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Tag: Gov. Udom Emmanuel

  • Gov Emmanuel is leader of Modern Nigeria Politicians, says Gov Obaseki

    Gov Emmanuel is leader of Modern Nigeria Politicians, says Gov Obaseki

    Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has said that Nigeria is producing a new set of politicians, and that his Akwa Ibom counterpart, Mr Udom Emmanuel is the leader of the new set.

    Obaseki who made this known at the inauguration of a 9.5Km road in Udung Uko Local Council, the first in the area said Emmanuel has remained strategic in his infrastructural  development and has shown vision in  repositioning the business environment of the state. 

     ” This is not just a road, but a social and economic connection between Udung Uko people and the rest of the state, because a road does not mean anything if it doesn’t bring economic benefits to the people “. 

    The Governor in a remark said he would continue to work for the development of the state despite having few months left in his tenure saying, ” I want to assure you that till the last day that I would exit office, I will continue to work for our people”. 

    On the extension of the road to Mbo LGA, which is less than 10Km drive from Udung Uko, Mr. Emmanuel said the contract has also been approved, and assured that it would be completed before the end of his administration.

    The Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko, Edidem Bassey Edet, on behalf of other royal fathers in the area commended the Governor for fulfilling his promise after his predecessors could not do so.

    “Through this project, you’ve proven your worth, and the social contact you signed with Udung Uko people, you have fulfilled it.” Edet said . 

    The royal father added that with the new road in place, the area would begin to generate income in order to finance some of its projects, which he said would yield benefits to the people. 

  • A’Ibom @35: Gov Emmanuel Constructs 4,000 Classrooms in Seven Years

    A’Ibom @35: Gov Emmanuel Constructs 4,000 Classrooms in Seven Years

    Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has said that his administration have constructed, remodeled more than  school blocks in the last seven years to boost education in the state.

    His administration he said has also provided more than 3,000 science equipments and other school needs and has continued with the annual payment of over N700M as WAEC fees for final year secondary school students.

    Emmanuel who made this known on Friday in a broadcast  to mark the state’s 35th anniversary further stated that in a bid to further improve standards, his administration have recruited over 1,000 highly trained teachers for the Secondary School while another 1,000 would soon be recruited for the primary schools.

    “We have changed and rejigged our curriculum to reflect the realities of an ICT defined world and have introduced entrepreneurial and skills acquisition as a key component of our curriculum.

    “We desire to produce graduates that would be employers of labour, those who would tap into their skills set and create opportunities for themselves as opposed to waiting for government or the private sector to provide them jobs.” The Governor explained.

    Emmanuel who said that substantial progress has been made in all sectors in the last seven years however said that the power sector which is the engine room of industrialisation has witnessed bold steps been taken  through interventions in the remodeling of new sub-stations and the provision of dedicated lines to critical areas geared towards ensuring a 24 hours “Power for All,” initiative.

    Today, I am proud to announce that out of the 2, 274 gazzetted villages in the state, only less than five percent remains yet to be linked to the national grid, and we are working assiduously to effect this before we leave office next year. This, I believe may be the best of such record in the nation. 

    “Also today, Ibom Power Plant generates a minimum of 155Megawatts of electricity everyday.

    In the urban centres, most areas now enjoy steady power supply of up to 18 hours a day, quite a huge achievement, you will agree with me. And with our effort to actualize the distribution through the Utility company, we are moving and gearing towards a minimum of 24hrs electricity supply everyday.” He said.

    The Ibom Deep Seaport, the 1.2 billion Fertilizer and Ammonia Plant, the Oil and Gas Logistics centre according to Emmanuel remained on course for actualization since government is a continum

    He commended youths in the state for their ingenuity in critical areas but urged them to resist attempts by politicians to use them as instruments to foment trouble, to cause harm to your brothers and sisters.

    “As I have always said, politics should not break the cords of our unity, politics should not be used as an instrument to divide us, politics  should not cause division and enmity between brothers and sisters, politics should rather be played without bitterness.” The Governor emphasized.

    After 35 years he said, the successive administrations in the state have done there bit to fulfill the objectives of the founding fathers of the state.

    “The Akwa Ibom story has become a national story,  the story of a leadership that, while attending to the needs of today, is equally looking beyond the immediate to focus on what is lasting and sustainable.” He concluded.

  • Atiku to Inaugurate Gov Emmanuel’s 10 Lane Flagship Road

    Atiku to Inaugurate Gov Emmanuel’s 10 Lane Flagship Road

    As part of activities to celebrate Akwa Ibom State’s 35th anniversary, all is Former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is expected to today inaugurate the 9.5 kilometer, 10-lane Idongesit Nkanga Avenue and Clement Isong Avenue in Uyo.

    The inauguration would also follow plethora of  projects commisioned in in the last two weeks as art of the state’s 35th anniversary celebrations.

    A government statement from the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, and Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, indicates that the commissioning exercise would takes place at the Oron Road Water fountain roundabout of the project. 

    The Managing Director of Hensek Integrated Services, Engineer Uwem Okoko on Wednesday, conducted Journalists who visited the road project alongside some media aides of the Governor around the project. 

    Okoko explained that the road is made up of more than 5km drainage tunnel and 10lane, 9.5 km dual carriage.

    “The tunnel is all the way from Ifa to Ibesikpo and underneath, 7m deep is a flood control tunnel, that is why before you used to see flood at the Timber market road but you can’t see the flood at Ifa basin, His Excellency, awarded this contract not only to de-flood ring road three but also neighbouring communities.” He said.

    While thanking Governor Udom Emmanuel for the confidence reposed in Hensek Integrated Services as the contractor to deliver the projects he revealed, that “this road is designed  to last a lifetime”.

    “The concept of the median was designed by His Excellency , ‘Engineer’ Udom Emmanuel when he came in 2021 for a road inspection, he said the median is wide and we can turn it into a jogging lane for people and have protection, we incorporated it into the design.” Okoko explained.

    On the Uyo-Airport expansion project, he said a flood control tunnel is currently being built that will control floods and ensure that water is properly extracted to the Ibesikpo Asutan discharge outfall.

    “If you look at Shelter Afrique you will find out that the Governor has responded to the yearnings of Mbiabong and people living on Oron Road because of the perennial flooding, he has also awarded a project that will de-flood Oron road and take it across Shelter Afrique to Ibesikpo Outfall, the underground flood control project is ongoing and by the end of October we believe that we would have controlled flooding at Shelter Afrique axis.”

  • 2023: Don’t vote politicians who will kill Nigeria- Gov Emmanuel

    2023: Don’t vote politicians who will kill Nigeria- Gov Emmanuel

    Nigerians have been cautioned against voting politicians that would further destroy and bury the country, following years of bad leadership that have plunged the country into severe economic hardship.

    Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom who made the call in Abuja yesterday at a retreat for journalists said the warning became necessary as Nigeria was in a critical stage of her economic and political developments requiring the right leadership to save it from eventual collapse.

    The retreat was organised by the  Correspondents Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council with the theme : ‘In search of a better Nigeria through Responsible journalism” held at Roses Regency Hotels and Suites, Wuye district, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja

    The Governor who was represented by his commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr. Ini Ememobong said that any attempt to make wrong choice in 2023 would take the country many years back.

    Akwa Ibom NUJ chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk in a remark lamented lack of government recognition of media in building a better Nigeria but charged journalists to set an agenda for next year’s general elections.

    “The politicians seeking our votes have dismissed our relevance, they forget that all of us seated here today and millions across 774 Local Government Areas in the country are the structures needed to give our country the best in the next few months.

    “We must set agenda for good and transformational leadership. We must write with boldness, resist the current attempts to lay siege against the media, we  must insist on a free press all within the boundaries of the ethics of this well-respected profession.” he said. 

    In a wellcome.address, chairman of Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Idongesit Ashameri pointed out that the retreat was to remind Journalists of their role in holding political leaders accountable and reminding them of their electioneering promises to the people.

    Ashameri regretted that most journalists are quick and thrilled to give the best colouration and in the most appealing ways to such promises by politicians which sadly most of them fail to fulfill.

    “But the question is how often do we consciously remind governments at all levels of the need to ensure a congruence between their policies and programmes in office with the electioneering promises earlier made to the electorate through our various media organisations.

    “Gentlemen, this is where our responsibility comes in. This outing is therefore designed to afford us the opportunity to retrain our members on the rudiments of responsible journalism especially as the general election approach.

    “We have no doubt that this outing would also afford us the opportunity to be re-equipped with techniques and skills on how best to track, consciously remind and hold government accountable to it’s electioneering promises.” She said.

    Goodwill messages were received from the FCT Council of the NUJ and the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ.

  • Gov Emmanuel’s Aides chide Enang over Calabar/Itu Highway

    Gov Emmanuel’s Aides chide Enang over Calabar/Itu Highway

    Some aides to Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom have chided former Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari, Senator Ita Enang for claims that Akwa Ibom owe compensation to property owners along the Calabar Itu federal highway.

    Spokesperson for the aides, Mr Essien Ndueso told newsmen weekend in Uyo that Enang claims were unfounded and capable of causing disaffection among property owners on the road and threatening the peace of the state

    Essien wondered how the Senator came up with such claims even when there were no documentary evidence to any agreement between the Federal and State government to that effect.

    “How can Ita Enang not know that the same Federal Government is constructing roads and railways worth hundreds of billions of naira in the north and even into neighbouring countries, and none of the benefitting states have been made to pay any compensation?

    “Why is this ridiculous style of road construction by the federal government only applicable to Akwa Ibom State? In the first place, who even undertook negotiation for the compensation that Ita Enang wants Akwa Ibom State Government to make the payments? Who appointed property valuers to evaluate the cost of the properties in the right of way? 

    “This is a contract that is expectedly to be funded with petroleum profit tax. And in the first place, Akwa Ibom State is losing revenue from that. Yet, Ita Enang wants the State government to pay compensation for the road to be constructed. 

    “Where does he want the State government to pluck the extra money to pay compensation for the federal government? Ita Enang should bury his face in the mud that there is no federal government presence in Akwa Ibom State which has 36.1% oil and gas reserves in a country that depends solely on oil and gas revenue.” He querried.

    He expressed sadness that such a claim should emanate from such a highly placed Akwa Ibom indegenes at a time other states with minimal contribution to the national purse have benefitted more from federal roads without condition.

    “As we speak, the federal government is constructing 21 roads projects around Kano State totalling about 960 kilometres, notably Kano – Abuja Highway, Kano – Katsina, Kano – Maiduguri and a host of others. 

    “The federal government is currently on Phase 3 of the Housing Scheme is Kano State. There is no news anywhere that the Governors of Kano, Kaduna, Borno or Katsina State, were asked to part with a dime in the name of compensation or counterpart funding of the projects there.”

    But in a swift reaction, Enang expressed suprise with the state government stand because according to him, he had raised no issue against the State Government.

    “I only informed and pleaded with the Communities along the road corridor to allow the Construction go on as compensation was not released and given to the contractor as it was not part of the  Bill for them. 

    “The video is there and it was in the Presence of State Government functionaries. I was conscious of their sensitivity and was cautious in presentation as the purpose was to appeal to the Communities, and not to inflame passion nor invite.” He said.

  • A’Ibom: Three die during PDP primaries as Gov Emmanuel preaches reconciliation

    A’Ibom: Three die during PDP primaries as Gov Emmanuel preaches reconciliation

    Three persons have been reported dead in Ini Local Council of Akwa Ibom as groups loyal to rival aspirants clashed during the State Assembly and House of Representatives primaries in the area.

    This is even as Governor Udom Emmanuel has promised that the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) would soon constitute a reconciliation panel to assuage aggrieved members of the party.

    Police sources from the Ini Divisional Police Headquarters confinded in newsmen that thugs loyal to one of the aspirants killed someone from the rival camp and the opposing camp retaliated with two.

    But the spokesman for Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Superintendent Odiko Macdon could not confirm the incident as he could not pick his calls from newsmen

    Governor Emmanuel had told correspondents at his residence in ONNA Local Council after the State Assembly and House of Representatives primaries conducted across 26 state constituencies in the state.

    The Governor maintained that no two elections are the same adding that all aggrieved aspirants who are not comfortable with the conduct of the primary election as stipulated by law would be pacified.

    He observed that the amended Electoral Act has disqualified him from voting and urged the aspirants to accept the result of the primaries in good faith .

    “Today I decided to obey the rules of the electoral act, that disqualified me from being a delegate, I refused to go nearer to the venue.I have come to understand that what ever comes our way is the act of God, we can’t blame anyone.

    “Akwa Ibom is PDP and PDP is Akwa Ibom, I hope to immidiately set up a reconciliation committee for those of us feeling agrieved that probably the process today did not favour them, it’s an act of God and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. But then the committee will try to reconcile usnso can remain united.” He said.

    Meanwhile , one of the aspirants for Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District Akparawa Ephraim Inyangeyen said that a group of aspirants in the state has decided to pull out of the primaries because of the pending court issues arising from the last Adhoc delegates election in the state.

    Inyangeyen told journalists that said the exercise conducted by PDP in the state was illegal and cannot be considered as a democratic exercise.

    ” We approached the court and injunction was granted against conduct of the exercise in the state. Because of the court order, I remained in my house today. I don’t mind what they are doing today . I am a law abiding citizen.

    “Whatever they are doing today , we would challenge it in court. So we have asked our supporters to shun the primaries because it is conducted on illegality.” He said

    He warned that the All Progressive Congress Party(APC) would take over the state if the PDP would not adhere to electoral laws.

  • CCC Final: Gov. Emmanuel purchases 30,000 free tickets for fans

    CCC Final: Gov. Emmanuel purchases 30,000 free tickets for fans

    Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom have purchased 30,000 tickets to be distributed free to football fans from across the country for the finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup to be played at the God’s will Akpabio Stadium on Friday.

    Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, disclosed this during the LOC’s daily briefing Tuesday evening in Uyo.

    Uko said the move was a deliberate action by the Governor to ease the financial burden of attending the match on the fans and to ensure that no one is left out from experiencing the memorable occasion.

    According to the chairman, the free tickets would be available for fans to pick up at all the ticket booths at Godswill Akpabio Stadium and the premises of all radio stations in Akwa Ibom as well as the Club House of Akwa United.

    Orlando Pirates of of South Africa will be meeting Renaissance Sportive de Berkane of Morocco for the first time when the two sides faceoff in Uyo this Friday for the right to be crowned champions of Africa’s second biggest club football competition.

  • 2023: Gov Udom Visits Obasanjo, says he’s ready to Nigeria

    2023: Gov Udom Visits Obasanjo, says he’s ready to Nigeria

    As a part of the ongoing consultation with strategic stakeholders in the country, presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who is also the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has visited the Abeokuta residence of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to formally inform him of his presidential ambition.

    According to a statement by the spokesman of his campaign group, Mr. Bola Bolawole, Governor Emmanuel informed the elder statesman that he was ready to rescue and restore Nigeria, having had sufficient private and public sector experience, with remarkable results to show for it.

    He posited that the major issues plaguing Nigeria can be solved by a focused, sincere and capable leadership and assured Chief Obasanjo that, if given the opportunity, he would take practical steps to boost the economy and return Nigeria to her glory days.

    Responding, Chief Obasanjo appreciated the presidential aspirant for the show of respect in coming to inform him of his aspiration.

    Obasanjo said: “Knowing you the way I do and the knowledge that you possess, which you have expressed in your brief speech, I have no doubt that if you have the opportunity, you will fix the economy of Nigeria.

    “Our country is complex but not a complicated country to govern. It needs the application of honesty, fairness, and justice.

    “I know that you are a man of conscience who fears God and will apply these guiding principles in your leadership.

    “You have shown what you can do for Nigeria by what you have done in your state. It is, therefore, logical that when the opportunity presents itself, you will bring what you have done in your state to bear on the larger community.

    “Your presidential bid is a fair and legitimate thing to ask for “, he added.
    The presidential aspirant was accompanied on the trip by a member of the National Executive Committee of the PDP, Obong Paul Ekpo, two members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Pat Ifon and Nsikak Ekong and Comrade Ini Ememobong, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Strategy.

  • 2023: Reject aspirants with violent tendencies- Gov Emmanuel

    2023: Reject aspirants with violent tendencies- Gov Emmanuel

    Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom have called on the electorate to reject political aspirants who have a history of violence in next year’s general elections.

    He has also urged stakeholders across the political divide to eschew hatred, anger and violence but sustain the spirit of the Akwa Ibom Enterprise to endure and flourish.

    Emmanuel who made the call in his Easter message to the people of the state maintained that no political office should compel anyone to shed the blood of another.

    “There is no ambition that is so deep and sacred that we would be willing to turn our State into a cauldron of violence, in order to satisfy our craving for power. All powers belong to God and He alone, grants such to whom He has favoured.

    “Akwa Ibom has in the past seven years, remained an oasis of peace and tranquillity, We will never go back to the years of violence and the years where we couldn’t sleep with our eyes closed.

    “We will not return to the years where kidnapping and politically motivated killings numbed our sensibilities and made us question the central purpose of governance, which is the security of lives and property.

    “Akwa Ibom people have collectively and unanimously said goodbye to those years, and have welcomed the era of peace and security. Anyone who markets violence should and must be rejected.

    In the last seven years, he said, his administration has laid a good foundation of growth and development that would, like Dubai, was in 1985, blossom in the next few years transform the area into a fast industrializing and glittering State where, the people’s aspirations would be met;

    “Where from Land, Air and Sea, our State would be the cynosure of all eyes, where the economy would be private-sector driven, where our youths would be engaged, where the brightest and the best among us would enjoy incredible opportunities for growth and fulfilment.

    “My dear Akwaibomites, this is the way modern societies that we travel to, and love, were grown and established. That is what I am doing for our people and posterity will remember and celebrate us for seizing the moment.” The Governor maintained

    He singled out developements in the Aviation sector particularly the International Terminal at the Victor Attah International Airport, the Maintain, Repair and Overhaul (MRO,) world-class Taxiway, as physical foundations that could transform the state into an emerging industrial Tiger.

    “As you leave the airport, I am sure you have seen the expansion of the road to an 8-lane boulevard. All over the world, the heart and character of a city is defined and shaped by what people see as they enter into the city centre.

    ” The 8-lane road from the airport leads into a city centre where visitors will be greeted by another 10-lane Ring Road Three, which promises to be one of the best boulevards in the nation. Even our naysayers have acknowledged the beauty of this road.” Emmanuel said.

    He commended Christians for their prayers which have helped in no small measure to maintain the stability of the state and called on them to eschew hatred and pull down syndrome enimical to the growth of the society.

  • 2023: A’Ibom traders mobilize N500M for Gov Emmanuel’s presidential ambition, set to endorse Eno

    2023: A’Ibom traders mobilize N500M for Gov Emmanuel’s presidential ambition, set to endorse Eno

    Traders in Akwa Ibom under the auspices of National Association of Nigerian Traders say they have concluded plans to support the presidential ambition of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

    They have also thrown their weight behind the Governorship aspiration of Mr Umoh Enoh who they described as one of them and who they trust to continue with the current good relationship between the association and the state government.

    President of NANT in the state Mr Udorenyin Rapheal who made this known in Uyo on Wednesday while briefing newsmen said their decision to support the Governor is because he is well positioned to transform Nigeria.

    Rapheal explained that the Governor had also in 2015 empowered the traders with N2B loan facility for their businesses and has pledged to also increase the revolving loan to N4B this year.

    The N500m according to Umoh who is also the Special Assistant to the Governor on Traders Matters would be spent on producing campaign materials for the presidential bid of the Governor.

    “We are going to donate over 500 million Naira , we are going to provide buses, we’re going to print flyers. We are asking him to run, we are behind him. He has what it takes. He has proven to us that he has what it takes to transform Nigeria.

    ” As traders,we normally protest ten times a year but now there are no protests. He has created an enabling environment . Imagine a timbre trader given three to four million Naira to trade. We are leaders of this organisation. So , he is the most qualified person for this position in Nigeria.

    ” I am speaking on behalf of the National Traders Association, Akwa Ibom State chapter and south South. All the traders are waiting for him and they are saying he should run for president.” He said.

    He further stated that because the Governor had supported them and ensured a peaceful environment for business to thrive in the state, the traders have also thrown their hearts to support his preferred successor, Eno.

    Rapheal maintained that as an entrepreneur, the former Lands and Housing Commissioner would bring his wealth of experience to upgrade the economy of the state while as a business man and employer of labour he would support trade and investment in the state to thrive.

    In addition the president said that during his brief stay as a commissioner he approved more than 200 Certificates of Occupancy for the traders with additional promise of 50 more adding that his disposition would attract more businesses to the state.

    “And that is why on Saturday, we will shut down all the markets in the state and come out enmasse to support both the Presidential bid of our dear governor and the Governorship bid of one of us, Pastor Umoh Enoh because we know that both in power will revive the economy of both the country and the state.” He concluded.

    Other leaders of the association including the chairman of Nigerian Association of Automobile Technicians, Mr Umoh Paul, Chairman of Timber Dealers Association Mr Effiong Ekpeyong, Chairman of Cooperative Federation Mr Asuquo Jonah and chairperson of women traders in the state Mrs Magdalene Udom in their different submissions said traders in the state had not had it so good in recent times.

    They expressed support for the upcoming Ibom Deep Seaport and the new international market in Uyo which according to them would not only make the state the epicentre of business in the region but would reduce the prices of goods in the area.