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Rep. Unyime Idem Scores Udom, Wife, High on Performance as Akwa Ibom Clocks 34.
The member Representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep. Unyime Idem, has scored Governor Udom Emmanuel and his dear Wife Dr. Martha Udom, high on performance as the state clocks 34.
Idem disclosed this to newsmen shortly after taking part in the commissioning of Gen. Koko Essien Avenue, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem Avenue, David Lawrence Crescent, Nicholas Ekarika Avenue all at Shelter Afrique.
He also commended the wife of the Governor for using her pet project, FEYReps, to put smiles on the faces of the downtrodden by building 58 houses for widows and also providing means of livelihood for many others.
To ensure that he takes part in all the anniversary activities of the state, Rep. Idem had to shut down his legislative engagement at the National Assembly for the past one week to enable him join the first family in the commissioning of various life touching projects and other activities to mark the anniversary of the state.
He wished the first family well and prayed God Almighty to help them succeed in their completion agenda.
GOV EMMANUEL INAUGURATES 3.4 KM INTERNAL ROADS IN SHELTER AFRIQUE
To further celebrate the 34th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State’s creation, four new roads in the high profile Shelter Afrique Housing Estate of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State have been inaugurated.
The roads measuring 3.4kms include General Koko Essien Avenue, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem Avenue, David Lawrence Crescent, and Nicholas Ekarika Avenue.
Their inauguration brings the total number of internal roads constructed by the current administration in the estate, to sixteen.
Performing the inauguration, Governor Udom Emmanuel, said the projects symbolised a signature of his administration’s infrastructure drive in the estate, as done across the state.
Reiterating his position in an earlier interview on Arise TV, the governor maintained that Akwa Ibom State, at 34, has become a model of development for the nation.
Governor Emmanuel thanked God for taking the state so far and paid tributes to founding fathers and past leaders who have piloted the affairs of the state from inception and handing over diligently like a successful relay race.
He also expressed appreciation to the people of the state for their patriotism and love for the state and their support to successive administrations over the past 34 years.
He solicited for more support from the people and prayed for continued advancement in the state.
The Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Eno Ibanga, presenting an overview of the projects, said the roads, before construction, were impassable and resulted in erosion problems in the area.
The Works Commissioner affirmed that the projects were delivered according to specifications with solid side drainages.
The event attracted goodwill messages from the House of Representatives member for Uyo federal constituency, Hon. Michael Enyong, Member representing Uyo state constituency in the House of Assembly, Mr Anietie Ekah, the Chairman, Uyo local government area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, The Paramount ruler of Uyo, HRM Edidem Sylvanus Okon and Chairman Uyo Capital City Development Authority, UCCDA, Prince Enobong Uwah, with colourful cultural displays by women and youths to showcase their excitement and appreciation for the government interventions.
OUR MOMENT TO DEEPEN OUR UNITY, DEVELOPMENT, PEACE AND ONWARD MOVEMENT IS HERE. LET US SEIZE IT
BEING THE TEXT OF THE BROADCAST SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MR. UDOM EMMANUEL, GOVERNOR, AKWA IBOM STATE ON THE OCASSION OF THE 34TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STATE’S CREATION, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, UYO, SEPTEMEBER 23RD, 2021
MY FELLOW AKWAIBOMITES
Exactly 34 years ago, the warm and serene city of Uyo and indeed all other towns and villages in this State erupted in an uproarious applause and spontaneous celebrations. It was a celebration that was long in coming.
For decades, our forefathers supplicated, went on bended knees and prayed to God; made persuasive presentations and arguments for the creation of a homogenous State bound by shared love, values, customs and traditions.
Their prayers were not answered until that day, September 23, 1987, when our then Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, (GCFR) rtd, hearkened to the cries of our forefathers and created for us, our dear State, Akwa Ibom, the Land of Promise, the Land of daring, hospitable and industrious people, God’s own piece of real estate.
Today, 34 years later, the Akwa Ibom Story has become a national story, told in enchanting verses and engaging prose, a City on the Hill, a destination of choice and a land soaked in peace and development.
Today, my dear Compatriots, at this moment of our anniversary, I stand here again, ever grateful to our ONLY GOD to declare that though we have experienced the challenges associated with birth, the motions of crawling, the sometimes tortuous efforts to rise and maintain mobility; the steady but determined baby steps, we have nonetheless remained bold and focussed in our drive to live out the ideals of our founding fathers and turn our State into what they had envisioned her to be: The Land of Promise. All over the nooks and crannies of our dear State, these elements are manifesting. Our State is moving forward, in lock step with the symphonies and rhythm of growth and development.
Our State Capital City of Uyo has grown from what was once a dusty and rural Local Government Council headquarters, to a thriving cosmopolitan city, where Nigerians from all walks of life daily converge for their conferences and seminars and have declared it “Nigeria’s Best Kept Secret.” Our hinterlands have been opened up through interlocking road network, complete with regular electricity to enhance their quality of life and expand the free flow of goods and services.
The colours of Akwa Ibom State today adorn and illuminate the Nigerian skies with Ibom Air. Our healthcare delivery is one of the best in the nation and the infant mortality rate has reduced tremendously. Our children are being educated through specially targeted curriculum that puts accent on entrepreneurial skills development, so they may grow to be employers of labour as opposed to being employees.
The identity of the Akwa Ibom person vis-a-vis his or her place in the larger Nigerian Enterprise has been deeply distilled and our people are no longer content to be on the sideline of the Nigerian Boardroom or the hewers of woods and the drawers of water. Today, our people are as aspirational in all facets of the human endeavours as anyone else across the nation and indeed the world. Our youths have decided to arise or dakkada to the faith of their greatness and are utilizing the works of their hands to earn decent living for themselves. I believe, given where we are today from where we were 34 years ago, our forefathers will certainly be proud of our strides, and we all should equally feel that way too.
Let me use this opportunity to thank former President, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) GCFR for this great gift and of course, our past leaders for the service they had individually rendered to the State, and thus help sharpen our focus on development and growth.
Fellow Akwa Ibomites, as successful in moving our State forward as we may have been in the last 34 years, as glittering as the chapters of development may have been chronicled, as blessed as we as a people may have been, there is still a nagging problem that tucks at the heart of who we are: The gulf of disunity that appears to be widening and this has compelled me to ask this pertinent and fundamental question: Are we as united and cohesive as our forefathers had envisioned? Do we envelope or knit ourselves in the garment of unity and brotherhood? Are we conscious of our unique identity, the defining elements of our common heritage? Or are we, ready as the late American Civil Rights advocate, Martin Luther King once commanded the Negroes (as they were then called) to “learn to live together as brothers or perish together” in hate, animus and anger?
Why do we appear to be propelled by the destructive impulses or the negating spirit to pull one another down? Why have we raised to a disturbing level, the sad and shocking tendencies to de-market our State, and present our Symbols of Authority in unsanatized manner? Our founding fathers were united in love, shaped by the ennobling ideals of unity, and propelled by the endless possibilities each felt and believed we were capable of appropriating in unison. Little wonder the Ibibio State College was located in the heart of Annang land. Little wonder they forged a strong sense of brotherhood and unity which saw our sons and daughters being sent to schools in foreign lands through community taxing schemes and the selection process of the students to be sent abroad were not predicated on geography, but the force and content of such a student’s gifts and character.
Today as the proud heirs and heiresses of that noble heritage, can we proudly say we have lived out those enchanting ideals? Have we banished or relegated to the scrap heap of history the denigrating and debilitating urge to smear our leaders, hold them up for contempt and opprobrium through vile blackmail, all because of political differences or the push to be seen as a non-conformist?
As we celebrate our 34th Anniversary, I want to urge us all to once again wrap ourselves up in a garment of unity. It was an unknown writer who drove home this point when he said “when spiders unite, they can tie down a lion.” We can achieve a lot when we are united. I recognise the fact that people will share and entertain different political interests, I recognize the fact that politics sometimes can lead decent people to veer off the path of nobility, but such should not motivate us to seek to destroy the best in us, just to satisfy our political paymasters.
Let me repeat this line I have often used: My fellow Akwaibomites, politics will come and politics will go, but the Akwa Ibom spirit and blood that flows in us all will endure and flourish. Political foes you see today may be political allies tomorrow. May our Only God continue to strengthen the bonds of our unity and draw us closer to one another in truth and in spirit, Amen.
Fellow Akwaibomites, for over six out of the 34 years since our creation, you had blessed me with the mandate to superintend over the affairs of this great and peaceful State and for this I remain eternally indebted.
In those six plus years, together and with your prayers, we have achieved a lot for our people, even as the economic horizon continues to show signs of turbulence and the forecast a little hazy and dire. I do not intend to use this speech to over emphasize what you and I have achieved together, but it bears repeating that in almost all the areas we had emphasised as our governing agenda, industrialization, infrastructural consolidation, education and human capital development, food sufficiency and agro allied concerns, health care delivery for our people, ease of doing business through land, sea and air, power, aviation development, youth reorientation and empowerment, rural development, in short all aspects that uplift the human dignity, we have done very well, given the lean resources available to us.
Infrastructure is the critical driver of development and in this; we have done a lot for our people. It is only those who may be out to create mischief that would not recognize that we have expanded our infrastructure in this State, especially in our capital city of Uyo and indeed all over the State. The Ring Road three is currently on-going and would hopefully be commissioned before the end of the year.
I am sure any Akwa person of good will, will appreciate the ease of travelling from the airport through the city centre; from Oron road to Nwaniba or from the same Oron road to Nnung Udoe. A trip that used to take over thirty minutes can now be made in less than five minutes. With this also, comes the appreciation of property rates along the communities affected. This helps create wealth and provide the free flow of goods and services. The 25 kilometre dualized Uyo Ikot-Ekpene road is scheduled for commissioning on October 5th. The Uyo-Etinan road, is also on-going. The Ikot Oku Ikono Flyover, the longest in our parts was commissioned last July and today, has made traveling in and around Uyo a pleasurable experience.
All the three Senatorial Districts and ten Federal Constituencies, have been deeply impacted by the economically viable roads we have constructed. Yesterday, in Obot Akara, I had commissioned the 6.4km Nto Edino-Ekwerazu Road, which links obot Akara with Ekwerazu in Abia State, thus alleviating the pains the people of those communities had gone through for decades.
In Uyo Metropolis, we have commissioned numerous internal roads, including those in Shelter Afrique Estate that were commissioned a few days ago. In Ikot Ekpene, Eket and other major towns in the State, internal roads are being constructed, and all these are there for any discerning mind to see. We will continue to construct these roads knowing that we are building enduring infrastructure that our children will someday look back and say thank God, we once had an Administration who saw beyond the ordinary. We will not be distracted by the antics of naysayers or internet rabble rousers.
It also bears repeating that before we came in, Nsikak Eduok Avenue was a severely flooded area, in short it used to look like a small river whenever it rained. Today, certain individuals who traffic and peddle falsehood on the Internet appear to have forgotten how that road used to be, and the huge resources we put underground in channelling the flood away from that area. Similar task is currently being executed on Ibrahim Babangida Way.
Our passionate dedication to upgrading our infrastructure and thus make it easier for us to execute our industrialization agenda has seen us invest heavily in the power sector through the upgrading of existing substations and building new ones across the State, and it is a known fact that most parts of this State currently enjoy stable electricity. We remain focussed in our efforts to provide power for all, by 2021, all things being equal.
Because we have made this State peaceful and have provided infrastructure such as good roads, power, and the ease of traveling either by road or by air, we have been able to attract Foreign Direct Investments leading to the establishment of such economically viable and employment-generating industries such as the Syringes manufacturing company which is the largest in Africa and as widely reported last week, is in the process of exporting syringes to other countries. This is a huge leap for us as a State that was once described as a purely civil service State.
Our flour mill is humming and the quality of flour produced there is adjudged to be the best in the country. The Metering Solutions Company is helping consumers accurately read and manage their electricity consumption. Our rice mill in Ini Local Government Area is providing rice that is consumed here by our people at affordable price. The Plywood manufacturing company is meeting the needs of our furniture industry.
Our coconut oil refinery is almost at the point of completion and as the world opens up post-Covid 19 and our technical partners begin to travel freely, we will soon unveil this gigantic industry to the world as a testament to creative use of coconut to create wealth. Last week, at Ekeya, in Okobo Local Government area, we commenced the planting of coconut which would ultimately provide the raw materials for our virgin coconut oil refinery. The planting of the coconut in Ekeya, and other Local Government Areas will complement those we have already planted in Eastern Obolo.
The ground-breaking ceremony of the OCP 1.4 billion petrochemical and ammonia plant in Ikot Abasi is expected to be performed soon. Similar one was earlier this year, performed in Eastern Obolo.
We would not have been able to attract all these industries, if we did not create the enabling environment for investors to come and invest and we should be all proud of our efforts and celebrate our ascendance as a fast industrializing State. We remain grateful for approval given to us to commence work on our Ibom Deep Seaport and I urge the stakeholders in the communities the project is sited to rise above primordial attachments and see the potentials for economic growth this project will engender.
My dear Akwaibomites, the Akwa Ibom colours today are fluttering and illuminating the Nigerian aviation space with our Ibom Air. Earlier this year, we increased our fleet from 5 aircrafts to 7 with the addition of two brand new Airbus A-220-300 series, the first of such in the West Africa. Today, Ibom Air has become the reference point in Nigerian aviation industry because of the professionalism and service they are rendering to the Nation. We should all be very proud of these gigantic achievements, a feat I am sure our forebears will be happy in their graves.
Recently, a rich collection of veteran journalists from the Northern part of the Nation came to see things for themselves, and I was moved when one of the journalists, described what they saw especially at our on-going International Terminal at the Victor Attah Airport as phenomenal and never before seen in our Nation. Fellow Akwaibomites, 34 years after our founding, we have a lot to be proud of as a people and as a State.
Tomorrow, by the grace of God, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, (GCON) will help commission our 21 Storey Dakkada Tower, the most intelligent and smart building in the Nation, as our former President, Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR) once described it. We have constructed this edifice as a mark of our growth as a leading oil and gas producer in the Nation, and are hopeful that the International Oil Companies (IOCs) will take advantage of the building and move their operations to our State. The Vice President also, will help flag- off our Dakkada Luxury Estate which again signposts our resolve to provide great estate for the numerous investors and other visitors who are daily moving into our State to invest and live peacefully.
Fellow Akwa Ibomites, in the course of my two successful campaigns as Governor, I had promised to establish, remodel or renovate secondary health facilities (General Hospitals) across the ten Federal Constituencies. To the glory of God, this has been achieved. The massive General Hospital in Ikot Ekpene which visiting journalists recently described as a world class medical facility will be commissioned on October 26th, 2021. We had previously commissioned those in Etinan, Eket, Awa, Iquita, Oron, Ikono, Ituk Mbang, and Ikot Okoro.
Our proactive approach to healthcare delivery had seen us establish and equip the ICU at the Ibom Specialist Hospital, which became a saving grace when the Covid-19 first hit our shores and later the construction of the 300-Bed Infectious Disease Control Centre in Ituk Mbang, complete with a gas plant which is one of the largest in the nation. Today, because we invested in this life saving facility, we are able to manage our Covid-19 patients resulting in low death rates.
We remain focussed on our task of moulding and shaping our children with the right education that emphasizes entrepreneurial skills and are committed to recruiting teachers who can help drive this policy. You may have read recently that the list of the successful candidates, all one thousand of them, were recently published and they will soon be assigned to various schools. We will continue to make the environment where our children study to be as conducive as possible through the provision of amenities, science laboratories and other tools that will make them as competitive as their counterparts elsewhere. Entrepreneurial skills development is a key aspect we are emphasizing in our curriculum. We want to produce future graduates who will be employers of labour as opposed to looking up to government for employment. This is the way of the future; it has worked in a number of countries, especially India, where today, most of the leading technology giants are headed by Indian- born Chief Executive Officers and we believe down the road, it will work for our children too.
Our commitment to providing staple food at affordable price remains an abiding article of faith and as I always say, any society that fails to provide food for its people has failed a key element of the Social Contract. It is heart-warming that our people have embraced agriculture and are producing even vegetables that were previously thought not to be suitable for our soil.
Let me specifically use this opportunity to thank our youths for keeping the peace and buying into our dakkada philosophy. I am usually thrilled when I read on the social media platforms such entrepreneurial drives by our youths who have gone into providing services that were hitherto either intentionally ignored or which many thought had no immediate economic redeeming value. I am often excited when I read of our youths producing special “ekwong” delicacies, special ”ekpang-nkukwos”, specially packaged coconut water, or those producing agricultural produce such as vegetables, tomatoes etc. We will do all we can with the resources available to support in any small or large measures the growth and expansion of some of these innovative drives by our youths. I am hereby directing my Honourable Commissioner for Finance to liaise with some of these youths with the view to seeing areas of immediate assistance we may be able to offer.
I want to use this opportunity to challenge other youths to continue to look inwards and see what they can legitimately do, to lift themselves and live productive lives. Akwa Ibom youths are very skilled in technology and I urge them to band themselves together, and come up with ways they can seize the vast opportunities provided by the Internet to provide services that will help expand their growth and development. The Honourable Commissioner for Science and Technology is hereby directed to drive this approach.
Let me use this opportunity to thank my dear wife, Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel for the great and inspiring works she has done with Family Empowerment & Youth Re-Orientation Path Initiative (FEYReP) her signature pet project. Last week, I inaugurated the Committee Against Gender-Based Violence in our State, headed by my dear wife. We had earlier upgraded the Gender Based Violence (GBV) unit in the Ministry of Justice to a full Department with corresponding powers to investigate and recommend for prosecution those who indulge in gender-based crimes such as rape and other forms of spousal battering.
I want to commend FEYReP for the extraordinary work they have done in bringing this issue to the fore, the rights and dignity of the Girl child and if I may add, the Boy child. FEYReP has also done a lot in providing homes for widows, the severely economically disadvantaged, the market women, medical outreaches, sensitizing and awareness campaigns on easily preventable health issues and a whole lot of social services they have provided. As you celebrate your Sixth Anniversary, I want to say congratulations! As I always say: A job well done means more work to be done!
We thank most deeply and profoundly our security agencies and their leaders for the collaborations and cooperation we have enjoyed in the past six years. Together, we have worked to make our State one of the most peaceful in the Nation, attracting visitors in thousands and giving us the now nationally acceptable and known moniker as Nigeria’s “Best Kept Secret,” because once a visitor visits, he or she wants to come back, live here and invest. We know we can always count on your support and continuous cooperation.
Let me again congratulate our dear and popular football team, Akwa United for winning the 2020, Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL.) Even though your Continental campaign has sadly come to an end, we nonetheless stand united in our support and we wish you better luck next year.
Finally, my dear Akwaibomites, you will agree with me that in spite of what others may intentionally refuse to see or acknowledge, we have done exceedingly well, given the resources available to move our State forward in all indices of development. The question is: Should we allow these great foundations of growth, most of which are flourishing already and others soon to bear fruits in the hands of those who may not see beyond what we see today?
I put it to you my dear Akwaibomites that we need to protect these gains by ensuring that the man, whom God will choose as my successor, would be able to continue from these layers of growth and further expand our developmental strides and growth.
As the politics of 2023 beckons, we must be conscious of the moving forward as contained in our State Anthem “forward ever backward never”. This State will never go back on peace and security, this State will never go backward on securing the future for our children, and turning our youths into productive citizens; this State will never go backward in recognizing the fact that Jesus Christ is the centre of our governance, this State will never go backward in rewriting and changing the narratives of our development from being a purely civil service State it was 34 years ago to a fast industrializing one it has become in the past six years. This State will never lack food to feed her people at an affordable price, this State will never go backward in ensuring that we provide healthcare facilities for our people, the young, and the elderly. This State will continue to go forward; we the proud heirs and heiresses of our forefather’s hopes and dreams will still ensure that our unity, our development and our onward movement remain non-negotiable articles of faith.
Let me end this speech by quoting from the very inspiring words of a former Malaysian Prime Minister, Najib Razak, which would be expected of the one whom God will choose as my successor “The mandate that I seek is about continuity and sustainability against disruption and stagnation; about moving forward versus regressing. We have to safeguard what we have already achieved. We cannot put to risk what we have; we cannot gamble away our future.”
Fellow Akwaibomites, the future of Akwa Ibom State, which our forefathers prayed for and got is assured and in God’s own hands. It is safe, it is secure, and it is assured. We cannot gamble it away neither can we put it to risk. This is our collective charge, this is our collective expectation. In unity and in faith, this will come to pass. God bless Akwa Ibom State, God bless our wonderful people, God bless Nigeria! Akwa Ibom edakkeda, ami mme dakkada nda. Happy 34th Anniversary to us!
34TH ANNIVERSARY UPDATE: GOVERNOR EMMANUEL HOSTS LIVE INTERVIEW ..INAUGURATES MORE ROADS …TO SWEAR IN 3 NEW PARAMOUNT RULERS
As Akwa Ibom State clocks 34 today, His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel will be on a live interview on Arise TV, Channel 416 on DSTV.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh, the Special Anniversary Live interview will offer the Governor opportunity to speak on a variety of issues from 10am to 11am.
The Governor will also inaugurate some internal roads at the Shelter Afrique Housing Estate,Uyo by 12 O’Clock. The roads include the Gen Koko Essien Avenue, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem Avenue, Pst Nicholas Ekarika Avenue and David Lawrence Crescent.
The Governor will also swear in the new Paramount Rulers for Urue-Offong Oruko, Ikono and Ini local government areas by 2pm.
Earlier today the Governor had addressed the state in a Radio/TV broadcast, tagged, “Our moment to deepen unity, development, peace and onward movement is here, let’s seize it.”
Today we celebrate 34 years of God’s blessing, peace, unity, industrialization and prosperity of our dear state, Akwa Ibom. We celebrate the dreams of our founding fathers and the vision of our present leader in sustaining and promoting the virtues on whose foundation the state was created.
I, on behalf of my family and the entire people of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency congratulate the Governor of the State, His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of our state creation.
Akwa Ibom has witnessed tremendous transformation and development under your administration. Only God made it possible and I wish to express the support and loyalty of my constituents towards your completion agenda, believing that that same God will help you leave the state more peaceful, united and prosperous than you met it.
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary
Rep. Unyime Idem Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Communication/Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency
FOOD SUFFICIENCY: A’IBOM FLAGS OFF CULTIVATION OF COWPEA (BEANS )
In its continuing quest to achieve food sufficiency, the Akwa Ibom State Government through the Ministry of Agriculture, today, Wednesday, September 22, flagged off the cultivation of cowpea (beans. )
In a brief ceremony that took place at Government plantation, behind the Green House, Victor Attah international Airport, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet, restated the unshakable drive of the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel towards food sufficiency and agricultural boom.
“I want to thank the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who has supported farmers and everyone that has indicated interest to venture into agriculture. The Governor has done well, if he doesn’t love his people, he wouldn’t encourage us to go back to farming, because he believes that it is only through agriculture that poverty can be reduced in our society”, she said.
She added that the state through the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture has cultivated crops that were previously allien to the state.
“Before now we used to go to other states to buy beans, but today, because of the training and empowerment the Governor has given to farmers, we have realised we can also cultivate beans in Akwa Ibom state. We know by this action, other stakeholders in the agricultural sector will be motivated to key into the cultivation of beans to further achieve the food sufficiency policy of the Governor”.
The agriculture boss made a clarion call to individuals, groups and multinationals to partner with the state to restore its glory days where agriculture was a major source of income.
Earlier in her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Mary Ukoette appreciated the Governor for his love for farmers in the state. She lauded the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet for interpreting the Governor’s vision, which according to her has brought a revolution in the Ministry and has promoted the food sufficiency policy of the Governor.
Others who spoke were, the Director of Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Akpan and other stakeholders
Highpoint of the event was the official Flag-off of beans cultivation in the state.
GOVERNOR EMMANUEL INAUGURATES ROAD, 300m TWIN BRIDGES IN OBOT AKARA, AWARDS MORE PROJECTS
Governor Udom Emmanuel has inaugurated the Second Phase of the Nto Edino / Ekwereazu Road that comes with twin bridges to link some Obot Akara communities and also ease movement from Akwa Ibom State to Abia State.
The exercise which was part of activities to mark the 2021 Akwa Ibom State anniversary, was witnessed by the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel, Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Aniekan Bassey and other top government officials.
Speaking during the Commissioning, the Governor accompanied by other Government functionaries,said that the best way to appreciate citizens for their votes is through construction of quality projects, investments opportunities and peace of mind.
‘I’m not just coming back here for the bridges but to say thank you for everything you have done. Road projects and investments are better ways to say thank you.
“Once you drive into Akwa Ibom State from other parts of the country, you’ll see dividends of good governance.
” I want to assure Obot Akara people that I have also noted the other Mbiaso and Ikot Ambang roads and the bridge you’ve mentioned today, I have already directed Seyang to commence work on that other bridge and road and I am sure with his level of competence, we should come back to commission it 15 months from now.
He expressed satisfaction over the quality of work done by the indigenous contractor Engr. Samuel Inyang on the Nto Edino/Ekwereazu Road.
“I knew that immediately we commissioned the first phase of this road, there would be a surge of traffic, so, I asked them to complete the twin bridge and fortify it to carry any form of load.
“Seyang , has made us so proud as an indigenous contractor, this is excellent engineering. It’s good to acquire sufficient knowledge and skills in what you set to study. I am impressed by what Engr. Samuel Inyang.
“I’m not an engineer but if you check the bridge and strength it can carry, you will understand what I’m saying.” he said.
The governor once again displayed his soft nature, when he directed immediate empowerment of an elderly man whose house overlooks the new bridges, and further mandated the Permanent Secretary to ensure the remodeling the man’s house.
Earlier in his speech, the Commissioner for works, Prof Eno Ibanga explained that the twin bridges measures about 350meters with 1.2km pitch stone to control erosion and 4 drains, to control storm drains.
“The rain is showing that this road is well constructed. This is the only smooth road that takes people out of Akwa Ibom to eastern part. We are happy to be here to open this twin bridge”, he said, referring to a downpour that heralded the inauguration exercise.
Also speaking, the Senator Representing Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district, Senator Chris Ekpenyong, described the Governor as a covenant keeper, whlie recounting the ordeals of Obot Akara people as a result of the dilapidated road network.
“I’m not going to speak much, l’m a beneficiary of this project, in 1999, I was the Deputy Governor, we could not pass this road.
“We lost so many souls here, may the Soul of the man I sent to work on this road rest in peace.
“As Deputy Governor, for 8 years, I pleaded for this road to be done, I only got N7m from my principal, Obong Attah. This is an erosion prone area and I practically knelt to beg your predecessor for 8 years to intervene, yet he refused despite coming from this part of the state.
Engr. Ekpenyong narrated further that “in 2015, you came for campaign and I pleaded with you to fix this road since we will support you to become Governor.
“You laid the foundation in 2016 and awarded this contract to Seyang, an indigenous contractor and today we are here for Commissiong.
“You contributed earnestly to my emergence as a Senator, I thank you so much for giving us a road, you can see the impact, this is the only route to the eastern part. We the people of Obot Akara will always stand by you. Thank you for awarding Mbiaso bridge and Ikot Ambang bridge, I pray you will complete it.
Also,Rt Hon Idongesit Ntekpere, member Representing Obot Akara lauded Governor Emmanuel for the projects done so far in Obot Akara, assuring that his gesture will be rewarded with transparency honesty, politically and otherwise.
The Commissioner for Youths and Sports ,Sir Monday Ebong Uko eulogised Governor Emmanuel for completing the road recalling that for over 32 years , people had died on the road due to its extreme bad condition.
He also thanked the Governor for construction of the Ikpe Mbang Eyop road and other roads in the area.
The Chairman of Obot Akara, Mrs Agnes Cosmas Udonwenwen in her remarks thanked the Governor and assured him of their undying support towards his Completion Agenda.
“Where you go we will go. Thanks for all you have done for the people of Obot Akara.”
The Paramount Ruler of the Area, Edidem Uwa Umo Adiaka also lend his voice of commendation to the Governor, adding that the area has never been so positively affected by any previous administration.
FEYReP @6: Rep.Idem Applauds Akwa-Ibom First Lady for Changing fortunes of Women, Downtrodden.
The Deputy Chairman, Communications Committee in the House of Representatives, Rep Unyime Idem has applauded the wife of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Dr Martha Udom Emmanuel for using her pet project- Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Path Initiative-FEYReP to impact positively on women,youth and the Vulnerable in the society.
The Lawmaker made the commendation while fielding questions from Newsmen at Ibom Hall, IBB Avenue Uyo shortly after the FEYReP 6th Anniversary.
He noted that Dr. Martha has used FEYReP to empower women to provide economic and emotional support to their families, advocacy for the prevention of teenage pregnancies, education for the girl , promotion of moral values and economic excellence as well as support to government towards sustainable development.
Rep Idem who was accompanied by his wife – Helen posited that for the past six years, the State First Lady has demonstrated consistency, dedication and commitment to achieving the goals and objectives of FEYReP.
He congratulated FEYReP on the sixth Anniversary, prayed God to continue to strengthen the First Lady even as he pledged the loyalty and support of the Ukanafun/ Oruk Anam Federal Constituency to the completion agenda.
GOV EMMANUEL WOOS MORE SUPPORT FOR FEYREP AT SIX …CLEARS AIR ON FUNDING OF WIFE’S CHARITY ORGANISATION
Governor Udom Emmanuel has called on well-placed persons in Akwa Ibom State to identify with the vision of the Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Path-Initiative, FEYReP, to reach out to the less privileged in the society, assuring that with everyone’s support, the initiative would be sustained beyond his tenure in office.
The governor made the call at a thanksgiving service, held as part of activities to mark the sixth anniversary of FEYReP, at Insight Bible Church, Nsikak Eduok Avenue, Uyo, Monday Evening.
Governor Emmanuel lauded the ingenuity and sincerity of his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Martha Emmanuel, and her team in piloting the charity organisation to achieve maximal results, stated that funding for the project does not involve any penny from the state coffers.
“A lot of people don’t know, not even one naira of government money enters FEYReP. We still earn money even though we’re in government. We are not buying food, not fuelling or maintaining our vehicles, or paying bills, so we plough that money back to the poor quietly”, the Governor disclosed.
He explained that his family chose to appreciate the Grace of God by channelling their earnings outside government into charity and also thanked the supporters of FEYReP who, out of love, pull their resources to support the initiative.
“FEYReP will exist beyond my time in office because it’s not about the office, but her passion and I hope they will continue with that passion to help”
“In every human being, there are hidden things you don’t know. It’s only God that knows it all.
“Honestly I didn’t know she had so much strength until we had this opportunity to serve the people.
“Today we see a lot of people; caterers, tailors, a young girl without parents today has been called to Bar and so many who are in boarding houses. So FEYReP, at six, I’m proud of you.
“My dear wife, you’ve done well. It is only God that will reward you and I’m also glad to be part of this thanksgiving”, the governor stated.
Drawing from the scriptures in Proverbs 17:19 that whoever gives to the poor is lending to God, Governor Emmanuel urged the well-to-do to use FEYReP as a machinery to give back to the society.
“If you are not able to reach out to poor widows in the villages, if you bring your money, people are there to help you reach out to the people. There are a lot more people who are much more brilliant than you and me but don’t have opportunity to go to school. If you bring money, we’ll go and fish them out and make sure they also go to school”.
He tasked FEYReP not to rest on its oars, as there are still a lot more to be done. “you’ve done well, but a job well done means more jobs to be done and God who sees the heart will provide the resources.
“There are also a lot of individuals involved in the supporting FEYReP. Let me use this platform to thank them and those who go round identifying the indigent for help”, Governor Emmanuel said.
The Akwa Ibom First Lady and bearer of the FEYReP vision, Dr. (Mrs.) Martha Emmanuel, in earlier remarks, was full of thanks to God, her husband, supporters and staff of her pet project, FEYReP, for the six eventful years with evident testimonies of charity. This she affirmed was the essence of the evening gathering.
“Taking stock of what God has used FEYReP to do for the people of Akwa Ibom State in the past six years, it amazes me, because of that we are here this evening to tell God thank you for the grace and provision”, she said.
According to her, the journey has not been void of challenges, but even at that, God has helped FEYReP with supporters with who it could pull through, expressing her wish that the initiative does not end with her tenure as First Lady, as her passion for charity soars.
UDOM’S COMMISSIONER URGES TRADITIONAL RULERS TO SUPPORT COCONUT PLANTING REVOLUTION.
… As Agric Commissioner Announced Saturday, 18th September as Akwa Ibom Coconut Day.
Governor Udom Emmanuel’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Frank Archibong , has urged traditional rulers in the State to collaborate and share in the vision of the State Governor to ensuring Akwa Ibom becomes highest grower of coconut.
Mr. Archibong described the decision of the Governor to revolutionize the agric sector through plantation of coconut seedlings in all public Primary and Secondary Schools across the 31 Local Government Areas in the State as a “Very significant idea that will create more windows for employment and as well enhanced development process”.
The Commissioner made the call on Thursday, 16 September when he played host to the Dean of Commissioners who doubles as Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Glory Edet and some traditional rulers across the State in his office.
He said the government of Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, has invested so much money to ensuring coconut plantation across the State is actualized. “Within a few years from now, and with the genuine support of the traditional rulers, Akwa Ibom State will become the highest grower of Coconut”. Frank Stated. He charged the royal fathers to take the sensitization of ongoing e-registration of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) exercise and National Identity registration as necessary and important means of identification that citizens must be encouraged to participate.
On her part, the Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Glory Edet, lauded the giant strides in the sector achieved by the Governor, saying that on full completion of the coconut refinery, it will process a minimum of 90,000 coconut a day. Dr. Edet informed that the State will be marking her Coconut Day on Saturday,18th September , 2021 with all the Paramount rulers, Clan Heads and Village heads taking symbolic role, announcing that the Coconut refinery is about 90% Completion.
In her words,” We are blessed with a Governor that is dedicated to create prosperity for the people in Mr Udom Emmanuel, and God has equally blessed us with massive land size which will make the development process significant for creating wealth for our family and even generation unborn.”
“Coconut oil as we all know is even more expensive than the brent crude in the international market and if there must be a revolution in the sector, it must begin with us and our fathers ( the traditional rulers) must be involved”, she said.
In his submission, Clan Head of Esit Eket L.G.A., Etteidung Etteudo Ikot, admitted that he is a beneficiary of the Udom Emmanuel’s agriculture programs. Etteidung Ikot, expressed delight that the opportunity will add more value to the living standard of farmers. Village Head of Aka Offort, Chief Francis Morgan Udo, joined other royal fathers in assuring that the traditional rulers will cooperate with the State Government to bring the dreams to reality.
HOUSE OF REPS URGE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGAINST VIOLATION OF FEDERAL CHARACTER PRINCIPLES IN APPOINTMENT OF HEADS OF MDAs
House of Representatives has called on the federal government to address the constitutional infraction in the appointment of the Chairman and Secretary of the Federal Character Commission as well as Heads of other MDAs.
The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved at plenary by Deputy Chairman House Committee on Communications, Rep. Unyime Idem.
Rep. Idem, while moving the motion, said in compliance with the resolution of the House dated February 25, 2020, the president, on April 28, 2020 appointed the Chairman and Commissioners of the Federal Character Commission.
He said the current secretary of the commission was appointed as a substantive secretary to the commission in March 2017, whose tenure was expected to end on April 7, 2021, but was re-appointed by the president on April 7, 2021 for a second term.
The lawmaker noted that the current Chairman of the Commission, Muheeba Dankaka is from the Northern part of the Country and the re-appointed Secretary Mohammed Bello is also from the Northern part of the Country, which is in flagrant violation of Section 14 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as Amended.
The member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency stressed that the Federal Character Commission is one of the agencies of the federal government with the responsibility to promote, monitor and enforce compliance with the principles of the proportional sharing of all bureaucratic, economic and political positions at all levels of government.
He pointed out that the Principle of Federal Character, as contained in the Act governing the commission, lay emphasis on leadership positions being equally distributed between zones.
The House called on the federal government to address the unfair, unjust and inequitable appointment of both the Chairperson and Secretary of the Federal Character Commission from a particular zone of the country.
It mandated the House Committee on Federal Character to ensure compliance.
GOV EMMANUEL SETS TARGETS FOR NEW COMMITTEES ON GENDER BASED VIOLENCE, ROAD SAFETY
Governor Udom Emmanuel has inaugurated the Akwa Ibom State Gender Based Violence Management Committee (GBVMC) as well as a Road Safety Advisory Council (RSAC) for the state.
Performing the inaugurations Wednesday at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, Governor Emmanuel stressed that the establishment of the Gender Based Violence Committee became necessary to proffer a synchronized approach to addressing all forms of violence against persons and reinforce the already operational Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law in the state.
Governor Udom Emmanuel
“We are trying to do this across the Federation, to work towards the total elimination of social and cultural practices that enable gender-based violence”, the governor said, adding that the Committee will also make recommendations for the State’s line of actions against gender based violence.
He said the committee is to also stimulate actions to improve the welfare of victims and restore sanity, especially concerning rape and domestic violence across genders.
“I emphasize, any man caught in the act of rape or reported, the law will take its course and we will fast track the law to take its course. We won’t agree to all those indefinite adjournments,” he stressed.
Governor Emmanuel said the Road Safety Advisory Council was born out of concerns raised in the National Economic Council over loses occasioned by carelessness and disorderliness in road usage across the nation and was being instituted in all states of the federation.
Highlighting the terms of reference, the governor said the Council in obligated to, among several other responsibilities, set state road safety strategy targets in line with the federal road safety standards, draw up safety strategy targets for the state and ensure coordination between state and local government areas in achieving road safety targets, drive implementation of federal road safety strategies, evaluation of outcomes of national road safety targets.
The Akwa Ibom First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Martha Emmanuel, interacting with government house correspondents, thanked God and the governor for bringing the long craved institutionalization of structure for enforcement of gender based violence prohibition to fusion.
Mrs. Emmanuel said the establishment of the committee was a major milestone in the fight against gender based violence and assured that establishment of the committee will yield fruit as her committee was action-poised to fight the menace and bring it to an end in the state.
The GBVMC has the state First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Martha Emmanuel, as Chairperson, Mrs. Emem Ette of the Ministry of Justice as Secretary, with the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, State Director of Information, Mr. James Edet, Police desk officer in charge of Gender based matters, Supol Nseobong Umoh and nine others drawn from various relevant government agencies and Civil Society Organisations, as members.
Members of the newly inaugurated State Road Safety Management Committee include, Mr Moses Ekpo, State Deputy Governor as Chairman, Commissioner of Transport – Member, Commissioner of Works – Member Commissioner of Health – Member, Commissioner of Justice – Member, Commissioner of Education – Member, Commissioner of Finance – Member, Commissioner of Environment – Member, State Planning Commission – Member, State Chairman of Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) – Member, with the FRSC Sector Commander serving as Secretary.
AKSU staff reject appointment of Prof Eno Ibanga’s wife as Registrar
Concerned staff of the Akwa Ibom State University have rejected the appointment of Ebi Eno-Ibanga as the Registrar of the institution. Mrs Ebi Eno-Ibanga is the wife of the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Eno Ibanga. Prof Ibanga is now the Commissioner for Works in Akwa Ibom State.
In a petition addressed to the Chairman of the governing council of Akwa Ibom State University, the concerned staff of the institution say Mrs Ibanga is deficient in the basic academic qualifications for the office of Registrar which she aspires to.
The concerned staff who wrote the petition under anonymity (Anonymous Indigenes of Akwa Ibom) for fear of being witch hunted prayed the Chairman of the Governing Council of the school to look into the substance of their petition as the issues are worthy of investigation.
“We make bold to say that Dr. Ebi G. Eno-Ibanga did not attend any primary school in Nigeria or elsewhere and as such does not possess the foundational academic credential known as the First School Leaving Certificate as there is no such academic certificate in her file. The said Dr. Ebi G. Eno-Ibanga fully conscious of her deficiency also confirmed same in her curriculum vitae which we found. Sir, a copy of the Governing Council’s advertisement in the Punch newspaper of July 7th 2021 reveals clearly that anyone applying to fill the vacant office of Registrar, must possess a First School Leaving Certificate. Will this be swept under the carpet? Akwa Ibom people are keenly watching and will resist any attempt to impose an academically deficient fellow on the university”, the petition reads in part.
“Her case is not different from that of the Bayelsa Deputy Governor-elect. In her file, is a West African Examinations Council’s Certificate of December 1981. The bearer of the said certificate is Odiakosa Gloria. Again, there is another certificate from the same Examination body for June 1983 with the name Odiakosa Clara Okwuanuzo. Realizing the inconsistencies, one Odiakosa Okwanuzo Gloria proceeded to the registry of the Lagos State Magistrate Court to depose an affidavit for the purpose of saying Clara is not part of her name but Gloria is. This appeared (at least in the mind of the said Odiakosa Okwuanuzo Gloria), to have settled the nagging issue.
“The question now is: Is there any relationship between Odiakosa Okwuanuzo Gloria and the aspirant to the office of Registrar of the Akwa Ibom State University? Said differently, does the names Odiakosa Okwuanuzo Gloria and Ebi G. Eno-Ibanga belong to one and the same person? This is pertinent to be resolved because from the certificate of birth issued as way back as 19sixtyfive to the WAEC certificate of 1983 (referenced above) there was never any mention of the name EBI.
“While the question still lingers as to the personality being screened, we wish to register our total displeasure in the screening process, particularly as it relates to the position of the Registrar. We need not state the obvious that this being an academic institution which is expected to judge students as being worthy in both learning and character, it implies therefore, that it is our duty to live by example so as to positively affect the conduct of these students in the future”, the petition states further
Akwa Ibom Governor Inaugurates GBV State Management Committee
… First Lady heads Committee
Governor Udom Emmanuel has inaugurated the Akwa Ibom State Gender Based Violence Management Committee.
The Committee is headed by his Wife, Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel and has Barr. Emem Ette of the Ministry of Justice as Secretary.
Performing the inauguration at the EXCO Chambers of Government House, Uyo, the Governor said the setting up of the Committee is a follow up to the State Gender Policy which prohibits all forms of violence against persons in the state.
He added that the objective of the Committee is to make recommendations and as well proffer synchronised approach towards ending all forms of gender-based violence in state.
Governor Emmanuel added that to restore back sanity in the state, the Committee must work towards the total elimination of gender based violence.
He warned that henceforth anyone found culpable in abusing or raping any gender (male and female) would be dealt with the full wrath of the law.
While fielding questions from Government House reporters, Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel speaking on behalf of the Committee, expressed delight at the innauguration of the Committee, saying this would further help in the fight against the scourge.
“We are going out en-masse to fight this crime to an end. This is another milestone in this course and with the enabling law, we will achieve much success collectively,” First Lady Martha quipped.
Other members of the 14-member Committee are : Dr. Ini Adiakpan (Hon Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare), Mrs. Eno Jerome ( Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare), Barr ( Mrs) Mfon Edemekong (Ministry of Justice ) and Mrs. Idongesit Udo ( Ministry Health).
Also making the Committee are : Mrs. Emem George ( Office of the Accountant General), Mrs. Kokomma Sabbath ( Ministry of Education ), Mrs. Blessing Udofa ( Multilateral and Donor Agencies), Supol Nseobong Umoh ( Police Gender Desk Officer), Dr. Nsekpong Udoh ( CSO ), Mrs. Ime Ephraim Inyang ( CSO), Obonganwan Patricia Essienobot ( CSO ) and Mr. James Edet ( Ministry of Information).
GOV EMMANUEL SETS TARGETS FOR NEW COMMITTEES ON GENDER BASED VIOLENCE, ROAD SAFETY
Governor Udom Emmanuel has inaugurated the Akwa Ibom State Gender Based Violence Management Committee (GBVMC) as well as a Road Safety Advisory Council (RSAC) for the state.
Performing the inaugurations Wednesday at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, Governor Emmanuel stressed that the establishment of the Gender Based Violence Committee became necessary to proffer a synchronized approach to addressing all forms of violence against persons and reinforce the already operational Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law in the state.
“We are trying to do this across the Federation, to work towards the total elimination of social and cultural practices that enable gender-based violence”, the governor said, adding that the Committee will also make recommendations for the State’s line of actions against gender based violence.
He said the committee is to also stimulate actions to improve the welfare of victims and restore sanity, especially concerning rape and domestic violence across genders.
“I emphasize, any man caught in the act of rape or reported, the law will take its course and we will fast track the law to take its course. We won’t agree to all those indefinite adjournments,” he stressed.
Governor Emmanuel said the Road Safety Advisory Council was born out of concerns raised in the National Economic Council over loses occasioned by carelessness and disorderliness in road usage across the nation and was being instituted in all states of the federation.
Highlighting the terms of reference, the governor said the Council in obligated to, among several other responsibilities, set state road safety strategy targets in line with the federal road safety standards, draw up safety strategy targets for the state and ensure coordination between state and local government areas in achieving road safety targets, drive implementation of federal road safety strategies, evaluation of outcomes of national road safety targets.
The Akwa Ibom First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Martha Emmanuel, interacting with government house correspondents, thanked God and the governor for bringing the long craved institutionalization of structure for enforcement of gender based violence prohibition to fusion.
Mrs. Emmanuel said the establishment of the committee was a major milestone in the fight against gender based violence and assured that establishment of the committee will yield fruit as her committee was action-poised to fight the menace and bring it to an end in the state.
The GBVMC has the state First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Martha Emmanuel, as Chairperson, Mrs. Emem Ette of the Ministry of Justice as Secretary, with the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, State Director of Information, Mr. James Edet, Police desk officer in charge of Gender based matters, Supol Nseobong Umoh and nine others drawn from various relevant government agencies and Civil Society Organisations, as members.
Members of the newly inaugurated State Road Safety Management Committee include, Mr Moses Ekpo, State Deputy Governor as Chairman, Commissioner of Transport – Member, Commissioner of Works – Member Commissioner of Health – Member, Commissioner of Justice – Member, Commissioner of Education – Member, Commissioner of Finance – Member, Commissioner of Environment – Member, State Planning Commission – Member, State Chairman of Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) – Member, with the FRSC Sector Commander serving as Secretary.
GOVERNOR SIGNS AKWA IBOM ANTI- GRAZING BILL INTO LAW
The Governor of Akwa lbom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel has signed into Law a Bill to Prohibit Open Rearing and Grazing of Livestock and Provide for the Establishment of Ranches in Akwa Ibom State.
The Speaker, Rt Hon Aniekan Bassey with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Uko Udom (SAN), presented the Bill for signing today at the State Executive Chambers, in the Governor’s Office, Uyo.
The Governor after signing the Bill into Law stated that the new Law is no respecter of persons irrespective of status or caliber.
He instructed relevant authorities of government to ensure that the bill is implemented and enforced to the letter with strict compliance, stressing that culprits must be brought to book accordingly.
The new Law will promote modern techniques in animal husbandry, prevent the destruction of farms by wandering cattles, while reducing clashes and killings between herders and farmers in the state.
It will also promote international best practices in livestock administration, regulation and control in the state, among other things.
Recall that the House at yesterday’s plenary passed the Bill into Law, with Tuesday, September 14, 2021 as its commencement date and the Speaker, Rt Hon. Aniekan Bassey, immediately directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Mandu Umoren to communicate the decision of the House to the the Governor for his assent.
Also at the Executive Chambers, the Speaker who was accompanied by Rt Hon Udo Kierian Akpan, the Leader of the House and Mrs Mandu Umoren, Clerk of the Assembly to the signing ceremony witnessed the inauguration of two Committees by the Governor.
The Committees are the Akwa Ibom State Gender Based Violence Management Committee, chaired by the First Lady, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel and Akwa Ibom State Road Safety Management Committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo.
Press Unit, Office of the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly
Association of local government Vice Chairmen forum, (ALGOVC), Nigeria,has honoured the wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr. (Mrs. )Martha Udom Emmanuel, with the award of; “Advocate of Women and Youth empowerment” for her hard works, Dedications, Selfless Sacrifices, and adding excellent value in the area of Empowerment, efforts and cabinet-picks which have mainstreamed women’s place in the society
The award was conferred on the Governor’s wife in Abuja on Thursday, 9th September 2021, at the 2021 Annual National Conference organised by the Association, with the theme; “Improving Grassroots Leadership As A Panacea For Insecurity, Peace and National Development” . Speaking on the event, Dr. Martha appreciated God for the gift of life and the opportunity to serve. Also, she commended the Association for making this year’s conference one of its kind, promised to continue in her good works.
she further seized the opportunity to thank her husband, His Excellency, Mr Udom Gabril Emmanuel, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, who she described as an inspiration.
“I did not hesitate when the highest body of mine deemed it fit to honour me, I appreciate the association for encouraging and honouring me with this award and I promise to do more. I express gratitude to my husband, my family, FEReP and Akwa Ibom state, God bless you all.
The First Lady was represented by Uyo Vice-Chairman, Hon. Sylvia Ekong thanked the organizers of the event for recognizing the humanitarian services done by Her Excellency through her Pet project, Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation path initiative (FEReP) and also giving Akwa Ibom women a voice in the political spheres. She was flanged by the Vice-chairman of Onna, who also is the chairman of Vice-Chairmen forum Akwa Ibom State, Hon Jonny Princewill and the vice-chairman of Ikono, Hon Simeon Unyanga.
Other activities include the public presentation of a book in honour of their National Chairman, Hon. Lawrence Onuchukwu titled: Leadership, An Account Of Hon. Lawrence Onuchukwu and award dinner where some prominent Nigerians that have contributed immensely to the nation’s peace and unity were honoured.
Those who received the Association’s prestigious award include; the Vice-President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum and his Sokoto State counterpart, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Cross River State First Lady Mrs. Ayade and President of Neigbo Association FCT.
The member Representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rep. Unyime Idem has been honoured as the Best Lawmaker in the history of the federal constituency by Lions Club.
Presenting the award, the leader of the delegation, Lion Unwana Akpan said the honour was due to Rep. Idem’s outstanding contributions towards humanitarian service, community development and sponsorship of quality bills and motions. He said Rep. Idem has impacted his federal constituency in so short a time.
Responding, Rep. Idem thanked Lions Club for the honour done him and promised to do more to push the human race forward.
He dedicated the award to the people of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency
Media Unit Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency
OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT DESERVES 2023 GUBER TICKET, BUT…
UYO PDP LEADERS
Leaders and stakeholders of Uyo Local Government Area say although their local government area as the host of the state Hilltop mansion deserves to produce the next governor of the state, they would not spare any effort in supporting a successor that God would reveal to Governor Emmanuel, from any part of the senatorial district.
To them, as long as the 2023 Governorship seat has been zoned to Uyo Senatorial District, whoever would eventually emerge candidate of the PDP from among the Nine local government areas that constitute the Senatorial district, shall have their support.
Chairman, Uyo Capital City Development Authority, UCCDA and Co-ordinator of Maintain Peace Movement, MPM in Uyo local government area, Prince Enobong Uwah announced the decision of stakeholders during the inauguration of the movement at a well attended ceremony held at Ibom Hall in Uyo.
He said despite the huge sacrifices they have made to give up their inheritances for the hosting of facilities to support the administration of the entire state, “the people of Uyo will align with any favoured candidate from any part of district, in the overall interest of peace.
“Your Excellency, Uyo Local Government produces the highest number of votes in the state. Uyo came back to the mainstream of politics when all of us decided it was time to jettison opposition and embrace the PDP wholeheartedly. We came back to politics”
“We will follow government. Wherever God wants Governor Udom Emmanuel’s successor to come from, we will follow”.
Also corroborating the position of the MPM leader in the area, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo while welcoming the MPM train to the local government area, said Uyo values peace, because it has seen the enormous benefits and desires to enjoy more dividends of democracy which can only be guaranteed in an atmosphere of peace.
“We have three reasons we are embracing this movement, and our reasons for embracing MPM with open arms are that; we value peace in Uyo local government area, We have also seen and benefitted from peace and thirdly, we want to enjoy more of dividends of democracy that only peace can bring about”
Also, Secretary of the steering committee in Uyo, Hon. Monday Eyo who is the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, assured the Governor and the MPM leadership of the resolve of Uyo to align with the Governor’s completion agenda and succession plan.
Performing the inauguration of the Uyo chapter coordinating body of the movement, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem lauded the stakeholders and people of the area for their decision to ensure the sustenance of the development efforts of Governor Emmanuel.
Enoidem who is the National Legal Adviser of PDP reminded them that it’s the turn of Uyo Senatorial District to produce a Governor in 2023, and Uyo being a member of the Senatorial district has every right to aspire for the number one seat, and commended their decision to align with the completion agenda and succession plan of the leader of the party in the State.
The steering committee of the movement in Uyo has Prince Enobong Uwah as Coordinator, while Hon. Monday Eyo is the Secretary.
The Membership has Rt. Hon. Mike Enyong, Hon. Anietie Ekah, Sir. Charles Udo, Dr. John Etim, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, Barr. Mrs. Stella Udo, Mr. Ime Uwah, Idorenyin Umoh and Leo Isua.
Serving in the advisory capacity are; Obong Cyril Ekiko, Ukpong Dan Umo, Ini Utuk, Ekere Affia, Arch. Essien Nkanga, Justin Ekong, Dr. Mrs. Grace Ekpo, Obong Maurice Edet, Mr. Ebong Bassey and Hon. Tony Asikpo,
Nigerians can’t elect sick President again in 2023, Ohanaeze denies supports for Tinubu
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the highest Igbo socio-cultural organization led by Chief Chidi Ibe, has denied the endorsement of the former Governor of Lagos State and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu for the 2023 presidential seat in Nigeria.
The group insisted that it is concerned with ensuring that an Igbo man takes over from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 in the interest of equity justice and fairness.
Ohanaeze, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chika Temple, and sent to Akelicious on Thursday, faulted the media statement by a chieftain, Uche Okwukwu describing Bola Tinubu as a protector of Ndigbo.
Sources reported that Ohanaeze’s Deputy President General, Dim Uche Okwukwu had described Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the protector of people of the Southeast, who is needed to guide Nigerians in the right path of democracy.
Okwukwu recalled that Tinubu was a fair leader who appointed Igbos into his cabinet during his administration as Governor of Lagos State.
He stated that Tinubu was needed for the unification of the Southern bloc.
However, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in the release, maintained that it has not endorsed Tinubu ahead of the 2023 presidential election, stating that it amounts to injustice should anybody from any section of Nigeria denies Igbos the opportunity to occupy the nation’s number one seat in 2023.
The group noted the contributions of the former Lagos governor in deepening democracy in the nation but insisted that Tinubu did nothing much to advance the welfares of the igbos residing in Lagos during his reign as the Chief Executive officer of the state.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo also noted with nostalgia the appointment of Chief Ben Akubueze as Commissioner in the then administration of the APC national leader as Governor, insisting that the development should not be used as a yardstick in describing Bola Tinubu as protector of the Igbos.
The apex socio-cultural body further recalled that past administrations of former Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu and Chief Theodore Orji in Abia State fully appointed many numbers of non-indigenes from Yoruba and Hausa extraction into the state’s government, positing that the description of the Tinubu as the protector of the Igbo cannot be justified.
The Pan-Igbo organization said it wished the APC national leader quick recovery and sound health and advised him to jettison whatever political ambition, as Nigerians cannot afford again to electa a sick person as President to steer the ship of this country as witnessed under the current President, Muhammadu Buhari.
According to Ohanaeze, “We wish Ashiwaju of Yoruba land a quick recovery from London health trip, but, Ohanaeze will want to make it clear that we have not endorsed Tinubu or anybody for 2023 presidency, it will not be in the interest of the country to kick out Igbo nation from clinching the presidential seat, because, other regions in this country have taken their turns, natural justice demand that other ethnic nationalities must rally round the people of the southeast extraction to produce Buhari’s successor.
Again, Ohanaeze doesn’t think that Nigerians will afford again to elect aa sick president as seen in our current President’s earlie medical trips which nearly led this great nation into economic and political instability. So, as we wish him good health, and appreciate his contributions to nation-building, we want to also urge him to continue playing his advisory role, as his name will remain in history, on the quest of all Nigerians to use this current democratic governance towards achieving a greater Nigeria where justice, equity, fairness and peace will guide our daily activities, characters, policies and programs, and as well as our electoral process.
It must be a mistake for anybody to assume that Bola Tinubu is the protector of the Igbos. Ndigbo will not be in a hurry to recall the eviction notice slammed on Igbos in Lagos by the Oba of Lagos that almost brought disaffection between our brothers and sisters and the host ethnic nationality in Lagos. What were the contributions or efforts of Tinubu then in calling the monarch to order over the unlawful eviction order.
A Nigerian Television Authority, (NTA) Staff identified as Chukwu Odiahu has been killed in Okene, Kogi State by unknown individuals.
The source gathered that late Odiahu who works at the engineering department of the NTA boaster station in Okene was stoned to death on Tuesday evening after he closed from work.
Although the cause of the attack on late Odiahu is yet to be known as at the time of filing this report. The source gathered that all the staff on duty have been arrested and are currently under interrogation at the Divisional Office of the Nigeria Police Force in Okene.
A staff of NTA in Okene who spoke under anonymity confirmed the incident.
The staff said” It is very unfortunate we all woke up this morning to see the death of one of our colleagues under the engineering department.
” When we closed transmission around 10pm on Tuesday, he left the office premises. Unfortunately this morning, (Wednesday), we discovered his corpse that he was killed with stones by some persons who we do not know.
“All the staff on duty have been arrested because they are prime suspects. The incident has been reported to the Police for investigation. Odiahu is a gentleman who is committed to his duty. He died a horrible death”.
The Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) DSP William Ovye Aya is yet to confirm the incident as he failed to pick calls or messages sent to his mobile phones.
DPO LOSES SERVICE PISTOL AFTER HELPING HIS STRANDED GIRLFRIEND TO PASS A NIGHT IN HIS OFFICE
The Lagos State Police Command has detained one Jennifer Madueke over the loss of a service Gun belonging to one CSP Adegoke Akinlade, the DPO of Denton Police Station, Ebutta Meta.
The 29 years old lady was said to have been detained in the Denton Police facility for 3 days before being transferred to the State Criminal and Investigation Department (SCID) for further interrogation.
According to the publication by Punch, the duo have been in relationship before the DPO was transferred out of Lagos State for about 7 years and was later transferred back in 2021. They met again, exchanged contact and continued in their relationship.
Reports had it that on Friday 27th August, 2021, he called her to come to the office and was with her till the early hours of the next day when he escorted her to the bus stop.
It is alleged that on Saturday 4th September, 2021, the DPO invited the lady again but this time accused her of stealing his Service Pistol, she was detained in the cell and asked to make a confessional statement about the incident.
Information had it that on Monday, he took her to a Herbalist at Jebba Street where it was affirmed that she stole the Arms. The DPO then transferred her case to SCID where she was further detained.
In the course of investigation, she was taken to her house on the 7th of September, where a search was conducted in a bit to recover the Gun but it was not found.
Akinlade however, denied the claims of sleeping with her in his office. He confirmed the loss of his Arms and insisted that the suspect stole it including the sum of #50,000.
He accepted keeping the suspect and one other lady in his office because they had claimed they were stranded in getting a vehicle back to their different destinations that night. That he left them and went out for Night Patrol not knowing that the suspect had gone behind his chair to remove the Gun and money from his bag.
He was said to have admitted giving her #4,000 to pay her way back home but denied having anything to do with her in the night. He added that when he noticed the missing items he immediately put a call to her but she blocked him.
The DPO stated that the lady was arrested when he paid people to track her. That she has accepted stealing the sum of #7,000 but denied stealing the gun. He said he has regretted helping her that night when she was stranded but believe she will later confess where she kept the Gun.
Akwa Ibom State Executive Council Enlarged Meeting held on Friday, September 10, 2021.
The enlarged EXCO meeting commenced at 5pm and was chaired by the Governor, sitting as Chairman-in-Council. The national and state anthems were rendered and the opening prayer worded by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance.
The Governor welcomed members to the meeting and reminded of the need to double efforts to deliver government policies and projects in a timely manner as any delay carried additional financial cost.
Presentation of Supplementary Estimates:
HC-Finance presented the supplementary estimates which he said were based on inflation, exchange rate and other financial accidentals. He also noted that natural disasters occurred in the past few months, were not captured in the budget, but require urgent government intervention.
To cater for these, a proposition of 136,504,539,000 (recurrent estimates 39,302,000,000 and capital estimates 97,202,539,000)
The estimates were adopted for forwarding to the state House of Assembly.
The meeting ended at 6pm with a closing prayer offered by HC-Finance.
Signed:
Comrade Ini Ememobong Honourable Commissioner for Information & Strategy 10092021
AKSG WELCOMES PUPILS, STUDENTS AND TEACHERS TO A NEW ACADEMIC SESSION
As public and private primary and secondary schools in the State resume for the first term on Monday,13th September,2021 , Akwa Ibom State Government welcomes pupils, Students and Teachers for the 2021/2022 academic session.
This was contained in a Release signed by the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet on Friday,10th September,2021.
According to the release, Parents and Guardians were advised to ensure relevant textbooks , writing materials,and other necessities are provided for their children and wards ahead of the new term, urging them to release their children to school as effective teaching and learning shall commence immediately from first day of reopening.
The Commissioner also advised parents to ensure their children are properly kitted daily with facemasks, while school authorities should provide hand washing facilities including running water, hand sanitizers and to comply strictly with safety protocols in view of the new wave of Covid 19 Delta variance.
Mrs Etiebet commended School Authorities and Teachers for their assiduous and altruistic services over the past sessions, charging them to step up their game as State Government would continue to give top priority to their welfare.
On Students and Pupils,the Education Boss reiterated Government’s commitment to academic excellence and high standard of Education, enjoining the children to be more studious in the new term as absenteeism, truancy, laziness and any act of irresponsibility would not be condoned.
The Commissioner, on behalf the State Ministry of Education and indeed the Education Management Committee, wished Pupils, Students and Teachers a fruitful academic session.
As Akwa Ibom is clocking 34 this month, the state Government will again celebrate every good and great Akwa Ibom person. For this year, entry is already opened for nomination of 34 Akwa Ibom persons who are considered as community heroes, people with inspiring stories,people with the spirit of enterprise, resilience, community development and other virtues associated with the Akwa Ibom persona.
At the moment,l can not think of another person that best fit into the descriptions than distinguished Senator Effiong Bob.
We have told his stories in many platforms and on several occasions, however, l will remind us of how best Effiong Bob deserves every form of celebration in Akwa Ibom State.
Inspiring story: How best can a story inspire you than that of Effiong Bob; He was employed by the ministry of Land as a civil servant and was posted to Ikot Ekpene as the pioneer Secretary, Lands allocation advisory committee, he later resigned his position to further his education, graduated as an overall best student in Law from the University of Lagos, returned to the state to practice his career and then responsibility came in and he was called upon to represent his people in the council as Supervisory Councillor, became the Council Chairman, member representing Nsit Ubium State constituency(Deputy Speaker), Attorney General, senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Member of the ECOWAS Parliament, Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Benin. One thing is sure, integrity, humility,resilience kept him that far. How best can you be inspired!!!
Spirit of Enterprise: Outside Running one of the best Law firms in Nigeria, Bob runs one of the most successful Broadcasting stations in Uyo, he didn’t take it anywhere, he brought it home where his people can be employed.
Community Development :The story of Shelter Afrique can not be completed without considering the sacrifices of Senator Bob, as the Attorney General, he led the delegation that sealed the contract in Kenya, the risk he and his team took that day can better be told than experienced.
As Attorney General, Bob brought the Federal High Court to Akwa Ibom, he also saw to the sitting of the Appeal Court in Akwa Ibom state, no one has done that after him. Bob practically Changed the face of the Judiciary in Akwa Ibom and raised standard in the practice of law. Again, as an Attorney General, he was an instrument through which the Nigerian Bar Association acquired a land for the building of their secretariat, under Bob, the NBA was able to have two new branches;Ikot Ekpene and Eket branches adding to the already existed Uyo Branch.In his days,Lawyers were sent for long courses training within and outside the Country in their different fields of Specialization like petroleum Law, Environmental Law, Chemical Law, oil and gas Law etc in Countries like Singapore,London etc.
Last year in the floor of Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly, Barr. Uko Udom, the current Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the State while answering questions from the law makers noted that Bob was a fine Attorney General who saw to the codification of the laws in Akwa Ibom, according to the Luminary, we never had one before him and has not got one after him. He took time to appreciate the achievements of the distinguished Senator during his screening on the floor of the AKHA.
How can we forget the boundary dispute between Cross River and Akwa Ibom and that of Abia and Akwa Ibom, as the Attorney General, Bob saw to the end of those crisis in his time. Even if we were to forget about the boundary crisis,how about the Onshore-offshore dichotomy fight! We are enjoying today, because people laboured. Bob was at the forefront of the battle as the Attorney General of the state.
As a politician, Bob is also a writer, he has more books to his name than any Akwa Ibom politician, these books will inspire you to become a great leader at any level. As the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Bob facilitated the employment of over 200 Akwa Ibom persons as both Academic staff and none Academic staff, they are still working there as we speak.
AKS MINISTRY OF EDUCATION CELEBRATES FIRST CLASS UNIUYO GRADUATE OF LAW, IKANNA OKIM ,AS SHE PLEDGES TO FLY AKWA IBOM FLAG IN LAW SCHOOL
In recognition of her academic excellence and outstanding performance as first-ever First Class graduate of Law, University of Uyo, Management of the Ministry of Education has celebrated Miss Ikanna Okim for the giant feat.
In a brief reception in her honor at the Ministry’s headquarters in Uyo, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet lauded the First Class law graduate for not only distinguishing herself in her educational pursuit but breaking the jinx in the thirty years history of the law faculty of the University.
Mrs Etiebet said State Government is proud of her laudable achievement and urged her to keep on the good works and replicate same record in the Law School that would attract laurels and scholarships for her to further her Education.
In her response, Miss Okim appreciated the Commissioner and Management of the Ministry for the warm reception accorded her.
She said by this gesture, she was spurred to do more and therefore pledged to continue to fly the flag of Akwa Ibom State by working very hard to earn another first class in the Nation’s law school.
The event was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary, Lady Rose Bassey, Special Assistant to the Governor on Education Monitoring, Akparawa Udeme Udofia and Directors of the Ministry.
