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Tag: A’Ibom

CRARN Reintegrates 8,000 Vulnerable Children Into Society In A’Ibom
By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
A Non Governmental Organization, Child’s Rights and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN) said it has reintegrated and reconciled over 8,000 vulnerable children back into the society since inception in 2003 in Akwa Ibom.
The President/Chief Executive Officer of the Centre, Mr Sam Itauma who made the disclosure while briefing newsmen to mark her 20th Anniversary Celebration in Eket on Sunday however lamented the situation where the vulnerable children were labeled witch and stigmatised.
“Our efforts have rehabilitated more than 8,000 vulnerable children who have either accessed support from us or rescued from our CRARN facility.” Itauma said.
The president noted that while about 15 of those children had graduated from Universities, 20 graduated from College of Education and 25 of them are still in different tertiary institutions in the state.
The centre he said has been able to put six structures in it’s facility while an academy that would take care of the basic education needs of the children has already been established and called for the support of local and foreign donors to expand existing facilities.
Itauma called for support from public spirited individuals, companies, Non governmental Organisation to better the lots of the vulnerable to the society and commended the Department of State Security for being instrumental for the protection of vulnerable children in the state.
The President said that the centre was partnering with different government security agencies to improve the protection of the children and called on the media
to help raise awareness on their plight.
He maintained that the top priority of vulnerable children was education, adding that the best prospect of the children was educating the children.
Although the children according to Itauma are still faced with the challenges of abuses, torture and sometimes death in the hands of people, he however thanked the state government for their support and wise counsel.
He said the elebration would help to draw the attention of the different tiers of state government to the challenges and prospects of the vulnerable children and the centre.
July 9, 2023
A’Ibom: Aniekan Akpan’s Eventful Two Years As PDP Chairman
Otobong Sampson/Emeka Ogenyi
When on June 30, 2021, Elder Aniekan Akpan assumed office as Akwa Ibom PDP helmsman, he met a party that was scar-riddened and boldly simmering in fury against its leadership.
One of the primary reasons for this feeling was how it selected its candidates for the 2020 local government election. Many members, not hiding their grievances about the direction the party had swung, looked forward to revenge.
It was a worry. The unity of the party — which was looking forward to maintaining its impressive grip on the political structure of the state — was being threatened.
With the ratification of his position as the new chairman through a special election congress, Akpan’s first and immediate responsibility was to restore that “understanding in an atmosphere of disagreements,” an approach that has served the party well and made it formidable since 1999.
There was only one way to achieve this; by dissolving the clusters of grievances that existed into an agreeable whole. It was a huge task and no better person could handle that responsibility than him. In searching for a replacement, it was important that the new man cut the image of a peace merchant and possesed the skills of negotiation, dialogue and cooperation.
It’s the second anniversary of Akpan’s chairmanship and he’s done great, if not exceptional works for the party — deploying his interpersonal skills to great effect. The party’s goal in the last two years has focused on weakening of hierarchy and strengthening the powers and relevance of its members.
Its policy thrust has centred on healing and accommodation than political point-scoring. Where there are dissents and when the party is to disagree, the chairman brings to bare analytical temperament.
Since power isn’t his mental crutch, Akpan didn’t take long dismounting his high office, and building of the PDP a new community without borders. A community of faith; but more than that, of hope.
He has shown that building something new does not require the destruction of the old. What was once difficult now seem so easy. Akpan sits like the pleasant answers to prayers. He wears his devotion with pride.
The most significant highpoint of his chairmanship is the governorship retained by the PDP in the elections that held few months ago. He made tremendous personal sacrifices that steadied the ship amid storms and steered it away from shipwreck. He should be laurelled for democratically leading the party through its last primaries that blurred the lines of imposition with only minimal contentions.
In Akwa Ibom politics today, the PDP chairman has emerged as one of the most attractive voices. Soft, gentle and persuasive, and at the same time — intense and profound. The kind of voice that creates sympathy, empathy and confidence.
If it typifies anything about the man, it is his remarkable ability to argue a point and argue it so well, to make his listeners seize on his own views and make them their own. This is important in leadership so that followers do not feel coerced, but persuaded, and will go along.
Two years on, Akpan has been immense. Two years on, he has met expectations. Two years on, the chairman has answered all the important questions asked of him.
July 6, 2023
Police nab father for selling son N400,000 in A’Ibom
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
The Police in Akwa Ibom has arrested one Gabriel Okon Ekpiri of Ekit Itam Akpan Obong in Itu Local Council of the state for selling his nine year old son for N400,000.
This is even as the state Police Commissioner Commissioner, Olatoye Durosinmi has tasked two newly decorated Deputy Commissioners of Police to redouble their productive capacity while playing their deputizing roles.
A police statement in Uyo on Monday endorsed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon said the suspect who was arrested by the Quick Intervention Squad of the Command has confessed to the crime while blaming the devil and economic hardship for his actions.
It said that the CP while expressing shock and regret over the action of the suspect noted that the act was barbaric and totally unacceptable.
While conveying the hearty congratulations of the Acting Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun to the Officers including Baba Audu and Lawal Mani, the Police boss commended the Police Service Commission for finding them worthy of being promoted.
The newly promoted officers appreciated the CP for his hard work and fatherly disposition towards them and the Officers and Men of the Command.
Before their promotion, Audu was Area Commander, Eket Area Command while Mani was of the Department of Operations.
June 26, 2023
A’Ibom First Lady to initiate Support Programmes for Widows
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
The Wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mrs Patience Umo Eno, has pledged to support widows in the state by creating programmes that would enhance their economic and social capacities.
In a statement released by her media office weekend in Uyo, Eno used the occasion of the International Widows Day to praise all widows in the state for exercising resilience, strength and courage in the midst of adversity and tough times.
“As the world marks the International Widows’ Day today, I celebrate every widowed Akwa Ibom woman who has exhibited strength in spite of her pains; resilience in times of hardship and great courage in times of despair.” The statement said.
The Governor’s wife assured of her resolve to do everything within her power to support widows in the state in order to lighten their burdens and prayed God to strengthen and comfort all widows who are going through hard times.
“I assure you that you will never walk alone on this journey, and that I will do my part in ensuring that the burden gets lighter for your already tired shoulders. by putting together programmes to support you.
“May the Almighty God comfort and sustain you according to His promises and may He give you strength in times of weakness and uncertainties.” It said.
The International Widows Day which takes place annually on June 23, is a day set aside by the United Nations to address the poverty and injustice faced by millions of widows and their dependents in many countries.
The theme for the 2023 celebration of the International Widows’ Day is “Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality”.
June 25, 2023
NCoS decorates 305 newly promoted officers in A’Ibom
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, has decorated a total of 305 officers and men from the command who were newly promoted.
The state controller, Julius Ezugwu speaking before the decoration in Uyo on Friday congratulated the newly promoted and charged them to be more hardworking and committed in the discharge of their duties.
Ezeugwu challenged them to think outside the box on how to add more value to the Service and improve on their services to the inmates in-terms of reformation and rehabilitations.
The Controller also appreciated the Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa for staff motivation and massive promotion saying that they have never had it so big like 2023.
“The newly promoted officers, you know the task before us, it’s no longer to safe custody inmates alone but you have to ensure they are reformed, rehabilitated and be prepared to be reintegrated into the society, that is why this promotion is a call for more responsibility for you to put in your best to ensure that these inmates do not just leave raw as they came.
“The new service has made a lot of provision that even after the training the inmates will not be stigmatized because they will be certified and when they are certified they can have a gainful employment on discharge from our facilities, so I enjoin you to know that this promotion is for more service to the society.” He said.
He also urged those who did not merit the 2022 promotion to be patient, remain loyal to the Service, and be devoted to their duties noting that they will be captured in subsequent promotions.
In separate goodwill messages, the Service Commanders who graced the event congratulated the decorated officers, urged them to give their best to the Service, and restated their commitments to maintaining the mutual collaboration existing between the Nigerian Correctional Service and their respective Services in the state.
In a vote of thanks, the most senior among the decorated officers, DCC Paulinus Etim on behalf of others, expressed his immense gratitude to God for uplifting them to the next rank, and to guests for sharing in their joy. He further pledged their total loyalty and commitment to the Service and prayed for others who missed out, adding that promotion comes from God.
Our correspondent reports that the 305 decorated were part of the 10,131 officers and men of the Service whose 2022 promotion to the next rank was approved by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).
June 23, 2023
A’Ibom in fresh move to stop street trading
By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
In a fresh and deliberate move to reduce accidents and and ensure the free flow of traffic in Uyo, Governor Umoh Eno of Akwa Ibom has banned street trading and has given a one month ultimatum to the traders to vacate the streets.
This is after previous efforts by successive administrations failed with government often lacking the will power to implement and sustain such moves.
A statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Enobong Uwah on Thursday made available to newsmen in Uyo said that the state government would no longer condone the unauthorized display of wares by traders on roads as it has also affected the sanitary condition and threatened it’s investment in road infrastructure especially in the state capital.
It said the relevant government agencies have been authorized to ensure that all activities involving buying and selling are taken off the roads and into the markets designed for such activities.
“The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Government has been drawn to the activities of illegal roadside traders who carry out commercial activities along major roads, streets, junctions, pedestrians’ walkways and access roads leading to markets around the Uyo metropolis, which activities are responsible for creating traffic bottlenecks and impediment to free flow of traffic.
“The activities of these street traders are unacceptable to the State Government and is left with no option than to protect the larger majority of road users who are daily showed down by activities of the illegal street traders, who also litter the surrounding of our markets with refuse and pose serious challenges leading to events of avoidable accident, loss of lives and other valuables for road users.
“To this end, the Akwa Ibom State Government has directed that all illegal commercial activities along major roads, streets, junctions, pedestrian’s walkways and access roads leading to markets around the Uyo metropolis must relocate back to the market, to give free flow of traffic for other road users.
“Government has also directed the relevant security agencies and market leaders to collaborate and deal decisively with erring street traders, as sanity must be returned to our streets and culprits brought to book.
“Government is however optimistic that the various Market Unions and other stakeholders would cooperate with Government in curbing the menace of street trading around the markets within the metropolis”. The statement concluded.
June 22, 2023
Bank of Industry, A’Ibom partner to boost entrepreneural development
By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State government has concluded arrangements with the Bank of Industry to set up a Branch in Uyo in a deliberate effort to boost the entrepreneurial development drive of Governor Umo Eno’s A.R.I.S.E. Agenda.
Eno who announced this in Uyo last weekend said the state would utilize the business services offered by the bank to create an investment friendly climate in the area.
The Governor hinted that an office space has been allotted the bank at the 21 storey smart building to facilitate a smooth take off of operations and used the occasion to advise operators of small and medium scale enterprises to take advantage of the bank’s presence in the state to grow their businesses.
“Finally we will have the Bank of Industry here. We have concluded on that. There are few things they wanted and we have sorted that out. I have given them a space in the 21 Storey Smart Building. Government will pay for that building to bring them to the state.
“You need to make some sacrifices to attract businesses to the state, so I ask the entrepreneurs and industrialists to cooperate because what we can do for the people is to create that environment. They should be here before the end of July , we have met all of their offers.” He stated.
Meanwhile, more than 340,000 farmers have so far registered with the state government farmers database aimed at identifying and helping genuine farmers to grow their businesses.
The Governor who announced this also advised more farmers to register to enable them enjoy direct interaction and involvement in government agricultural programmes, warning that government would not relate with anyone or group by proxy.
“We have the farmers data base. Let farmers register in that data base because very soon we will deal with them directly not by proxy.
“The data base is still active and I learnt they can register directly online. We have about three hundred and forty thousand farmers that have registered. As we take off, we will talk with them. We will credit them directly so please no body is taking to give to any body.
“We will deploy extension workers to work with them as it used to be because we are very serious in agriculture. So encourage people in your local government to talk with the Agric Investment people at the APICO Building and register.” He explained.
June 18, 2023
Gunmen Kidnap PDP Chieftain in A’Ibom
By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Deputy Cordinator of Gov Umo Eno Campaign Organisation in Oron Local Council of Akwa Ibom, Chief Eyo Edet popularly called Eyo Aswang has been kidnapped in his filling station at Marina, Oron.
Newsmen gathered that Edet who is the Chairman of Eyotech Oil Nig Limited was accosted by his abductors on Monday evening when he visited his filling station, as they beat him up and whisked him away in their Sienna vehicle.
It was further gathered that the abductors subsequently transferred him to a waiting speed boat at the sea and set the Sienne vehicle that they came with for the operation ablaze.
The abductors it was learnt are however yet to contact the family to name their ransom.
An eyewitness who pleaded anonymity narrated that, “he was there at his filling station when those boys came, they dragged him into their Sienna and shot sporadically into the air, they took him to a spot and put him into a speed boat and set fire into their vehicle.”
Meanwhile, when contacted the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Odiko Macdon confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durosinmi has ordered investigation into the matter.
“We received the information, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatoye Durosinmi has visited the scene of the incident and went to the water front even the Sienne used to perpetuate the act that was burnt has been recovered.
“Investigations have commenced already and I’m sure the perpetrators will be brought to book in no distant time.” Macdon said.
June 14, 2023
A’Ibom: Gov Eno mules Christian Advisory Council
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has announced his intention to set up a christian Leadership Advisory Council to liase between the government and the christian community.
He has also lauded religious leaders and the entire Christian Community in the state for their commitment, prayers and support during the electioneering campaigns culminating in his emergence as governor in the last general elections.
Eno who made this known at a meeting with a cross section of religious leaders in Uyo yesterday also sued for harmony amongst them assuring that stating that every interest would be accommodated for the attainment of the much desired harmony and realization of the A.R.I.S.E agenda of his administration.
The Governor noted that the sacrificial role of the religious leaders and that of the christian community contributed immensely to his success at the polls, stating that the meeting was organized as a mark of respect to them.
“We have come to say thank you and to see how we can work together with the church to ensure that we are door openers through which other born again christians can access and come after us. It is our conducts as christian leaders that will determine and open doors for other christians to come after us.” He said.
The Governor announced plans to localize this year’s Christmas Carol Festival with innovations, explaining that indigenous gospel artistes would be given opportunity to sell their creativity to the world to enable them excel.
Speaking on behalf of the Religious leaders, Senior Pastor of the Believers Assembly Evangelical Nigeria, Prof. Isaiah Isong, expressed gratitude to God for the governor’s success at the polls and pledged unwavering support of the christian community to Eno’s administration.
June 8, 2023
A’Ibom Governor, Enoh Makes First Appointment
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Governor Umoh Enoh of Akwa Ibom has approved the appointment of a former Environment comissioner Mr Enobong Uwah as the new Secretary to the State Government.
Enoh has also reappointed Mr Ekerette Udo as Chief Press Secretary and a former Director of Public Affairs in the Niger Delta Development Commission Mr Aniette Usen as Senior Special Assistant in charge of Media and Publicity.
A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in charge of Government House, Dr Nathaniel Adiakpan and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday indicated that Mr Otobong Idiong has been appointed as Chief of Protocol and Dr (Mrs) Uduakobong Inam as Economic Adviser.
Uwah, untill his appointment was the immediate past chairman of the Uyo Capital City Development
Authority and Secretary of Maintain Peace Movement, the main political support group of the new governor.
May 30, 2023