akwa Ibom in maintaining a clean environment in the State. For me, just like the wise men do say, a reward for a job well done is more work”.

The Igbere TV award had the Vice President, HE Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as Special Guest of Honour, Senate Chief Whip, HE Senator (Dr) Orji Uzor Kalu, as Chief Host while the chairman of the event and keynote speaker were Sir Chikwe Udensi – Interpol Systems Expert, Prof. Georgewill Owunari – Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, respectively.

Other prominent Nigerians who were also awarded alongside Prince Ikim were Gov. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, Governor of Rivers State (Governor of the Year in Education/Infrastructure); Gov. Udom Emmanuel, Governor of Akwa Ibom State (Aviation development), Oluwaseyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State (Security/Youth empowerment), Obi Cubana, Man of the Year and Hon. Precious Selong, Chairman, Uruefong Oruko local government, Chairman of the Year, amongst others.

IkimNationalAward

Update:

HENSEK THROWS WEIGHT BEHIND MKPO AMAA CHANGE INITIATIVE

…pledges continuous support to group’s activities

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hensek Integrated Services, Engr. Uwem Stephen Okoko has thrown his weight behind the Mkpo Amaa Change Initiative by lauding the ‘commendable vision’ behind the initiative.

Engr. Okoko stated this when the leadership of the initiative led by the International President, Ekpeno Gold paid him a consultative visit at the Hensek Layout, Ring Road, Uyo.

Addressing the delegation, the Ikot Abasi born astute construction giant recalled that having followed the activities of Mkpo Amaa Change when it was only a social reorientation campaign, he was convinced that the initiative was driven on a sure footing, exhorting the initiators to continue to uphold to the tenets that have so far defined the group.
He pledged his continuous support to the group assuring that he will always throw his weight behind programmes that bequeath positive legacies to the society.

Earlier in his speech, the President and International Coordinator of the group, Ekpeno Gold thanked Hensek for always identifying with the initiative and for his giant contributions to the Completion Agenda of Governor of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Gold, who equally doubles as the Special Assistant, Social Reorientation, briefed Engr Okoko on the group’s recent projects including the forthcoming formal inauguration and invited him to not relent in his support and advice for the group.

Among the Mkpo Amaa Change delegation on the visit included the Vice President, Hon. Samuel Umofia, Secretary General, Mrs Akanimo Oriowo, Director of Administration, Samuel Udoma, NAAKISS Worldwide President, Comrade Ani Michael, Coordinator for Ikot Abasi, Mr Aniefon Ndah, among others.

Boom:

GOVERNOR EMMANUEL GETS APPLAUSE FOR ROLE IN DEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY

The State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has been appluaded for his role in the development of the people with disabilities in Akwa Ibom State.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr Ini Adiakpan gave the applause during the 31st Annual General Meeting of Nigeria National Association of the Deaf in Uyo.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner assured the deaf community in Akwa Ibom State of the government determination to continually assist the deaf in the State.

The Commissioner maintained that the State Government has empowered the Deaf, educationally and otherwise through the Ministry of women affairs and the pet project of the governor’s wife, FEYREP.

She stressed the need to upgrade facilities and provide learning and teaching aid in schools for the deaf across the country to provide quality education for them.

Dr. Adiakpan stated that there is need to put in place an all inclusive framework for development bearing in mind the limitations facing the Deaf people who equally have a lot to contribute to nation building.

While saluting the deaf in Akwa Ibom for thier resilience, the commissioner urged them not to feel discouraged, but to explore whatever opportunities at thier disposal to live better lives.

The Akwa Ibom State Chapter Chairman of the Association of the Deaf, Comrade David Alloysius appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government to pass into law the Akwa Ibom Disability Bill to help address all concerns and prohibit all forms of discrimination against persons with disability.

Comrade Alloysius also made a case for the passage of Youth Development Find Bill which according to him provide a sustainable policy framework for Youth development in the State.

He stressed that, it is pertinent that those with disabilities should be employed into the civil service in addition to payments of scholarships and bursaries to students with disabilities in higher institutions.

The South South Coordinator of Association of the Deaf, Mr. Adokiye Thank God, expressed thanks to Governor Udom Emmanuel whom he described as disability friendly for making the event successful.

Mr. Thank God explained that the the event was among other things to create the needed awareness on making sign language a universal language to help bridge the communication gap between persons with disabilities and others.

He expressed the hope that at the end of the program, issues affecting the deaf would be addressed.

The President, Nigerian National Association of the Deaf, Dr. Chidi Olujie called for inclusive education, upgrading of the deaf schools and increase in the number of deaf teachers for educational advancement to enable the deaf to be equal and contribute to the development in the society.

Highlight of the event:

Dr. Adiakpan, recieves an Award from the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf.

Drama presentation by the deaf assiociation.

Also in Attendance were:
Mrs Magaret Edem, Permanent Secretary, Mr Haruna Mohammed, Vice president,NNAD, Engr Timothy Adejumo, National Secretary, Mrs Bukola Shola Fakunle, National security, Mr Anfowose Shola Abiodun PRO (CODA), Mrs Hellen Beyioku Alase, National President of Women Association Of the Deaf, Mrs Monica Udoikpong, Mr Olalekan Olalawal amongst others.

Boom:

BEST WISHES TO A POLITICAL COLOSSUS

This is celebrating an astute personality who’s dictum rekindled life aspiration, giving tsunamis to public affairs interference/aspiration

Obong Prince Ikemesit Ukpe having displayed leadership qualities in all spheres, has shown the world, requisite and pre-requisite qualifications as a seasoned political ‘^’ administrator to handle daunting challenges

As you celebrate with your loved ones, we wish you the best from this end

Happy birthday Obong Mkpisong Prince (Mr) Ikemesit Ukpe

Exclusive:

CELEBRATING NYA – ETOK A MAN OF INTEGRITY, RARE BREED POLITICIAN @ 58

By Emmanuel Ufon

The celebration of Arc. Nya-Etok at 58 is simply a celebration worthy of identifying with a man of integrity, a rare-breed politician, a God-fearing and selfless leader who believes in the betterment of Nigeria hence his Social Governance Ideology.

Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok who turns 58 on November Ist, 2021 has etched his name in history as a habitual pacesetter in the development map of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large. He has today risen to the pinnacle of greatness and stardom. Propelled by hard work, honesty, and unalloyed faith in God, a successful role model, a political colossus, an economic giant, a professional icon of superlative class in the Architectural discipline, an unprecedented philanthropist, a dedicated Christian, and an epitome of integrity, Nya Etok is a man many parts.

In politics, Otuekong as he is also known has blessed the political landscape with his social governance ideology like a legend with workable examples which proves that he will surely make a difference and redefine governance if given a chance. In 2007, he was one of the aspirants that sought to clinch the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in its primaries.

He proved himself a worthy leader and the right man for the top job by maintaining that “politics must be seen as a divine call to SERVE the people”. However, in 2010, Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok officially left the PDP and became non-partisan until 2015 when he was instrumental in founding the Young Democratic Party (YDP).

He served as the Pioneer National Chairman of the YDP and subsequently handed over the chairmanship to the younger ones as he had earlier promised. The political party was and still is at the vanguard of the ‘Not Too Young To Run Movement”. His roles in the party and revolution in youth participation in politics consequently saw Arc. Nya-Etok was crowned as the “Father Of Youths Participation In Politics in Nigeria”.

Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok is now riding on his personally conceptualized political ideology – SOCIAL GOVERNANCE – as he embarks on a rescue mission in Akwa Ibom state to turn around the fortunes of the state and restore the dignity of its sons and daughters. He intends to actualize that vision by contesting the governorship seat of Akwa Ibom State on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Currently, as a pacesetter, he is persuading the people to understand that ‘moneybag’ politics, vote selling and buying is all about mortgaging their future and that of their generation. Yours truly can authoritatively report that in the 2019 general elections, he voluntarily withdrew when some of his kinsmen approached him at his community ward to sell vote for him. As a man of integrity he cautioned them on the resultant effect of which they are facing currently.

Based on this conviction after accessing Nya-Etok as a rare-breed politician, a man of integrity, this writer felt no qualms putting pen to paper to say that at 58, this eminent Nigerian citizen, a personality whose intelligence, patriotism, integrity, selflessness, doggedness, and sagacity have not only brought pride and honor to Nsiak Community – his hometown but Akwa Ibom State and the nation at large. November 1st marks five decades and a little above half that the benevolent Creator of the universe blessed the Nya-Etok traditional and political dynasty of Nsiak land with a son that was later to become a great icon in the Nigerian political landscape, that blessing will be extended to 58 families in the world through scholarship awards to their children.

Arc. (Otuekong) Ezekiel AniekanAbasi Nya-Etok, a renowned Architect by profession, erudite scholar, activist, author, philanthropist of note, no doubt, has every cause to roll out the drums to celebrate this landmark achievement. Despite being born into a family without a Silver spoon in his mouth, Etok’s passion for hard work manifested quite early as he registered his private companies, one of those companies is NOVONE Consulting Firm an acronym from November 1st a date of his birth.

As one of the most decorated Nigerians in the housing sector, Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok has served on virtually every Housing Committee at the federal level, while also consulting for different states of the federation, and the sub-regional bodies like the NDDC, hence his frequent travels within and outside the shores of Nigeria.

Arc. Nya-Etok’s professionalism and immeasurable achievements have earned him a badge of honor as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects. He has also been conferred with the ‘Otuekong’ traditional title, which makes him a decorated General of Ikot Ekpene, the headquarters of Annang land in Akwa Ibom state. The recognition and achievements are attributable to Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok in the area of Social Housing; a foundation on which the pillars of Social Governance are erected. Social Governance as an ideology conceptualized by Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok promises to be a veritable template for the transformation of the Akwa Ibom State in all its facets.

Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok has been at the forefront of housing development, having devoted over thirty (30) years of his life to advocacy for ‘Social Housing’ – a housing delivery that primarily targets and benefits Low, and Lower-middle income earners.
Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok is reputed for the qualitative execution of several housing development projects across the state and national boundaries. Arc. Nya-Etok executes residential housing projects, and consults for several state Governments.

Similarly, on account of exceptional housing development initiatives, Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok, having become the first Nigeria to obtain the famous Shelter Afrique housing facility for any state government in Nigeria at the humble age of 37, secured the buy-in of the erstwhile Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Arc. (Obong) Victor Attah constructed the popular Shelter Afrique Housing Estate in Uyo in the year 2000.
The Shelter Afrique housing project benefited over 700 indigenes as contractors. It also productively engaged over 10,000 artisans, laborers, suppliers, petty traders, and the likes. The project thus became a tool and national model for poverty alleviation.
Arc. Nya-Etok’s sense of social responsibility was further corroborated by his sole decision to spend hundreds of thousands of naira to decorate public spaces in Akwa Ibom state during Christmas particularly in the year 2000 to beautify the state, chief of which was the elaborate lighting and decoration of the roundabout by Ibom Plaza which was erroneously assumed to have been a government contract. He single-handedly donated a state-of-the-art building facility to Nsiak Primary School in Ikot Ekpene.

His philanthropic gesture is nationally attested to. Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok has won the golden prize on the list of achievers. His achievements, particularly in the housing sector, earned him the moniker, ‘Mr. Social Housing’ in Nigeria.
He has also won several awards and recognition nationally and internationally, a few of which are: The Nigerian Housing Man of the Year Award 2014, The Excellence Award by Nigeria-Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, in Atlanta, USA, Special recognition by the revered Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, the Akwa Ibom community in the diaspora at their annual convention in Philadelphia, and numerous other national and international awards.

As he is basking in the euphoria of his 58th birthday celebration today in a very special precisely at Vinpy Event Centre, opposite the Dakkada Secretariat (Governor’s Office Annex), Udoudoma Uyo we all wished him a fruit full birthday celebration.

The education colloquium event to mark his 58th birthday anniversary tag with the theme; EDUCATION, THE FUTURE OF NIGERIA, aims at pushing the Nigerian narrative away from OIL to EDUCATION, thereby encouraging the Nigerian society to invest more in Education.
Powered by the presence of, a two-term Governor of Kano State, himself, a Senator, and one time Minister, HE. Alh Rabiu Kwankwaso, Mr. Raymond Dokpesi, Dr. Tanko were all in Akwa Ibom State leading the discourse while eminent Nigerians too numerous to list out joined in the discourse.

For Nya-Etok, it is a remarkable occasion as the birthday “boy” opens a new page for 58 families that will benefit from the impact of his scholarship award on their children. Happy 58 fruitful years, keep it up with your good works.

Exclusive:

PDP NATIONAL CONVENTION:CONSENSUS LIST

Iyorchia Ayu- national chairman
Umar Iliya Damagum- deputy national chairman (North)
Taofeek Arapaja- deputy national chairman (South)
Samuel Anyanwu (national secretary)
Ahmed Yayari Mohammed (national treasurer)
Umar Bature (national organizing secretary)
Daniel Woyegikuro (national financial secretary)
Stella Effah-Attoe (national woman leader)

9. Mohammed Kadade suleiman (national youth leader)

Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade (national legal adviser)
Debo Ologunagba (national publicity secretary)
Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel (national auditor)
Setonji Koshoede (deputy national secretary)

14 Ndubisi Eneh David (deputy national treasurer)

Ibrahim Abdullahi (deputy national publicity secretary)
Ighoyota Amori (deputy national organizing secretary)
Adamu Kamale (deputy national financial secretary)
Hajaja Yakubu Wanka (deputy national woman leader)
Timothy Osadolor (deputy national youth leader)
Okechukwu Osuoha (deputy national legal adviser)

Boom:

The Federal Government has extended the deadline for NIN-SIM data verification to the end of 2021.

This was contained in a joint statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, and the Head, Corporate Communications at Nigeria Identity Management Commission, Mr Kayode Adegoke issued on Saturday.

The statement was titled ‘Stakeholders Applaud the NIN-SIM Verification Exercise as FG Urges Citizens and Legal Residents to Enrol Before the End of the Year.’

According to the statement, the extension was due to appeals by the Mobile Network Operators and other industry stakeholders, seeking an extension to ensure better compliance with government’s directive.

It read, “The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami has conveyed the approval of the Federal Government to extend the deadline for the National Identity Number-Subscriber Identity Module data verification. Citizens and legal residents are urged to complete the process before the end of the year 2021.

“The decision to extend the deadline was made further to appeals by the Mobile Network Operators and other industry stakeholders, soliciting for a further extension to ensure better compliance with government’s directive and to avoid widening the digital divide. The extension would also provide the enabling environment for the registration of Nigerians in remote areas, diaspora, schools, hospitals, worship centres, as well as foreigners, diplomatic missions, those in other areas that were hitherto unreachable, and increase enrolments in countries with a significant number of Nigerians.”

The statement said more than 9,500 enrolment systems with over 8,000 NIN enrolment centres were available in and outside the country to ease the enrolment and linkage process.

It read, “As of October 30, 2021, there were over 9,500 enrolment systems and over 8,000 NIN enrolment centres within and outside the country- this has significantly eased the NIN enrolment process and subsequent linkage of NIN to SIM.”

The press statement further stated that 66 million unique NIN enrolments have been captured since the enrolment process began, with an average of three to four SIMs linked to the NIN

Politics:

WALKING THE TALK ON THE MISSION TO RESCUE NIGERIA!!

His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom and Leader of the PDP in the state led delegates from Akwa Ibom State to the Eagle Square, Abuja, venue for the PDP National Convention to elect National Executive Committee members who will be responsible for steering the affairs of the Party for the next four years.

This National Convention which has as its theme “Come Let’s Rescue Nigeria Together” is significant as it signposts a significant step in the resolve of our Party – the PDP, to lead Nigerians in rescuing our country from the current plague of bad leadership at the center.

It’s a new dawn!!

PDPNationalConvention2021

PDPAkwaIbomState

Environmental:

POST-SANITATION EXERCISE: AKSEPWMA Boss Reacts At Residents’ Negative Attitude Towards Waste Handling

It was appalling to realise that despite concerted eforts and bouts of sensitisation dispensed on the masses against dumping of refuse in drainages, some residents have continued in perpetuating the menace in our clime.

The chairman of the agency – Obong Prince Ikim on Sunday, during the ongoing October edition of the monthly post Sanitation Exercise, frowned at a sight of such a negative attitude to waste handling and disposal, at Abak road by NCCF.

The negative attitude of dumping waste in the gutters has continued to ravage the environment and act as set back on the efforts of the Akwa Ibom State Government in protecting the environment and getting the state rid of flooding.

While the state government remains undaunted in battling flood and sundry environmental challenges, Ikim has urged residents to desist from the act.

Environmental:

GOVERNMENT OF AKWA IBOM STATE

PUBLIC NOTICE

MONTHLY ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION HOLDS ON SATURDAY 30TH OCTOBER, 2021 WILL FULL RESTRICTION OF MOVEMENT

The Akwa Ibom State Monthly General Environmental Sanitation exercise will hold on Saturday, 30th October, 2021 with restriction of both vehicular and human movement.

Special emphasis this month will be on the desilting of drains. This is to help prevent flooding, as predicated by several weather monitoring and prediction organizations.

Consequently, community leaders and all residents are urged to desist drains around their environments.

All resource persons handling desilting of drains, litter control, sweeping, vegetation and waste evacuation are advised to be at their respective routes with their workers in their uniforms for the exercise.

Take notice that compliance will be strictly enforced by the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency as well as security agencies.

Let us join hands to make Akwa Ibom State Clean.

Signed,

Com. Ini Ememobong
Hon. Commissioner
Ministry of Information & Strategy
28102021