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A’IBOM GOVT. SET TO PARTNER HUCHA TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED IN FABRICATION, SOLID MINERALS EXPLORATION AND WEALTH CREATION.
Akwa Ibom State Government has expressed its readiness to partner an American-based Company, Hucha Technologies Incorporated to Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) businesses in areas of Fabrication Technology, Mining and Wealth creation in the State.
The State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel made this known, when he played host to a delegation of Hucha Technologies Company during a courtesy visit on him at Government House, Uyo.
The Governor who stated that the One-stop Shop Committee for investment of the State Government would facilitate the ease of doing business in the State, assured Hucha Technologies of a conducive business environment, maintaining that his administration is poised to creating wealth and engaging youths through meaningful entrepreneurial ventures as a way of curtailing restiveness and other vices in the State.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Governor Emmanuel hinted that with the approval from the Federal Government to operate the Ibom Deep Seaport project, Hucha Technologies will be accommodated at the Ibom Industrial City to partner in the development of the State through the BOT arrangement.
“…You can go and tell Hucha Technologies that Akwa Ibom State is ready to partner with you in the development of the State, when your leader arrives the country, the Governor of the State will host him alongside full-fledge technical presentation incorporating all the questions that have been raised, starting from an executive summary of the totality of what you do, the antecedents, footprints and projects of this nature that falls into the three areas of Financial Technology, Fabrication Technology, Mining and Mineral Exploration.
“Be rest assured here we don’t tolerate corruption, we want you to ensure that you will develop the state and develop the people, because once the State is developed the insecurity which has to do with unhappiness of people will be checked and the people will have what to give back to the society rather than hit back at the society. So we are ready, the Sea port project which is about to be developed is part of the industrial City, you are already in good hands and safe location,so be rest- assured that this location will meet your requirements”, he assured.
Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the delegation and President, Hucha Technologies, Guy Djoken, thanked Akwa Ibom State Government for accepting to partner the company to bring innovations in the areas of Financial Technology, Fabrication Technology and Mining into the State.
Djoken said Hucha Technologies seeks to partner the state by harnessing the rich potentials which Governor Emmanuel has already began to tap through his industrialization projects.
He pointed out that the fabrication laboratory investment worth $10 Million will be based on a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement to generate employment to Akwa Ibom people, especially the fabrication laboratory which will produce robotics, renewable energy such as lithium battery and others.
‘’…I am very confident that there is transparency here, there is no corruption and my mission here is to bring financial technology, build a fabrication laboratory and assist the Mining sector to be more productive and also create wealth for the people.
“The cost of a fabrication lab is $10 Million and we are coming here with full financing because we are looking for partners in Africa that really care about the development of Africa. When we bring the fabrication lab, we are going to transform our products locally we are going to provide people with jobs and we believe Akwa Ibom State government is prepared for the partnership”, Djoken stated. In attendance at the Courtesy visit were members of One-Stop Shop for Investment.
Be Alive to Your Civic Duty, Governor’s Wife Tells Akwa Ibom Women
Wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Her Excellency, Dr Mrs. Martha Emmanuel has called on women to take active part in the ongoing INEC Voters Registration Exercise and the e-registration and revalidation exercise of the People’s Democratic Party.
The governor’s wife made the call Thursday, during the Monthly Women Prayer Summit which held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo.
She said both registrations would help them exercise their franchise in the next general elections; hence they should take full advantage of the processes so they can choose their next leaders come 2023.
Dr. Emmanuel added that the ongoing PDP electronic registration exercise has put paid to the rigorous procedure occasioned by the hitherto analog method, stating that it is easy, reliable and convenient to all party faithful.
Speaking on the theme of the prayer meeting, “Fear Not”, Dr. Emmanuel said as Christians, it was expedient for the women to always rely on God’s word for their safety, stating that fear is as a result of an unpleasant emotions.
She further urged the women to embrace Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and savior, averring that life without him is empty and futile.
The first Lady also thanked God Almighty for his marvelous love for the state, saying that the prayer meetings over the years have been a fertile platform through which many lives have been changed and ideas birthed.
While leading in a special worship and thanksgiving session, Dr. Emmanuel specially thanked God for the lives of members of the Prayer team, stating that he will continue to preserve and keep them and their families from the eyes of the wicked.
In her brief but copious exhortation, Deaconess Ime Ette preaching on the theme; ‘Fear Not’ with texts from Jeremiah 29 vs. 11 and Psalm 27 vs. 11, espoused that fear is of the devil; hence no Christian should embrace it.
She charged the congregants to covet the presence of God in their daily living as it is the best covering that a child of God must have.
As part of the meeting, special intercessory prayers were offered for the nation, state, the governor and his family.
UPDATE ON 14BN IBB EROSION CONTROL PROJECT(PHOTO NEWS)
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals, Sir Charles Udoh, accompanied by officials of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) and some media aides to the Governor, on an inspection tour of the N14BN, 8.4 km Ibrahim Babangida Avenue flood control project which cuts across 17 communities in 3 local government areas – Uyo, Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom.
Also in the team are Management staff and Engineers of China Road and Bridging Cooperation (CRBC) as well as Engineers from the PRELIM which is the supervisory firm in charge of the projects frame work and supervision.
The Akwa Ibom State Government/World Bank assisted project was awarded to China Road and Bridge Corporation, CRBC. #CompletionAgenda
FEC APPROVES NNPC’S REQUEST TO FIX 21 FEDERAL ROADS AT ₦621 BILLION
The federal executive council (FEC) has approved N621.2billion for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) to take over the reconstruction of 21 federal roads across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
Babatunde Fashola, minister of works and housing, disclosed after the FEC meeting presided by Vice-President YemiOsinbajo on Wednesday.
North Central:
Dualization of Ilorin-Jebba-Mokwa/ Bokani Junction road Section 1: Illorin-Jebba, Kwara State C/NO. 6468. 110.8km
Dualization of Ilorin, Jebba-Mokwa/Bokani junction Road Section II: Jebba-Mokwa-Bokani junction in Kwara and Niger states. C/NO.6469. 46 km
Dualization of Suleja-Minna road, Niger state. C/O. 6077. 40km
Dualization of Suleja-Minna Road, Niger State PhaseII (Km 40+000-101+000) C/NO.6267. 61km
Reconstruction of Bida-Lambata Road, Niger state C/ NO.6372. 125km
Agaie-Katcha-Baro Road, Niger State 52.3km
Emergency repairs of failed section of Mokwa-Makera- Tagina-Kaduna state border in Niger state. 164km
The Akwa Ibom State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Borono Bassey, says that the quest to take Nigeria out from the grip of bad leadership, needs a collective contribution from various quarters of the country.
Bassey who spoke on Redemption FM’s programme, Democratic Trail, Wednesday evening, opined that only collective efforts can get the country to a new level of consciencious leadership with blueprint to develop ailing sectors of the country’s economy.
Citing the theme of the 2021 national convention of PDP, which is ‘Come Let’s Build our Country Together’, he noted that PDP is interested in taking Nigeria out of the present menace facing it and calls on the generality of the people to join in changing the state of the country for good.
The image maker while advising Nigerians to be actively involved in issues that concerns them, recalled that the country was on the path of steady progression with PDP led administrations for 16 years, until the progress was thwarted by a party whose administration caused hardship to the citizens.
“Nigerians should ask, where did PDP led government leave the price of petroleum products? Today, the inflation has risen so high and people are suffering. The difference between PDP and the other party is clear”, he said.
He also restated the commitment of PDP led government in Akwa Ibom State to remain focus in delivering democratic dividends and fulfilling promises as it is known for.
FEYReP PARTNERS VITAMIN ANGELS TO DEWORM AKWA IBOM CHILDREN
…Provides Nutritional Vitamins for Pregnant Women
The Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Path-Initiative (FEYReP), a Non-governmental platform of the Wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel has partnered Vitamin Angels.org, a health-based charity organization to deworm Akwa Ibom children and as well provide free nutritional vitamins for expectant mothers in the state.
Performing the flag-off of the exercise which held at the corporate headquarters of FEYReP, the governor’s wife, Dr. Martha Emmanuel said the partnership became expedient to help promote a healthy living in the family for children and women during pregnancy.
She said available statistics indicate that more than 25 million Nigerians are currently infected by worms, adding that the figures for children are even scarier at an estimated 80 percent of the population.
For the vitamins, Dr. Emmanuel said pregnancy requires that women have enormous vitamins in their system so they could deliver in good health, saying a healthy mother would always give birth to a healthy baby.
She applauded Vitamins Angels for being at the forefront of the fight against the scourge saying her organization, FEYReP, was happy to enter into partnership with an organization of its status.
The First Lady noted that providing vital free medicines for de-worming of children and vitamins to pregnant women, show the important role the company is playing in improving healthcare in the country, and as well appreciated them for living up to their corporate social responsibility of investing and creating awareness on this critical health care challenge.
The governor’s wife called on Akwa Ibom people especially mothers to embark on regular de-worming exercise at least once every 6 months as children are more vulnerable.
While making the official handing over of the medicines to the officials of the State Ministry of Health, she assured that government on its part will continue to partner with key health sector stakeholders to provide free Medicare to its citizenry.
Earlier in her remarks, the Coordinator of FEYReP, Mrs. Ime Ephraim Inyang , described the exercise as a soothing balm to many Akwa Ibom families, noting that in view of the objectives of the FEYReP, the governor’s wife so decided to partner Vitamins Angels to provide free medical services to Akwa Ibom people in order to promote a healthy living in the state.
She appreciated the governor’s wife for always thinking about the vulnerable in the society and as well applauded Vitamins Angels for being a strong partner in touching lives.
In a brief talk on the importance of the programme, the Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Matters, Dr. Dominic Ukpong, said the deworming for Children and the provision of vitamins for pregnant women were very essential in their daily living and growth.
In their goodwill messages, Dr. Mary Udo of the General Hospital Ituk Mbang, and Dr. Patrick Eshiet, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, all thanked the governor’s wife for her motherly love for Akwa Ibom children and pregnant women, saying that FEYReP has in the past years added value to lives positively across the state.
They promised to ensure that the medications get to the appropriate quarters for all children and pregnant women to benefit.
Highpoint of the exercise was the symbolic deworming of the children aged between 6months to 5 years and vitamins to expectant mothers by the governor’s wife, Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel.
Again, Nigerian Breweries have declared sales of N246 Billion in 2021, while Guiness also recorded sales of 210 Billion totalling N456 Billion. This amount represents 3% of our GDP.
My question now is, who and who drank N456 Billion worth of alchohol in a year? considering the fact that this country is made up of Christians and Muslims of which both religion forbids the intake of alchohol.
Former Senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has said despite the fact that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its national chairmanship to the North Central, it did not prevent any qualified aspirant from any zone from contesting the presidency in 2023.
Speaking on a national television programme monitored in Lagos, yesterday, the former Kwara State governor debunked speculations that the party would zone its presidency to the south since it zoned its national chairmanship to the north.
“On the issue of zoning, the party has made it very clear in all our meetings that even though we have zoned the position of party offices, it does not preclude anybody that has any presidential ambition.
Most of our leaders have said that, and we have said that at our NEC, and all the possible meetings, that even though we have taken the chairmanship of the party to the North Central, it does not preclude anyone from contesting. What we are looking for is the best candidate that would win the election.”
The 2022 Budget will help to transform A’Ibom – Fmr Lawmaker eulogizes Gov. Emmanuel
A former Councilor from Nsit Atai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. (Elder) Ekpenyong Daniel Etim has eulogized the Akwa Ibom State Chief Executive, Mr Udom Emmanuel over the successful presentation of the proposed budget for 2022 fiscal year.
Hon. Etim, during an interaction with Newsmen noted that the budget, if carefully implemented, will enable the Governor to properly transform the State.
He stated; “in the budget, the Governor has touched the 8-Point Completion Agenda of Industrialization, Education, Aviation Development, Rural and Riverine Area Development, Agriculture, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, Infrastructural Expansion and Consolidation, Security and Human Capacity Development.”
“The Governor made the presentation on the day I arrived the world many years back, I was watching the Governor on Television while celebrating my 2021 birthday. I was so excited when I listened to that presentation because captured many areas of concern that will attract the much needed development to our State.”
“I specially want to thank and appreciate the Governor for his commitment and determination towards the development and well-being of Akwa Ibom people. I strongly belief that with the performance and development strides recorded by the Governor within the past six (6) years, the budget will properly implemented to attract more progress to the State” – he noted.
UDEME NANA Earlier this month, precisely on Thursday, 7th October, this writer joined the entourage of Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State to the University of Nigeria, where the Governor delivered the 2021 Founder’s Day Lecture. The other great ‘Lion’ in the delegation was Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Russia, Chief Assam Assam who had also served Akwa Ibom State as the Attorney – General and Commissioner for Justice. The Founder’s Day was to mark the spectacular contributions of the great statesman, the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe to the establishment of the University of Nigeria. The legendary University exists as a counterpoise against the current agitation by some Igbo youths to cut ties with a country for which the great Zik of Africa, their iconic son, who set it up, lived and died.
One does not know why the Governor of Akwa Ibom State was picked as this year’s guest speaker on such an auspicious occasion. He isn’t an Alumnus. And therefore not a great Lion. He is an Akokite. As one journeyed through the meandering road towards Nsukka and into the lush greens of that citadel of learning, one wondered if the Vice Chancellor and his team had known that the celebrated Zik of Africa was, in the 1920’s, a mentee of the late Chief Nyong Essien, a respected Akwa Ibom titan, who was the pioneer Chairman of the Eastern Nigeria Council of Chiefs and the Nsom of Uruan in the Ibibio heartland of Akwa Ibom State. There is a possibility that the Governor was properly briefed because he was accompanied by his Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong on the trip.
One imagined the organizers had remembered that the first Head of Government, then known as Leader of Government Business, in the Eastern region was another distinguished Akwa Ibom indigene and a leading intellectual of that era , the late Professor Eyo Ita from Ibeno. Yes, there are memories of Dr. Ibanga Udo Akpabio who had served as Secretary – General of the defunct Ibibio state Union and a Minister in the Eastern regional Government who moved the motion for the establishment of the University. Even the symbol of the Institution, the Lion, which stands in a menacing poise at the erstwhile main entrance into the University reflects the contribution of another AkwaIbomite as it was chiseled professionally by an Akwa Ibom sculptor, Dr. Uko Akpaide who, incidentally, taught my father when today’s old men were struggling boys in elementary school. Akwa Ibom is also one of the catchment areas of the University, a circumstance which gives advantage to applicants for admission into the school from the state. It would be nice, in addition, to have indigenes of the state enjoy such favourable consideration in employment opportunities. After all, Akwa Ibom was part of the oil – palm belt, the golden goose at that time, which exploitation generated resources to fund the building of the University. So much for some of the vital links between Akwa Ibom and the first indigenous University in Nigeria.
Governor Udom Emmanuel seized the moment to present a case study on how he has changed the narrative of development through infrastructure and Industrialisation in Akwa Ibom, ‘that was once a civil service state’.
According to the Governor, who held the audience spell bound in his characteristic oratory : “ shortly after I was sworn in, fully conscious of where we were going, I set up a Technical Committee on Foreign Direct Investment and charged them to go all out and sell our state, our areas of comparative advantage and ensure that through Industrialisation, we would expand the opportunities of growth for our people “
The Governor, having been properly robed in the requisite academic gown temporarily became a ‘great lion’, gained confidence and turned professorial. He taught his captive students that ‘the key drivers of Industrialisation were the quality of infrastructure on ground and of course, peace and security since investors will not go to a place that is unsafe and insecure” This explains his ‘Maintain Peace Movement’. It was telling that the Secretary – General of the Group, Prince Enobong Uwah was in the flight. Does anyone out there still have issues with Governor Emmanuel’s deep concern for a peaceful environment?
No doubt, there is a correlation between a peaceful and more secure environment and influx of investors into any location. Any wonder then that Uyo, the state capital, once a sleepy city, is no longer a dull place as it welcomes and hosts business people who fly in to stay, cut deals and savour the hospitable location and its array of delicious cuisines.
Another sector which the present government has changed the narrative is Aviation through Ibom Air even though critics continue to ask questions about the ownership structure of the Airline. Nevertheless, Mr. Udom Emmanuel roared “Ibom Air, has become a national sensation, flying the colours of Akwa Ibom within the Nigerian Aviation space and dominating it, a mere two years after its maiden commercial flight’ Indeed, Ibom Air, one of the flagship success stories of Governor Emmanuel operates from the only airport in Nigeria, arguably, with specifications where two aeroplanes can take off at the same time. It is important to underscore that the airline is just one aspect of the business operations plan of the Airport. The Airport in Uyo is a potentially Maintain, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub with prospects for job creation, more investments and ancillary businesses. Ultimately, the entire environment around the Airport would become a city with profitable services around it.
The Governor used the podium at Nsukka to repeat his grand vision which a lot of politicians in his state do not seem to see. He noted “ as I always say, it is good for a 21st century leader, to have a broad vision and the requisite exposure to international best practices. What do I mean by that?
He stated ‘your vision is a product of your exposure, what you have seen elsewhere, how those things work and how they can be applied in your local environment to the benefit of the people is a lived experience and not a learned one” Have those throwing mud at ‘Fathers of Faith’ and blackmailing the Governor’s immediate family and other religious leaders concerning the Governor’s succession plan heard that? Which leader would accomplish so much and not want such accomplishments and legacies sustained through a deliberate succession agenda?
Since most Akwa Ibom politicians were not at Nsukka to hear the Governor twice on his mindset about his succession, it would suffice to re – echo Governor Udom Emmanuel’s loud and clear pronouncement on the occasion of the 6th Anniversary of his Administration on the issue, ‘let me now ask you my dear Akwa Ibomites : Do you want a successor who will cancel out all the great strides in industrialization we have started? The peace we currently enjoy and return us to the years when violence and kidnapping reigned and sowed fear in the hearts and minds of the people? Do you want a successor who will come with anger towards all we have done, as opposed to continuing with the great works we have started? Do you want a leader whose approach to testing his popularity would be to drive in a long convoy to “Ibom Plaza” and throw money at the hapless people, watching them scramble for the money and the people would say that’s “Ano owo Mkpo”! Is that the kind of a successor you want? Is that the kind of empowerment our people deserve? Someone who will bring out the worst in our youths rather than challenge them to seize the future and unleash their potentials? Do you want a successor who will relegate God to the background and assume an all-knowing power? Or do you desire a successor with a known e-mail address that the International business community recognises? Do you want a leader who will fritter away our commonwealth in search of cheap popularity or one who would utilize the resources and continue investing in projects with enduring value? Do you want a successor who would see Government as a cabal where our commonwealth would be shared among a privileged few or do you desire a leader who would continue to unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of our people, a successor who understands the economic dynamics that shape our globalized space and would utilize those skills to advance our well-being? These are questions you have to provide answers, and the answers you provide would determine the type of a successor you deserve.
‘Mark my words, we will not return to the type of leadership that is big on noise and small in the execution of the big picture items. We will never go backward on the peace in our land, the steady and focused developments we have started. The line in our State anthem has made this faith manifestly clear: Forward ever and backward never!’
On that occasion, he had also declared : ‘My dear Akwa Ibomites, if what you are desiring is a successor who will not have the capacity and the discipline to build a State where you and your children will live in peace and strive to excel, if you are desiring a successor who will turn back the clock of our developmental strides, if you are desiring a successor who will bring out the worst in our youths as opposed to galvanizing their energies and challenging them to be the best they can be, if you are desiring a leader who would not efficiently utilize the resources of this State on projects that have redeeming value then I am sorry to disappoint you, God will not give us such a successor.’
He had laid emphasis on the point when he further noted : ‘We have gone too far ahead to retreat backward. So as you are engaging in prognostications, creating camps of loyalty and getting consumed by who you think my successor would be, always bear these thoughts in your mind’
That sums up Governor Udom Emmanuel’s splendid vision ; well written and laid out, brilliantly, stated clearly in unmistakable terms and spoken boldly within and outside the state. QED!
The International Coordinator of Mkpó Amaa Change Initiative and Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Reorientation, Mr. Ekpeno Gold, yesterday honoured an invitation by the youths of of Itu LGA for an enlightenment talk on social vices, especially, cultism, alcoholic, vandalism, rape etc.
At the meeting held at the Palace of the the Paramount Ruler of Itu LGA, the Governor’s Aide urged the youths to shun acts capable of truncating their future and societal development.
He seized the opportunity to brief the youths on the core values of Mkpó Amaa Change Initiative, a frontline socio-political organisation in the state.
AKSG DECLARES THURSDAY AND FRIDAY MID-TERM BREAK FOR ALL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE STATE.
Akwa Ibom State Government has approved Thursday 28th and Friday 29th, October 2021, as Mid-Term Break for all Public and Private Primary and Secondary Schools in the State.
A release signed by the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet today, Wednesday ,27th October,2021 enjoined parents and guardians to take note and ensure their children and wards observe the holidays and engage in productive ventures rather than unnecessary loitering on the streets or school premises.
The Commissioner wishes all Akwa Ibom Students and pupils a fruitful holidays, while advising them to be of good behavior and to use this period to read and carry out their assignments for better performance.
Academic activities shall resume on Monday, 1st November, 2021 in continuation of the first term .
A cross section of members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Oruk Anam Ward 4, the political Ward of an APC Chieftain and member representing Ukanafun/ Oruk Anam federal Constituency- Rt Hon Emmanuel Ukoette, denounced their membership with the APC and vowed to mobilise support for the reelection of Governor Udom Emmanuel and the PDP.
The massive defection took place on October 26, 2018, at Government Primary School, Obio Ndot, during a thank you visit of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly leader and member representing Oruk Anam State constituency – Rt Hon (Sir) Udo Kierian Akpan to the area.
Receiving the defectors, the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Cletus Eshiet and the chapter Chairman of the Oruk Anam PDP, Pastor Jacob King, appreciated them for their courage and decision to return to their original political family.
The defectors were also promised a wonderful stay in the umbrella family.
The event was attended by past and present Political office holders, Government Appointees, Elders, Women and Students.
The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Dean of Commissioners and Special Advisers, Dr. Glory Edet today, October 26, marked her birthday anniversary with babies born today and others.
In her usual tradition, the Honourable Commissioner went to the Church to thank God for His mercies and for the opportunity to celebrate another birthday anniversary.
The Agriculture boss later went to St. Lukes Hospital, Anua, where she appreciated God for granting the women safe delivery, presented gift items to mothers who put to birth today, 26th October and other mothers and babies . She also cleared hospital bills for patients who were unable to settle their bills.
Also at her office, corporate bodies, political groups, the academic, friends and associates trooped in with songs to celebrate the Honourable Commissioner who according to them has positively impacted so many lives.
GOVERNOR EMMANUEL FLAGS-OFF PDP MEMBERSHIP e-REGISTRATION IN A’IBOM
Ahead of 2023 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commence membership electronic registration and revalidation exercise to expand its membership base in Akwa Ibom State.
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel who performed the flag-off exercise on Tuesday at Ibom Hall Ground, Uyo, enjoined party faithfuls to take advantage of the exercise which puts an end to rigorous procedure posed by the analogue method.
The Governor expressed appreciation to the party for introducing the innovations to ease registration of members and announced the donation of smart phones to all the wards in the State to assist those without smartphones in the registration process.
“I am glad that Akwa Ibom is chosen as one of the States by our party for a scheme of this nature, we got everything ready for the exercise, and you could see the speed which my information was captured immediately.
I want to implore all of us make sure we register, this will mean a whole lot to us as a state and to the party. This is easily adaptive to any smartphone that people could use to register, we will present the smartphones across all the wards so that it will be easier for people to register please make sure you register”.
Governor Emmanuel further advised Party members to accommodate one another in order to strengthen the party especially those who defected and are willing to rejoin the party.
‘’I want to thank the party structure, the State Working Committee for their steadfastness, please we must continue to accommodate people, let us accommodate as many as we can, let us open up and try to tolerate people.
God did not create every human being the same, people have different temperament, different attitude, character, behavioural pattern, so we should be able to accommodate others so that we can move forward. If you are in a unit or ward even if somebody had gone out or astray and the person wants to come back, let’s give the person an open hand, it is very interesting and good to belong to a winning team”, the governor said.
Earlier, the State Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Elder Aniekan Akpan, while setting the tone for the event, welcomed party members to the flag-off registration exercise and revalidation of party members, stating that the exercise was in sync with an earlier flag-off of the exercise in six others PDP states in the country.
Elder Akpan, who described the e-registration and revalidation of members of the party as historic, averred that the commencement of the e-registration ends the analogue method of registration, providing a platform for self-registration and making it easier and faster for members.
“This exercise we strongly believe as a party will ensure that we migrate from the analogue process of registration to a digital platform with attendant benefits.
“Apart from making the registration process easier, faster, open and less cumbersome, it also provides members with a transparent platform for self-registration and eliminate cases of registration denial”, Akpan added.
REP IDEM FLAGS OFF ANOTHER ROUND OF SKILLS TRAINING FOR CONSTITUENTS
The Member Representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep Unyime Idem has flagged off another round of training for his constituents in preparation for the 2021 skills empowerment.
Flagging off the 5 day event yesterday at the recently commissioned 1000 seater capacity entrepreneurship centre, Rep Idem charged the second batch of beneficiaries of the 5000 skills empowerment to see it as a life time opportunity to acquire skills training for the future.
Represented by Mr. Clayton Eyeneka, Rep. Idem noted that skills education is the way to go in the 21st century. He said skills offered at the training will prepare beneficiaries to become job and wealth creators as well as contribute to the development of the Federal Constituency. He urged them not to take the training for granted as it has the potential of transforming them into the next generation of business leaders.
Addressing the participants, State Director of National Directorate of Employment, Mr Promise Eka, noted that skills empowerment is the way to go given that government cannot provide job for everyone. He said that with skills empowerment, individuals have the capacity to provide for themselves, their dependants and have a secure future. He added that it prepares individuals to be independent, self reliant and be solution providers. He urged the beneficiaries not to take the training for granted but ensure to get all the benefits it will provide.
Recall that in 2019, Rep. Idem flagged of skills training and empowerment of 5000 constituents. The first batch of 1000 beneficiaries were trained and empowered in 2020 in 26 different skills. The next batch of 1500 trainees will be empowered in December 2021.
Participants were drawn from all the wards that makes up the federal constituency. The training is sponsored by Rep. Unyime Idem in partnership with National Directorate of Employment.
Those who witnessed the flag off exercise were members of Rep. Idem’s technical committee, among others.
AKSG INAUGURATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEES ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LAW TO PROHIBIT OPEN REARING AND GRAZING OF LIVESTOCK
In a follow-up to the recent inauguration of the state committee on the implementation of the law to prohibit open rearing and grazing of livestock by Akwa Ibom State Government, the Chairman of the state committee and Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet has today, Monday 25th October, inaugurated the Local Government Committees on the Implementation of the said law.
A brief inauguration ceremony which took place at Governor’s Office Annex, Uyo had in attendance the state Attorney General and Honourable Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom. SAN, Local Government Chairmen led by the ALGON Chairman drawn from across the 31 LGAs of the state, Permanent Secretaries, Royal Fathers, Community Leaders, the Commissioner of Police, Honourable Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Agriculture Supervisors, Local Government Land Officers, Chairman of Central Abattoir, and a host of others.
In her remarks, Dr. Edet appreciated Governor Udom for sponsoring various programmes and activities for farmers which according to her are geared towards improving their level of productivity. While appreciating the Governor for signing into law the Anti-Grazing Bill, she explained that the core responsibility of the committee is to implement the law without being biased, regulation and control and for other matters therein at the state level as well as the grassroots level.
“This law is not to witch-hunt anybody but to protect lives and properties of both crop farmers and livestock farmers, irrespective of where you come from”, she added.
The committee she said will be chaired by all serving Local Government Chairmen and will have Directors of Agricultural Services as Secretaries, Local Government Lands Officers, Chairmen of Area Council of Traditional Rulers and a Community Leader appointed by the Chairman as members of the committee.
She charged the committee to be proactive in the discharge of their duties and warned herders against carrying dangerous weapons around, adding that defaulters will be made to face the full weight of the law.
Also Speaking, the Honourable Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Uko Udom SAN, noted that the law is not to hunt anyone and make life unbearable for them but to protect the rights of farmers in all categories and also encourage them to live together in unity while going about their businesses. He Congratulated the newly inaugurated committee executives and charged them to take the responsibility given to them seriously.
In a vote of thanks, the Chairman of Esit Eket LGA and ALGON Chairman, Rt. Hon. Iniobong Robson appreciated the Hon Commissioner for being passionate in the discharge of her duties and for her proactiveness in taking a step forward to protect both the crop farmers and livestock farmers. He assured the state committee that he will liase with relevant stakeholders and his colleagues to ensure strict compliance to the law.
The event also featured questions and answers session from farmers and agriculture stakeholders respectively.
AT OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF eNAIRA, PRESIDENT BUHARI SAYS DIGITAL CURRENCY WILL BOOST NIGERIA’S GDP BY $29BILLION IN 10 YEARS
The adoption of the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and its underlying technology, called block chain, can increase Nigeria’s GDP by $29billion over the next 10 years, President Muhammadu Buhari said Monday in Abuja at the official launch of the eNaira.
The President also declared that the introduction of the eNaira would enable the government to send direct payments to citizens eligible for specific welfare programmes as well as foster cross border trade.
President Buhari said that alongside digital innovations, CBDCs can foster economic growth through better economic activities, increase remittances, improve financial inclusion and make monetary policy more effective.
”Let me note that aside from the global trend to create Digital Currencies, we believe that there are Nigeria-specific benefits that cut across different sectors of, and concerns of the economy.
”The use of CBDCs can help move many more people and businesses from the informal into the formal sector, thereby increasing the tax base of the country,” he said.
The President said with the launch of eNaira, Nigeria has become the first country in Africa, and one of the first in the world to introduce a Digital Currency to her citizens.
He commended the Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele, his deputies and the entire team of staff who worked tirelessly to make the launch of Africa’s first digital currency a reality.
The President, who assured Nigerians of the safety and scalability of the CBDC system, said the journey to create a digital currency for Nigeria began sometime in 2017.
”Work intensified over the past several months with several brainstorming exercises, deployment of technical partners and advisers, collaboration with the Ministries of Communication and Digital Economy and its sister agencies like the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), integration of banking software across the country and painstaking tests to ensure the robustness, safety and scalability of the CBDC System, ” he said.
The President also used the occasion of the unveiling of the eNaira to painstakingly explain to Nigerians why he approved the use of the digital currency.
”In recent times, the use of physical cash in conducting business and making payments has been on the decline. This trend has been exacerbated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resurgence of a new Digital Economy.
”Alongside these developments, businesses, households, and other economic agents have sought for new means of making payments in the new circumstances.
”The absence of a swift and effective solution to these requirements, as well as fears that Central Banks’ actions sometimes lead to hyperinflation created the space for non-government entities to establish new forms of “private currencies” that seemed to have gained popularity and acceptance across the world, including here in Nigeria.
”In response to these developments, an overwhelming majority of Central Banks across the world have started to consider issuing digital currencies in order to cater for businesses and households seeking faster, safer, easier and cheaper means of payments.
”A handful of countries including China, Bahamas, and Cambodia have already issued their own CBDCs.
”A 2021 survey of Central Banks around the world by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) found that almost 90 per cent are actively researching the potential for CBDCs, 60 percent were experimenting with the technology and 14 per cent were deploying pilot projects.
”Needless to add, close monitoring and close supervision will be necessary in the early stages of implementation to study the effect of eNaira on the economy as a whole.
”It is on the basis of this that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sought and received my approval to explore issuing Nigeria’s own Central Bank Digital Currency, named the eNaira,’’ he said.
Equally, the Nigerian leader noted that his approval was also underpinned by the fact that the CBN has been a leading innovator ‘‘in the form of money they produce, and in the payment services they deploy for efficient transactions.’’
He noted that Nigeria’s apex bank has invested heavily in creating a Payment System that is ranked in the top ten in the world and certainly the best in Africa.
”This payment system now provides high‐value and time‐critical payment services to financial institutions, and ultimately serves as the backbone for every electronic payment in Nigeria.
”They have also supported several private‐sector initiatives to improve the existing payments landscape, and in turn, have created some of the world’s leading payment service providers today,’’ he said.
In his remarks, the CBN Governor explained that eNaira is Nigeria’s CBDC and it is the digital equivalent of the physical Naira.
”As the tagline simply encapsulates, the eNaira is the same Naira with far more possibilities. The eNaira – like the physical Naira – is a legal tender in Nigeria and a liability of the CBN. The eNaira and Naira will have the same value and will always be exchanged at 1 naira to 1 eNaira,” he said.
Emefiele added that the CBN has given careful consideration to the entire payments and financial architecture and has designed the eNaira to complement and strengthen these ecosystems and has implemented secure safeguards and policies to maintain the integrity of the financial system.
He pledged that there would be strict adherence to the anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) standards in order to preserve the integrity and stability of Nigeria’s payment system.
According to Emefiele, since the eNaira platform went live, there has been overwhelming interest and encouraging response from Nigerians and other parties across the world with over 2.5 million daily visits to the website.
He listed the following milestones:
”33 banks are fully integrated and live on the platform, 500 million has been successfully minted by the Bank, N200 million has been issued to financial institutions, over 2,000 customers have been onboarded and over 120 merchants have successfully registered on the eNaira platform”.
The CBN governor also used the occasion to commend President Buhari for making history, yet again, with the launch of the eNaira – the first in Africa and one of the earliest around the world.
He also dispelled fears on the nation’s foreign reserves, saying the reserves are strong and getting stronger by the day.
”Mr. President, as you make ground breaking reforms, there have been continuing debate on the true value of the Naira. Rather than worry today on the direction of the exchange rate, let us take a step back and analyze how we got here in the first place.
”Please recall that since the advent of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) led Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) in 1986, and the introduction of the Second Tier Foreign Exchange (SFEM) market, the Naira has been on a one-way free fall from parity to the US Dollar in 1984 to over N410/USD today.
”Some 35 years later, we have not been able to achieve the many promises and objectives of that programme.
”Instead, what we have seen is widespread import dependency, which has wiped out most of our production and manufacturing bases and exported all our jobs in the process.
”What has happened to the massive textile factories across our nation such that we import almost all cotton products when we are rich in cotton?
”What has happened to our vehicle assembly plants across the nation such that we import most vehicles and have become a massive dumping ground for dying second-hand vehicles?
”What has happened to our rubber plantations through which we made the best tyres and rubber products in the world? What has happened to our groundnut pyramids? What has happened to our Cocoa farms? What has happened to our palm oil mills?
”Under your leadership, Mr. President, we must stop this decline for good! We must return to massive homemade production; we must get our people working again. We must create the economic environment for massive domestic production and significant non-oil exports.
”As custodians of your national reserves, let me first assure you that there is no cause for alarm. Our FX reserves are strong and indeed getting stronger by the day, crossing the 40 billion USD mark, and is one of the highest in Africa – and growing.
”But we cannot fritter our reserves away on cheap imports and currency speculators. We must return to an employment-led growth anchored on productivity and rewarding producers of local goods, services, innovation and new technologies.
”If you consume cheap imports and export our jobs, we will make you pay dearly; but if you produce locally – with little or no foreign inputs beyond machinery, we will support you, and the markets will reward you abundantly,” he said.
In addition to all policies and actions of the CBN to support the economy especially through the trying times of COVID-19, Emefiele announced a new financial instrument titled “The 100 for 100 PPP – Policy on Production and Productivity”, which will be anchored in the Development Finance Department under his direct supervision.
He explained that under this policy the CBN would advertise, screen, scrutinize and financially support 100 targeted private sector companies in 100 days, beginning from 01 November 2021, and rolling over every 100 days with new set of 100 companies, whose names will be published in National Dailies for Nigerians to verify and confirm.
Inoyo Toro Foundation: Tracking the Big Tech Train
This is the 21st century. The age some kids in the Stone Age would have probably referred to as amerikan wonda. The rest of the clichés in ibibio language was just as surreal as the concept of wonder.’ I have often wondered what Eve, the great researcher and knowledge chaser had in mind when she persuaded a more circumspect Adam to take a bite at the apple? That eventful bite of an apple in the Garden of Eden has propelled transformative innovations that have kept man in constant search of knowledge to rule his universe. Since then man has come full circle from the Stone Age to the contemporary information age. The array of inventions in medicine, aviation, transportation, communication and a host of others has literally made man god.
Today, the world can be glimpsed by just a click on the internet. Tech is the oxygen of the world. We literally depend on it and at every click the techies sit in the comfort of their champagne soaked spas counting the bucks. Sure, this head spinning bucks should make anyone dizzy. Just imagine the earnings from these two top techs as at 2021. Facebook grossed $26.17billion while Apple comfortably sat on $89.6billion profit (techcrunch.com). Okay, lets do some comparative statistics with Nigerias budget N13.6 trillion naira ($35.66billion) for 2021. Put simply, Apples profit for 2021can effortlessly take care of Nigerias budget for two years and five months.
Now these big numbers from these tech companies is the point of my discourse and perhaps it may help give some insights into why Mr. Udom Inoyo, advisor to Inoyo Toro Foundation is eager to get Ibom Techies into these limitless streams of new oil money.
Some weeks ago Akwa Ibom Tech Week Pitch Competition sponsored by Inoyo Toro Foundation showcased an array of passionate young men and women who made impressive innovations ranging from e-commerce, health, agriculture to e-language learning and I couldnt but be proud that the great renaissance had come. Not only did these talents display a deep passion to make a difference in the IT world, but that given the opportunities Akwa Ibom State could join the list of Tech Hubs in Nigeria and beyond. Alas, my waning faith rekindled a new kind of hope. Truly not all Nigerian youths are lazy after all. What has rather kept the youths less at par with their contemporaries in other progressive climes is the systemic corrupt, irascible and unconscionable political class that has robbed them of these opportunities. The many decades of system collapse has robbed whole generations of their sense of worth and reduced most to a life of chronic disillusion.
But is there a faintest ray of change on the horizon? “Is there anything for the boys” as the debasing Naija street slogan for awoof money goes? Does Nigeria’s current financial gridlock with a debt burden of N36.3trillion provide any clear rescue path to hope for the “boys?”’ Are Nigeria’s public schools primed to harness the rich human resource through strategic education and early exposure to tech skills acquisition?
Clearly the answers to all these interrogations are rested on vision driven by common sense leadership and investment in key areas of human development and a people that are willing to shed off those opaque sentiments that has held us bound in the valley of death. We can therefore not have a robust development if the youths are left behind.
But things are looking up in Akwa Ibom State. The Techies of Akwa Akwa Ibom are on the path to breaking all the barriers to scale up their art. The recent AKI Tech Pitch sponsored by Inoyo Toro Foundation was yet another giant leap into a window of the capabilities the youths are endowed with. From lifesaving innovations such as mobile oxygen box by Ndotenyin Kingsley who won a whooping One Million Naira, to an app for learning Akwa Ibom languages (Ikó Ibom) by Idara Moses with a prize tag of five hundred Thousand to Agro solution app for cassava farmers by David Edet with a three hundred naira win, the big tech train is launching a Tech and innovation revolution.
Not only did the awards make a huge impact on the Tech community but the two weeks boot camp for seventy two (72) techies and innovators which ended 22/10/2021 was even a bigger deal. The stakes were high. The money is big. One Hundred Million Naira no bi mói-mói! And this is the bucks Inoyo Toro Foundation is bringing into the Tech Train.
Characteristically the Foundation is determined to harness the talents for the big tech and innovation world. This most significant and well defined journey may someday lead to the emergence of the AKI Silk Valley. I sat through some of these interactive sessions by experts from diverse fields and the reality of Steven Johnsons thoughts struck me anew that “if you look at history, innovation doesnt come just from giving people incentives, it comes from creating environments where their ideas can connect.” How true even in these times when people can get intoxicated by a few transitory Naira notes!
Udom Inoyo, advisor to Inoyo Toro Foundation driven by an unquenchable passion to track the big tech dream for a generation that offers the most hope has given the proverbial “apple of wisdom” to the Techies and innovators. Hopefully, someday day the troubling chants of “anything for the boys” would morph into the soothing rhythms of value adding success. As Anna Eshoo said “innovation is the call card of the future”. How apt and how perceptive that Udom Inoyo is passionately driving and investing in this new future.
Perhaps these savvy techies and innovators may be the generation that would write off Nigeria’s debt. Lest I forget, I salute the techies for staying through those tough and hours long of classes and the facilitators (Nsikak John, Idotenyin Issac, Hanson Johnson and others) for their faith in aligning with the vision of Udom Inoyo. Let me end this with a most befitting catchphrase for the one whose depth of vision is far taller than his stature, “Udom Inoyo, ádo ónó owo future”.
PDP backs The Economist’s alleged Buhari’s regime incompetence
The major opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, on Saturday described as spot-on the article by London-based news magazine, The Economist, which described the government of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), as inept and high-handed.
The 178-year-old magazine, in an editorial titled, ‘The Crime Scene at the Heart of Africa,’ published in its October 23, 2021 issue, added that the President had also failed to tackle corruption.
The influential magazine had a few weeks before the 2015 presidential election endorsed Buhari for the presidency, noting that even though Nigerians were faced with two options that were not good, Buhari was a better candidate than the then incumbent, Dr Goodluck Jonathan.
The February 7, 2015 editorial partly read, “Nigerians must pick between the incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan, who has proved an utter failure, and the opposition leader, Muhammadu Buhari, a former military dictator with blood on his hands. The candidates stand as symbols of a broken political system that makes all Nigeria’s problems even more intractable.”
The magazine said if it were to make a choice, it would choose Buhari and that if he could save Nigeria, history might be kind to him. “We are relieved not to have a vote in this election. But were we offered one, we would – with a heavy heart – choose Mr Buhari,” it added.
The President, whose three-point agenda during the campaign were security, economy and fight against corruption, had in his address at the Chatham House in the United Kingdom on February 25, promised that he would fight corruption and that no corrupt person would be appointed into his administration.
He noted, “In the face of dwindling revenues, a good place to start the repositioning of Nigeria’s economy is to swiftly tackle two ills that have ballooned under the present administration: waste and corruption. And in doing this, I will, if elected, lead the way, with the force of personal example. On corruption, there will be no confusion as to where I stand. Corruption will have no place and the corrupt will not be appointed into my administration.”
Many Nigerians however expressed surprise when the President announced his cabinet members in 2015 about six months after his inauguration.
But in the Saturday article, The Economist said due to Buhari’s mismanagement of the economy, food prices had soared while life had become more difficult for Nigerians.
The editorial read in part, “Economic troubles are compounded by a government that is inept and heavy-handed. Mr Buhari, who was elected in 2015, turned an oil shock into a recession by propping up the naira and barring many imports in the hope this would spur domestic production.
“Instead he sent annual food inflation soaring above 20 per cent. He has failed to curb corruption, which breeds resentment. Many Nigerians are furious that they see so little benefit from the country’s billions of petrodollars, much of which their rulers have squandered or stolen.”
The Economist stated that even before COVID-19 last year, Nigeria was already witnessing unprecedented poverty.
The news magazine opined that this economic hardship was fuelling the current insecurity in the country.
It argued, “Two factors help explain Nigeria’s increasing instability: a sick economy and a bumbling government. Slow growth and two recessions have made Nigerians poorer, on average, each year since oil prices fell in 2015.
Before COVID-19, 40 per cent of them were below Nigeria’s extremely low poverty line of about $1 a day. If Nigeria’s 36 states were stand-alone countries, more than one-third would be categorised by the World Bank as “low-income” (less than $1,045 a head). Poverty combined with stagnation tends to increase the risk of civil conflict,” it argued.
The Economist echoing what we’ve always known, says PDP
In its reaction, the PDP said the editorial echoed what it had always known and said about the current regime.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said this in a telephone interview with Sunday PUNCH on Saturday.
He said, “The respected international news magazine was spot-on. It echoes what we have always known and said about this regime. Corruption under this regime is on steroids; the looting going on now has never been witnessed anywhere in modern history.
“Senior members of the regime and top members of the ruling party are having a field day looting our common patrimony, those who are caught with their hands in the cookie jar, are simply eased out – no consequence.
Nigerians have a unique opportunity to vote out the All Progressives Congress and its corrupt elements come 2023.”
Many Nigerians have also on several occasions dismissed the claims by the regime that it was fighting corruption.
A’IBOM TRAINS TECHNICAL OFFICERS ON SOUND ENGINEERING, HARMONIZATION
By: Lawrence Ekong
As part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of its workforce, Akwa Ibom State Government, through the Ministry of Information and Strategy, has trained technical officers in the Ministry, on basic sound engineering, sound harmonisation and technical production.
The training, which drew participants from the Directorate of Technical Services in the ministry, officially came to a close yesterday, Thursday, 21st October 2021, after a brief ceremony where Certificates of Participation were presented to the beneficiaries at the Ministry’s Headquarters, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Complex, Uyo.
In her remark, the Director of Technical Services and Dean, College of Directors in the Ministry of Information and Strategy,
Mrs Blessing Urua, explained that the training was designed to update the knowledge of the officers in basic areas of technical services, in order to enhance their productivity and efficiency.
On his part, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong, stated that the training was in line with one of the eight pillars of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s Completion Agenda – Human Capacity Development, which he said: “Is a reliable strategy for building a knowledge-based workforce for optimum output.”
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Inyang Jameson, urged the beneficiaries to deploy the knowledge garnered during the exercise to make invaluable technical inputs in the performance of their daily duties.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mr Uwemedimo Etim, appreciated the state government for the training, saying that the training has acquainted them with basic sound engineering concepts, public address system management, and other crucial aspects of technical inputs relevant to their duties.
While commending the resource person, Engr. Iniobong Asuquo for the knowledge transfer exercise, and for “a job well-done”, Uwemedimo, pledged to use the new skills acquired during the training to enhance his productivity.
The training which lasted for eight weeks was anchored by Simply Harmonizing Sound
EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY: ABAK COUNCIL CHAIRMAN ACQUIRED NEW FURNITURE FOR COUNCIL OFFICIALS
In a bid to providing a conducive atmosphere for council staffers for the smooth running of administration and ensuring quality service delivery, The Executive Chairman of Abak Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. (Pst.) Ekerette Inyang has acquired new office furniture for Council staff and supervisors.
Inspecting the new furniture on arrival recently, the Council Chairman expressed delight and satisfaction on the quality of the furniture, noting that workers efficiency and productivity could only be sustained in an environment where better working condition is provided for the people.
Recall that Rt. Hon. (Pst.) Inyang upon assumption of office on December was being conducted round the council secretariat by the Local Government Head of Service to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of available council facilities and the condition of offices, where he frowned at the deplorable state of the council facilities and immediately ordered for urgent repairs and total overhauling of the structures in his quest to giving a facelift.
Pst. Inyang who has fulfilled his promises by giving the council secretariat a facelift and refurbishing dilapidated facilities including offices and other moribund structures in the council secretariat and providing a conducive atmosphere for government activities to thrive, has reiterated that his administration will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that everyone working in the council secretariat discharge their duties effectively while the people of Abak fully enjoy the dividends of government.
ROYAL FATHERS RECEIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE TRAIN, LAUD GOVERNOR EMMANUEL
For once again displaying fatherly love and compassion, some traditional rulers, youth leaders and women stakeholders have expressed profound gratitude to Governor Udom Emmanuel.
The philanthropic gesture which came through the Divine Mandate Community Service, witnessed the sharing of relief items to the people.
This show of compassion by the Father of the state is in response to the countries current economic crisis, with the prices of goods and services at an all time high, it is only left to be imagined, how the less privilege can pull through.
The Divine Mandate Community Service , the palliative channel of Governor Udom Emmanuel, has been sharing food items to the less privileged, to cushion the effect of the economic crises.
Since 2015, the Governor has used the avenue to reach out to the less privileged in local communities in the state.
Leading the team on the visit, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Mr. Essien Ndueso , commended the people of the area for their steadfastness with the Governor Emmanuel led administration.
He said the Governor understands the challenges faced by the people as a result of prevailing economic challenges in the country, hence his resolve to tirelessly make life meaningful for Akwa Ibom people.
He listed some of the Governor’s development strides since his mounted the saddle six years ago, noting that Nsit-Atai is not left out in the Governor’s development and Completion Agenda.
He said the palliatives are only temporary reliefs to the people and a little way of the Governor’s show of love to them.
Also speaking, another member of the delegation from the area, Mrs, Josephine Bassey, who is Special Assistant to the Governor on Project Monitoring, appreciated the Governor for his kind hearted disposition to the people of the community, saying her people were appreciative of the gesture.
She sued for continuous support to the Completion Agenda programme of Governor Emmanuel.
Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Reverend Richard Peters and Special Assistant on Project, Miss Peace Frank also gave goodwill messages at the occasion.
The outreach was witnessed by the Village Head of Idikpa Ikot Ntuen, Chief Ekpenyong Asuquo, the Youth Leader, Effiong Udo Akpan and members of the village council.
ANOTHER BATCH OF AKWA IBOM ENTREPRENEURS BEGIN EMPOWERMENT SERIES WITH WORKSHOP
Ibom Yield Incubation Hub, an Akwa Ibom State Government assisted entrepreneurial ecosystem/co-working space in Uyo, today held a one day Concept Note workshop for applicants in the 5th Batch of the My Entrepreneurship Goals Programme (MEGP). The workshop, which held at Emerald Events Centre had in attendance, hundreds of Akwa Ibom Based entrepreneurs who have applied to be part of the 5th batch of the MEGP.
The My Entrepreneurship Goals Programme (MEGP) is an entrepreneurial development training programme which helps Akwa Ibom start-up founders. The 12 weeks per batch programme equips startups and other young entrepreneurs with the basic skills and support required to launch and run their businesses at the early stage of their growth.
In his remarks at the Event, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Marketing and Brand Management, Mr Ime Uwah said the MEGP has in the Past 4 years provided entrepreneurial education and Networking Opportunities for over 600 young Akwa Ibom Entrepreneurs who he said are today part of the Ibom-YIELD community.
The Governor’s aide said the one-day workshop was organized to teach the applicants the rudiments of concept note writing, which he said will be what will be considered during the final screening exercise to select participants in the 5th Batch of the MEGP. Uwah noted that workshop became imperative after it was noticed that there was a knowledge gap in writing and communicating business plans amongst entrepreneurs who applied for previous batches of the programme. He noted that the workshop will help to give applicants a head-start and aid their success at the Pre-qualification screening and tendency test. The Governor’s aide thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for always deeming it fit to provide platforms for youth engagements, fully supported and sponsored by Government. He listed the MEGP, Projects Based Assistances (PBA), Monthly Dakkada Networking Experience (DNE) as well as Activities of the IbomYIELD hub as some of the programmes fully sponsored by the Udom administration for the betterment of Akwa Ibom Youths.
Also speaking at the workshop, the SA to the Governor on Entrepreneurial Development, Mrs Meflyn Anwana said the State Governor was deliberate about leaving a legacy of enterprise growth in the state, hence the targeted investments in Industrialization. She urged participants in the workshop to work out innovative ways to take part in the industrialization value chain.
The sole session of workshop featured the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Lucy Ekpenyong, who took participants through the rudiments of Concept note writing, amongst other business and entrepreneurship essentials.
Participants at the workshop who interacted with this reporter expressed appreciation to the IbomYIELD hub and the Akwa Ibom State Government, noting that they have benefited immensely from the workshop.
Update Akwa Ibom, a flagship Radio Program of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Akwa Ibom State has played host to the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan.
The Commissioner appeared on the program from the stable of Passion FM 94.5 Udo Udoma, Uyo. Akwa Ibom State.
The Interview session focused on International Day for Rural Women, Girl child and Gender Based Violence.
Commenting on the International Day of Rural Women, Dr. Adiakpan stated that when talking about healthy foods, reference is made to the rural women.
She maintained that the Celebration of the Rural Women underscored their importance and efforts in contributing to the socio economic status of the State.
Dr. Adiakpan stressed that the theme for this year’s Celebration, ‘Rural Women Cultivating Good Food for All’ brings to consciousness, the fact that, the Rural Women play active role in the production, processing and distribution of the food consumed by others in the world.
Her Words: “As a Ministry, to mark the international day of Rural Women, we celebrated the rural women in Ika Local government Area where 40 handsets and SIM cards were distributed to the rural women, and were educated on digitization, mobile banking and crowdfunding”
She continued, “on the issue of the girl child, with this year’s theme, “Digital Generation our Generation” focus was on creating awareness and sensitizing the girls on the need to use the internet and the digital applications to their advantage”
Dr. Adiakpan said the children were mentored and introduced to Apps for reading, cooking, craft, books, exercise and apps for martial arts to protect themselves.
The Honourable Commissioner speaking on the issue of the Gender Based Violence, noted that through advocacy and sensitization, many people are beginning to speak up.
The Ministry of Women Affairs, FIDA, and FEYREP have a toll line, where such cases are reported and justice being given to the victims.
Dr. Adiakpan said Akwa Ibom is blessed with a gender friendly governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and wife, Dr. Martha Emmanuel who have empowered and trained young girls and women through FEYREP.
Dr. Adiakpan also appreciated His Excellency for providing policy framework to protect the women and children.
She noted that the Ministry is thriving through the benevolence of his Excellency, Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel who has provided the necessary resources to enable them to work.
EXCERPTS FROM THE ENLARGED MEETING OF THE AKWA IBOM STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HELD ON FRIDAY, 22nd OCTOBER, 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 12:30pm with the rendition of the National and State Anthems; the opening prayer was worded by the Auditor General of the State.
OPENING REMARKS The Governor sitting as Chairman-in-Council welcomed all members to the enlarged EXCO meeting convened to consider the proposed IPSAS Recurrent and Capital Estimates for 2022 fiscal year. He bemoaned the current situation where despite the increase in price of crude oil, the income to the federation account has not improved. He stated that next year may be challenging economically and security wise. He charged all government officials to brace up for the challenges ahead and think out creative ways of providing succour to the masses.
PRESENTATION OF 2022 DRAFT ESTIMATES The Honourable Commissioner for Finance presented the draft estimates for 2022 which received extensive deliberations on a ministry by ministry basis. Thereafter, the document was adopted for presentation to the House of Assembly by the Governor. The presentation will be done on Monday, 25th October, 2021 by 4pm at the House of Assembly Complex.
The meeting came to a close by a motion moved by HC-Power and Petroleum Development and seconded by HC-Agriculture. The Closing prayer was worded by HC-Finance, bringing the meeting to a close at 3pm.
Signed:
Comrade Ini Ememobong Honourable Commissioner for Information & Strategy 22102021
GOVERNOR EMMANUEL’S COS, AKPARAWA INYANG-EYEN IDENTIFIES WITH THE UDOFOT OVER MOTHER’S DEATH
Chief of Staff to Governor Udom Emmanuel, Akparawa Ephraim Inyang -Eyen on Friday, paid a condolence visit to the family of Chief Paul Udofot of Ikot Eba in Etinan LGA over the death of their wife, mother and grandmother; Late Agnes Udofot.
The deceased, Amb Mrs Agnes Paul Udofot; mother of the popular oil magnet; Udofot Petroleum and Mrs Richard Eshiet, famously known as Mma Panasonic, died at the age of 90.
Akparawa Inyang -Eyen who was accompanied by other eminent personalities to Etinan, described the deceased as a virtuous wife, caring mother and family pillar, who lived a life of devotion to God and left a legacy of honour worthy of emulation.
Represented by the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Transformation Initiative for the Empowerment of Ibom People (TIEIP), Atuekong Anietie Ekong, the Governor’s Chief of Staff noted that “mama’s death was a sad one”, adding that she would remain a role model to the women of the State.
Receiving the entourage on behalf of the deceased family, Dr. Michael Udofot, who is the Chief Mourner, thanked Akparawa Inyang-Eyen, for his magnanimity, adding that his visit was a sign of great honour to his mother and the family.
The senior Udofot, who is based in the United States of America, said her mother will be buried tomorrow, 23rd October, at the Secondary Commercial School, Ikot Eba, Etinan LGA at 10 o clock in the morning.
On her part, the deceased Daughter, Mrs Richard Eshiet, who is a Distributor of Panasonic products in the State, while thanking Inyang-Eyen for identifying with her family and donating massively for their mother’s burial, prayed God to bless and grant his heart desires.
Other members of the family (daughters of the deceased) who received the visitors included; Mrs Anastasia Nsek, Mrs Margaret Albert. They described Madam as “a humble, honest and loyal wife to the core.”
High point of the visit was presentation of gift items from the Governor’s CoS to the family to assist in the burial. Items presented included cartons of assorted drinks, packs of water, portions of yam, dried fishes, live goat, bags of rice, bags of Garri amongst others.
The convoy had the Former Chairman, Ini Local Government Council; Hon (Elder) Etetim Anwatim, former Chairman, Mkpat Enin Local Government Council; Sir Ubong Ekefre, President, Forum of Akwa Ibom State Drivers, Mr Nsikak Sunday Bassey and others.
AUDA- NEPAD NIGERIA UNVEILS PROGRAMME FOR THE INNOVATIVE STRENGTHENING OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS CAPABILITIES …presents award to Governor Udom Emmanuel for his achievements in the agricultural sector
The unveiling ceremony of the Innovative Strengthining of Smallholder Farmers Capabilities Towards Productive Land Restoration Amid COVID- 19 was held in Abuja, Thursday, October 21, at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja with Akwa Ibom State as one of the pilot states.
In his address, the representative of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar noted that the way to reduce poverty in the country is to support farmers to encourage their level of productivity.
Also in his remarks, the representative of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo MFR who received an award of appreciation for the Governor’s achievements in the Agricultural sector and for supporting Smallholders farmers assured the readiness of Akwa Ibom State for the implementation of the Programme.
Earlier in their remarks, the NC/CEO AUDA- NEPAD Nigeria, Hon. Princess Gloria Akobundu, the CEO AUDA- NEPAD Continental, Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki and Dr. Mahmoud Dhakite of AUDA- NEPAD Continental all reassured the participants of the readiness and commitment of the country for the Programme which according to them will be of huge benefit to farmers across the country.
Also in attendance were Governors across different State of the Federation, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and Honourable Commissioners from pilot states.
