Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: A’Ibom

  • A’Ibom moves to avert NIMET flood warning

    A’Ibom moves to avert NIMET flood warning

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    Akwa Ibom government has said it has began to take necessary measures to ensure that the threat of flood in the state as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET is averted.

    Governor Umo Eno made this known weekend when he led some members of the State Executive Council in distilling drainages in Eket Local Council during the August state-wide environmental sanitation exercise.

    Taking a break to address journalists, Eno who commended the Council administration and the State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, AKSEPWMA for efforts in maintaining a clean state called for all hands to be on deck to justify the state’s serenity and good reputation as the cleanest in Nigeria.

    The Governor reasoned that the NIMET alert was enough warning towards averting the disaster, adding that the state government through relevant agencies would evoke existing laws against defaulters and institute new regulations where necessary.

    On his part, the AKSEPWMA Chairman, Mr Akpan Ikim, commended the proactive disposition of the Governor, stressing that this underscored the governor’s seriousness in ensuring the practicability of his policies.

    This the chairman stressed, Eno has demonstrated in the desilting of drains on Atiku Ababakar Avenue in Uyo and floating a sanitation pilot programme in Ewet Housing Estate in Uyo.

    Ikim assured of AKSEPWMA’s readiness to enforce the governor’s order to the latter, in accordance with the Law establishing the Agency, adding that the agency is set to mobilize it’s enforcement officers to inspect and serve abatement notices to defaulting residents.

    Chairman of Eket Local Council, Mr. Akaninyene Tommey, assured of his Council’s commitment to sustain the tempo of the Governor’s A.R.I.S.E Agenda across all sectors in the area.

  • Parents Of Kidnapped NYSC Members Protest in A’Ibom

    Parents Of Kidnapped NYSC Members Protest in A’Ibom

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    Parents of the eight Nigeria Youths Service Corps (NYSC) from Akwa Ibom kidnapped by bandits in Zamfara yesterday staged a peaceful protest to the state House of Assembly to appeal for the intervention of the state government.

    The victims were on their way via an Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus to Abuja, en-route Sokoto, but were intercepted by armed hoodlums in Zamfara state, three days ago, forcing distraught parents to protest to the state House of Assembly to draw government attention to the incident.

    House Speaker, Mr Udeme Otong, who addressed the protesting parents calmed their frayed nerves in a closed meeting in his office, persuading them to calm down as the state government has waded into the matter.

    Speaking in an interview, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong, who blamed the incident on the general situation of insecurity in the country, assured that the state government has began talks with their Zamfara State counterparts and security agencies in that state with a view to securing the safe release of the kidnapped victims.

    “The incident is borne out of the general situation of insecurity in the country. Government is aware of the incident, and is in touch with both the government of the state where the incident happened, and the security apparatus in the state.

    “But being a security operation, government cannot say so much until the people who are being held hostage have been released. So, we understand the parents are feeling so extremely bad, but unfortunately because of its security nature, we can’t even share more information.

    “What I can tell for now is that government is aware, and is in – charge, and on top of the situation. We are appealing to the parents to exercising a little bit of patience, and continue to support government with prayers; that is the only option available for them now.” He said.

  • Police Nab Man For Killing Son Over Cassava In A’Ibom

    Police Nab Man For Killing Son Over Cassava In A’Ibom

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    The Police in Akwa Ibom has arrested one Innocent Uko ‘M’ of Ebe Ikpe village, Essien Udim Local Council for allegedly killing his 26 year old son, Boniface Innocent Uko who was said to have harvested cassava in his (father’s) farm.

    State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Odiko Macdon told newsmen in Uyo yesterday that the village head of the community, Chief Akpan Aniekan together with the village council chairman, Sylvester Akpan reported the incident to Police Operatives of Essien Udim Divisional Headquarters which immediately visited the scene and arrested the suspect.

    MacDon said the suspect has confessed that he killed his son with a machete, burnt the corpse and dumped his carcass in an abandoned pit toilet in his compound to conceal the act.

    He said the suspect claimed that his late son was too stubborn, disobedient and had brought embarrassment to the family.

    According to the PPRO, “one Chief Akpan Aniekan, the village head of Ebe Ikpe village in company of one Sylvester Akpan ‘m’, the village council chairman reported that one Innocent Uko ‘m’ of Ebe Ikpe village in Essein Udim Local Government Area, used machete and killed his son Boniface Innocent Uko, aged 26yrs, burnt the corpse and dumped the carcass of the deceased in an abandoned pit toilet in his compound to conceal the act.

    “On the strength of the report, Police Operatives of Essien Udim Divisional Headquarters visited the scene, the deceased burnt corpse deposited at the morgue. The suspect was arrested and has confessed killing the deceased, his son on the grounds of bad character and incessant harassment and embarrassment.”

    The police spokesperson also said the command had arrested one Charley Edem John who allegedly stole two children aged 7.

    He said the suspect used his kid brother who is 10 to lure these victims who are of the same school with him out from their class where the elder brother would have the opportunity to steal them.

    “Division, acting on intelligence report, arrested one Charley Edem John who stole two children, ages 7 years respectively from their School The said suspect uses his own kid brother who is 10 years old of the same School to call and lure the children out of their class for him to steal.” He said.

    The PPRO said the suspects would be charged to court at the end of investigations.

  • Rights Group wants increased empowerment for female youths in A’Ibom

    Rights Group wants increased empowerment for female youths in A’Ibom

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    The Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network, CHRAN has called on Akwa Ibom government to make it a deliberate policy to empower female youths in the State with life enhancement and skill acquisition training.

    CHRAN Director in the state, Mr Franklyn Isong, made the call when it received in audience the Progenitor of the Female Youth Association (Purple Girls), Mrs Edna Udeme who paid the Centre an advocacy visit yesterday in Uyo.

    The Center which was also taken on a facility tour of the Female Youth Academy, a subsidiary of the Female Youth Association commended Udeme for training and empowering over three thousand 3,000 female youths with various vocational skills in the state.

    It commended the former Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for the supports they gave to the Association, expressing optimism that the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno would collaborate with the Academy in training and empowering of female youths on various skills.

    The Centre lauded Udeme for using her meagre resources to train and empower the downtrodden, while commending her resilience and passion in bridging the gap between male and female youths in the State but urged her to expand the academy to also accommodate skills acquisition training for the male youths.

    Udeme, who had earlier conducted the CHRAN’s team round her Academy’s facility, Haute Couture and Creative Arts (Fashion and Designing); Information and Communications Technology (ICT); Culinary Arts and Hospitality (Catering); Hairdressing and Wig Artistry; Cosmetics and Headgear Artistry (Make-up and Gele Tying); Cinematography and Photographic Arts; Music and Instrumental Performance (The Purple Brass); and Business Management Advisory.

    The Progenitor regretted that due to lack of sufficient space, the academy could only accommodate 200 trainees every year from the 31 local councils and has trained and empowered with starter packs 800 female youths in the last four years.

    According to their tradition,she further stated, four new trainees would always be attached to each of the graduands for training and mentorship.

    She revealed that the visit to CHRAN was part of activities marking the 7th Anniversary of the Association and listed her challenges to include lack of better accommodation for the academy, inadequate funds for transportation trainees who come from rural communities daily and high cost of running the academy, appealing for supports from Eno and his wife.

    She also called for support from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), EXXON Mobil and other multinational oil companies operating in Akwa Ibom, as well as, well-placed Nigerians to support the Purple Girls.

  • A’Ibom: Dakaada Luxury Estate Not A While Elephant Project -Ekong

    A’Ibom: Dakaada Luxury Estate Not A While Elephant Project -Ekong

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Lands and Housing Capt. Iniobong Ekong(Rtd) has said that the upscale Dakkada Luxury Estate in Uyo would not be a white Elephant project.

    He has also said that most beneficiaries of plots at the Itam Industrial Park did not want to develop their plots as agreed because they saw their allotments as political settlement.

    Ekong made this known yesterday in Uyo at a press conference on the activities and programmes of his Ministry towards the actualisation of A.R. I. S.E Agenda of the governor Umo Eno led-administration.

    The commissioner assured that his administration would improve on a lot of structures met on ground and also in line with standard best practices and introduce new structures needed to put the state in competition with other states of the federation.

    “I want to assure you that this Ministry has lofty programmes for this Ministry starting from the first of its kind estate in this part of the World, the Dakkada Luxury Estate.

    “The Ministry of Lands has the responsibility to develop the Estate in terms of site services and other utility provisions that will make it attractive to compete and compare with any Estate in the world.

    “The governor has given me approval to take on-the-spot assessment of that Estate
    between now and next week with the intention of understanding where we are to be able to progress to the next stage. I guarantee you that it will never be a white Elephant project.” The commissioner explained.

    He said the ministry has already commenced the process of revoking undeveloped plots at the 100 hectares Industrial Park as directed by Governor Umo Eno.

    “And on Monday His Excellency the governor undertook unscheduled visit to the Ibom Industrial park. And as I speak to you we are under instruction to revoke all unoccupied/undeveloped plots in that industrial estate.

    “Unfortunately, quite a lot of investable lands and property have been taken up by politicians and privileged people in the society just to hold it without the necessary ripple benefit to the generality of the people.” He said.

    On the level of completion of the Dakkada Luxury Estate, Ekong stated that 625 plots were allowed in the first phase with 385 plots at various stages of payment being made on them.

    “The estate is secured, it is 100 percent fenced. Some roads are 100 percent completed. Water is also going to be done with proper reticulation system. So government is aggressively pursuing the timely completion of their own responsibilities.” The commissioner said.

  • A’Ibom Info Commissioner Tasks Journalists on Arise Agenda

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong has tasked journalists in the state to interrogate and fully understand the ARISE agenda of the present administration.

    Ememobong said such interrogation would empower the media to fully understand and be able to evaluate the implementation processes of the administration’s development blueprint as it unfolds.

    In a meeting with Correspondents in Uyo yesterday, the commissioner said that the thoroughly grafted agenda; with action points and timelines clearly stated, has become a social contract between the government and the governed.

    He told the media that the administration would look forward to their support through agenda setting, feed forward and feedbacks deviod of malice and sentiment.

    “People in representative capacity interrogated the document and now accept this document as the working document of this administration. Therefore the transitioning between being the private document, the political party agenda to an economic blueprint of government is why I am here.

    “And very simply, the government should be judged by this. This has become a social contract and if you read the agenda, you will discover that it is a thoroughly grafted agenda with points and with action points, aspirations clearly listed.

    “So the marketing of this agenda is the duty of the Ministry of Information, but the interrogation of this agenda is the duty of the press and you are well positioned to Interrogate.

    “You need to know what it stands for, what it represents, what it promises, so that you can use it to hold the government to account.” The commissioner said.

    He promised to avail himself for interrogation and explained that, “the Arise Agenda stands for Agric revolution, rural development, Infrastructure, security, economic and education. Then you see a lot of drop downs. There are 18 focal areas that are drawn from these five aspirations.

    “Agric revolution, environmental management, rural development and youth empowerment, Infrastructure Maintenance and advancement, security management, quality educational and health sector management, economic, industrial and social advancement”. He said.

    The Commissioner however regretted that vandalism has continued to frustrate government effort to develop some rural communities, and tasked the media to consistently advocate for community ownership on projects located across the state.

  • A’Ibom: 113 Widows, Undergraduates Benefit From AEJ Foundation Awards

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    More than 113 widows, widowers and undergraduates from Akwa Ibom have benefited from this year’s cash gifts, business start ups and scholarships funded by the Apostle Elijah Jack, AEJ Foundation

    The gesture, which is an annual even to celebrate the birthday of Apostle Elijah Jack saw one hundred widows/ widowers from ONNA Local Council of the state receive cbusiness start ups, and food items while indigenous students of Tertiary institutions within Nigeria received scholarships.

    Announcing the beneficiaries of the scheme during the birthday celebration of Jack yesterday in ONNA, chairman of the Scholarship committee, Dr Ohuka Ruskin said that the programme was designed to create an indelible impact on the lives of students and youths across the council.

    Ruskin noted that the scholarship scheme was borne out of the Founder’s desire to invest in the future of the youths, with the scholarship meant to last for a semester while the beneficiaries could reapply.

    On how the beneficiaries were selected, Ruskin explained that “after the advertisement, 70 people applied for the scholarship but only 23 students uploaded their documents( admission letter, last school fee receipt, letter of recommendation etc), so that made 47 applicants disqualified.

    “An online test was also conducted for the 23 successful candidates with a pass mark of 60 percent, again only 13 student passed the online test and we’re screened and granted the scholarship.

    “100 widows and widowers went home with food items and cash empowerment to start up businesses. All these were done as part of event to celebrate our sponsor’s birthday Apostle Dr Elijah Akpan Jack”

    Speaking earlier, Jack, who is also the chairman of AEJ Foundation said the Foundation is anchored on principles of love, empathy, selflessness and positive change to the lives of the vulnerable and poor.

    He said aside the scholarship, the Foundation also provided essential medical care to underprivileged individuals in various communities, business startup empowerment for individuals as well as provisions of financial materials and food item support to widows and widowers.

    The Cleric however called on individuals and humanitarian organisations to join hands with him in the pursuit of the empowerment agenda.

    “Your support, whether big or small, will make an immeasurable difference in the lives of those we serve. Let us march forward, shoulder to shoulder, with compassion as our guide and humanity as our compass. Together, we shall create a world where love reigns supreme, where the warmth of kindness touches every heart, and where no one is left behind.” He said.

    Jack stated that his motive behind the scholarship was to promote the ARISE agenda of Governor Umo Eno adding that as a firm believer in the transformative power of education, he was committed to nurturing exceptional students who have exhibited outstanding academic performance, leadership qualities, and a strong drive towards making positive impact in the society.

    “We understand the financial challenges that can hinder students from realizing their full potential, and our foundation is dedicated to breaking down those barriers, ensuring that brilliant students have the opportunity to excel academically and contribute meaningfully to their chosen fields.” He added.

    One of the beneficiary students, Shadrach Peter who is also the President of ONNA Students Worldwide and studying Marine Engineering on behalf of others said the scholarship would ease the financial stress on his parents and pledged to put more efforts in his studies.

    “I applied for the scholarship because I was having some financial challenges. I believe it will help me a lot in my academic pursuit and help my parents.

    “I feel very delighted and I express my sincere gratitude to Apostle Dr Elijah for coming up with this initiative, it is people who love God and humanity that would want to invest in the future that can do this. An investment in knowledge is the greatest profit.” He said

  • ExxonMobil/NNPC JV inaugurate Host Community Trusts in A’Ibom

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    Acting in compliance with the Provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil and operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC)/MPN Joint Venture yesterday inaugurated two Host Community Development Trusts in Akwa Ibom State.

    They include the Incorporated Trustees of NNPC/MPN JV EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust (Eket, Mbo, ONNA, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Esit Eket and Eastern Obolo communities), and the Incorporated Trustees of NNPC/MPN JV Ibeno Host Community Development Trust (Ibeno community).

    At the unveiling ceremonies in Eket, General Manager, Joint Venture Operations of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mark Fraser, said the inauguration events signal a significant milestone for the NNPC/MPN JV and its host communities in the state as it sets in motion the commencement of a new era of organic and sustainable community development.

    “With the inauguration of these Trusts, our communities in Akwa Ibom State will now be in the driver’s seat and determine the pace, nature and impact of community development projects and programs in the respective host communities.

    “We are delighted that the collaborative efforts involving our company, partner, communities, regulator and state government have resulted in the success we are witnessing today.

    “We are confident that with the quality of individuals selected by the communities to serve on the Trusts, the people will enjoy the benefits as envisioned by the framers of the Petroleum Industry Act. The ultimate objective is for the Trusts to help enhance peace and further accelerate development and prosperity in our host communities.” Fraser said.

    He disclosed that the Joint Venture has enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with the host communities and has continued to play its part through significant revenue contributions and community development initiatives, noting that the JV has consistently remained the highest private sector employer of labour in the state.

    In a remark, Chief Upstream Investment Officer,NUIMS, Bala Wunti represented by the Manager, Stakeholder Relations, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Julie Utang, commended stakeholders for successfully harmonizing various interests, culminating in the eventual incorporation of the two Trusts.

    According to Wunti, “as we get into the next phase, we should remain guided by the provisions of the enabling Act and regulations, ensuring we sustain our collaborations to derive optimal value.”

  • A’Ibom Dialogue To Unite, Bridge Political Divide-Gov Eno’s aide

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    An aide to Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Mr Essien Ndueso has said that the Akwa Ibom Dialogue, a programme designed to afford experts and stakeholders in the various sectors of the economy, irrespective of political affliation the opportunity to make inputs into the ARISE agenda blueprint of the state government.

    Speaking on a radio interview programme in Uyo yesterday, Ndueso, who is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, maintained that Eno planned to run an all inclusive administration hence his decision to seek participation and inputs from all experts and stakeholders critical sectors.

    “The Akwa Ibom Dialogue is set to be the first of its kind and it is no political jamboree, that is why the Governor is inviting specialists across the globe to come and share ideas and contribute to the working document of the government.”

    “I have heard people and even groups, asking for invites to attend the summit, but I want people to know that it is not a political jamboree for landing and settlement.” He said.

    Mr Ndueso said the event would be declared open by former Governor, Udom Emmanuel, who charted the course of industrialization in the State during his reign as Governor between 2015 and 2023, while the former Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udoma would chair the occasion.

    “Before his advent as Governor in 2015, no administration before him established any industry and most people thought it was near impossible to have industrial facilities here.

    “Today Ibom Air, Kings Flour Mill and Jubillee Syringe factories are among industries Mr Emmanuel brought to the State during his tenure and on that foundation shall more viable industries and progress be recorded in our State.

    “This is why the current Governor has asked Mr. Emmanuel not to consider going far, as his experience and ingenuity will always be sought.

    “After the formalities of declaring the event open, the summit will break into several cells with experts in each group converging on their respective block to brainstorm, while a final blueprint will be ready after the third day of the converge on July 26,2023.” He explained.

    The Governor’s aide further explained that Governor Eno has extended his political inclusive policy to appointments by insisting that stakeholders in the various wards in the State nominate people residing in their communities as his personal assistants.

    “Governor Umo Eno has technically returned power to the people by giving him the right to nominate his own personal aides. The Governor wants nominees who are resident on the villages and wards and not people living on the urban centers.

    “He also wants the nominees to be collectively selected by the ward’s stakeholders and unilaterally selected by a political chieftain.

    “Any nominee who fails to meet the criteria may likely be disqualified because a diligence mechanism has been put in place by the Governor to ensure that all those nominated are consensus choices of the elders and leaders of the respective wards.” Ndueso added.

    Such personal assistants he said is expected to give the Government appropriate feedbacks on the needs of their localities to ensure appriopriate attention to those needs.

  • NSCDC raids hotel, rescue teenage prostitutes in A’Ibom

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Akwa Ibom has raided a hotel in Ini Local Government Area of the state and rescued two underage girls.

    The raid followed intelligence volunteered by one Glory, a 17 years old who was assisted to escape after being lured into sleeping with men at the hotel against her wish.

    The State Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Ekerete Friday, in statement made available to newsmen on Thursday said that the victims aged 18 and 25 comffirmed sleeping with men from time to time and handover all the proceeds to one Mrs Imaobong, wife of the operator of the hotel.

    According to the statement, Glory was lured to work at the hotel as a sales attendant at the Bar/Restaurant section and was dutifully carrying out her roles until she was mandated by Madam Imaobong, to sleep with a man against her wish, adding that she escaped and contacted officials of the NSCDC in the state who acted swiftly.

    “The Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps acting on intelligence has raided a hotel in Ini LGA of Akwa Ibom State suspected to be engaged in under-aged prostitution.

    “The raid which was carried out on Saturday, July 15, 2023 followed from intelligence provided by one of the victims who was assisted to escape after being lured into sleeping with men at the hotel against her wish.

    “The young girl, Glory (surname withheld) ‘F’, 17years was taken from her parents to work at the hotel, as a sales person in the Bar/Restaurant section by a woman identified as Mrs Imaobong.

    “She said she was carrying out tasks assigned to her until a customer pointed to her that he wanted her. The woman then gave her condom and asked her to sleep with the customer which see refused.

    “She was able to escape through assistance, after which she reached out to NSCDC, who raided the premise.

    “The operator of the hotel identified as Mr Ikpe and Imaobong were at large as at when operatives of NSCDC arrived the hotel. Efforts to apprehend them is still on. Two ladies were picked up from the hotel; one is 18years old and the other is 25years old.

    “In the statement voluntarily provided, the ladies affirmed that they please men from time to time and handover all monies generated from the act to Madam Imaobong.

    ” The suspect uses deceit of job offer to minors and young girls, only to use them for prostitution.
    The suspect changes their names once they get to the hotel. She gives them another name which they bear for prostitution purpose.One of the victims is a minor, while the other girl recently clocked 18years.” The statement said.

    Meanwhile ,the State Commandant of NSCDC, Eluyemi Eluwade has warned parents and guardians to be wary of the new tactics deployed by these unscrupulous elements to lure young girls into unwholesome practice.

    “They will come to you and ask for your child to come work as house help or sales girls. I don’t advise anyone to release a child, especially a girl child that is less than 18 or has not finished secondary school.

    ” Akwa Ibom State has a free and compulsory education policy up to secondary school level. Don’t be deceived. Let your children go to school. The two girls are not through with their secondary education. Parents, please take your responsibilities as parents more serious, don’t be enticed by short term pecuniary gains” He advised.

    ” The victims and other suspects picked up at the hotel will be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for more investigation and rehabilitation of the victims.” It said.