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Tag: A’Ibom

A’Ibom moves to complete Multi-Billion Naira new Airport Terminal
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has pledged to release funds for the completion of works at the new smart terminal building of the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo.
He has also said that housing developments at the Multi-Billion Naira Dakkada Luxury Estate would commence by the end of January.
Eno made this known yesterday when he led members of the State Assembly, on inspection of key projects at the Airport including the new International Smart Terminal Building, the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, the Medical Centre and the Luxury Estate.
At the New Terminal Building, the Governor acknowledged that there was a soft opening of the facility upon completion of the major construction works said it was expedient for the two arms of government to have a firsthand assessment to ascertain the requirements to allow its full activation.
Eno who extracted commuttment from the contractors that the facility would be fully activated by April next year, also committed to making funds available for the required fine-tuning.
” I had to come here personally with members of my Exco and members of House of Assembly so that we can see things for ourselves and try to know where we direct funding.
“Yes, we had a soft opening and now there is still some work to be done. So we budgeted for it. Thankfully I came with the Honourable Speaker and leadership of the House.”
At the MRO where work started more than 20 years ago, he reaffirmed the resolve of his administration to ensure that it would begin operation in full capacity to give the state the full gain it was intended.
“As I campaigned for governorship , we knew there are some projects that we must fine tune for Akwa Ibom people to derive the full benefits.It’s a relay race, people run and give you the baton to run the finishing line.
“I am believing and hoping that our team here will be the one to get to the finishing line and be part of the history that has already been made”, he stated.
At the Dakkada Luxury Estate where he inspected the internal roads, Eno lauded the level of progress at the site and commended the contractors for taking the projects so far despite not getting corresponding funding from the government.
“I would like to thank the contractors, actually the ones that have not been mobilized but they have shown good faith.
“I think they have done a fantastic job given the reason I have just explained but as I will go back to the office, we will try within the next two weeks to ensure that they are mobilized so that they can take full advantage of the dry season.”He said.
The Luxury Estate supervising Commissioner and Commissioner for Lands, Capt. Iniobong Ekong (Rtd.) in his overview said that internal roads of about 16.8 km are being executed by eight contractors for speedy completion adding that the contractors would take advantage of the dry season to get the job done
November 10, 2023
Why A’Ibom is prioritizing investment in Agriculture – Dr Offor
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Developement, Dr Offiong Offor has said that the state government’s investment in agriculture is meant to guarantee a prosperous and healthy future for the people of the state.
She has also said that government’s Local Government’s plantation project could go beyond 10,000 hectares in the next four years with commitment from stakeholders especially young farmers.
Offor who made this known in an interview with newsmen last weekend in Uyo maintained that the state government’s policy on agriculture was not only meant to increase food production,create and expand employment opportunities especially for young people but also meant to delibrately divest the state economy from over reliance on oil.
The commissioner insisted that the mentality and orientation of people towards agriculture also needed to change if any meaningful progress could be made in the drive to revolutionarize agriculture and make it attractive to people, especially the youths.
“This is important because for instance in the West, the 3% of people engaged in farming there see themselves as top shots but in Africa and in this part of the world we are not proud of what we do as farmers. So we need to change the narratives.
“Times are evolving and changing and we need to move away gradually from reliance from crude.
Now we have electric cars that do not use petrol but you can never have electric food. Food is food especially in Africa the way God made it and it will always be so.
“So we need to understand that the primary duty of man is agriculture and that is what God primarily gave man as a blessing and what you eat determines how you live. If you eat well, you go less to hospital. So we need to sustain that in the minds of the people.
“Farming is not something derogatory but something everyone of us who have farms should be proud of. Grow something at whatever level it is. Be involved along the value chain.” She explained.
Offor said that Governor Umo Eno’s trip to the famed Songhai Farms in Benin Republic was an eye opener and would assist the state government in adapting to it’s own model in it’s agricultural revolution drive.
She explained that cassava which is the major crop to be used for the plantation project would not pose much storage and preservation challenges as much produced would be consumed and sold easily.
On projections for the future on the LG Plantation programme, she said that, “we are going to have more and people are willing to offer more land. For instance we set up a plantation in a location in this state and another community came up and said we are giving you 200 hectares because they have seen some of the other people benefit and make more incomes.
“So people buy into it. It will not just be limited to 100 hectares per Local Government, some LGs are willing to double the 100 hectares even now and you can imagine what it will be in the future.”
She further explained that large scale mechanized farming in the state is being hampared by land fragmentation and ownership issues while the cost of land preparation remained high due to the topography and climatic conditions of the state’s location.
On fears expressed over land grabbing challenges, Offor explained that land for the project were and would be donated by individuals and communities voluntarily while they could also withdraw their land from the project if they wish.
On food sufficiency, the commissioner explained that the drive is a work in progress and could be possible with active participation and committment from stakeholders especially the youths.
September 24, 2023
Why A’Ibom is prioritizing investment in Agriculture – Dr Offor
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Developement, Dr Offiong Offor has said that the state government’s investment in agriculture is meant to guarantee a prosperous and healthy future for the people of the state.
She has also said that government’s Local Government’s plantation project could go beyond 10,000 hectares in the next four years with commitment from stakeholders especially young farmers.
Offor who made this known in an interview with newsmen last weekend in Uyo maintained that the state government’s policy on agriculture was not only meant to increase food production,create and expand employment opportunities especially for young people but also meant to delibrately divest the state economy from over reliance on oil.
The commissioner insisted that the mentality and orientation of people towards agriculture also needed to change if any meaningful progress could be made in the drive to revolutionarize agriculture and make it attractive to people, especially the youths.
“This is important because for instance in the West, the 3% of people engaged in farming there see themselves as top shots but in Africa and in this part of the world we are not proud of what we do as farmers. So we need to change the narratives.
“Times are evolving and changing and we need to move away gradually from reliance from crude.
Now we have electric cars that do not use petrol but you can never have electric food. Food is food especially in Africa the way God made it and it will always be so.
“So we need to understand that the primary duty of man is agriculture and that is what God primarily gave man as a blessing and what you eat determines how you live. If you eat well, you go less to hospital. So we need to sustain that in the minds of the people.
“Farming is not something derogatory but something everyone of us who have farms should be proud of. Grow something at whatever level it is. Be involved along the value chain.” She explained.
Offor said that Governor Umo Eno’s trip to the famed Songhai Farms in Benin Republic was an eye opener and would assist the state government in adapting to it’s own model in it’s agricultural revolution drive.
She explained that cassava which is the major crop to be used for the plantation project would not pose much storage and preservation challenges as much produced would be consumed and sold easily.
On projections for the future on the LG Plantation programme, she said that, “we are going to have more and people are willing to offer more land. For instance we set up a plantation in a location in this state and another community came up and said we are giving you 200 hectares because they have seen some of the other people benefit and make more incomes.
“So people buy into it. It will not just be limited to 100 hectares per Local Government, some LGs are willing to double the 100 hectares even now and you can imagine what it will be in the future.”
She further explained that large scale mechanized farming in the state is being hampared by land fragmentation and ownership issues while the cost of land preparation remained high due to the topography and climatic conditions of the state’s location.
On fears expressed over land grabbing challenges, Offor explained that land for the project were and would be donated by individuals and communities voluntarily while they could also withdraw their land from the project if they wish.
On food sufficiency, the commissioner explained that the drive is a work in progress and could be possible with active participation and committment from stakeholders especially the youths.
September 24, 2023
CSOs laud Bill to upgrade the traditional institution in Akwa Ibom
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
A coalition of civil society groups in Akwa ibom have applauded the state government for sponsoring a Bill to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to upgrade the status of the Traditional institution in the State.
They have however called for the financial independence of the traditional institution to enable the royal fathers play their roles as fathers for all without interference.
The coalition made up of the Center For Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), led by Otuekong Franklyn Isong; People’s Rights to Life Development Foundation led by Comrade Ifot N. Ifot and Vital Partners for Development led by Dr. Victor David, made the assertion yesterday while addressing a joint press conference in Uyo.
The group which noted that the Bill was timely and long overdue for the state however urged the government and the people of the state to accord the traditional stools the respect they deserve so as not to make the new initiative an exercise in futility.
They called on the State House of Assembly to pass the Bill without any delay and urged Governor Umo Eno, to give assent to the Bill when passed and forwarded to him.
They justified the intendment of the drafters of the Bill and saluted their courage, meant to accord the head of the traditional institution in the state the same status as other reverred monarchs like the Sultan of Sokoto, Ooni of Ife and the Obi of Onitsha.
According to them, the law would legalize the new status accorded to the monarchs and confer on them c
added rights and priviledges.
Under the new law, the Ifim Ibi Ibibio would serve as the life President of the State Traditional Rulers Council, encompassing Paramount Rulers, Clan Heads and Village Heads, while his Annang and Oro counterparts would serve as the First and Second Vice President respectively.
The Council would also have a chairman, meant to be rotated on a senatorial district basis and who would oversee the Paramount Rulers who are also heads of the traditional institution in their respective Local Councils.
September 22, 2023
EFCC decries rising cases of real estate, internet crime in A’Ibom
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has raised alarm over the rising cases of real estate and internet crime in Akwa Ibom.
Uyo Zonal Commander of the commission, Assistant Commnader Bawa Saidu said, Thursday during a media workshop for Journalists in Uyo on “Effective Reporting of Economic and Financial Crimes” that the commission is however working on it.
Saidu called on the media to focus its search light on the sector to tackle the sharp practices adding that only collective fight against financial and economic crime by all Nigerians would help to nip the situation in the bud.
“The rising incidences of real estate and internet related cases have become worrisome. The real estate sector has been identified as a strong money laundering practices in Nigeria.” The Zonal Commander said.
He said that the commission has both the backing of the law and qualified personnel to tackle financial and economic crimes in the country, adding that its efforts have so far helped reduce cybercrime in Nigeria,ranked third in cyber crime in the world.
He revealed that persons have in the past impersonated EFCC officials to defraud unsuspecting members of the public of their money, and cautioned that people should be wary of such ‘EFCC officials’ trying to extort money from them.
Saidu however denied that EFCC officials demanded money from members of the public from whatever guise and urged such persons to verify from their office the identity of such officials so as not to be to deceived, adding that bail in the EFCC remainedo.
The workshop featured Legal Challenges of Prosecuting Economic and Financial Crimes, Trends , Peculiarities and Challenges of Cybercrime Endorsement in Nigeria and Investigative Journalism and Nigeria’s Fight against Money Laundering.
September 14, 2023
A’Ibom bemoans low workers’ benefit from NHF Contribution
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has expressed concern over the lack of benefits for Akwa Ibom workers from the National Housing Fund despite their contributions to the Fund over time.
But he has commended the Federal Mortgage Bank, FMB, for partnering the state government in the building of the 250 units Arise City Housing Estate project and promised that his administration would continue to partner the Bank towards addressing the housing deficit in the state
Eno attributed the state government’s intervention to narrow the housing deficit in the state to the establishmnt of the ARISE City estate, low cost housing estate project for Civil Servants in Ibiono Ibom and the Housing Estate for Doctors in Nsit Ibom Local Councils.
“I met a team from the Federal Mortgage Bank led by their Executive Director, so we spoke and I told them I will like Akwa Ibom workers to benefit from the fund and they promised that if we give them land they will finance the project. I like to thank them for keeping to their words. I want to also thank them for promising to finance even the buyers at a single digit interest rate loan.” He said.
The Governor pointed out that siting various housing projects in the outskirts of Uyo was a strategic plan to open up local government areas close to the state capital to decongest traffic in Uyo urban, explaining that as people come to live in those suburbs, population would build up and attract development to those areas.
He paid glowing tributes to the former governor and elder statesman from the area, Obong Victor Attah, whose fight for resource control birthed the 13% derivation revenue the state is currently enjoying.
General Manager of FMB in charge of Southern Nigeria, Mr. Simeon Agada, described Eno’s commitment to the housing project as exemplary, explaining that with provision of land and other support by the state government, the cost of getting a house in the estate would be reduced by 40%.
Agada said the bank would finance the building and provide funding for acquisition of property in the estate with interest as low as 7%, adding that with such government gesture, the bank would be willing to undertake more of such projects in the state.
Over viewing the project, the Commissioner for Housing, Mr Raphael Bassey, said that the project comprised of 100 units of one bedroom expandable terrace bungalows, 78 units of semi-detached expandable bungalows, 72 units of 3 bedroom terrace duplexes, seated on 20 hectares of land, assuring that with the able hands in the Ministry the project would be supervised to ensure compliance with standards and timely completion.
September 8, 2023
Palliatives: A’Ibom Auguments FG grant with N5Bn
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Akwa Ibom state government said it augumented the N2B Federal Government grant for Palliatives with N5B.
It also said it procured additional 100,000 bags of rice for distribution to the 2,272 gazetted villages; cash transfers to 53,000 workers in the State for three months, levy-free Fridays for transporters and traders for three months.
Governor Umo Eno who made this known in a message to mark his 100 days office in Uyo said, “all these have raised our contributions to the palliatives scheme to over 5 billion Naira.”
Eno also said that to ignite it’s agricultural revolution in line with the ARISE Agenda, the state government has acquired over 50 thousand hectares of land in all the 31 local government areas , to ensure food security and to get the people involved in agro-allied enterprises.
“As a practical demonstration of this resolve, we recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the world renowned Songhai Farms to start a model farm in our State, We have already sent hundreds of our people for training so they could form the nucleus of the skilled workers to drive this exercise.
“We have steadily paid gratuities to local government, primary school teachers and state workers. 3 billion Naira has so far been released for this exercise. We have commenced an initial five-month payment of Leave Grants in the Main Service.
“We are constructing model primary schools and primary healthcare facilities across the three senatorial districts and work is ongoing at a fast pace at the location of the first of these model primary schools, the Christ the King School, (CKS) on Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo.” The Governor explained.
Education he said remained free and compulsory at primary and secondary school levels and as part of the palliatives government would support parents with school uniforms, shoes, payment of bursary to students in tertiary instructions after proper verifications while government’s commitment to the payment of WAEC fees remained irrevocable.
“Exactly 100 Days ago, I stood before you to unveil my vision for the continuous growth and development of our people and our dear State through our Governance and Economic Blueprint, the ARISE Agenda.
“I had, in my inaugural address, while thanking you for the massive support you gave me at the polls which resulted in such unassailable margins of victory we got, pledged to concentrate our developmental plans in the rural areas, while still expanding and consolidating our urban renewal and other focal areas.
“Today, my fellow Akwaibomites, 100 Days later, I can say that we have hit the ground running and God has been our an ever-present Guide as we work to translate our vision into practical, measurable and impactful forms.”
He commended the people of the state for the support he has so far received adding that the ARISE Blueprint with five critical focal points of Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructural Maintenance, Security Management and Education Advancement would remain as a guide to his administration.
“As we mark our 100 Days in Office, we are working at a frenetic pace to translate in practical terms some of the key elements of the ARISE Agenda, and we are just starting.
“We have established an Agency with the sole responsibility to drive our rural development, improve the quality of life of our rural dwellers, stimulate economic activities and stem rural-to urban migration, the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
“So far, we have flagged-off critical roads in all the three senatorial districts and the first we had flagged off, a little over two months ago, the internal roads in Urua Akpan Andem, is being commissioned later today, delivered on schedule, by our very own HENSEK Integrated Services.
“We also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the world renowned Songhai Farms to start a model farm in our State, We have already sent hundreds of our people for training so they could form the nucleus of the skilled workers to drive this exercise.” Eno said.
To commomorate the day, the governor later performed the ceremonial flagging off of the distribution of palliative materials to the poorest of the poor in Nsit Ubium Local Council, performed the ground breaking for a housing estate for civil servants in Ibesikpo Asutan Council, commissioned a drainage project, rehabilitated access and internal roads at the Akpanandem market in Uyo.
September 7, 2023
NLC strike grounds socio-economic activities in A’Ibom
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Economic and social activities in Akwa Ibom were on Tuesday paralysed following a two-day warning strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.
This is despite a last minute pull out of the strike by affiliate unions of the Trade Union Congress, TUC.
The Idongesit Nkanga State Secretariat Complex, the Dakkada Secretariat Annex Complex and the Federal Secretariat Complex all in Uyo and other government offices were under lock.
It was also gathered that only skeletal services were being carried out by key offices in Government House while commercial banks were closed except for their ATM outlets.
Speaking in a radio station in Uyo, State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Sunny James confirmed that the strike in the state as ‘‘successful” adding that the body has mobilized all the units to observe the strike.
On the non-participation of TUC, James said that, ‘‘I do not have business with them and I know that they do not have business with us.’’
The chairman called on all NLC members to ensure strict compliance with the directive of the national body and the public to cooperate with NLC to finding lasing solutions to the economic hardship facing Nigerians based on the fuel subsidy removal.
It would be recalled that the National Executive Committee of the NLC had last Thursday directed all affiliates to direct it’s members to commence two days’ withdrawal of services on Tuesday (today) and Wednesday.
“The directive is imperative to get the needed attention of government and warn it of its newfound love of meddling in the internal affairs of unions rather than address the punishing economic circumstances we find ourselves.
“We hereby direct all our organs to comply with this directive by ensuring all our members stay off-duty for the two days. Your cooperation in this regard will be appreciated.” It had said in a statement.
President Bola Tinubu announced in his inaugural speech on May 29 that “fuel subsidy is gone“, which has since led to fuel prices as much as tripling nationwide and a rising cost of living.
The labour union is accusing the Federal Government of abandoning the negotiations and failing to implement some of the resolutions from previous meetings with the government.
Organised labour had earlier protested what it described as the anti-people policies of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The union also demanded an upward review of the minimum wage from N30,000 to N200,000, saying that since the President’s “subsidy is gone” inauguration speech of May 29, 2023, the peace of mind of Nigerians has gone.
Last month, NLC president Joe Ajaero argued that the N5 billion approved for each state and the FCT to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal was inadequate to impact on the people.
September 5, 2023
A’Ibom to partner Tech Experts on Week
By Emeka Samuel,Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Government has promised to support and partner tech experts in the state for the upcoming Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2023.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Brand Management and Marketing, Sir Raphael Edem, gave the commendation in Uyo yesterday when he played host to a team from the tech community.
Edem noted that the event would project the state to the world as a viable destination for tech and other business opportunities, adding that it was in line with the mandate of his office.
The SSA expressed the readiness of his office to partner with the organizers of the event to ensure a successful tech week and assured that the Department would wellcome more collaborations with the tech community.
In their separate remarks, the experts noted that the event would bring multidimensional benefits to the state and solicited the support and partnership of the state government.
Highpoint of the visit was the decoration of the tech experts with branded ARISE maoterials by Mr Edem.
On the team of tech experts were Hanson Johnson, chief executive officer, Start Innovation Hub; Amanda Etuk, chief executive officer, Messenger, and Lawrence Akube, managing director, Kode Hauz.
August 31, 2023
A’Ibom, Navy Partner On Marine Transport
By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Government said it has entered into partnership with the Nigerian Navy to develop marine transportation.
Commissioner for Transport, Mr Orman Esin told correspondents that the partnership would provide alternative route to road transportation and ensure security on the waterways.
Esin explained that already the Nigerian Navy has submitted a design for ferries and cargo boats that would be completed in six months.
“We are in serious interface with the Navy to build both cruise and transportation boat, ferry that would be carrying people from Oron to Calabar.
“The design is on and since we don’t want capital flight, we will have the Navy build the boat for us since they will give us internal security.
” I had a meeting with the Admiral in charge of the dock and marine operations of the Navy, along with the Secretary to the State Government, and Commissioner of Internal Security.
“We are certain that as soon as we get a design and the approval of His Excellency for the design, the boat construction will commence.
“They have given us a timeline of six months but we are giving them eight months. We are believing God that by the second quarter of next year, we should have a new ferry cruising on the shore.
“Cargo is a midterm approach we are thinking about, where we will have a cargo ship that would be carrying cargo from Lagos down to Akwa Ibom. It would be easier and better for our people.” The commissioner stated.
On constant attacks on fishermen by sea pirates, Esin said the Minstry of Internal Security has already swung into action, adding, “be rest assured that three months from today, the pirates will leave our water.”
August 28, 2023