CONGRESS OF FORMER OFFICERS OF PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) AKWA IBOM STATE.

MESSAGE OF FELICITATION TO OUR DEAR PATRON – AKPARAWA DR GODWIN NTUK UDEH

In returning all glory to God, we congratulate you on your appointment as Political Adviser to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, upon whom we shower encomiums for finding you worthy and fit for such a sensitive and very demanding office.

Sir, having consistently swung and dived through the revolving political ocean of Akwa Ibom State, where your inextinguishable relevance has neither suffered any setback nor decline since the return of democracy in Nigeria, we see your appointment by the Governor as indeed, a hallmark decision taken in pursuit of the actualisation of the ARISE Agenda.

As a trustworthy advocate and staunch defender of justice, we believe that with God, you will fruitify your verdict by providing sufficient illuminations on the political walkway of the ARISE Agenda for successes.

Accordingly, we pray that God would bestow you with wisdom and good health to accomplish your assigned responsibilities.

Congratulations!
George Udoh, PhD – National Coordinator
for and on behalf of the Congress.

REP. IDEM COMMENDS GOV. UMO ENO, OTHERS OVER SUCCESSFUL FUNERAL OF BISHOP MOSWILL UMOH

The member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep. Unyime Idem has commended the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Pastor Umo Eno, for his immense support and presence at the funeral of the Founder of Rapture Trust Ministries Intl, Bishop Dr. Moswill Umoh, who died at the age of 70.

Rep Idem, who served as the Chairman, Central Planning Committee of the funeral, also appreciated members of the Committee, Fathers of Faith, other clergymen, the entire body of Christ and guests, for their presence and support before and during the funeral event.

According to Idem, “I am satisfied that we were able to give the late Bishop the last deserving respect, in a very colourful style.”

The Federal Lawmaker extended his deepest condolences to members of the deceased family, urging them to take solace in the fact that their departed father and Bishop lived an exemplary and godly life, while alive.

The funeral service, which held at the Government Primary School, Ikot Obio Okpoho, Ukanafun Local Government Area, drew attendees from within and outside the state.

A’IBOM AT 36: REP. IDEM RATES AKWA IBOM MOST BEAUTIFUL STATE IN NIGERIA

The Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep Unyime Idem, has described Akwa Ibom as the best and most beautiful state in the country.

He was speaking on behalf of the National Assembly as chairman, Akwa Ibom caucus in the House of Representatives, at the state banquet organized to celebrate Akwa Ibom’s 36th anniversary of creation at the State Government House, Uyo.

Idem said having traversed other states that were created before Akwa Ibom, he was convinced that “Akwa Ibom is the most beautiful state in the country”.

In his words “I want to say, on behalf of the caucus that we’re very proud to come from Akwa Ibom state.”

“I had the opportunity some weeks ago to traverse the entire country, to see states that were created like fifty years ago, you can’t compare them to Akwa Ibom state”

“We’re blessed with seasoned leaders. From the military trained leaders to an architect, Obong Victor Attah in 1999, who fought and got us the resources we’re enjoying today, and handed down a state master plan, to an acclaimed lawyer in 2007 in Chief Godswill Akpabio, who dotted our landscape with massive infrastructure, to a seasoned banker in 2015, in the person of Deacon Udom Emmanuel, who took us from land to the air, through Ibom Air, and in 2023, a seasoned entrepreneur, who has in just about 100 days in office, taken us international.”

Unyime Idem, who is the House Committee chairman on Public Procurement, also spoke glowingly about Akwa Ibom sons and daughters like John Obot and Hilda Baci, among others, for doing exploits in their different areas of endeavor and putting the state on the world map.

He pledged the commitment of the members of the National Assembly to continue to support the Umo Eno administration to provide tangible dividends of democracy to the people.

Goodwill messages were also received from former Governor, Obong Victor Attah, former deputy governor, Obong Nsima Ekere, National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, chairman of Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, Mohammed Shehu, among others.

Ekpo Inaugurates Etinan Fed Constituency Office.

…Honours Onofiok Luke for past strides in the constituency

Member representing Etinan /Nsit Ibom/ Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Obong Paul Ekpo has officially inaugurated the Etinan Federal Constituency office located at the constituency capital in Etinan Local Government Area. The ceremony, which was held on Friday, attracted key stakeholders of the federal constituency at a grand event that was also aimed at honouring his predecessor, Mr Onofiok Luke.

Ekpo lauded the achievements and contributions of his predecessor, Mr Luke, to the advancement of the constituency. He thanked Luke for initiating and building the constituency office as a serving member of the House of Representatives. He described Luke as a representative who gave a good account of himself at the Green Chamber.

Chairman, on the occasion, Senator Effiong Bob also joined in commending Mr Luke for being the first to build and hand over a constituency office in the state. He appreciated Luke’s legislative style in the National Assembly, which showcased his quality and brought him to the fore on big national issues.

Luke, who was a special guest at the ceremony, appreciated God for the grace and the constituents for the support he got from them. He used the event to unveil a document that highlighted his 4-year report in the National Assembly.

A.R.I.S.E. Ambassadors Commend Governor Umo Eno’s Environmental Intervention Efforts

The A.R.I.S.E. Ambassadors has conveyed their appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for his recent intervention work at the ravine site behind The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Etim Okon Usanga District Headquarters in Uyo. This vital intervention aims to tackle the adverse effects of environmental degradation and has been coordinated and executed by the Akwa Ibom State Government through the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources.

The group commends Governor Umo Eno for his unwavering dedication to the project, even while being away on official duties abroad. They are delighted that the state government has prioritized the concerns of the Christian community, and the citizens who played a significant role in electing the Governor into office.

During their visit to the site, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Comrade Ernest Akpan, the Chairman of the Executive Committee, Rev. Peter, and the organization’s Pillar, Dr. Iniobong Essien, emphasized the detrimental effects of human practices that contribute to environmental degradation. They warned of the potential threats to human survival if these practices are not halted.

Hon Uno Etim Uno, the Commissioner of Environment, has consistently expressed concerns regarding unregulated sand dredging and excavation practices in the state. He urges building contractors to consult with the Ministry of Environment for Environmental Impact Assessments, ensuring the protection of the environment and the state’s residents from further threats.

Chief Uno advises the residents of the state to consider sloped areas as unsuitable for habitation, cultivation, or any other active engagements. He emphasizes the necessity of preserving such areas as reserves.

The A.R.I.S.E Ambassadors team visited the intervention site to gather firsthand information about the state government’s efforts in addressing the ecological issue.

Senator Ekong Sampson Redeems 5Million Naira Pledge to Paramount Ruler of Mkpat Enin

…opens Constituency Office, September 21

…HRM Akpan Akpan Ekpene recalls how Senator Sampson gave him car, support; showers Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin with praises, gifts

…monarch washes hands off Mkpat Enin political leader controversy

By Samuel Udoma

Fresh from his holiday in the United States, the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South in the National Assembly, Senator Ekong Sampson has redeemed his pledge of 5million naira to the Paramount Ruler of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, HRM Edidem Akpan Akpan Ekpene.

Senator Sampson true to his words, fulfilled his promise to Edidem Ekpene yesterday, when he paid a visit to the monarch at his palace in Ikot Eyienge, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. The donation was in support of the ongoing building project of the palace of the Paramount Ruler.

Recall that few weeks ago, when the Akwa Ibom South Senator visited the Paramount Ruler with a retinue of Mkpat Enin Elders and Stakeholders after his inauguration into the 10th Nigerian Senate, he had made the pledge to the Mkpat Enin royal father.

In a meeting which was more like ‘father and son’ conversation, Senator Ekong Sampson assured the Paramount Ruler of an elaborate coronation ceremony befitting for the Akwa Enin V. Senator Sampson enjoys great relationship with the Mkpat Enin traditional institution.

It was Sampson who, as Council Chairman, helped to coordinate the landmark coronation of the former Paramount Ruler of Mkpat Enin, Late Edidem John Ufot Ibanga. It was during the period that Sampson presented a car to Ekpene. He later constructed a water facility for him and the remaining clan heads of Mkpat Enin from his personal purse.

Sampson holds the unique traditional title of ‘Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin’ – in recognition of his great accomplishments in the Local Government Area. As Council Chairman, Senator Sampson lived in Mkpat Enin all through his tenure and increased stipend for traditional rulers and even for town-criers.

Speaking at the Paramount Ruler’s palace yesterday, Senator Sampson said that he was committed to delivering qualitative Senate representation for Akwa Ibom South, while going about his natural philanthropy. He then presented a cheque of N5Million Naira to the Paramount Ruler for the palace project, which he has been supporting earlier.

Senator Ekong Sampson used the opportunity to inform the Mkpat Enin royal father that he will be opening his Constituency Office on September 21, 2023 in Eket, so as to serve Akwa Ibom South people. Sampson disclosed that he will embark on a number of unique empowerment packages for the people of Akwa Ibom South.

Senator Ekong Sampson is the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT and Education. He is also a member of the Senate Committee on Employment. He assured the Paramount Ruler that he will seriously pursue employment for indigenes of Akwa Ibom South in both private and public sectors in the country.

Dr. Sampson, who also holds the traditional title of ‘Adaiso Ikpa Ikono’, bestowed on him by Edidem Akpan Akpan Ekpene, reiterated that he will continue to remain close and supportive of the Mkpat Enin Traditional institution.

In his response, a visibly elated HRM Ekpene, sided by his wife, poured encomiums on Senator Ekong Sampson. Edidem Ekpene hailed Sampson’s impeccable leadership qualities in not only Ikpa Ikono, but entire Mkpat Enin at large.

Edidem Akpan Akpan Ekpene acknowledged the recent controversies surrounding the political leader position in Mkpat Enin and disclosed that he stayed away from the event because of the controversy and to avoid dragging the traditional institution into unnecessary partisan politicking.

He said that nobody in Mkpat Enin can knock his head against that of Senator Ekong Sampson whom he described as ‘his son of many years’. He advised the media against twisting stories to cause confusion and tension in the polity.

Ekpene noted that the traditional institution in Mkpat Enin will continue to play fatherly role in ensuring peace and development in the Council Area.
The Mkpat Enin royal household, in appreciation, showered Senator Sampson with assorted gifts and prayed for him.

Among those who accompanied the Senator on the visit to the Paramount Ruler were the Chairman, Ward Leaders Forum, Mkpat Enin, Rev. Obot Ekanem and a former CMD, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Prof. Etete Peters, the Clan Head Ibiaku, HRH, Etebom Ime Ekong, the Village Head of Ikot Idiong, Eteidung Sunday Evans, among others

GOV. UMO ENO TO ACCOMPANY TINUBU TO THE 78TH UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN NEW YORK

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno will be accompanying President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the team is scheduled to depart Abuja on Sunday for New York.

In the press statement by the Special Adviser to the President on
Media & Publicity Chief Ajuri Ngelale, he confirmed that the theme of the UNGA is: “Rebuilding trust and Reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.”

On September 19, the first day of the High-Level General Debate of the 78th UNGA Session, President Tinubu will deliver his inaugural National Statement.

Before engaging in the General Debate, the President will join other world leaders to participate in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (UN 2023 Summit on SDGs).

President Tinubu’s address will encompass several issues, such as sustainable development, climate change, global cooperation, and the imperative to address inequalities and global humanitarian crises.

Additionally, President Tinubu is slated to participate in the High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development; High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response; UN Secretary General’s Climate Ambition Summit; High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage; High-Level Panel on Reform of the Global Financial Architecture, amongst others.

In New York, President Tinubu is also scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders, including the Presidents of the European Union Commission, Brazil, and South Africa, amongst others.

The President will also advance his economic development agenda for aggressive investment attraction in meetings with the global leadership of transnational firms, such as Microsoft, Meta Technologies, Exxon Mobil, General Electric, and others.

Furthermore, on the margins of UNGA, President Tinubu will detail emerging cross-sectoral investment opportunities in Nigeria in his address to American business leaders at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

It is noteworthy that while engaging with officials at the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) Headquarters in New York City, the Nigerian leader will have the honour of conducting the NASDAQ closing ceremony during its trading session, making President Tinubu the first African President to do this.

The President will also address the Nigerian SMEs Business Summit, where he will seek to highlight the increasingly important role of Nigerian enterprises in global trade.

Others to accompany the President are Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State; Hope Uzodinma of Imo State; Uba Sani of Kaduna State; AbdulRahman AbdulRazak of Kwara State; and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. Also traveling with the President: the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; Coordinating Minister of the Economy & Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Mohammed Pate; Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite. The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and other senior government officials will also be present.

JIGAWA GOV NAMADI RECEIVES REPS INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE, CHARGES THEM TO UNRAVEL ABUSERS OF TETFUND

Jigawa state governor, Umar Namadi, has expressed confidence in the ability of the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating the alleged abuse of 2.3 trillion naira generated as tertiary education tax by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, to do a thorough job.

Governor Namadi made the remark when he received the House delegation, led by the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep Unyime Idem, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Jigawa State government house, Dutse.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Senator Mustapha Makama Kiyawa, the Governor urged the committee to “unravel the mystery surrounding the application of the funds”, adding that “once there is an effective and efficient oversight function, the executive arm of government and the implementing agencies will be on their toes.”

He advocated “a mobile legislature that will not only be stationed in the parliament, but will always be out checking and cross-checking implementation of the budget by the executive.”

Making his remark, leader of the delegation, Rep Unyime Idem, commended the state governor for ensuring a clean, organized and secure state, describing him as “one cherished by Nigerians.”

He also intimated the governor of the reason for the visit to the state, assuring him of the committee’s transparency in the discharge of its national duty.

Idem and his team later met with heads of institutions in Jigawa state before embarking on a tour round the Federal University Dutse, Sule Lamido University Laffin-Hausa, Federal University of Technology, Nabura, Hussani Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazure, Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse, Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic, Hadejia, Jigawa State College of Education, Gumel and Jigawa State College of Education and Legal Studies, Rigim.

GOMBE GOV. YAHAYA WELCOMES REPS’ TETFUND INVESTIGATION COM7MITTEE, CHARGES HEADS OF SCHOOLS ON TRANSPARENCY

Governor of Gombe state, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has advised heads of higher institutions in his state to cooperate with the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating the alleged abuse of 2.3 trillion naira generated as tertiary education tax by TETFUND, who are on a fact-finding visit to the state.

Yahaya was addressing the delegation, led by the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep Unyime Idem, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Gombe, the state capital.

Represented by the Secretary to the Gombe state Government, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, the governor urged the heads of schools to be open to the committee as well as share their challenges, so they can find help, where necessary.

According to Yahaya, “there is no need to worry. Answer the questions as frank as possible, no hiding. They are human beings, they will understand. Fortunately, most of you came much later after these monies were disbursed and the projects allocated to the institutions, so tell them what you know.”

“Also, tell them where you have your challenges and constraints, so they can go back, articulate them and help you.”

On his part, the leader of the delegation and member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep Unyime Idem, thanked the Gombe state governor for the warm reception accorded his committee and promised that his team will be thorough in its assignment in the state.

“Idem said “we’re being empowered by Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to carry out oversight over government institutions and also corporate and private institutions where government monies have been disbursed to.”

“The House of Representatives on the 14th July, 2023, set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the alleged abuse of 2.3 trillion naira, being TETFUND money disbursed to institutions across the country.”

“Gombe state benefitted to the tune of 35 billion naira within the period under review.”

“The only way we can say boldly that your state has done well is when we interact with the heads of institutions in their various schools, look at their books, and then see if the projects and programmes on ground are equal to the amount disbursed to them.”

“Thereafter, we’ll come up with a report that will either vindicate them or make them culprits of this allegation.”

“We promise that the House, through this committee will be thorough and transparent in the discharge of our national assignment. We’ll also share the report with you as the Chief Executive of the state, so you know how institutions in your state are performing.”

Institutionalised visited in the state include Gombe State University, Federal University Kashere, Federal Polytechnic Kaltugo, Federal College Technical, College of Education, Biliri and Gombe State College and Technical, Nafada.

John Obot Represents Resilience in the Akwa Ibom Spirit, Says Ekong Sampson

…as Readmania team hails Watbridge Hotels over excellent facility, steady power supply

By Theophilus Akpan

Senator representing Akwa Ibom South in the National Assembly and Vice Chairman, Senate Committees on Education and FCT, Senator Ekong Sampson, has said that the Guinness World Records marathoner, John Obot represented the resilience in the Akwa Ibom spirit.

Dr Sampson made the remarks when he visited John Obot yesterday at the City View Hall, Watbridge Hotels, Uyo. John Obot, the marathoner is attempting to break a Guinness World Records for the longest marathon reading aloud by an individual.

Senator Sampson spent about two hours in the reading hall. He listened to Obot’s rendition of ‘The Lion and the Oil Palm’ written by Justice Egbert Udo Udoma, which appears as an appendix in ‘Law and Statesmanship: The Legacy of Sir Udo Udoma’, one of Senator Sampson’s books.

The Akwa Ibom South Senator equally sits as advisor to Watbridge Hotels, Uyo – who are hosting the World Record attempt Readmania and have given the entire Letters House facility for free to John Obot and his team.

According to Senator Sampson, John Obot has led by example and represented the resilience that ‘drove our heroes to do very well – from Clement Isong to Vincent Enyeama, to Philip Effiong, Sir Udo Udoma – you find a resilience spirit in an Akwa Ibom person, and that spirit is what is playing out here, today.’

Barr. Ekong Sampson hinted that he had to cut short his vacation abroad to come down and cheer the marathoner and be a part of the history because he was a proud Akwa Ibomite.

Senator Sampson, who is the patron of Uyo Book Club, thanked the book club for blazing the trail, saying the club’s founder, Dr Udeme Nana has worked very hard to reposition the club and to deepen the consciousness needed about the waning reading culture in the society.

Sampson re-echoed his advocacy for a better, safer and saner society, which he said can only be achieved when more books are read.

“The more we read, the safer we are as a society. The less we read, the endangered we are as humanity,” he stressed.

In his response, the founder of Uyo Book Club and Programme Director of Readmania, Dr Udeme Nana saluted Senator Sampson’s commitment to the advancement of intellectualism, describing him as an ‘intellectual politician, writer and poet’, who loves books and worked hard to support the push to arrest the declining reading culture in the society.

Dr Nana added that if most Nigerian politicians were like Dr Sampson, the country would have been better, emphasizing that one of the problems the country has, was having leaders without intellectual rigour.

Dr Nana used the opportunity to extend the appreciation of the Readmania team to Watbridge Hotels & Suites, hailing its excellent facilities and power supply.

According to Dr Nana, the facilities that Watbridge Hotels has given for the Readmania project were worth millions, interrogating where the team would have raised such money to pay for the facilities.
He challenged other Philanthropists in the State to support the reading marathon and the laudable vision of the Book Club initiative.

KEBBI GOV. NASIR IDRIS RECEIVES REPS TETFUND INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE, DECRIES ABANDONMENT OF PROJECTS IN SCHOOLS IN HIS STATE

The governor of Kebbi state, Mohammed Nasir Idris, has received the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating the alleged abuse of 2.3 trillion naira generated as tertiary education tax by TETFUND, in his state.

Welcoming the delegation at the Kebbi state Government House, Birnin Kebbi, Governor Idris promised the committee the needed support for it to carry out its national assignment in the state.

The Kebbi state governor, represented by his Deputy, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, appealed to the committee to do a thorough job and make recommendations that will help revive the ailing state of infrastructure in tertiary education in his state and the country.

In his words, “We’re happy that you came to see the extent of work done in our state. Unfortunately, some projects in these schools have been abandoned over the years, and your coming will help unravel the issue behind the abandonment of these projects.”

“Some time ago, we had to compile the list of all abandoned projects in our institutions to send to TETFUND and the Minister of Education, though that didn’t see the light of day.”

“So we hope that when you see the projects, you’ll be able to recommend that some of the contracts be cancelled and reawarded where necessary, so they can be completed and put to good use.”

In his remark, leader of the delegation and member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep Unyime Idem, expressed gratitude to the state governor for the warm reception accorded the team and assured him that the committee will do justice to its assignment in the state.

According to Idem “the House considers education as very paramount in the affrairs of this country and nothing can be achieved without education.”

Therefore government takes it as priority to send funds to institutions across the country, but the question is how well are the funds managed? That’s why we’re here.

We’ve received petitions that the funds have been abused for over 10 years. That’s why the House of Representatives has sent us to come to Kebbi state and look at about six schools that are benefitting from this funds.

We promise to be very transparent and thorough in our job. We’ll also look at the challenges facing these schools with a view to making recommendations for them to be addressed.”

We also want to assure you that transparency will be guaranteed in these institutions as we carry out our job and this will help boost education in the country,” Idem concluded.

Institutions visited in Kebbi state were Kebbi State University of science & Technology, Federal University Birnin Kudu, Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State Polytechnic, Dakingari and Adamu Augie College of Education, Arhungu.

On behalf of the leadership and members of Esit Eket Legislative Council, I felicitate with you on the occasion of your 2023rd birth anniversary.

You have been an amazing leader, mentor, father, and prolific parliamentarian who knows the job. Your hard work and diligence have not only brought you personal success but have also positively impacted those you interact with.

As you go about dispensing your duty as a member representing Esit Eket/ Ibeno State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, you shall meet with a stone wall conveniently inferior to you, as your administration shall leave an imprint on the sand of time that shall cause generations to esteem you above your predecessors.

It is, therefore our heartfelt prayer that you click another height agewise, and experience a positive shift in your finances, relationship, career, and investment.

Happy birthday, Hon. (Engr.) Udobia Udo.

Hon. Brighten S. Maxwell
Leader, Esit Eket Legislative Council.

KATSINA GOV RADDA RECEIVES REPS INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE, INSISTS CULPRITS MISUSING TETFUND BE PUNISHED

The Katsina state governor, Dr Umar Dikko Radda, has welcomed the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating the alleged abuse of 2.3 trillion naira generated as tertiary education tax by TETFUND between 2011 to 2023, to his state, with an appeal that it should recommend that those found to have abused the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, be charged and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

This, the governor said, will serve as a deterrent to others who may be nursing such ambition.

Governor Radda received the House committee, led by the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep. Unyime Idem, at the Katsina state government house.

Represented by the Deputy governor, Faruk Lawal, the governor noted that the committee’s investigation will also help reposition the education sector in the state, given his administration’s interest in the sector.

“Why I say your assignment is very important and crucial is because of the importance attached to education in Katsina state. It is our priority area asides the issue of insecurity.”

“So I want to appeal to you, when you do your findings, if there are leakages, people should be compelled to come and do the right thing.”

“This assignment is very important to us and timely because when we look at the decay in education, the kind of intervention we’ve had from TETFUND and other agencies has helped in fixing infrastructure decay and capacity building of the personnel.”

“So I think this move will not only benefit the state but the country. So your findings should also be made to serve as a deterrent to others so that whatever we do in life, we should be accountable.”

Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the delegation and member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep. Unyime Idem, congratulated the governor of Katsina state over his victory at the last elections, and thanked him for the warm welcome accorded the House of Representatives delegation.

He went on to intimate Dr. Radda of the committee’s mission in the state.

“Your Excellency, your state has benefitted to the tune of 40 billion naira and the findings we made before our arrival here show that what’s on ground is not commensurate with the funds allocated.”

“I assure you, Your Excellency, that our investigation in this state will add to the current effort of government in the area of education in the state.”

“I say so because we’ll be very thorough in our investigations and if we discover any infraction, we will not hesitate to escalate the situation for the House to take steps to address the leakages, which will mean more funds will be allocated and more projects sited in the institutions.”

Institutions visited in Katsina state were Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Federal Polytechnic, Daura, Federal College of Education, Katsina and Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsin-Ma.

A’Ibom First Lady wants collaboration in fight against NTDs
September 11, 2023

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

Wife of the Akwa Ibom Governor, Mrs Patience Eno has called for collaboration among critical stakeholders in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria.

Speaking during the First NTDs Stakeholders’ Summit in Uyo on Monday, Mrs Umo Eno says synergy between Non-Governmental Organisations, the Academia, Governments and other relevant Stakeholders would go a long way in combating the prevalence of (NTDs).

The Akwa Ibom First Lady was Special Guest at the summit tagged “Enhancing Domestic Resource Mobilizations Towards Sustaining the Control and Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Akwa Ibom State”, organised in Uyo, by the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with Helen Keller International.

Eno encouraged mothers to take seriously the de-worming of their children, assuring the organisers of the event of her constant support whenever the need arises.

“Our collective knowledge and expertise will be vital in shaping a future where these diseases no longer pose significant threats to human life and well-being.

“Let us foster an environment of open-mindedness, empathy and knowledge sharing, recognising the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and the involvement of various stakeholders, including government, the academia, NGOs, and the private sector so that significant strides can be recorded in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases.” She said.

While thanking organisers of the event for putting the summit together, the First Lady expressed confidence that the meeting would prompt stakeholders to take meaningful measures in stopping the spread of NTDs.

State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh said the summit was designed to draw greater attention towards NTDs noting that the diseases are hardly heard about but sadly, they are prevalent and pose serious health challenges in the State.

Umoh said the Ministry of Health in partnership with Helen Keller International has recorded over 314 free surgeries across the three Senatorial District in the state in the last 3 years while assuring government continuous commitment to the well-being of Akwa Ibom people.

He however called for partnership from stakeholders from all sectors towards financing and the elimination of these NTDs in the state.

Earlier, Akwa Ibom State Coordinator, NTDs Control and Elimination Programme, Dr. Aniekeme Uwah said the essence of the Summit was to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to “take a cursory look at how solutions could be proffered to the myriads of challenges confronting the implementation of control and elimination strategies.

Uwah said this has been done through the identification of gaps, areas of partnership and opportunities for domestic resource mobilization (DRM) to help the most vulnerable population affected by NTDs, which has led to stigmatization, untold hardship and suffering.

Uwah said the resolutions reached at the end of the Summit will aid the achievement of the goals of the economic blue print of the state government and called on stakeholders to partner with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health towards meeting the global 2030 target of 90% reduction in the number of people required for treatment.

The Head of Programmes, Helen Keller International, Mohammed Aliyu in a goodwill message said they are present in 12 states in Nigeria with huge investments in curbing NTDs in the country and as well pledged his organisation’s commitment to sponsoring more surgical operations.

Highpoint of the event was the conferment of Grand Ambassador of NTDs on the Governors wife by the Federal Ministry of Health, as well as testimonies by beneficiaries of various medical interventions carried out by the NTDs team in Akwa Ibom State.

I, on behalf of the leadership and members of Esit Eket 7th Assembly, rejoice and celebrate with you as you mark another year today. Indeed, you are a perfect example of a true patriot, committed to fostering democratic ideals.

Your undebatable landmarks recorded over time, which positively help in turning our Local Government’s political and economic fortune as a people, are notable.

As you celebrate another year of life and wisdom, may you continue to be blessed with good health and happiness. But more importantly, it is our earnest prayer that you live to fulfill many years ahead in your contribution to humanity as a colossus of Ekid Nation.

Happy birthday to the Deputy Political Leader of Esit Eket, and the International Secretary of Ekid People’s Union, Hon. (Elder) Bassey Dan Abia.

Hon. Brighten S. Maxwell
Leader, Esit Eket Legislative Council.

BORNO GOV. ZULUM RECEIVES REPS TETFUND INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE, SAYS RECOMMENDATIONS SHOULD GUIDE MGT OF RESOURCES

Borno state governor, Babagana Zulum has urged the House of Representatives ad-hoc Committee probing N2.3 trillion expended by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund) between 2011 and 2023 to make recommendations that would guide tertiary institutions and TetFund on the management of scarce resources after its assignment.

Zulum was speaking when he received the committee, led by the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep. Unyime Idem, at the Borno state government house in Maiduguri.

The Borno state governor, who recalled his tenure as the Rector of Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, from 2011 to 2015, lauded the interventions of TetFund in many viable projects in the institutions.

“Without TetFund many institutions would have failed completely,”

“It is my belief that the outcome of this investigation will add value to what heads of institutions are doing in the state, especially in areas of managing the little we are getting from TetFund” Zulum said.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation and Chairman, House Committee on Public Procurement, Rep. Unyime Idem, intimated Governor Zulum that the committee was in the state to visit the benefitting institutions to verify the projects and programmes.

Idem disclosed that TetFund has spent over N40 billion on projects in six institutions in Borno.

“Your state has benefitted from TetFund to the tune of over N40 billion.

“Because of the petition that we have against TetFund on how N2.3 trillion was allegedly abused, the House inaugurated this committee to go around the country to ensure that the projects and programmes on the ground are equal to the money released.

“We are here to look at things for ourselves, to take submissions from schools and to go round the entire state to inspect the projects and programmes,” Unyime said.

The Ukanafun federal lawmaker promised that the committee would be thorough and transparent; adding that their report will, among others, also look at ways to empower TetFund in terms of additional funding.

Institutions visited in Borno state were University of Maiduguri, Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State University, Ramat Polytechnic, Federal Polytechnic, Mongono, Kashim Ibrahim College of Education, College of Education, Waka Biu, Umar Ibn Elkanemi College of Education Science and Technology.

GOV. FINTIRI CHARGES REPS INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE ON REPOSITIONING TERTIARY EDUCATION IN NIGERIA.

Governor of Adamawa state, Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has expressed the hope that the House of Representatives investigation into the alleged abuse of 2.3 trillion naira generated as tertiary education tax by TETFUND will help reposition tertiary education in the country.

He also stressed that such oversight by the Green Chamber will help strengthen education institutions in Adamawa state, “put them on their feet and make them do what is expected of them.”

Governor Fintiri was speaking when he received the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating the alleged abuse of 2.3 trillion naira generated as tertiary education tax by TETFUND, led by the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep Unyime Idem, at the governor’s office in Yola.

In the words of the Adamawa governor, “Education must be our first priority as that is the surest way of safeguarding our future and that of our children.

“Yes we have benefited from TETFUND. I must confess that TETFUND has done wonders for our schools. If you go to our Federal University in Yola, you will think without TETFUND, where would this school be. Almost all the buildings, roads are done by TETFUND.”

On his part, the leader of the delegation and member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep Unyime Idem, applauded Governor Fintiri for the peaceful ambience witnessed in the state as well as his achievements within his time as governor of the state.

Idem intimated that Adamawa state benefitted about 40 billion naira from TETFUND, assuring that the committee will be thorough and transparent in its duty.

“We will as part of our duty in the state, assess the state of infrastructure in the schools and would make appropriate recommendations for help, where necessary”, he said.

SOKOTO GOV. RECEIVES REPS TETFUND COMMITTEE, APPEAL FOR FAR-REACHING RECOMMENDATIONS

The Governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu, has welcomed the House of Representatives committee investigating the alleged abuse of 2.3 trillion naira generated as tertiary education tax by TETFUND to the state, with the hope that its recommendations will help revive the ailing standard of education in the country.

Governor Aliyu received the committee at the Sokoto State Government House, led by the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep Unyime Idem.

Welcoming the team to the state, the Sokoto governor, urged the House of Representatives committee, who is on a fact-finding visit to the state to do due diligence in its assignment, praying that the recommendations from the visit will “correct the decadence in the education system.”

On his part, the leader of the delegation, Rep Unyime Idem, who also doubles as the chairman, House Committee on Public Procurement, assured the Sokoto state governor that the delegation will be transparent and thorough in its national assignment.

In Idem’s words, “Because of the petition that we have against TETFUND on how N2.3 trillion was allegedly abused, the House inaugurated this committee to go around the country to ensure that the projects and programmes on the ground are equal to the money released.

“We are here to look at things for ourselves, to take submissions from schools and to go round the entire state to inspect the project and programmes,” Unyime said.

The Ukanafun-born lawmaker promised that they would be thorough and transparent, adding that their report will, among others, also look at ways to empower TetFund in terms of additional funding.

Institutions visited in Sokoto state were Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto State University, Umary Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Shehu Shagari College of Education and the Federal College of Education, Gidan Madi.

HENSEK – Dutifully, In The Service of Interpreting The Umo Eno ARISE Show

By Samuel Udoma

The ARISE Agenda of Gov. Umo Eno has kick-started beautifully. The commissioning of the Ndiya-Akpan Andem internal roads yesterday was a cherry-topping to the first 100 days of strong start of the Umo Eno administration. The entire work was completed in just under 70 days.

While campaigning at the market in the pre-election, Governor Umo Eno had experienced how impassable the Ndiya-Akpan Andem road had been. To provide respite, Gov. Eno had promised that he will breathe new life to the ever busy, albeit unkempt Akpan Andem Market and the the adjoining axis within his first 100 days in office. Yesterday, he kept that promise.

To physically interpret the Governor’s ARISE vision for Ndiya Street-Akpan Andem Market, Engr. Uwem Okoko FNSE – the MD/CEO of HENSEK Integration Services was called upon. HENSEK has remained a trusted lieutenant of Gov. Umo Eno. His love for the Governor and the State is glaring and quite mutual.

The timeframe of delivery was quite short for such a daunting job. Attempting to even relocate market women and traders for job to begin can be exhausting, people can attest. But HENSEK was well adept. He is a core ‘street general’ and a very humble man. He is someone who simply knows how to get things done and is a tireless workaholic.

Suffice to say here that the Ndiya-Akpan Andem axis of Uyo holds a special place in the heart of Akwa Ibomites. Nearly, all of Uyo shops at the popular township market, while Ndiya used to serve as the main entrance to the now refurbished Uyo Township Stadium. The people of the State had clearly been worried over the deplorable state of that vicinity.

HENSEK is one firm that puts humanism into its operations. Despite moving heavy equipment into the bustling market site, there have been no stories of traders victimization or wanton displacement of people. HENSEK’s workers and the traders coexisted mutually till the completion of the job.

Today, Udo Umana street from Ndiya to Aka Road and then to Aka Itiam and many internal paths in Akpan Andem are all wearing new looks. Large drains have been opened to de-log the once waterlogged area down up to Aka Itiam by 2-Lanes. In addition, the market itself, has been given significant facelift. The Market Police Station has been totally remodelled and reconstructed.

Over 40 new toilets and 8 bathroom conveniences have been added to deepen public health and sanitation within the market communiity, (with special purpose-built for the disabled and our Muslim brothers). New solar lights now keep the market lit all night long to fend off miscreants and heighten security. There is also a new solar powered 20,000 litres overhead tank to supply water in within the market.

Through HENSEK’S ingenious interpretation of Gov. Umo Eno’s vision, the days of open air spreading of wares on dirty, muddy surfaces along the Udo Umana axis of Akpan Andem Market are now over. The entire stretch of that road has been overlaid and proper pave-walks provided. The breathe of fresh air has also extended to Johnson Street – it is equally 100% overlaid too.

Although, it is still very early in the life of the Gov. Umo Eno administration, the signs have been very positive. The Governor has shown that he means well for the people of the State. In return, he is earning widespread admiration and commendation.

With a tireless, efficient, result-oriented wingman as HENSEK humbly and dutifully in the service of interpreting the Governor’s ARISE Agenda for Akwa Ibom, the Umo Eno administration is earmarked for greater, greater accomplishments.

Senator Ekong Sampson Congratulates Gov. Umo Eno on 100 Days in Office...says Umo Eno’s Govt has started strongly, enjoyed buy-in by the people

The Senator representing Akwa Ibom South in the National Assembly, Senator Ekong Sampson has congratulated Akwa Ibom State Governor, HE Pastor Umo Eno on an eventful first 100 days in office.

In his message of felicitation to the State Chief Executive, Senator Sampson hailed Gov. Eno’s first 100 days as ‘happy days for Akwa Ibom people’. Dr. Sampson said that Gov. Umo Eno has started very strongly and has shown signs that he means well for Akwa Ibom people.

The Akwa Ibom South Senator lauded Gov. Umo Eno for showing respect for humanity and humanism in his approach to governance and leadership since coming aboard on May 29, 2023.

Senator Ekong Sampson in his message added that Gov. Eno has connected well with Akwa Ibomites and was already building on the immediate foundations laid by former Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Dr. Sampson, who is the Vice Chairman of Senate Committees on FCT and Education noted that Gov. Umo Eno’s style of leadership has earned him wide admiration across board and an overwhelming buy-in to his government by the people of the State.

The Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin poured praises on the Governor for his commitment to rural development, an aspect which has shown that he was a homegrown Governor, who understood the needs of his people.

The National Assembly man observed that the ARISE Agenda master-plan which has so far seen the Governor commission internal roads in the popular Akpan Andem Market, payment of backlog of gratuities, groundbreaking of many rural roads in the state, construction of a model elementary school and other projects, will open up the state economically and ensure infrastructural consolidation.

Senator Ekong Sampson lauded other leaders of the State who have joined hands with the Governor to give him a befitting start. He assured Gov. Umo Eno of his total support and the support of his colleagues in the National Assembly, both in the Senate and House of Reps, towards the full realization of the ARISE Agenda.

© Samuel Udoma

COLLEGE OF NURSING SCIENCES OBOHIA NDOKI ABIA STATE

ADMISSION! ADMISSION! ADMISSION! ADMISSION!

Applications are hereby requested from suitably qualified candidates for admission into the College of Nursing Sciences, Obohia Ndoki, in Ukwa East LGA of Abia State, for 4 years full time National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND) Programmes in General Nursing.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Entry Requirement for admission into the ND General Nursing is Five (5) Credits in WASC, SSCE, NECO or GCE O Levels in not more than 2 sittings.

SUBJECTS REQUIRED

· Mathematics

· English Language

· Biology

· Chemistry

· Physics

Candidates with a minimum score of 150 at the 2023 JAMB UTME, are eligible to obtain the applications forms at the cost of N20,000.

ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

Applicants will sit for post UTME Screening Exercise scheduled as follows:

Date – 21st October, 2023

Venue – Online Platform

Time – 10.00am Prompt

Each Candidate is expected to make a payment of Two Thousand Naira (N2,000.00) only, as POST UTME SCREENING FEE made payable into the College of Nursing Sciences, Polaris Bank – 4091334308

Keystone Bank – 1012092766

IN ADDITION, CANDIDATES SHOULD COME ALONG WITH THE FOLLOWING

1. Two (2) Recent passport photograph on a white background
2. Original WASC, SSCE, NECO or GCE O Levels
3. UTME Printout and Result Slip
4. Certificate of Origin
5. Certificate of Birth/Affidavit

NB: For further enquiries contact the College website http://www.collegeofnursingobohia.org.ng or Call 08036688375, 08089753734

Signed
Deacon Aluu Vincent
Registrar.

100 DAYS IN OFFICE: FORMER PDP OFFICERS EULOGISE GOV ENO, PASS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE

…urges indigenes to cooperate with the golden administration

The Congress of Former PDP Officers in Akwa Ibom State has expressed satisfaction with the performance of Governor Umo Eno within his hundred days in office, and has, accordingly passed a vote of confidence on the Governor.

Rising from the Congress’ enlarged Leadership Assembly presided over by its State Chairman, Dr George Udoh in Uyo, the well-populated political body on Tuesday, September 05, 2023, passed a vote of confidence on the Governor for his people-oriented, all-inclusive, sensitive and responsive style of leadership.

Recounting with admiration the Governor’s responsiveness to socio-economic issues since assumption of office, Dr Udoh congratulated and thanked the Governor for being a quality ambassador of God, stating that his performance, which must be sustained has come to prove the point that the people rejoice when the righteous is on the throne.

According to Dr Udoh who also is a pastor, Umo Eno’s 100 days on the throne of governance has hugely brought joy and rejoicing to the State.

Addressing a crowd of former Party leaders at Discovery Park, Uyo, Dr Udoh hinted that passing a vote of confidence on the Governor was the Congress’ moderate way of encouraging him to sustain the tempo, assuring that the Congress is 100% supportive of his administration’s programmes and activities.

The Congress specially thanked the Governor for trying to strengthen the Party base through regular gathering of Party members across all political wards in the State.

“As the the only political organisation with viable members who understand the political chemistry of their respective political units in the State, the importance of regular assembly of Party members, in our view, can’t be overemphasised. The idea is golden, the approach is wise and the goal is priceless,” said Dr Udoh, who also commended the State Chairman of the Party, Hon Aniekan Akpan for leading the Party in the right direction.

Congress equally appreciated the Governor for his sense of reward as reflected in the reappointment of his former colleagues as commissioners and other faithful Party men who were with him in the trenches during the electioneering.

Besides, the former Party functionaries who described the Party as their own and Governor Eno as their pride, commended the Governor over the appointment of Special Assistants in all the political wards in the State, saying, it is the first of its kind.

Equally appealing to the Congress are the various life-touching projects of the Umo Eno-led administration scattered around rural communities which include, but are not limited to construction of 2.2km Tabernacle Road in Uyo, construction of 2.1km Ukpong Street, 2.1km Effiong Essang Street in Oron LGA, construction of Ndiya Street in Uyo, construction of 1.1km access road to Goretti Secondary School with 0.875 outfall drainage in Ikot Ekpene Town, construction of rural roads in Owot Uta-Nung Oku-Afaha Udo Eyo to Edebom 1 by Ekponwa Market Foad.

Construction of CKS model Primary School, remodeling of Akpan Andem Market, completion of Eket International Market, Construction of a model Healthcare center in Ibesikpo Asutan and Urue Offong-Oruko Local Government Areas respectively.

Payment of primary School Teachers’ Pension and Leave Grant, remodeling of cottage hospital in Ikot Ekpene Udo, interventions in IBB erosion control, distribution of exercise books to primary and secondary schools, implementation of transportation means to curb fuel hike, amongst other developments cutting across other sectors in the state.

Working for the success of the Party and Government of the Party, Dr George cleared the air that the Congress is a formidable political blog whose activities and programmes 100% pro-govenment.

“Having assessed the Leader of the Party and Governor of the State, Pst. Umo Eno, I’m convinced he’s a listening governor. We are working for the Party which we have variously served in diverse capacities as officers and will continue to serve because we believe in it and stand for its success,” Dr Udoh stated.

He also tasked indigenes of the state to remain resilient, committed and participatory in the current administration whose “A.R.I.S.E Agenda is large enough to accommodate everyone and rich enough to change the fortune of the State progressively.”

Speaking, Secretary of the Congress, Barr Patrick Usen, and Dr Udoibe, a former State Officer of the Party expressed optimism in the managerial dexterity of Pst Eno, describing it as “satisfactory.”

Also lending support to the Chairman, Hon Prince Effiong and Hon Francis Idungafa, urged Akwa Ibomites and other residents to be actively involved in peace creation, maintenance and sustainability in order to give the Governor the needed supportive atmosphere for high performance beneficial to all.

Other members of the Congress who also expressed satisfaction with the Governor cited development of rural communities as key, and tasked the Governor on more developmental strides in a way that will enable people have their businesses developed in the rural areas of the State.

The Congress Leadership Assembly was attended by representatives from across the 31 local government areas of the State.

100 DAYS IN OFFICE: FORMER PDP OFFICERS EULOGISE GOV ENO, PASS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE

…urges indigenes to cooperate with the golden administration

The Congress of Former PDP Officers in Akwa Ibom State has expressed satisfaction with the performance of Governor Umo Eno within his hundred days in office, and has, accordingly passed a vote of confidence on the Governor.

Rising from the Congress’ enlarged Leadership Assembly presided over by its State Chairman, Dr George Udoh in Uyo, the well-populated political body on Tuesday, September 05, 2023, passed a vote of confidence on the Governor for his people-oriented, all-inclusive, sensitive and responsive style of leadership.

Recounting with admiration the Governor’s responsiveness to socio-economic issues since assumption of office, Dr Udoh congratulated and thanked the Governor for being a quality ambassador of God, stating that his performance, which must be sustained has come to prove the point that the people rejoice when the righteous is on the throne.

According to Dr Udoh who also is a pastor, Umo Eno’s 100 days on the throne of governance has hugely brought joy and rejoicing to the State.

Addressing a crowd of former Party leaders at Discovery Park, Uyo, Dr Udoh hinted that passing a vote of confidence on the Governor was the Congress’ moderate way of encouraging him to sustain the tempo, assuring that the Congress is 100% supportive of his administration’s programmes and activities.

The Congress specially thanked the Governor for trying to strengthen the Party base through regular gathering of Party members across all political wards in the State.

“As the the only political organisation with viable members who understand the political chemistry of their respective political units in the State, the importance of regular assembly of Party members, in our view, can’t be overemphasised. The idea is golden, the approach is wise and the goal is priceless,” said Dr Udoh, who also commended the State Chairman of the Party, Hon Aniekan Akpan for leading the Party in the right direction.

Congress equally appreciated the Governor for his sense of reward as reflected in the reappointment of his former colleagues as commissioners and other faithful Party men who were with him in the trenches during the electioneering.

Besides, the former Party functionaries who described the Party as their own and Governor Eno as their pride, commended the Governor over the appointment of Special Assistants in all the political wards in the State, saying, it is the first of its kind.

Equally appealing to the Congress are the various life-touching projects of the Umo Eno-led administration scattered around rural communities which include, but are not limited to construction of 2.2km Tabernacle Road in Uyo, construction of 2.1km Ukpong Street, 2.1km Effiong Essang Street in Oron LGA, construction of Ndiya Street in Uyo, construction of 1.1km access road to Goretti Secondary School with 0.875 outfall drainage in Ikot Ekpene Town, construction of rural roads in Owot Uta-Nung Oku-Afaha Udo Eyo to Edebom 1 by Ekponwa Market Foad.

Construction of CKS model Primary School, remodeling of Akpan Andem Market, completion of Eket International Market, Construction of a model Healthcare center in Ibesikpo Asutan and Urue Offong-Oruko Local Government Areas respectively.

Payment of primary School Teachers’ Pension and Leave Grant, remodeling of cottage hospital in Ikot Ekpene Udo, interventions in IBB erosion control, distribution of exercise books to primary and secondary schools, implementation of transportation means to curb fuel hike, amongst other developments cutting across other sectors in the state.

Working for the success of the Party and Government of the Party, Dr George cleared the air that the Congress is a formidable political blog whose activities and programmes 100% pro-govenment.

“Having assessed the Leader of the Party and Governor of the State, Pst. Umo Eno, I’m convinced he’s a listening governor. We are working for the Party which we have variously served in diverse capacities as officers and will continue to serve because we believe in it and stand for its success,” Dr Udoh stated.

He also tasked indigenes of the state to remain resilient, committed and participatory in the current administration whose “A.R.I.S.E Agenda is large enough to accommodate everyone and rich enough to change the fortune of the State progressively.”

Speaking, Secretary of the Congress, Barr Patrick Usen, and Dr Udoibe, a former State Officer of the Party expressed optimism in the managerial dexterity of Pst Eno, describing it as “satisfactory.”

Also lending support to the Chairman, Hon Prince Effiong and Hon Francis Idungafa, urged Akwa Ibomites and other residents to be actively involved in peace creation, maintenance and sustainability in order to give the Governor the needed supportive atmosphere for high performance beneficial to all.

Other members of the Congress who also expressed satisfaction with the Governor cited development of rural communities as key, and tasked the Governor on more developmental strides in a way that will enable people have their businesses developed in the rural areas of the State.

The Congress Leadership Assembly was attended by representatives from across the 31 local government areas of the State.

COLLEGE OF NURSING SCIENCES OBOHIA NDOKI GETS NEW REGISTRAR

…as College Founder pledges to bridge manpower shortfall

The College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Obohia Ndoki Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, has appointed a Human Resource expert, Journalist, Author and Public Affairs Analyst Aluu Vincent, its new Registrar.

Announcing the appointment, the Founder and Chairman, Governing Council of the School, Dr. Godwin Umontuen, said the appointment was in line with the College vision to reposition itself, provide world class nursing education, and take a share of the global effort to develop middle level nursing, midwifery and other medical manpower resources.

The Onna born entrepreneur, said the new Registrar, was carefully selected given his wealth of educational attainment, requisite work experience. He urged the new Registrar to use his wealth of experience to contribute to the actualisation of the mandate of the College to develop a globally acceptable nursing and Midwifery manpower.

Vincent, a University of Calabar graduate of Policy and Administrative Studies, has a Master Degree in Human Resources, another Master Degree in public administration, a post graduate diploma in Journalism and presently awaits a PhD in public administration from the University of Uyo. He has over 16 years work experience cut across banking, government, journalism, digital economy, human resources, education, research and documentation, among others. He has served as media Consultant to top public officials and firms within Akwa Ibom and environs.

Dr. Umontuen also
pledged the preparedness of the College to assist in bridging manpower shortfall in the medical sector by producing well trained medical resources.

He noted that Nigeria as of today has a nurse-to-patient-ratio of one nurse to about 1,160 patients compared to the World Health Organisation recommendation of one nurse to five patients. He added that with nearly a quarter of a billion people, most Nigerians will not get to see a doctor or even a qualified healthcare worker when they need one.

“Without health workers, no health system can function, and improving health service coverage and attaining the highest possible standard of health is dependent on the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of the health workforce.The shortage and inequitable distribution of appropriate cadres of the health workforce is a fundamental barrier to access to essential health care services where they are most needed.This is where College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Obohia Ndoki comes in. We are determined to bridge this gap and ensure adequate health care manpower supply all year round”, he pledged.

Dr. Umontuen, who is also the founder of Maurid Polytechnic Mbaiso in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, called for more deliberate funding and provision of infrastructure to reduce the ratio.

Eno’s Administration is Focused, People Oriented, Ambassadors Replies Critics.

Miffed by the scratching criticism from some quarters that governor Umo Eno has taken up jobs of local government chairmen through recent interventions in remodeling primary schools and primary health care facilities in the state, the A.R.I.S.E Ambassadors recently inaugurated with Revd. Richard Peters as Chairman and Mr Thomas Thomas sa secretary has explained that the governor’s actions were contained in his ARISE Agenda blue print.

The group in a private radio program monitored by our Correspondent on Tuesday in Uyo said the governor’s Arise Agenda is a product of several interface and dialogue with the people where thier challenges were elaborately discussed and possible solutions offered.

According to the spokesperson of the group Mr Aniekeme Finbarr,” Governor Umo Eno is a home grown leader who started his business in the state since 1995, he has clear understanding of the problems confronting our people. He assembled all of this into the acronym ARISE, meaning Agriculture, Rural development, Industrialisation, Security and Education as a platform to tackle the challenges Akwa ibom is facing”.

Finbarr further highlighted, ” people criticise his remodeling primary schools and primary health centers because they don’t understand that its captured under rural development stressing that governor Umo Eno is interested in giving Akwa ibom children the same basic education obtained in advanced societies for free and complusorily.

He explained, ” The governor has planned for 10 model primary schools in the 10 federal constituencies, we have three ongoing at the moment and they are to be equipped with sports facilities, primary health centers for emergency treatment and home for Head teacher and others. These facilities are what is obtainable in exclusive private schools for the rich but they will be free and complusory for every Akwa ibom child”.

Finbarr added that the schools will groom children with the best and up to date facilities to become well trained and patriotic adults who will add value to the state and the nation.

The spokesperson maintained that the governor has in the last 90 days of his administration demonstrated unique leadership style which has left people wondering if he actually behave like a man with executive powers in Nigeria.

” They marvel at the way he stops at open market to discuss with traders and feel thier challenges and also patronize them, he attends social functions of people not minding thier societal status, he dashes into ibom Tropicana to get his hair cuts, he recently started flying Ibom Air to tell the world that the Airline is safe and comfortable for everyone. He acknowledged being the chief marketing officer. He has simply demisified governance as he is focused and people oriented in his leadership”.

DAY MKPAT ENIN, PDP, AND AKWA IBOM STATE GOVERNMENT ROUNDLY REJECTED ENO IBANGA AS POLITICAL LEADER

…despite empty boasts, desperation by Prof. Ibanga and a band of contract seekers, hope of political leader collapsed miserably

…why Gov. Umo Eno was conspicuously absent and sent no representative

…Paramount Ruler, royals fathers absent; chieftaincy conferment fails to hold

…anti-Ibanga protests in Uyo, Mkpat Enin; as politically over-ambitious Works Commissioner reels in shock

By Ofonime Honesty

The conspicuous absence of Governor Umo Eno, his representative, or wife, Her Excellency, Mrs Patience Umo Eno were clear signal that the Akwa Ibom State Government had distanced itself from the ill-advised self-coronation of Prof. Eno Ibanga as the ‘Political Leader’ of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

For weeks, Prof. Eno Ibanga had namedropped the State Governor and his wife to attend his event. He also worked feverishly for Mkpat Enin Traditional Rulers to confer on him the chieftaincy title, to add colour to his self-declaration as the political leader of Mkpat Enin.

A prominent traditional ruler in Mkpat Enin shocked the people when he disclosed later that Eno Ibanga’s camp had lobbied ambitiously for the chieftaincy title of ‘Enin of Mkpat Enin’. Some of the people wondered why the Works Commissioner had displayed such desperation just for a chieftaincy title, wondering whether he does really needed it, instead of facing his job in the state cabinet.

But last Saturday, the Paramount Ruler of Mkpat Enin, HRM Akpan Akpan Ekpene was nowhere near the venue of Ibanga’s event. He was glaringly absent. So also were members of the Mkpat Enin Traditional Rulers Council and many royal fathers, except a few who came out of sympathy from Eno Ibanga Ukpum Minya Clan.

Prof. Eno Ibanga had apparently piled heavy pressure on the Mkpat Enin TRC to confer him with a chieftaincy title. In fact, two days to the event, he went round to their houses in the dead of the night begging them.

As a result, conflicting meetings of the royal fathers were held on the controversial matter. Finally, the royal fathers cancelled the conferment. Many of them wondered openly why Prof. Eno Ibanga had become so desperate to be conferred with a Chieftaincy title, even as a Commissioner who had limited his presence in Mkpat Enin only to his village and ward. They boycotted the event.

Apart from the absence of the Governor or even his representative nor wife, the absence of the highest political office holder in Mkpat Enin, Senator Ekong Sampson spoke volumes.

Despite the elaborate publicity and invitation, the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Rt Hon Aniekan Akpan was conspicuously absent at the event. The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Udeme Otong, a good number of House Members and the Eket Senatorial District Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Godwin Okponung all failed to show up.

The State Officer of the PDP from the area, Hon. Mfon Nkanteen was equally absent, the Chapter Chairman of PDP, Mkpat Enin, Rt Hon. Anietie Sunday was also absent. The Vice Chairman of Council, Mkpat Enin, Hon.(Lady) Mercy Bassey, Leader of Mkpat Enin Legislature, Hon. Ebong Akpan, Secretary of Council, Princess Eno Ekanem were all absent. Top shots of the PDP 2023 Campaigns in Mkpat Enin led by the Director-General, Rev. Obot Ekanem and Secretary, Hon. Innocent Tom were both absent. Obot Ekanem is also Chairman, Ward Leaders Forum, Mkpat Enin. Also absent were former State Commissioners, Mrs. Cecilia Umanah and Dr. Dominic Udoh, members of the highly respected Mkpat Enin Elders Forum led by its Chairman, Dr. Sidney Udofot.

Other absentees were Clan Heads, Chairman, Conference of Village Heads in Mkpat Enin, Eteidung Sylvester Akpan-Itiat and the Coordinator, Conference of Village Heads in Eket Senatorial District, Eteidung Boniface Ekanem. The Nigerian Council for Women Societies, Mkpat Enin led by Mrs. Dorathy Eyaema, major youth, women and village groups were all absent.

Ibanga’s friends, including some in the State EXCO were, however, in attendance.
The fragment of Mkpat Enin personalities who graced the occasion were mainly those seeking contracts or favours from the Works Commissioner, sources claim. Many of them worked against Mkpat Enin during the last Senate primaries and general elections and have not recovered from their blunders.

For instance, the Council Chairman, Hon. Anieokpon Ekpo, Hon. Bernard Udoh, a former House of Reps Member and Hon. Udo Sam Umoatan, a former Council Chair, all openly supported Eastern Obolo for Senate against the turn of Mkpat Enin. Their failures embarrassed them and showed that they were lightweights in Mkpat Enin politics.

The Council Chairman, Anieokpon Ekpo meanwhile, is alleged to be chasing reappointment as Transition Committee Chairman from Eno Ibanga while Rt Hon Bernard Udoh did not feature at all in the just concluded PDP Campaigns and electioneering in Mkpat Enin. He was alleged to have been hobnobbing with some opposition parties in the state in exchange for patronage.

Hon. Uwem Imoh-ita, until recently, served as Personal Assistant to Prof. Eno Ibanga, who facilitated his emergence in the State House of Assembly. So, together, their supports for Prof. Ibanga were only to be expected.

Meanwhile, protests against Prof. Eno Ibanga continued even to the morning of the event in Uyo and Mkpat Enin. In Uyo, the protesting women led by Mrs Dorathy Eyaema – President, Nigerian Council for Women Societies, Mkpat Enin, lambasted Prof. Eno Ibanga for sowing seeds of disunity and creating unnecessary tension in Mkpat Enin through his divisive self-declaration as political leader. Back home in Mkpat Enin, youths in the area marched to the palace of the Paramount Ruler, protesting of how Prof. Ibanga had thrown the security of the area into jeopardy with his ill-timed self proclamation which had caused palpable tensions. Mkpat Enin Paramount Ruler, HRM Akpan Akpan Ekpene promised to look into their complains.

It was learnt that Akwa Ibom Government House Sources expressed displeasure that Prof. Eno Ibanga had abandoned his official duties to the Government of Gov. Umo Eno to seek reckless political powers in his Local Government Area. A reliable Source said that Prof. Ibanga had been warned before the event to limit himself only to his reception on the said day and not to delve into political leadership or chieftaincy matters for himself. However, he might have hidden this fact from his supporters, who were misled by his boasts that The System was supporting him.

The hired crowd waited frustratingly to see the Governor they had been deceived into believing was going to attend the event but never saw the State Chief Executive. Later that day, Gov. Umo Eno was however, rather, spotted at the birthday party of Hon. Frank Archibong – his Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Eket.

It is also revealed that the Akwa Ibom Works Commissioner spent a fortune to hire praise-singers to the event. However, many people at the event wondered why he had not channeled such resources and energy to attracting attention to the condition of major roads in Mkpat Enin, which are now impassable.

Recall that eminent stakeholders in Mkpat Enin had already earlier distanced themselves from Ibanga’s purported political leadership ‘announcement’. A former Council Chairman and current PDP State Officer, Hon. Mfon Nkanteen as well as the Chapter Chairman, Hon. Anietie Sunday had stated those who announced Eno Ibanga were only expressing their personal sentiments and not the position of Mkpat Enin PDP.

A former Transition Committee Chairman and serving Commissioner in EARCOM, Sir Ubong Ekefre said announcing Prof. Eno Ibanga as ‘political leader’, while Obong Richard Umoren, who had not abdicated the seat was still alive, was akin to burying the elder statesman alive. The leader of the influential Ward Leaders Forum, Mkpat Enin, Rev. Obot Ekanem said Eno Ibanga was on his own.

On his part, a former Senatorial candidate in the area, Mr. Dominic Essien noted that ‘in a political dispensation, elected officers are ranked higher than any appointees of government’. He advised Prof. Eno Ibanga against embarking on such political leadership misadventure.

A notable former Councillor and Leader of Ukpum Minya Ward IV(Mkpat Enin Urban), Hon. Aniedi Ekanem, commenting on last Saturday’s event in his ward lamented that Prof. Eno Ibanga had been scammed into an imaginary political leadership. He said:

‘Some people just discovered that they can make quick money from Prof. Eno Ibanga because of his political inexperience. That is why you are seeing this hastily organized event. This is a real job-man harvest for some people’.

Like Dominic Essien, Ekanem maintained that it is sheer wild dream for Prof. Eno Ibanga to ever think that he can a political leader in Mkpat Enin over a serving Senator and when Chief Richard Umoren, who has not renounced his title of political leader is still alive. To Ekanem, common sense should have shown Prof. Ibanga that since earlier political leaders Obong D.S. Udoinyang and Chief Richard Umoren all came from Ukpum Minya, after the era of Chief Umoren, the next political leader of Mkpat Enin will come from either Ikpa Ibom, Ibiaku or Ikpa Ikono Clan.

Some party stalwarts in Mkpat Enin have accused Eno Ibanga of reckless name-dropping and creating factions for his selfish interest.

Meanwhile also, residents of Mkpat Enin Urban have counted loss following Ibanga’s event. It is alleged that the cultists, brought in Prof. Ibanga’s camp went amok and inflicted matchet cut on innocent passersby in a post event melee with some youths of the area.

Despite the heavy inducements and name dropping, the propaganda to pronounce Prof. Ibanga as ‘political leader’ of Mkpat Enin by a few persons could not receive the needed validation to see the of light. Dominic Essien had warned that Eno Ibanga’s dream of becoming political leader of Mkpat Enin was laughable. As events showed on Saturday, DUE was right.

C’River Gov. Empowering Young Leaders for Tomorrow

…. Otu throws another challenge to his colleagues

…… populates cabinet with young people

By Aniekan Udofia

It was the famous night at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on 4 May 2022 in the semi-finals of the Uefa Champions League clash between Spanish giants Real Madrid and English giants Manchester City. With 40 seconds to the end of regulation time , Madrid needed two goals to qualify for the finals. Madrid’s midfield was packed with the experienced trio of Casemiro, Kroos, and Modric, yet Madrid was trailing 4 – 5 on aggregate. Manager Carlo Ancelotti turned to his bench. Seated were inexperienced 19 & 21 year old Camavinga and Rodrygo. Ancelotti took the gamble to sacrifice the experience of Kroos, Modric, and Casemiro for the young lads. Camavinga ran riots in the middle of the pack and provided the crucial pass. Rodrygo got the vital goal for Madrid. At the end of the match, Madrid had booked their place in the final on a 6-5 aggregate score.

Cross River State Governors have continued to adopt the Ancelotti model in governance. The recent inauguration of Cross River State Executive Council dominated by young people by Governor Prince Bassey Otu is yet another milestone in the political history of the state. From Effiom Ekagha, Bassey Mansah, Erasmus Ekpang, Mike Odere, Oden Ewah, Ededem Ani, Ijom Ukam, Pius Edet, Johnson Ebekpo and the rest the images speak volume of a cabinet that has received the injection of freshness , enthusiasm, zeal and passion to drive the vehicle of development. The images of young men and women with the hunger to prove a point and the energy to go resonates hope.

It is not the first time that a governor in Cross River State has demonstrated trust in young people as a against the myth of experience which has been responsible for the recycling of old guards who may have lost the zeal to break new grounds. It is obvious that it is a culture in Cross River State for their leaders to show confidence in young people believing that what they lack in experience, they have in the needed energy and innovation to break new grounds.

The tale of former governor Prof Ben Ayade appointing young Asuquo Ekpenyong at the age of 31 in 2015 as Commissioner for Finance and 33 year old Betta Edu as Commissioner for Health in 2019 is still reverberating as the pair have moved on to the national level as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the age of 39 and a Minister of the Federal Republic at the age of 36.

Ayade trusted them with responsibility as high as that, and they compensated for their inexperience with vigour and passion to achieve result. In the end, they garnered the experience that many seem to make it look like an exclusive preserve of the old.

Today, Governor Prince Bassey Otu has continued the tradition that has come to be associated with the state. His cabinet will be driven by these young men and women who will learn on the job, make their mistakes in case of any, and see their passion strong enough to drive them to succeed. Governor Otu, like his predecessor, is raising another set of young army of leaders that will take over at the sub national and national levels.

Sadly, in the same South South geopolitical zone where Cross River State is setting this standard, the other states have fallen short with the horror of recycled politicians and perpetual political office holders. In the most part of the South South region under the cloak of continuity in governance, governors after governors have continued to recycle the same political office holders inherited from their predecessors and sometimes even the ones inherited by their predecessors.

In some states in the South South, some Commissioners and political office holders have been in their positions for over a decade. Some have moved from one ministry to another in the name of cabinet reshuffle with no significant impact or achievements in the various capacities they have occupied. The only understanding of the phrase, CONTINUITY IN GOVERNMENT by most of these leaders are; returning former political office holders to their positions.

One is left to wonder if this experience that these people claim to have were bought in a store, only them can shop from or they just woke up from nowhere to have experience. The fact that these recycled politicians and political office holders started young, where people gave them an opportunity to be part of governance and today they see themselves as the only cock to crow in the land is baffling.

If former world best Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema and the rest can acknowledge that their age will no longer allow them to perform optimally and they chose to move to lower leagues to play their football, if Casemiro could leave Real Madrid for a young Camavinga whose time has come to take his place, then there can be no justification for the perpetual recycling of political office holders in the name of experience.

It is only a natural event for the law of diminishing returns to take place in the life of any individual. What can be expected of a person who has been commissioner in a ministry for 8 years, if not redundancy? What new energy can be injected into a ministry run by an individual who has become an ancient of days and knows all the conduit pipes to siphon money? What creativity is expected on an individual whose only claim to the political office he or she occupies is compensation for leading young people to deliver his or her unit during election?

The lack of honour and shame demonstrated by many political office holders in accepting appointments over appointments in the same position that they have by all standard failed to deliver has been the bane of our society. With all the experiences that these people claim to possess, what has been the state of education, tourism, health, environment, etc, in the region?

While the place of experience can not be wished away, there must be a deliberate attempt to throw up young people in leadership like it is done in Cross River State by other states in the south south and Nigeria. Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff was the military governor of Rivers State at 24 , General Yakubu Gowon was Head of State at 32. People discovered them at their early age and gave them opportunity. That is the true essence of leadership. A leader should identify talent and project them for the benefit of the future. A leader must show the way.

If most of our leaders in the South South, continue with the current trend of recycling old politicians, they will mortgage the future of the next generation. The average age of some cabinets in the South South is a shameful picture and total ridicule to the campaign promises of youth inclusion and youth development. Governor Prince Bassey Otu stand in your honour for in the midst of shame, like the great poet Robert Frost in his classic poem THE ROAD NOT TAKEN, wrote in the last two lines, you took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.

Mkpat Enin Royal Fathers Distance Selves from Eno Ibanga’s Political Leadership Ambition, Threaten Perjury

Traditional Rulers from Mkpat Enin have frowned seriously at attempts to drag them into political leadership controversy surrounding the State Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga. Some village heads in the area have even threatened perjury for linking the Traditional Rulers Council with the invitation to Prof. Ibanga’s self declaration reception as Political Leader on Saturday.

The royal fathers are worried by the tension which Ibanga’s bloated ambition has created in Mkpat Enin. They therefore invited Senator Ekong Sampson and Prof. Eno Ibanga to a meeting at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Mkpat Enin, Edidem Akpan Akpan Ekpene, earlier today. Senator Ekong Sampson cut short his official duties and flew home to attend the meeting. Prof. Eno Ibanga was absent.

At the meeting, Senator Sampson, the PDP Chapter Chairman, Rt Hon Anietie Sunday, State Officer of the Party, Hon. Mfon Nkanteen, Leader of the Mkpat Enin Legislative Council, Hon. Ebong Akpan, Director-General of PDP Campaigns, Mkpat Enin and Chairman of Ward Leaders Forum, Mkpat Enin, Rev. Obot Ekanem, former Council Chairman, Sir Ubong Ekefre, among other leading stakeholders who spoke, said they were not part of Eno Ibanga’s strange declaration as political leader. They maintained that they were not even informed either individually or as a political party about any process to such declaration.

They Party top shots wondered why the issue of political leadership should come out now at a time Mkpat Enin people should be enjoying from the government instead of fighting over a non-existing political leadership position due to one man’s over ambitious tendencies. The chieftains expressed dismay how Prof. Eno Ibanga, a serving State Commissioner of barely three years in office can declare himself Political Leader in a Local Government Area where a serving Senator and other senior political bigwigs come from.

The Paramount Ruler of Mkpat Enin, HRM Edidem Akpan Akpan Ekpene stated emphatically that the Traditional Rulers Council was not consulted nor is part of Eno Ibanga’s political leadership controversy. Village Heads who spoke angrily including the Chairman, Conference of Village Heads, Mkpat Enin, Eteidung Sylvester Akpan Itiat said that it was very wrong for anybody to seek conferment of chieftaincy title on himself even before the official coronation of the Paramount Ruler.

They said that the usual practice was for the conferment to be done on the day of coronation and distanced themselves from any attempts to drag the TRC into partisan politics. They Village Heads were very annoyed that the traditional institution was being dragged into Ibanga’s invitation without their consent.

Meanwhile, there are strong indications that many of the royal fathers and leading stakeholders in Mkpat Enin will boycott Prof. Ibanga’s factional event.

REPS TETFUND INVESTIGATION: NO PROCUREMENT ACT DEFAULTER WILL BE SPARED, IDEM’S COMMITTEE WARNS

House of Representatives Committee investigating the alleged abuse of 2.3 trillion naira generated as tertiary education tax by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, says it is not out to witch hunt heads of institutions, but only playing its constitutional oversight role to ensure things are done in accordance with the relevant laws setting them up.

However the committee, led by the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep. Unyime Idem, has vowed that no head of institution, contractor or staff of TETFUND, found to be in breach of the provisions of the Procurement Act, will go scot free, but will be made to face the full weight of the law.

To this end, Idem has urged the heads of institutions where TETFUND projects are sited, to cooperate with the committee and be transparent, noting that the documents submitted to it will be compared with the projects inspected, and will guide it in its final report.

The Ukanafun federal lawmaker made the remark in Abuja before the committee commenced inspection of schools where TETFUND projects are sited in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

According to him, whoever lies on oath, “commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to cumulative punishment of a term of imprisonment of 5 years without any option of fine”.

He also made it clear that the committee’s final report will help TETFUND to either release or withhold more funds to institutions, for projects and other purposes.

Idem also reiterated the committee’s commitment to do a thorough evaluation of projects in institutions visited across the country.

Institutions visited were University of Abuja, Gwagwalada, National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja and the FCT College of Education, Zuba.

With the inspection of projects in the FCT, the committee has concluded its tour to States in the North Central Region of the country.

The delegation was received in the FCT by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola.

A.R.I.S.E. AGENDA : GOV ENO DIRECTS COMMENCEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION OF A MODEL HEALTH CENTRE FOR IKOT NKWO, IBESIKPO ASUTAN LGA

… lauds community on land donation, self-help initiative.

The A.R.I.S.E. Agenda blueprint of Governor Umo Eno led-administration in Akwa Ibom State has assuaged the age- long yearnings of the people of Ikot Nkwo in Ibesikpo-Asutan Local Government Area for a healthcare facility as the Governor has directed immediate construction of a model Healthcare center in the area.

The directive came on the heels of Governor Eno’s inspection tour of a health post in Ikot Nkwo -Asutan, where he discovered to his consternation that the primary healthcare facility has, over the years, been rendering its services to the locals in a shared accommodation with the Village Council and ordered for the commencement of work for a model Healthcare Centre to facilitate the relocation of the Health Post.

Speaking while inspecting the Health Post and parcel of land donated by the community to the state government for the primary healthcare facility, Governor Eno commended the self-help efforts of Ikot Nkwo community and their magnanimity in sacrificing the parcel of land for the health center, describing the gesture as a demonstration of goodwill and acceptability of government development drive and donated ten million naira to the community .

“We want to thank the entire village and the village council for donating this land. Provision of this land as far as I’m concerned, is a major stake that the community has done. Since you have accepted development, I want to assure you that development has come into this community.

“I assure you that in the next one week, work will commence on this site”, he assured.

The gesture, he added, underscores their collaboration as stakeholders in the development of the community and actualization of the goals of A.R.I.S.E. Agenda.

The governor also commended the health Officer-in-Charge of the Health Post, Mrs. Peace Blankson Effiong, for her commitment to serve humanity having utilized the make-shift facility to render healthcare services to the community.

Welcoming the Governor to the area, the Chairman, Ibesikpo-Asutan Local Government Council, Mrs. Akon Michael Asuquo, expressed gratitude to the governor for meeting the longtime yearning of the community through his A.R.I.S.E. Agenda blueprint.

The Council Boss was optimistic that the Health Centre, upon completion, will address the health care needs of the people particularly the women, children and the aged.

On his part, the Acting Village Head of Ikot Nkwo, Obong Ibanga Etukudo Enyieama, thanked the governor for the gesture and declared a total surrender of the parcel of land to the government, with assurances of the community’s support for the project to see the light of the day.

Stakeholders of the area including Mr Ide Owodiong, Elder Emmanuel Obot, Rt. Hon Eduok Eduok, Hon Eyakeno Etukudo, Youth Leader Comrade Michael Udo, among others were on hand to receive the Governor, who was accompanied by the SSG Prince Enobong Uwah, Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien and others

Media Unit
Government House, Uyo
14/8/23