HON. BASSEY BASSEY CALLS FOR REHABILITATION OF DILAPIDATED OKOPEDI OKOBO- OYUBIA ROAD

By Deborah Ekanem

The member representing Okobo state constituency  in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey has drawn the attention of the members of the State House of Assembly to the deplorable state of OKOPEDI OKOBO-OYUBIA ROAD and called for Government intervention to alleviate the sufferings of people in the Communities.

The appeal came under a motion on notice presented by the Lawmaker during Thursday, 12 October, 2023 plenary at the floor of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

Hon. Bassey in his motion decried  the adverse effects of the road to economic and Agricultural development which  according to him has brought untold hardships to indigenes and residents of the affected Communities.

"The area which was once a commercial hub was abandoned and cut off from development, life became cruel, brutish and short as the people resorted to primitive nature of life.

"residence of the areas feel neglected, forgotten, banished and far from civilization, infrastructural development and economic empowerment and cannot help themselves"  He said.

The Lawmaker expressed dismay that the road which was constructed 24 years ago during the administration of the former Governor, Architect Obong Victor Attah has become dilapidated as a result of substandard work delivery which he said was without any due considerations to proper drainage system, hence, the gully erosion and other deteriorating effects.

He said the impassable road has become a safe heaven for unscrupulous men to perpetrate their criminal activities as it poses challenge  for easy access of Security Agents and other reasonable minded fellows.

He noted that the road when constructed  would be of great economic benefit to the people of Okobodi, Nung Atai, Odobo, Nsie and Ukobo, as well as  Enweme group of villages, in Udung Ukpong village, Akai-Ndyo village and Oyubia.

He however appealed to the Speaker to direct the House Committee on Works to visit the road for an on the spot assessment.

Meanwhile, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong in his reaction has directed the Clerk, Mrs. Nsikabasi Orok to communicate the resolution of the House to the State Governor for necessary action.

IBESIKPO LAW MAKER, HON. ATTAH SEEKS GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION ON DELAPIDATING MOUNT CARMEL HOSPITAL

By Deborah Ekanem

 The member representing the people of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Ubong Attah has initiated step for the reconstruction of the Mount Carmel Hospital to meet the health needs of his  constituents and the sorrounding Local Government Areas.

Hon. Attah who took into cognizant the  necessity of  a better health care  facilities in any given society  had onThursday,  12 October, 2023 raised motion on  floor of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly demanding renovation of the said hospital.

"The enjoyment of the highest attainable state of health is one of fundamental rights of every human being without any distinction of race , religion, political belief, economic or social condition and Governments have a responsibility for the health of his people which can be fulfilled only by the provision of adequate health and social measures" His words.

Attah, who called for accelerated hearing and adoption of the motion  emphasized the pivotal role Mount Carmel Hospital once played as the only secondary healthcare provider not only for his Constituents but for the people of Nsit Atai and Nsit Ibom Local Government Areas.

According to him, the hospital used to receive referrals from primary healthcare centres in Ibesikpo Asutan, Nsit Ibom, Nsit Ubium, Nsit Atai, Etinan, Eket and Onna Local Government Areas  until its closure  due to neglect and  other related factors

The lawmaker noted with regret that the hospital had been reduced to a mere shadow of its past glory, pleading with his colleagues to cooperate with him in ensuring that appropriate Government attention is drawn towards the rehabilitation of the hospital to encourage effective health care delivery services to the people.

Displaying the  dilapidated photograph of the   hospital, Attah lamented the ugly experience patients in the area faces especially in emergency cases  in order to access health facilities as far as   St Luke’s  Hospital in Anua, Uyo,  which he said  sometimes lead to loss of lives.

He acknowledged Governor Eno’s pragmatic efforts in infrastructure development in the state, including the ongoing construction of a Primary Health Centre in Ikot Nkwo, Ibesikpo Asutan, as part of efforts in providing better health care services  to the citizenry.

In his ruling, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk, Mrs Nsikabasi Orok to communicate the resolution of the House to the state Governor for positive remedies.

AKHA MOVE TO IMPROVE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS AT A'IBOM CENTRAL ABATTOIR

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has initiated steps on improving the business conditions of  cattle and goat dealers, butchers and other legitimate businesses at the  State Central Abattoir  in  Itam, Itu local government area of Akwa Ibom state.

This, followed an oversight visit undertaken by  the House Committee on Agriculture and natural resources on Friday, 13 October, 2023.

Leading the team, the member representing Ibesikpo ASUTAN state.constituency and the  Committee Chairman. Hon. Ubong Attah,  said the oversight was in line with  pastor Umo Eno's  Arise Agenda to  revolutionize  Agriculture with the aim of increasing the value chain for overall improvement of Agricultural dividends in the State.

Attah encouraged  youths to embrace agriculture to create employment opportunities for themselves.

" We will ensure that we generate revenue for the government and provide employment for the Youths, we are coming under Agricultural agenda of Pastor Umo Eno that seeks to provide job opportunities for the Youths through Agriculture.

"So am using this platform to call on all the Youths in Akwa Ibom State to embrace agriculture, the attitude of farmers must improve so that we can bring the dividends of agriculture to Akwa Ibom State and to increase the value chain, the chain in agriculture is very important, not just farming or trading, we have to explore other agricultural  value chains among the commodities that we are engaging, wether goat, cow, oil palm, rice, beans among others" he said.

He enjoined all business operators in the facility, the indigenes and the Hausa community to maintain the existing peace between both parties for the generality of economic boost.

The Lawmaker lauded the State Governor, pastor Umo Eno for the successes recorded in Agricultural sectors and promised to channel the challenges that could impede business growth in the Abattoir to appropriate authority for remediation.

Attah called on Abattoir operators to ensure steady supply of livestock and other commodities from within and outside the State.

Welcoming the team, the Chairman, Butchers Association, Mr. Saviour Edem expressed gratitude to the  delegation for the visit and Governor Umo Eno on the move to improving their wellbeing and solicited for a better working facilities, provision of soft loans/grants to ensure business sustainability.

He lamented lack of capital, access road, insufficient shades, trucks for goods convergent, excessive foreign livestock assistants as some of the challenges facing them.

On behalf of market women Association, Mrs Stella Akpan commended the State Chief Executive for empowering women in the State especially in the market sector and appealed for the renovation and expansion of central Abattoir to accommodate the growing number of entrepreneurs in the site.

On his part,  the Chairman, Cattle Dealers and Livestock Association, Alhaji Mohammed Mijinyawa responding to the complaints of excessive foreign livestock assistants, revealed plans  for Biometric registration of their workers to authenticate the real business operators to forestall any future breach of security and other miscreant activities .

Mijinyawa while appreciating the Akwa Ibom State Government for creating an enabling environment for their businesses to thrive,  attributed the high cost of  livestock to the country's economic challenges especially in the fluctuating foreign exchange rate.

Also present during the visit were committee members, including Hon. Dr. Nsidibe Akata (Representing Eket), Hon. Jerry Otu (Representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara), Hon. Uduak Ekpo-Ufot (Representing Etinan), Mrs. Mary Ukoette Bassey, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and legislative Staff

STAFFS OF AKWA IBOM STATE AGENCY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, CONCERNED BENEFITING COMMUNITIES APPEALS TO GOV UMOH ENO TO REOPEN AGENCY OFFICE

Staff of the Akwa Ibom state Agency for community and social development programme and the concerned Akwa Ibom benefiting communities are 

appealing to Governor Umo Eno to direct the Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Emen Almond Bob, to as a matter of urgency ensure speedily reopening and funding of the Agency and implementation of the World Bank community development support Projects, which they said over one billion naira was allotted to the State in 2022 for.

The staff of the agency and the concerned benefiting communities made the appeal 

during a peaceful protest to the Agency's office in Uyo where they said if urgent intervention is not urgently taken  by Governor Umo Eno, to address the issues of paying the backlog of salaries owed staffs of the agency and the funds gotten from world bank in 2022 for which projects have not been done, and Akwa Ibom State may lose over 1.4 billion naira grant to the State for Community development, vulnerable programme and livelihood support funds from the World Bank in 2023 and as well refund that of 2022 to the world bank since it was not put to use.

SPEAKING, Mr. Donald Iwok, one of the protesters alleged that the commissioner is planning to replace the staff of the agency who have been trained and vest with requisite experience to work in line with the standard of the world bank with his loyalists who knows nothing about the programs of the agency.

 It would be recalled that the commissioner, Emem Bob, under Governor Udom Emmanuel's administration, unlawfully closed down the operations of the agency in January 2023, according to a letter dated 23rd January 2023, against the provisions of the law of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly establishing the Agency in Section 1 (1).

 Meanwhile the Concerned Akwa Ibom Benefiting Communities has in a communique lament that since 2018 till date, no  community development project has been executed in Akwa Ibom State through the agency despite the funds that were released to the State" through the account of the agency which is now allegedly control by the Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Emem Bob, as a signatory.

The Communities explained the rationale behind their coming together to advocate for immediate implementation of the projects, and intervention of Gov. Umo Eno, on the ground that the projects have experienced undue delay despite the availability of funds and appealed to Governor Umo Eno, to please, direct immediate reopening of the agency's office activities, with an outstanding 11 months salaries of the agency's workers paid to them, and remove those sabotaging  government programs and policies from the ministry.

The benefiting communities the Agency which was established in 2009 to has so far executed 378 life touching projects, including Construction of Health Centres, Drilling of Motorized Borehole, Construction of Civic Centres, Construction of Culvert Drainage, Establishment of Skill Acquisition Centers, Construction of Open Markets, Provision of Electricity/Installation of Transformers, Construction/Renovation of Class Room Blocks among others, in Communities across the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State thereby using the international community assisted funds in translating the agenda of successive governments in the State and pastor Umoh Eno's administration should not be left out since his focus is on developing the rural areas.

A'Ibom AA Governorship candidate heads for Appeal court, Assures teeming supporters of victory.

 The Governorship candidate of Action Alliance (AA) in Akwa Ibom  State, Prince Jeremiah Udoh has concluded plans to challenge the judgement of Akwa ibom State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal at the Appeal Court for dismissing a case of non compliance to the Court Order by the electoral umpire for lack of merit.

 Speaking with reporters in Uyo at the weekend, immediately after judgment at the Tribunal, the Governorship candidate who expressed dissatisfaction with the judgment, said the   verdict  was without justice 

The Governorship candidate,who equally explained that he met all requirements to have won the Governorship election of March 18,2023, in the state, expressed surprise that the main issue at the Tribunal, which was a non compliance to the court order by the electoral umpire,INEC, to upload, publish his name and particulars on INEC portals as the authentic Governorship candidate of Action Alliance (AA) in Akwa ibom State, in line with the provision of the Electoral Act 2022, could be dismissed for lack of merit.

Udoh, while calling on his teeming supporters at home and in  diaspora to remain calm and be law abiding assured them of victory at the Court of Appeal

WHY I AM CHALLENGING INEC AT TRIBUNAL - PRINCE UDO

A governorship candidate in the general election in Akwa Ibom State, Prince Jeremiah Udo Akpan Udo has said that the refusal of INEC to publish his name as the duly recognized candidate of the Action Alliance for the gubernatorial polls held across Nigeria in March was a fatal mistake and rubs the election of it's legitimacy and validity ordinarily. 

The gubernatorial candidate who who is currently at the election petition tribunal, while speaking with newsmen at the weekend in Uyo, said that the petition is unique in a way because it was not about the usual irregularities perpetrated by the political gladiators but rather about the refusal of INEC to provide a level playing field for the candidate and the deliberate manipulation of the process that led to gubernatorial polls here in Akwa Ibom State and indeed around the country.

According to him, "the election is not a thing that happens in a day, it's actually a process that commences from the day the ban on political activities is lifted to the day certificate of return is handed over to the winner. There are specific timelines and deliverables and these must be complied with.

Now to add to the illegality the same INEC was ordered by the Federal High Court and the court of appeal to reflect the names of all the candidate's of the Action Alliance on its portal before the general elections, yet INEC refused to comply".

He stressed that his petition was not about who was the candidate of the Action Alliance party in the last Gubernatorial election in Akwa Ibom State, that issue had long been settled by the Federal High Court Abuja and affirmed by the Court of Appeal Abuja.

"The petition was actually about whether INEC is above the law and should not obey the valid and subsisting orders of Courts of competent jurisdiction", he said.

MAN IN POLICE NET FOR KILLING SON, DUMPING BURNT CORPS IN PIT TOILET IN A'IBOM

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said it had arrested one Innocent Uko for allegedly killing his 26-year-old son, Boniface, for harvesting cassava on his farm.

Uko, who hailed from Ebe Ikpe village in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state, was arrested by policemen after the incident was reported by the village head, Chief Akpan Aniekan, and the village council chairman, Sylvester Akpan.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon, disclosed this to journalists in Uyo, the state capital, yesterday.

Macdon said the suspect had confessed to killing his son with a machete and that he burnt and dumped his corpse in an abandoned pit toilet in his compound to conceal the act.

He said, “One Chief Akpan Aniekan, the village head of Ebe Ikpe village in the company of one Sylvester Akpan, the village council chairman reported that one Innocent Uko of Ebe Ikpe village in Essein Udim Local Government Area, used a machete and killed his son, Boniface, aged 26 years, 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 in Essien Udim Divisional Headquarters visited the scene. The deceased’s burnt corpse has been deposited at the morgue. The suspect was arrested and confessed to killing the deceased, his son on the grounds of bad character and incessant harassment and embarrassment.”

The police spokesperson also said the command arrested one Charley John who allegedly stole two seven-year-old children.

He said the suspect used his 10-year-old kid brother to lure the victims who are his schoolmates from their classroom for him to abduct them.

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

UNIUYO FIRST FEMALE VICE CHANCELLOR, OTHERS BAG 2023 EMTSAN AWARDS

Akwaodudu King, Uyo

The first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Comfort Ekpo recently received the 'commander order of EMTSAN' award from the department of Educational Technology in conjunction with the Educational Media and Technology Students' association of Nigeria (EMTSAN), University of chapter at the Onyema Ugochwuku auditorium, Akwa Ibom State. 

The event which was aimed at bringing together prominent individuals in the University community, student leaders and influencers from various walks of life to acknowledge excellence and innovation also featured beauty pageantry and keynote address on the theme ‘The Impact of Educational Technology on Education in the 21st century'

Under the academics awards category, Prof. Paulinus Etim, Prof. Idongesit Udosen, Prof. Sylvester Akpan, Prof. Thelma Ekukinam, Prof. Okworo Gibson, Prof. Halo Eton, Prof. Essien Akpanuko, Engr. Aniekeme Bassey, Dr. Idongesit Udi, Dr. Xavier Ekong and Dr. Ijeoma Ofem all went home with phenomenal awards for their overwhelming contributions to the growth of the association. Others that smiled home also from the student leaders awards category were, Comrade Idara Archibong, Comr. Samuel Brownson, Comr. Joseph Michael, Comr. Samuel Effiong, Comr. Kopuko King, Comr. Omofon Edet amongst others. 

In his address, Prof. Sylvester Akpan explained Educational Technology to be a problem-solving discipline in human learning. "It has the potential of identifying and proffering solutions to educational problems through its systematic approach to the design, development and improvement of instructional systems".

He furthered that, Educational Technology educates a large number of students with optimal efficiency as greater learning opportunities are provided for all students, regardless of their physical location within the school system as in distance and open learning; internet based learning environment, web-based courses, virtual schools, computer-based residential courses and most recently, Artificial Intelligence studies.

Highpoint of the event saw the emergence of Utibe-Abasi John & Ndifreke Inemesit as Mr. & Miss EMTSAN while Joy Okon & Unah Daniel as faces of EMTSAN respectively.

NPFL: NPFL Postpone Draws By A Week.

 

Board of the Nigeria Premier Football League has postponed the draws for the 2023/2024 league season.

The announcement was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon and the new date was also made known immediately.

The draw was initially scheduled to hold on the 17th of August but has now been shifted to the 24th of August, 2023.

Apart from the draw, the Annual General Meeting( AGM) of the league body will also be held on the same day.

GODSWILL AKPABIO INTERNATIONAL STADIUM TO HOST SIX INTERNATIONAL MATCHES FROM SEPTEMBER TO JANUARY 2025.

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pst. Umo Eno, the contract for maintenance of the prestigious Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo has been renewed with foremost construction firm Julius Berger.

The contract renewal is to ensure continuous and proper maintenance of the facility inaugurated in 2013. 

The President of the Nigeria football federation, Alhaji Ibrahim GUSAU says six international matches will be held at the Godswill Akpabio international stadium in Akwa Ibom State from now till January 2025. 

Gusua  dropped the hint today in Uyo at the Akwa Ibom State Government when he led other members of his board on a courtesy visit to the governor of Akwa Ibom state, pastor Umoh Eno.

According to the Nigeria football federation president,the first will on Sunday 10th September 2023, when the Super Eagles of Nigeria will be playing their final 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the national team of São Tomé and Principe.

Responding on the Nigeria football federation decision of bringing the international matches to the Godswill Akpabio international stadium,Governor Umoh Eno, said the contract for maintenance of the prestigious Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo has been renewed with foremost construction firm Julius Berger.

According to the governor, the contract renewal is to ensure continuous and proper maintenance of the facility inaugurated in 2013 so as to offer the nation a best sports facility for the best brand of football.

AKHA URGE GOVERNOR UMOH ENO TO END IKPANYA CLAN COMMUNAL CRISIS WITH NEIGHBORING STATES, RESETTLE DISPLACED PEOPLE

BY DEBORAH EKANEM 

The Akwa Ibom state house of assembly has urged the state Governor, Umoh Eno to as a matter of urgency direct the resettlement of families and displaced indigenous people of Ikpanya clan and as well create a functional join taskforce security post in the area.

This followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Ibiono Ibom state constituency, Hon. Moses Essien, appealing to the house to look into the age-long inter state boundary crisis between Ikpanya clan in Ibiono Ibom local government area of the state and neighboring Ito community in Cross Rivers and Arochukwo in ABIA state that has claim lives and displaced many.

The house in her resolution directs the committee on boundary to work with the state boundary committee to bring a lasting solution and an end to the persistent clashes between the communities.

Presenting the motion, Essien, noted that the Clan over the years has been subjected to innumerable hostilities from the neighboring states due to its isolated landmark and abundant natural resources attempting to encroach and cede the Clan.

The  Ibiono Ibom member expressed worry that the issue has led to several deaths of some citizens of the Clan and destruction of property, hence rendering many homeless.

" Worried that this ancient boundary crisis between Ikpanya in Akwa Ibom State versus Arochukwo, Abia State and Ito village in Cross River State have resulted in death of innumerable sons and daughters of Ikpanya, destruction of property and has also rendered  many homeless".

In an interaction with Assembly correspondents after the plenary in his office, the law maker explained that the motion was raised in fulfilment of his campaign promise to restoring peace in the area and his passion to serve and give a good representation  of Ibiono Ibom people as a whole.

On the part of the age-long deplorable access road, the Lawmaker assured of his readiness to swift into action and expressed optimism that the State Governor, Pastor Umoh Eno will in a shortest possible time  look into the situation for remediation.

AKHA TO INVESTIGATE ABANDONED PROJECT IN AKWA IBOM STATE UNIVERSITY

By Deborah Ekanem

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on its Tuesday, 1st August plenary has resolved to interface with the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet and the Vice Chancellor of  the Akwa Ibom State University to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of Hostel  Project earlier awarded, with a view of addressing the accommodations challenges in the institution.

This was sequel to a  motion by  the member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Prince Ukpong Akpabio who lamented that some students of the institution as a result of taking shelter off the School campus have risk their lives and called for immediate remediation.

Akpabio said the Akwa Ibom State Government had awarded for the construction of a 2, 600 capacity  Hostel  facility in the University campus in 2010, but regret that 13 years after  the contract was awarded, the Hostel Project remains unrealized  as the contractors abandoned the project midway.

The Lawmaker further worried that environmental condition may affect the students performance negatively and added that the lodges and houses inhabited by students of the University are in deplorable  conditions thereby rendering them unfit   to live in due to  lack of basic social amenities.

However, the speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong 

has committed the motion to the House Committee on Education  to report back to the house in two weeks time.

A'IBOM SPORTS COMMISSIONER, MONDAY UKO RESUMES, TASKS STAFF ON COMMITMENT TO SERVICE, HARD WORK

The newly sworn in commissioner of youth and sports development, Sir Monday Uko, today, Monday, resumed with a task to the staff of the ministry to be more commuted to their duties and be hard working for the task ahead.

Addressing staff of the Ministry in his office, at Idongesit Nkanga secretariat, Mr. Uko thanked Governor Umo Eno for finding him worthy to continue in office as Honourable Commissioner and pledged to do his utmost to add commendable value to the ARISE agenda of the Governor which he described as "people-centric and youth-friendly".

Mr. Uko announced a series of immediate activities that the Ministry would embark upon in the coming days and tasked staff of the Ministry with redoubling their commitment to service and hard work noting that the present state administration has lofty plans for the state and its people which require the staff to be kept on their toes at all times.

Responding on behalf of all members of staff, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Mrs. Beatrice Udoinyang, assured of the commitment of the entire members of staff to support the Honourable Commissioner as best they can in order to ensure the success of the administration of Governor Umo Eno in the youth and sports sector.

In a goodwill message, on behalf of all stakeholders in the youth and sports sector, Elder Paul Bassey congratulated Mr. Uko on his reappointment and expressed the readiness of all stakeholders to support the Honourable Commissioner throughout his tenure in office.

Highlights of the gathering was the offering of special prayers and entertainment.

A'IBOM SPORTS WRITERS CONGRATULATE SIR MONDAY UKO ON RE- APPOINTMENT AS SPORTS COMMISSIONER

 

Sports writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Akwa Ibom state has congratulated  Sir Monday Ebong Uko on his reappointment as the commissioner of youth development and sports by the Akwa Ibom state governor pastor Umo Eno.

UKO, was sworn in yesterday alongside 23 other commissioners at the government house, Uyo and was RE- assign to the ministry he served in the last administrations.

See full message below

SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (SWAN), AKWA IBOM STATE CHAPTER CONGRATULATES SIR MONDAY EBONG UKO ON HIS RE-APPOINTMENT AS COMMISSIONER OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND SPORTS

We, the executive and members of sports writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Akwa Ibom state chapter heartily congratulate and celebrate the re-appointment of sir Monday Ebong Uko as the Commissioner of Youth Development and Sports by Governor Umo Eno.

We in SWAN see your re-appointment as a reward for your dedication to hard work and commitment towards the development of sports in Akwa Ibom state in the past years.

We are optimistic that you will use your wealth of experience to work with our sports loving Governor to place Akwa Ibom state top in the sports map of Nigeria both in manpower and sports infrastructures.

The state chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria will continue to partner you and the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports to ensure that your leadership records more sporting history.

Once again, congratulations Sir Monday Ebong Uko.

Signed:

MR. EMMANUEL AKPAN, FCAI

STATE CHAIRMAN

MR. THEOPHILUS UDO

STATE SECRETARY

GOV. UMO ENO APPROVES COMMENCEMENT OF GOVERNOR'S CUP TOURNAMENT

By Bassey Ibiatisuho

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has given approval for the commencement of the Governor's Cup football tournament before the end of the year 2023 as part of his ARISE Agenda for the state.

The Governor gave the express approval while listening to the sectoral presentation on Youths and Sports by the Chairman of Akwa United football club, Elder Paul Bassey who led the discourse of the sub-sector at the ongoing Akwa Ibom Dialogue at Ibom Icon Hotel, Uyo.

In his presentation, Elder Bassey, who served as the Senior Special Assistant on Sports to the former Governor, Udom Emmanuel said the tournament which will help discover football talents across the 31 local government areas of the state will fit into the sports agenda of the Governor.

He also made case for the resumption of the state league as well as the revival of the youths sports competitions, inter secondary school football and athletics competition, and youths sports festivals to provide an opportunity for talent discovery and development.

Elder Bassey called for the continuation of the plan to provide one sports centre in each of the federal constituency in the state and the provision of indoor sports facility in the state, especially at the Nest of Champions, and to encourage the development of other sports other than football.

The need to establish sports academy in the state within the next two years was also emphasized as well as training and retraining of coaches in different areas of sports.

LAWMAKER SEEKS END TO SEA PIRATES IN AKWA IBOM WATER LINES

By Deborah Ekanem

A Lawmaker representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency, Hon. Selinah Ukpatu has expressed  worry over the activities of Sea Pirates in the Coastal Waters of Akwa Ibom State.

Consequently, she has sponsored a motion on the floor of the State Assembly during the Thursday 20 July, 2023 plenary to nip the activities of Sea Pirates in the bud

Hon. Ukpatu decried the persistent  unlawful activities  of the unscrupulous men,  saying it has crippled the legitimate businesses of fishermen and other businesses in the areas leading to untold hardship, loss of life and revenue in the affected Communities.

" Between December 2022 and April 2023 alone, at least 50 outboard  engines  were lost , with 30 of them lost in Eastern Obolo within  the month  of March 2023, and an additional 20 in May 2023. Presently, the value of an outboard engine exceeds three million naira (3,000,000)

'the activities of the sea pirates have persisted in the coastal Communities for the past 15 years, leading to the significant loss of revenue, loss of life and the impoverishment of families" Hon. Ukpatu hinted.

The Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo member listed the Coastal Communities to include;

Ikot Abasi, Eastern Obolo, Mkpat Enin, Ibeno, Mbo, Oron, Udung Uko, Uruan, Itu and Okobo Local Government Areas of the State.

However, the motion gained the support of the House after being deliberated upon and was referred by the Speaker, Elder Udeme Otong to the Committee on Security, Youths and Sports for further  legislative actions.

In a related development, Speaker Otong has committed the motion  for enforcement  of Road Traffic Law to reduce avoidable  incidences of Road Traffic Accidents in  Uyo Capital and other  Roads in Akwa Ibom State, sponsored by the member representing Oruk Anam State Constituency, Prince Sampson Idiong to House Committee on Works and Transport.

In the same vein, a motion for a speedy implementation of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency Law was also brought to the House by Ibiono Ibom State Constituency member, Mr. Moses Essien and was also directed to the Committee on Health and Clerk of the Assembly  to  liaise  with the relevant Ministry and report back to the House.

The House has adjourned to Tuesday, 25 July, 2023.

INVESTIGATION EXONERATE CAN CHAIRMAN OF FAKE CERTIFICATE SCANDAL

News making the rounds that the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Akwa Ibom State, Bishop Chris Nyong is parading himself with fake certificates has been found as total falsehood and misrepresentation of fact.

Reactions from members of the public, especially, the christian community as gathered by this reporter have condemned the said claim and have also described such allegation as malicious and damaging.

An independent investigation reveals that the claim by one Apostle Dr. Edward Akpan Umana that he sold fake Doctorate Degree certificate to the Chairman of CAN was a blackmail whose aim was to smear the character of Bishop Chris Nyoug.

The Pastor of Lifeline Covenant Church at Ikot Ataku in Okon Eket, Apostle Edward Umana was allegedly arrested by security operatives in Eket recently for indulging in racketeering of higher certificates to members of the public.

Apostle Umana and his co travelers when reporters asked to know how they operate the business of selling fake certificates from St Thomas-a-Becket University located in the City of Canterbury, England where the African Campus is at Ibeno Local Government Area to people, he, Umana mentioned the current state Chairman of CAN as one of his beneficiaries of his alleged illegal certificate racket.

He named prominent persons in the state, names withheld that are currently using fake Doctoral Degree certificates from the same University through his business arrangements.

When this reporter contacted the current Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Heritage Polytechnic, Eket, Mr Godwin William, he confirmed the authenticity of the Diploma certificates of Bishop Chris Nyoug.

He said, " I know Christian Essien Nyong as one of my former students, he did Mass Communication in Heritage Polytechnic for ND full time in 2009- 2011 with Reg. No. MAC/N 2009/078 and then finished and started HND in Mass Communication in 2015 - 2017 with Reg. 14156008, with specialty in Broadcast option".

Mr William who is the immediate past Head of Department, Mass Communication in the Heritage Polytechnic continues "but I also know about St Thomas-a-Becket stuff, the people came to give me Honorary Doctoral Degree, I did not collect it since I am in the academic. I told them, I want to read up to PhD before I receive any Honorary Degree. I know that they went and gave Honorary Degrees to many people in the state".

A former student of St. Thomas-a-Becket University, Akwa Ibom centre who gave his name as Udeme Bassey Utin said the University did not issue any certificate to any students because the institution did not last long for lack of sponsorship but  added that he was aware that the Coordinators of the University programme over the years were awarding Honorary Degrees people in many fields of their endeavours within and outside the state.

He condemned the allegation leveled against the CAN Chairman in the state, saying it was a blackmail taken too far.

The CAN Chairman when contacted said he bagged Honorary Doctoral Degree  awarded to him in 2015 with other noted men of God in the State by the St Thomas- a-Becket University.

According to him, "I have OND and HND in Mass Communication from the Heritage Polytechnic Eket, all my certificates are genuine and are verifiable, but l leave Apostle Umana to God"

" Upon all what I did for him, he chosed to pay me back this way by attempting to tarnish my hard earned image, but I give God the Glory", he concludes.

DANIIL MEDVEDEV CRASH OUT OF FRENCH OPEN

Second seed Daniil Medvedev has been knocked out of the french open by qualifier Thiago Seyboth Wild in a big French Open first-round shocker.

The Russian battled windy conditions and the Brazilian's outstanding forehand in a 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (6-8) 2-6 6-3 6-4 loss.

Medvedev had arrived at Roland Garros in good form and in contention for the world number one ranking, But 172nd-ranked Seyboth Wild pounced on Medvedev's inconsistency to book a first Grand Slam second-round spot.

Paul Usoro, SAN appointed Chairman Access Bank

Paul Usoro, SAN has been appointed as the new Chairman of Access Bank Plc. Prior to his appointment in May, 2023, Mr. Usoro had been a Non-Executive Director of the bank since January 2014.

Mr. Usoro is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the founder and Senior Partner of the Law firm of Paul Usoro & Co. He has over 30 years of law practice experience and is acknowledged as a highly experienced litigator and communication law expert.

He was elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association in August 2018 for a two-year term and is currently a Non-Executive Director of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc. He represented Access Bank as a Non-Executive Director on the board of the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc.

Mr. Usoro holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ife (1981) and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1982.  He joined the Board in January 2014 and currently chairs the Board Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and Board Technical Committee on Retail Expansion. He is also the Vice-Chairman of the Board Risk Management.

AKWA IBOM STATE FA ELECTS NEW OFFICIALS

 

Akwa Ibom state football association today elected a new executive board to pilot the affairs of football in Akwa Ibom state for the next four years.

The election which took place at the cardinal Ekanem hall in Ikot EKPENE local Government area had 30 out of the expected 37 delegates accredited to vote for the nine vacant  positions.

At the end of the elections which is judged  free, fair and acceptable by the football family in the state, Mr. Samuel Umoh, emerged victorious as chairman, unopposed, as well as Raymond Essien,  vice chairman, Chief Ifiok Umanah board member representing Ikot EKPENE senatorial  district.

In Uyo and Eket senatorial districts, Toney Etim and Orok Orok, won the elections as board members with 29 and 16 votes respectively.

In Eket senatorial district,  Comrade Felix Udo, Friday Ekpo, and Emmanuel Eduoku, emerged victorious as board members after scoring gathering 28, 27 and 25 votes respectively.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected and sworn in chairman, Samuel Umoh, thanked the delegates for the confidence reposed In his state led executive and promised to reposition football in Akwa Ibom state.

Umoh, appealed to those who contested in the elections to come together and work for the success of football development in Akwa Ibom state nay Nigeria.

AKWA IBOM STATE COACHES ASSOCIATION ELECTIONS HOLDS TOMORROW AT GODSWILL AKPABIO STADIUM

Nigeria coaches in Akwa Ibom state under the umbrella of Akwa United States coaches association will tomorrow gather at the Godswill Akpabio international stadium to elect leadership to pilot the affairs of the association for the next three years.

According to the chairman of the electoral committee, sir Alexander Aniefiok, the elections will kick off by 10 am with an elective congress which is slated to culminate the election proper.

" We are ready to conduct free and fair elections for all coaches in Akwa Ibom state so that all sports in Akwa Ibom state can developed".

Positions contested for are; the chairman, vice chairman, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, financial secretary, Welfare and the public relations officer.

ZAMBIA U-17 QUALIFY TO QUARTER-FINALS!

■However, CAFonline claim it's South Africa who have qualified based on Head to Head 

FAZ Technical Director Lyson Zulu has confirmed. 

According to CAF qualification rules for this tournament, for determination of third best finishers only results against the top two qualified teams  in respective groups count. 

So even though South Africa 🇿🇦 beat Zambia 🇿🇲 3-2, they failed to beat either Nigeria 🇳🇬 nor Morocco 🇲🇦 who finished in the  TOP TWO in the group.

Zambia 🇿🇲 beat Morocco 2-1 and hence QUALIFY!

In the CAF amended rules after South Sudan was ejected for age cheating DOES NOT include Head to Head.

DELTA STATE SET TO HOST 2023 NWFL SUPER SIX

Asaba, the capital city of Delta state will play host to the best of Nigeria’s Women Football League (NWFL)-the Super Six tournament, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium  from May 5th to12th, 2023.

A statement by the  Director General,Delta state Sports commission, Sir, Christopher Anazia, said the Admiralty University  sports complex had been designated as the other venue for the tournament.

He stated that everything needed for the successful hosting of the tournament has been put in place.

Sir, Anaziah, said that the tournament would be used to decide Nigeria’s representatives at the regional  CAF Women Champions League.

He listed the six participating teams as the host state team, Delta Queens,  Bayelsa Queens,and Rivers Angels from group A, FC Robo, Edo queens and Confluence queens made it to the super six from group B.

He futher confirmed that  the participating teams qualified from the two group table of the NWFL, based on their placement in each group, in the regular Season.

" We are ready to host, this is not the first time, Delta state will be hosting a high profile football championship,our state of the art facilities, enabling environment and hospitality of our people will always put Delta state as a  preferred destination for football stakeholders and other sports in general."

It would be recalled that Bayelsa queens won the last edition of the super six hosted by the Edo state government in  2022.

DIG EKPOUDOM, NSE CHAIRMAN, ORS ENDORSE SWAN THANKSGIVING SERVICE

The upcoming special thanksgiving service of the Akwa Ibom state chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has continued to receive the endorsement of stakeholders and elder statesmen within Akwa Ibom state.

The latest round of endorsements comes from a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police and Chairman of the Board of Governors of Tower of Ivory International Schools, Udom Ekpoudom OON, the state Chairman of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engineer Uwem Akpan, the state Director of Sports, Elder Ifiok Duff, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom state Football Association, Mr. Imoh Attat and his Vice, Mr. Samuel Umoh, the Chairman of Dakkada Football Club, Coach Aniedi Dickson, among others.

Speaking at his office while playing host to members of the organizing committee, erstwhile Police boss,  Udom Ekpoudom, did not only promise to attend the service in person and work towards its success but also restated his commitment to the progress and development of sports in the state as is reflected on the plethora of sports infrastructure that he has built at his school. 

While thanking members of the organizing committee for extending an invitation to him, Chief Ekpoudom leveraged the visit to congratulate the state Chairman of SWAN, Mr. Emmanuel Akpan on winning a second term in office which according to him was indicative of the huge levels of trust that members repose in him.

On his part, NSE boss, Uwem Akpan, who received the SWAN delegation at his Dakkada secretariat office, Thursday, described the visit as a milestone which would go a long way towards deepening the already cordial relationship between the NSE and SWAN. He pledged to make an in-person appearance at the service and mobilize resources to ensure that the event sees the light of day.

Also, the Director of Sports in the state Ministry of Youth and Sports, Elder Ifiok Duff, thanked the delegation for stopping by to invite him to the service and expressed the readiness of his Ministry to partner SWAN in the lead-up to the service and beyond.

While presenting the event uniform to his hosts, the Chairman of SWAN, Mr. Emmanuel Akpan briefed them that the decision to organize a thanksgiving service was borne out of the need to commit activities of the new state executive council of the Association to God and thank Him for showering His goodness upon all members.

The SWAN delegation also comprised the Chairman of the organizing committee and former two-term Chairman of SWAN, Elder Uwem Ekoh, the Secretary of the organizing committee and Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Comrade Edidiong Stephen as well as the Assistant Secretary of SWAN, Mr. James Akpan.

The service which has as its theme "Give thanks to God" taken from Psalms 106:1 will be held at the Apostolic Church Nigeria, Four Towns Assembly, Uyo, on Sunday, May 7, 2023.

AKWA IBOM STATE FA ANNOUNCES DATES OF 2023 ELECTIONS

The Akwa Ibom state football association  in line with the Nigeria football federation guidelines has announced that sales and return of nomination forms for next month's elections shall commence from 19th April to 10th May 2023.

This is after an executive meeting presided over by the state FA chairman, Hon. Imo Attat in Uyo.

According to a release by the FA chairman, Hon. Imo Attat and the electoral committee, the forms will be on sale at number eight Nsit lane, uyo while screening of aspirants will be on 11 to 12th May 2023.

15th and 16th are slated for  appeals.

The committee is expected to sit on  the appeals on 17th and 18th of May and make her verdict public on 19th of May, 2023, before the 

SALES AND RETURN OF FORMS : 19TH APRIL TO 10TH MAY, 2023

APPEALS: 15TH AND 16TH MAY, 2023.

APPEALS COMMITTEE SITING:17TH AND 18TH  MAY, 2023.

APPEALS COMMITTEE VERDICT: 19TH MAY, 2023.

ELECTION DAY: MONDAY MAY 22ND 2023".

Furthermore, the Akwa Ibom state football association reiterates her commitment in ensuring a free, fair, credible and acceptable state elections for the development of football in the state.

It would be recalled that the committee had peacefully conducted the same elections in the 31 local football councils on 9th March 2023.

NLO: ALGON BOYS UNVAILS NEW KITS, PRESENT JERSEYS TO ENGR. OSUNG

Ahead of the 2023 Nation wide league season,  ALGON Boys football club of Uyo, has presented the 2023 club's jerseys to their patrons.

Presenting the new kits  to Engr. and Mrs Elvis Osung, the chairman of the club who doubled as the president of grassroot football, comrade John Ekpenyong, said the gesture is  in recognition of Engr Elvis Osung's  contribution to the club from 2018 till date.

Ekpenyong who was flanked by other management staff of ALGON BOYS FC  as well as members of the sporting press in Akwa Ibom state, said the honour on Engr Elvis Osung and wife is in tandem with the club's vision of celebrating men and women of substance that are impacting positively on the society and mankind.

Responing, Engr Elvis Osung, said his desire is to see how talented youths can be gainfully employed and taken off the street, hence his continued sponsorship of football competitions and other human empowerment programmes.

Osung charged ALGON in Akwa Ibom state to invest more in the team by ensuring that the club get promoted at the end of this season.

SWAN Constitutes Thanksgiving Service Committee

The Akwa Ibom State Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN has set up a Thanksgiving committee to plan and execute a Thanksgiving for the association following the  election of a new executive for the body.

The committee was constituted during the April Congress of the association held Thursday, April 6 at the NUJ Press Center Information Drive IBB Way Uyo.

The committee which is headed by a former state chairman of SWAN, Evangelist Uwem Ekoh has the Media Manager of Dakkada FC, Mr Edidiong Stephen as secretary and the Assistant Secretary of the association, Mr James Akpan as member.

The chairman of the association, Mr Emmanuel Akpan while inaugurating the body tasked them to show commitment and surpass the previous SWAN thanksgiving service.

Mr Akpan while congratulating the members on their selection, expressed the hope that with their experience and the Grace of God, they would achieve success.

Chairman of the committee, Evangelist Uwem Ekoh promised to work harder and put in place what he described as thanksgiving of all thanksgiving.

He thanked the executive for deeming him and the other members fit for the assignment.

NDDC AND IT'S ROAD MAP TO SUSTAINABLE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

By Ukpong Ukpong

Enterprising youths in Akwa Ibom State have alot to benefit from the reformed Niger Delta  Development Commission, NDDC, which is taking bold steps toward upgrading its empowerment programmes for youths. In line with its policy on building collaborative partnerships, the Commission has prepared new concepts of engagement that will be both productive and sustainable.

This new approach is a welcome development, given that in the past youth empowerment schemes by NDDC were more or less aimed at handing out stipends without strategic objectives to ensure that recipients are groomed to give back to their immediate communities. Consequently, despite humongous funds spent on so called youth empowerment, the region still faced serious youth unemployment with attendant restiveness, criminality and vices. 

At the recently concluded Youth Interactive Forum organised by the NDDC in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbukwu, stated that the Commission is setting up the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, which it would use as a vehicle to support Small and Medium Enterprises in the Niger Delta region, effectively proffering an innovative solution going forward.

According to him, "we are considering setting up a Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce that will strengthen young entrepreneurs in the region". 

Such an initiative came at the appropriate time in Akwa Ibom State, when a passionate, youth-friendly administrator, Dr. Emem Wilcox Wills, is in charge of the NDDC State office. Under his watch, the initiative is sure to offer alot of opportunities to teeming Akwa Ibom young entrepreneurs, who are breaking limits on all fronts with pioneering goods and services taking advantage of the internet revolution. 

Dr. Wills recently underscored the importance of youths in State development, noting their energy, passion and enthusiasm would be channelled towards rebuilding and reintegrating society for peace, unity and prosperity. 

"It's time to rebuild our State. Youths are very critical in the process because of their energy, resourcefulness, passion and enthusiasm. NDDC will partner State government to productively engage youths to develop and prosper our State". As such , the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce will become a launch pad for current and aspiring entrepreneurs in the State.

 Moreso, working through the Chambers of Commerce, the NDDC would herald the paradigm shift from the era of merely giving handouts to actually empowering youths to become productive members of their communities, states and the region as a whole. This is the position of the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Ogbukwu who said "it is no longer acceptable that our youths will be at home and be receiving stipends. Hence, we are changing the NDDC Youth Volunteer programme to Youth Internship Programmes where youths will be attached to organisations for one year to learn skills".

 Therefore, the chamber of commerce will help ensure that every empowerment programme is sustainable and focused on mentoring young entrepreneurs, who will then mentor and employ others since government cannot employ everybody. 

It is therefore imperative to support the Commission to succeed with this initiative which aims to engage youths to work for the benefit of everyone.

25-Year-old Journalist Wins Big Brother Titans Season 1

Khosi Twala, a 25 year old Journalist from South Africa has emerge the winner of the maiden edition of the Big Brother Titans Season 1. 

Khosi was announced winner of the reality show tonight after garnering the highest number of votes by the duo of the show host Lawrence and Ebuka in South Africa. 

Khosi who was one of the most misconstrued and misunderstood housemate in the show beat the other finalists - Kanaga Jnr, Tsatsii, Yvonne, Ebubu and Ipeleng to win the prize money of $100,000 and also rock the crown as the maiden winner of the show. 

The show had a total of 24 housemates who were picked from South Africa and Nigeria.