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Tag: A’Ibom

  • SWAN calls for emergency on state owned football teams in A’Ibom

    SWAN calls for emergency on state owned football teams in A’Ibom

    By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo

    The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, in Akwa Ibom has called for an emergency intervention by the state government to salvage the dwindling fortunes of Dakkada FC of Uyo, following their recent poor on-field performance in the ongoing NPFL season.

    It has also called for immediate overhauling of the coaching crew and the management team of Ibom Angels FC because of their woeful performance in the Nigerian Women league that has seen them relegated.

    A communique at the end of it’s April Congress in Uyo yesterday, the association urged the state government to provide financial incentives to the teams to serve as a potent motivation in their remaining fixtures.

    It however commended the State Government for the ongoing renovation of the Uyo Township Stadium and believed that the Stadium when completed would become a Sports Complex to complement other sports infrastructures in the State.

    The communique expressed the need for the revitalisation of Akwa Ibom Youth Sports Festival as an annual event for sustainable sports talent haunt and development in the State and urged the State Government to inject extra vigour into sports sector to help boost sports development projects and programmes in the State.

    While congratulating the State Chairman Mr. Emanuel Akpan and his Exco for their second term in office, it also resolved to support the outgoing Vice President of SWAN (South South), Prince Bonny Nyong in his bid to become the Deputy National President in the upcoming SWAN National Executive Council election.

    SWAN also congratulated the Governor-elect, Mr Umo Eno and the Deputy Governor-elect, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi on their victory in the just concluded guber polls in the state and expressed confidence that the new administration would consolidate on the lofty achievements of the outgoing administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

  • A’Ibom Morticians to reject corpses with bullet wounds without police report

    A’Ibom Morticians to reject corpses with bullet wounds without police report

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo.

    The Association of funeral directors in Akwa Ibom has advised members not to accept corpses brought by relatives or any other persons as a result of accident or with bullet wounds without Police reports.

    Referring to such corpses as ‘case corpses’, the president of the association, Obong Nsini Akpabio warned that morticians who accept such corpses would not receive the backing of the association in event of any court case.

    The president who was speaking at a launching for the completion of association secretariat in Uyo weekend appealed to local chapters to report buildings and operations of illegal mortuaries to the state executive council for sanctions.

    Akpabio also stressed the need for mortuaries to update their certificates of operation also appealed for prompt payment of dues to enable the association function effectively.

    “In fairness the get together has afforded every member opportunity to be committed and launch full heatedly for effective development and completion of the state secretariat which will act as a memorial for us all.

    “I hereby appeal to all chapter executive and coordinators to wake up from their slumbers, be loyal to the state body. Make sure all buildings and operations of illegal mortuaries are eradicated and reported to the state.

    “Remember that all mortuaries must register and pay N3000 for certificate up date and be reminded that non morticians are not members of AFD.” He emphasized.

  • Seadogs begin free medical outreach in A’Ibom

    Seadogs begin free medical outreach in A’Ibom

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo

    The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) in Eket yesterday began a free medical outreach in Oron Local Council of Akwa Ibom.

    Mr Herbert Nwaka, Area Mate IV, comprising Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia and Akwa Ibom who flagged-off the programme said the free medical outreach was in response to the growing desperation in the country for medical services.

    The one day programme he said would take place at the National Mesuem in Oron and would compliment what the association has been doing at the national level.

    “Many citizens struggled with a regressing economy, especially at the advent of the new year when citizens are recovering from yuletide festivities and struggling with other domestic bills.

    “Hence the need for the organisation to leverage on its broad human resources to help communities and individuals.

    “Our prayers and expectation is to see as many as possible to come out and be treated by the professionals who are treating them and ensure they get well.

    “Parts of our call and responsibility is to take care of life and down trodden, give an helping hands to those who can not afford their medical bills and who are in-dire needs of the services.

    “The general success of what we expect today is to have as many people who needs this services to come out and get treated freely.” Nwaka explained.

    In his remarks, Mr Utibe Ikot, The Capone, Atlantic Shores Deck, said the association has been involved in medical mission for humanistic ideals since 1952.

    “For Humanistic Ideals”  has been a major objective for which NAS has carried out several medical humanitarian causes over the years featuring: medical equipment to health facilities, payment of medical bills of indigent patients, organising free medical missions and outreaches, and support to various hospital blood banks. 

    “This is also pursuant to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal Number 3: “Good Health and Well Being”, which is currently, one of the four strategic programme areas of NAS.” He said.

    According to him, the location of the outreach was strategic because it’s been a major trading centre while health education in the area remained very low, exacerbated by lack of health education and awareness and meant to continually impact its immediate community positively.

    “Over 114 persons, including the elderly and children benefitted from the medical outreach, which included diagnosis, treatment and referrals, covering malaria, hypertension, blood sugar checks, asthma, upper respiratory tract infections.

    “Some of the medication administered included anti-malarials, digestive disorders, deworming, and other endemic infections and non-surgical medical conditions.” Ikot said.

    Lead medical volunteer, Dr. Ekanem Eshiet stated that they were working with five medical doctors, three nurses, and a medical laboratory technician, all of whom were offering their services pro bono.

  • Ex NASS member restores electricity to A’Ibom communities after 8 years 

    Ex NASS member restores electricity to A’Ibom communities after 8 years 

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo

    A former member of the National Assembly, Barr Eseme Eyiboh has facilitated the restoration of electricity to communities in Esit Eket and Eket Local Councils of Akwa Ibom after eight years of blackout.

    The gesture was in fullfillment of a promise he made to the communities late last year following their request for the reactivation of ailing industries in the area.

    Eyiboh, who is also the All Progressive Congress, APC, candidate for Eket Federal Constituency had also told the people that no meaningful development was possible without electricity, hence the need to restore power in the area which could serve as an enabler for industries to function profitably.

    According to him during the test run, “for 8 years, the entire Esit Eket Local Government Area had been grappling with darkness, crippling social and inclement economic upheaval. 

    “On account of this perpetual darkness, the area was hit with human capital and investment flights, prompting general despondency and self pity by the indigenes.

    “On Tuesday December 27, 2022 in a Consultative Town Hall meeting with Etebi group of villages and in my response to the request for intervention to make the reactivation of Akwa Palm Industry a reality, I promised to facilitate enhanced electricity supply after 8 years of darkness to the entire Esit Eket Local Government Area as a boost to any investment decision in the Area. 

    “This is because no meaningful development can take place in any community without electricity supply as the enabler. To ensure my commitment to reset the socio-economic narrative of the community I promised to facilitate the restoration of electricity in the area on or before his February 25, 2023 House of Representatives election.

    “I issued a caveat that nobody should vote for me in the February 25 House of Representatives election if the electricity restoration turns out to be a political gimmick.

    Today, I have worked the talk with the restoration of electricity in Esit Eket Local Government Area.

    “Today the people of Esit Eket Local Government Area and Ikot Usoekong Community in Eket Local Government Area has finally heaved a sigh of relief as a-12hour test-run of uninterrupted enhanced electricity supply berthed courtesy of a-talk-and-do brainbox of legislative politics.”

    “I am test running the constitutional legislative oversight responsibility.
    Governance is practically the understanding and appreciation of the felt need of the people and not dance drama at campaign grounds or the blasphemy with rice by godfathers and their bigots.” He explained.

  • Obi bemoans lack of FG presence in A’Ibom

    Obi bemoans lack of FG presence in A’Ibom

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo

    Presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi has expressed reservations over the lack of Federal Government infrastructures in Akwa Ibom despite the huge contributions of the state to the nation’s economy.

    He has also said that a prosperous Nigeria remained possible despite the level of rot in the country’s socio-political and economic life.

    The former Anambra State Governor who made this known at the party’s presidential rally in Uyo on Tuesday however promised to address the low level of FG infrastuctural interventions in the state adding that he would turn  the ongoing Ibom Deep Seaport and Akwa Ibom into an export processing centre if elected the next president of Nigeria.

    He expressed regrett that 2023 would be exactly 40years that Senator visited the State over the Deep Seaport project much has not been done.

     “Since 1983 politicians have been coming here, they said amongst other promises they are going to build a deep Seaport , next year will make it 40years. The Federal government has not done anything in Akwa Ibom State. All they come here to do is to make fake promises. 

    “You cannot drive from here to Aba, you cannot drive from here to Umuahia. I don’t make fake promises. What we  want to make Nigeria to work again.” He assured. 

    Obi maintained that apart from being the youngest presidential candidate among the major parties, he has remained connected to the youth and workers over the years.

    “Between  me and Datti, we have  the greatest capacity and strength to work. In terms of education and exposure we are the most qualified. On our own we have also created wealth and strived to make it in life and we are prepared to secure and unite Nigeria.” He stated.

    He regretted that old politicians in the country have continued to divide Nigeria along ethnic and religious lines for their selfish purposes adding that hunger and hardship has never recognised ethnicity and religious.

     “Our first priority is to secure and unite Nigeria. Politicians are  the ones creating division among Nigerians. North, South, East and West are one. There will be peace, there will be no more police harrassment of the citizens

    “So I am coming to tell you that a new Nigeria is possible. I am coming to make Nigerians proud of their country again. I am coming to strengthen and fund education properly, strengthen the currency and increase manufacturing and production capacity.

    “The next election is not by tribe or religion because hunger does not know tribe or religion. The next election will be based on competence, capacity and capability.

    “It will be based on who has the required mental and physical oenergy and capacity. It is going to be the turn of the people to elect their leaders.” Obi said.

    Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure appreciated the people for coming out en masse to support Peter Obi as their presidential candidate, and advised them not to vote people who lacked the capacity and Integrity to address the challenges of the country.

    “Today you have shown that Akwa Ibom State is for Labour Party. There is no gainsaying the fact that Nigeria is in disarray, and is being mismanaged. 

    ‘There is no gainsaying the fact that the challenges we have in the country, ranging from insecurity, hunger, poverty, and the mismanagement of the economy is as a result of failed leadership over the years.” Abure said.

    Other state and national leaders and stakeholders of the party and Presidential Campaign Council who spoke  at the campaign urged the citizens and residents to go get their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) to enable them vote Obi/Datti in the next presidential election.

    ReplyForward
  • Seadogs facilitate release of two prisoners in A’Ibom

    Seadogs facilitate release of two prisoners in A’Ibom

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo

    Two inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service,NCS, Eket have regained their freedom following the intervention of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) Pyrates Confraternity, Atlantic Shores Deck.

    The release of the inmates who were serving sentences of two and twelve years according to Mr Utibe Ikot, the Capone of the Association was in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG),16 which focused on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. 

    Ikot said at a ceremony in Ekwt last weekend that Seadogs also paid the fines for the release of the inmates and expressed confidence that the intervention would give the inmates a new lease of life and contribute to the decongestion of the already overcrowded correctional facility.

    The Capone further stated that the gesture was also to celebrate their, “Weekend of Service to Humanity”, which resonates with theme of our platinum Jubilee, “70 years of service to humanity”.

    “It is another vivid demonstration of the Association’s abiding commitment to lend a hand to mankind. It mirrors the Pyrate’s fidelity to the second rudder blade – All before Self, which places people at the centre of our activities for humanistic Ideals.” He said.

    He exlained that the association founded in 1952 by Woke Soyinka  had contributed to national development through various advocacy and humanitarian projects and have continued to inspire hope in communities across five continents and the countries where their chapters exist. 

    “We aim to rededicate ourselves to increased significant achievements by answering in sincerity and action the founding humanistic question: “What can you do to raise that community to the highest level of fulfilment?” He said.

    Ikot listed some recent interventions in the year to include; an Awareness Campaign against Vote Trading and Electoral Impunity; and Awareness Raising on Diabetes Mellitus while a Free Medical Mission has been planned for implementation next month. 

    Also speaking, Mr George Njoku, the Deputy Controller, NCS, Eket Divisional Centre, said that the Correctional  facility was built for 106 inmates but has been housing 305 inmates.

    Njoku said that he had built a mechanic workshop for the inmates to acquire skills and was partnering the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) even as 15 inmates has received driving license and called for improved partnership with NAS.

  • A’Ibom Church suspends Pastor for hosting YPP’s Thanksgiving Service

    A’Ibom Church suspends Pastor for hosting YPP’s Thanksgiving Service

    The Apostolic Church in Akwa Ibom has suspended one of its pastors for hosting the Thanksgiving and Dedication Service of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in ONNA Local Council.

    It was learnt that Pastor E. Henshaw of the Ndon Eyo Township Assembly, shocked everyone during the service when he announced that he just recieved a message of suspension for opening the doors of the church for YPP. 

    Henshaw also said the Field Superintendent, Dr U.S Ukpong, had ordered him to appear before the Disciplinary Council of the church  the next day to explain why he should not be sacked for allowing YPP to dedicate its campaign and thank God in his assembly.

    The embattled Pastor said the police had the previous night, invaded his church, harassing him and threatening to detain him should he allow YPP to attend the church. 

    Also two days earlier, while the YPP officials were trying to secure a church for the dedication of its national assembly campaigns at the Apospolic Mount Olive Church in Awa Iman, the governor’s village, the church was sealed off by the police, allegedly on the orders of the state governorment.

    Thugs were also deployed to block off the entrance of the church on Sunday morning, in anticipation that YPP will force its way there, after the preacher-in charge, Prophet David, had earlier been warned not to host the party.

    Undeterred by the mindless.persecution, the governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and frontline runner for the Hilltop mansion in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Albert Akpan (OBA) stressed that only God enthrones and unseats governments.

    “God unseats governments and enthrones governments and that same God who made Obong Attah governor; who made Godswill Akpabio governor; and who made Udom Emmanuel governor will also make me governor.

    “We are a people others rejected but God saw our sincerity of mind and is using us to achieve His purpose”. OBA then  predicted that YPP will shock other parties, through the mass support of the people so that “when we come in, we will not behave like them.” Akpan said.

    He lamented a situation where YPP has been blocked from all the public venues in the state, including Ibom Hall, Ikot Ekpene Stadium and even some churches in ONNA.

    The Senator also questioned why the member of Mbo defected but his seat was not declared vacant in the state House of Assembly but when Usoro Akpanusoh and Asuquo Nanna were suspected to belong to YPP, their seats were declared vacant.

    Mr Ephraim Inyang , speaking on behalf of other candidates, pledged sponsor the refurbishment of the entire church when they are elected.

    While dedicating the National Assembly campaigns, Prophet David Udo, reading from Lev 26:36, prayed God to use  “the sound of a shaken leaf” to change the heart of many Akwa Ibom voters in favour of YPP

  • 31,858 to benefit from FG’s Cash Transfers in A’Ibom

    31,858 to benefit from FG’s Cash Transfers in A’Ibom

    At least 31,858 persons would benefit from various Federal Government’s unconditional cash transfers under the National Social Investment Programme, NSIP, aimed at lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030.

    Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo  who made this known at the flag off of the disbursement of the funds in Uyo on Tuesday said NSIP was meant to bring succour to vulnerable and poor Nigerians.

    The programme Sani-Gwarzo  also said would include the flag-off the Digitized Cash Transfer payment system for the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Programme, meant to create room for reliable, transparent, accountable and accessible database for seamless disbursement to beneficiaries of the CCT.

    The Permanent Secretary explained that 3,941 would benefit from Grants for Vulnerable Groups, 14,326 from Market Moni while 13,691 would benefit from Trader Moni under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, GEEP.

    “The GVG is designed to provide a one-off cash grant of N20,000.00 to the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians in rural and peri-urban areas across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. Let me add here that our target in Akwa Ibom State is to disburse the grant to 3,941 beneficiaries across the 31 Local Government Areas in the State.

    “It is worthy to note that 70% of these beneficiaries must be women, while the remaining 30% is for youths. The President further directed that, at least 15% of the total number of beneficiaries must specifically be allocated to citizens with special needs, including Persons With Disability (PWDs) and Senior Citizens in the State.

    “The Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP 2.0) is a soft loan programme designed by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for vulnerable and low-income Nigerians who are involved in some sort of commercial activity but have never had the opportunity to access loans. 

    “GEEP has three unique products i.e TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FaermereMoni. The MarketMoni with a loan portfolio of N50,000, meant to uplift the under-privileged and marginalized women (such as widows and divorcees) has 14,326 registered beneficiaries in Akwa Ibom State, 10,197 were digitized, 888 were verified and 694 have been enumerated for disbursement.

    “In the same vein, TraderMoni loan portfolio has 13,691 registered in Akwa Ibom State, 7,826 were digitized, 446 verified and 351 enumerated for disbursement. Today, I am here, in Akwa Ibom  State, to roll-out the GEEP programme. All successful beneficiaries will today start receiving credit alert from Access Bank by God’s grace.” He explained.

    The Permanent Secretarywho also flagged off the National Sensitization Exercise for the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), which seeks to educate communities and stakeholders on the proper and more effective implementation of the HGSFP said that so far 9.9 million children are currently being fed nationwide.

    “Based on this success and noting the huge impact of the programme, especially on the children  of the poor in rural areas, President Buhari has approved that the programme be expanded by another 5 million children.” He said.

    State commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Dr Ini Adiakpan commended President Muhammadu Buhari  for the initiative

    as it has helped to ensure social and financial security and called on beneficiaries  to reciprocate government’s good intentions by utilizing the funds effectively.

    Our correspondent reports that 88 Independent Monitors comprising of 52 retained from stream 1 and 36 from stream 11 on a monthly stipend of N30,000 to monitor and report on the implementation and performance of all the NSIP projects in the State were also given engagement letters.

  • Automobile firm, Mimshak screens 50 A’Ibom Artisans for Training in Isreal

    Automobile firm, Mimshak screens 50 A’Ibom Artisans for Training in Isreal

    Israeli  Automobile firm, Mimshak specializing has began the training and screening of 50 Akwa Ibom indigenes in various stages of automobile manufacturing process in readiness to send them to Isreal for further training.

    The training would.also enable the company to recruit middle level technical to kick start production.

    Speaking in Uyo on Thursday while conducting newsmen around the company facility , the  Chief Operating Officer  and Car Plant Technologist Mr Rolen Golan  said out of 150 automobile technicians screened, only 50 have selected so far while 20 persons would soon  depart to Israel for further training.

    Golan said they would be trained on  tyre alignment and wheel balancing, electricals,  Car Air condition repairs, car diagnosis as well as upholstery.

    The Car Plant Technologist  disclosed that the first batch of the trainees would leave Akwa Ibom for Israel in the next one week  after undergoing various tests to ascertain their technical capacity . 

    He explained that Mimshack is the largest  car manufacturing company with 45 years in car production business in Israel adding that the company would commence car production in Akwa Ibom using locally sourced and few imported raw materials. 

    The training  he said would equip the artisans to contribute in training others in the factory when they return to the state. 

    “The first batch of the trainees will leave Akwa Ibom for Israel to return in the next few months and join in the car production. Vehicles to be produced here include mini buses, luxurious buses and pleasure cars which will be specifically suitable for Nigeria roads.” He explained.

    The Golan listed factors that hindered the successful take off of the car production in Akwa Ibom to include Covid 19 pandemic, high  forex exchange and the recent Russia/Ukraine war.

    He also requested for additional land for the company expansion adding that the present location is not enough for their operations. 

    The commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deepsea Mr Emem Almond said the state government has provided necessary facilities as part  of the counterpart funding for the project. 

    The commissioner  who was represented by the permanent Secretary in the ministry said government has provided dedicated power line to enhance uninterrupted power supply to the facility among other incentives while the company would provide jobs to.more than 3,000 persons.

    On their own, most of the selected artisans said they saw the advertisement and applied for inclusion denying using any form of government contacts to secure a place in the firm.

  • A’Ibom spends N1.2B to train Indegenous Pilots, Engineers at Airbus

    A’Ibom spends N1.2B to train Indegenous Pilots, Engineers at Airbus

    Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has said that the state government spent over N1.2B to train Engineers and Pilots from the state with aircraft manufacturers, Airbus in a renewed move to reposition and increase the capacity of the state owned Airline, Ibom Air.

    Emmanuel who made this known yesterday during an interaction with journalists in Uyo yesterday said the first batch of trainees already commenced the training meant to provide needed technical personnel in Nigeria’s flagship Airline Ibom Air.

    The Governor who expressed joy at the strides of the airline within a short time said the MRO facility at the Victor Attach International Airport in Uyo would be ready before the end of the year and would help in making the state the aviation hub of the region.

    He said the inability of the airline to acquire more aircrafts was due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine as most financial systems are linked to Russia with the former Soviet Republic however facing business and political sanctions and restrictions from many countries of the world.

    “The state government is spending Billions of Naira to train and prepare the best hands of our indegenes for the growing opportunities in the aviation sector and particularly Ibom Air. We have already sent the first batch of Engineers and Pilots to Airbus and the second batch is preparing to go.

    “We are spending Billions to train these people and that’s why I don’t care to know which part of the state any of the trainees is from. Airbus also does not know the Local Government the trainees are from and if they find out that there are sentiments in the selection of the trainees they may decide to pull out.
    We are even praying that they will be able to scale through their tests.” Emmanuel explained.

    The Governor however said his administration has commenced alternative moves to acquire more aircrafts to boost the fleet of the airline inorder to build on the gains already made by the airline in the country’s aviation sector.

    He expressed satisfaction with his performance in the last seven years despite challenges of COVID-19 and that of the Nigeria’s economy pointing out that after conquering the aviation sector Akwa Ibom has also become a pacesetter in road infrastructure.

    His administration, he said, aside from urban roads, constructed more than 113 community roads while major towns in the state has been linked with dual carriage roads making movement around the state easier and safer and increasing the ease of doing business and evacuating agricultural products especially from rural areas in the state.

    “The kind of road infrastructures we are putting in place is such that incoming governments will not repeat what we have already done so they can channel money and efforts into other areas.” Emmanuel stated.

    He said the inability of the state government to make envisaged progress in the construction of the Ibom Deep Sea Port was due to extraneous factors but announced that a Korean based developer would soon become an anchor tenant to help advance the development of the sea port.

    His administration, he said has never played politics with the development of the state, the reason the state government has spent over $34M in the construction of the 8.4km IBB Avenue flood control project, a facility that transversed across 18 communities in three Local Council Areas of the state and carrying more than half of the flood water generalted in Uyo and environs.