Akwa United Chairman Bags Sports Administrator Award

MFON PATRICK

For his exceptional administrative skills and ingenuity in sports management which was instrumental in Akwa United's title winning campaign in the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League - the first league triumph in the 24 year history of the club, chairman of Akwa United Football  club Elder Paul Bassey has been honoured with Sports Administrator of the Year Award by an Abuja based  newspaper, Asset Newspapers Limited.

The award was presented to Elder Paul Bassey by Member Representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos,

on Thursday, 10th February, 2022 at a glamorous ceremony held at the prestigious Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

In an address of welcome, the Publisher/ Editor-in-chief, Daily Asset Newspapers Dr. Cletus Akwaya said it was the collective decision of the media outfit to honour and appreciate eminent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in different areas of human endeavors to further encourage them to do more in service to the nation and humanity.

In a reaction, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Sports and Chairman of Akwa United Football Club Elder Paul Bassey expressed appreciation to God for His many blessings upon His life and thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for the opportunity given to him to serve the state in the capacity of the Chairman of Akwa United Football Club and Senior Special Assistant on Sports to His Excellency.

"This award came to me as a big surprise, and I'm delighted to have been identified and honoured as the Sports Administrator/ Sportsman of the year. I want to really appreciate Daily Asset Newspapers Limited for this special recognition and honour. This award means a lot to me and Akwa United family.

"My positive contributions to sports development especially in Akwa Ibom State wouldn't have been possible if His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel didn't offer me the opportunity to serve as Chairman of Akwa United Football Club. Last season was challenging, but God did it for us and for the first time in 24 year history of our great club, we emerged champions of club football in Nigeria. So I want to dedicate this award to God Almighty for his love and mercies. 

"I also want to dedicate this award to His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel for his strong support and encouragement. My very supportive family deserve my appreciation. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Sir Monday Ebong Uko for standing by me in moving Akwa United to this present level. I can't forget the management, staff, coaches and players of Nigeria Professional Football League Champions Akwa United for all their honest support my administration has enjoyed since I came on board, this award will definitely spur us to do more in years to come" said Elder Bassey.

Elder Bassey was accompanied to the event by his dear wife Mrs Helen Paul Bassey, three management staff of the club, the Accountant Ms Mary Akpaidiok, Cashier Mr Idara Ekong and the Media Manager Mr Mfon Patrick.

Other well-meaning Nigerians who received various awards were Senator Istifanus Gyang of Plateau North senatorial district as Legislator of the Year.

Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurum, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh was presented with Vice Chancellor of the Year Award while Public Servant of the Year Award went to Ambassador Mohammed Buba Marwa, the chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency amongst others

The award ceremony, beamed live on NTA and other media also marked the fifth anniversary of Daily Asset Newspapers Limited had as it's theme: The Media, National Security and 2023 Elections. The lecture on the theme was presented by the Director-General of Nigeria Television Authority NTA Mallam Yakubu Ibn Mohammed.

Senegal Emerges AFCON 2021 Champions

Senegal has emerged the winner of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.

Senegal beat Egypt 4-2 on Penalties in the finals of the competition played in Cameroon.

Both teams played goaless draw for 120 minutes before resorting to penalty kicks.

Senegal had earlier lost an early penalty awarded in the fourth minutes of the encounter.

Egypt's goalkeeper, Mohamed Qotb Abou Gabal Ali, also known as Gabaski, who made several saves for his team emerged the Man of the Match.

Ibiono Ibom Agog As OBA Consults PDP, Stakeholders

The Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo Senatorial District), Obong Bassey Albert (OBA) today (Feb 5, 2022)

consulted with the PDP structure and major stakeholders across party line in Ibiono Ibom Local Government towards the actualisation of his gubernatorial dream.

Arriving to separate rousing sessions, OBA, who is from Ibiono LGA told his people that he was running on grounds of equity, justice and fairness, as it was the turn of Itu/ Ibiono Federal Constituency to produce the next governor.

The first meeting was with the party structure at the Ibiono Town Hall, where he was well received, even as he cautioned the Chapter leaders to open their doors to receive other aspirants.

Senator Albert who is the Senate Chairman on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) said he had an open mind towards all, including other aspirants in the race. He added that he had since forgiven anyone who wronged him in anyway.

On Governor Udom Emmanuel’s recent presentation of his preferred aspirant, Albert said that was the opinion of man which can never stop the will and decision of God.

He announced his continued love and respect for Gov Emmanuel, adding that he believed the governor loves him too but was just misled by some advisers.

OBA recalled that in 2015 when he  was also a frontline runner for office of governor, he respected the party and justice principle when he was pleaded with  to allow Eket Senatorial District to take its turn.

He argued that based on that same principle of justice, it was the turn of Itu/ Ibiono, particularly as the other two federal constituencies in Uyo Senatorial Districts had taken their turns in Obong Akpan Isemin and Obong Victor Attah.

The highlight of the consultation featured  separate prayer sessions by the Paramount Ruler of Ibiono, Edidem (Dr) Ime Udousoro Inyang as well as the stakeholders.

Engr Offiong Akpabio Deserve Respect Not Backlash - Bassey Isin

By Alfonsus Ibok

Against the backdrop where some Elders have thrown sanity to the winds, deploying insults and pull down syndrome as elections gradually gather momentum, the Ward Leader, Central 1 in Uruan Local Government Area Pastor Bassey Isin has tasked Elders and youths alike to desist from playing politics of insulting and disparaging our Elders or people who do not agree with our decisions at any given time.

Pastor Isin made this known while responding to a release issued by some Elders under the auspices of PDP Elders Forum Uruan Local Government  bothering on the issues of Political Leadership of Uruan where the person of Engr. Offiong Akpabio was brought to disrepute. He stated unequivocally that since he was part of the enlarged meeting where Engr. Offiong Akpabio was selected as the Leader of Uyo Senatorial District Elders Forum, as such, he could not have been part of another meeting back lashing him.

"My attention has been drawn to a publication said to have my signature; as one of those disparaging and insulting the person of   Obong Engr. Offiong Akpabio, and for avoidance of doubt, I need to state as follows: 

That I was part of the enlarged meeting of Uyo Senatorial District  Elders Forum, where Obong Engr Offiong Usen Akpabio was selected as the Leader of Uyo Senatorial District Elders Forum and as such, I could Not have been part of another meeting".

He added that the PDP Chapter Chairman of Uruan only barged in on him on his way out to church pleading for his signature for a letter where Uruan Elders are appreciating  the Governor -  His Excellency  Udom Emmanuel and the Elders of Uyo Senatorial District for the successful burial of our late Leader Obong Ekpe Atakpo. A letter he noted he only signed on trust as he had no time to read only to realise that what the document had was a release disparaging the personality of one of the best leaders Uruan has in the person of Obong Engr Offiong Akpabio.

"I am therefore apologizing to Obong Engr Offiong Usen Akpabio my father and mentor for over twenty five (25) years now, and the entire people of Uruan Inyang Atakpo that it was not a deliberate act but that of not reading the document and having looked through the  signature,  everyone had signed leaving myself and Rt Hon Usenobong Akpabio, which he told me  he was going to him from my place and because I will never believe that a group of selected few could do such disparaging damage on any Uruan Leader no matter the offence talk less on the person of Engr Offiong Akpabio , as I will never be part of such a meeting or communique"

"That for my conscience' sake I will therefore withdraw my signature from such communique both in Spirit and in letter".

"Let me also state for the records that it's high time we stop the politics of insulting and disparaging our Elders or people who do not agree with our decisions at any given time as this has become the bane of us for now.

"When the likes of Engr Offiong Usen Akpabio started playing and investing in politics in Uruan and Akwa Ibom State where were many of us? He enthused.

IBOM CHRONICLE GET TOGETHER: Hon: Ubong Simon Advocates Professionalism, Passion Among Journalists.

By Ekemini Akpan

The Special Adviser on political, legislative and Chieftaincy affairs. in Ukanafun local government area, Hon Ubong Simon Ubak, has advocated for genuine passion for journalism among Journalists

Addressing the management and staffs of Ibom Chronicles Newspaper in a get-together party of the media outfit held in Uyo, Hon Ubong said journalism was gradually losing it's taste as the profession was now practiced without passion.

He described Journalism profession as the watch dog of the Society which ought to be practiced without bias  and ulterior motives, rather it should be centered on professionalism.

Simon expounded on the benefits of an unbiased reportage of news stories and events and how this can help to make the society a better place as today's media world is laced with blackmail and propaganda.

"Journalist are mouthpiece and eyes of the society and as such they should report factually and not one sided stories, lies, blackmails and propaganda.

"They are ethics to each professions and Journalism is not an exception and as such they should abide by this ethics which will influence their news reportage positively." He said

Ubong urged the staffs to do their work with love as the passion will be shown if it is done genuinely and that will increase their personal development and the media outfit.

James Iniama Lauds Barr. Onuk on Rededication Of Itu LGG. Sues For Unity and Love

An estate Surveyor and Valuer, senior citizen of Akwa Ibom state and Stakeholder in Itu LGA, James Iniama (FNIVS) has call on the the people of Itu and Akwa Ibomites to be petrotic and love one another.

Iniama mad the called when serving as the Chairman at the Thanksgiving Service and Rededication of Itu LGA today at the Council Hall of Itu.

 In his opening remarks, Mr. Iniama sang a song of  worship/thanksgiving  from Palm 136. He also spoke from Jeremiah 12:11 and 1Tomothy 1:18 and enjoined the people of Itu to love the land and the people. He emphasised that the people will find no where else in the world where they would be freeborns as they are in Itu. Speaking on the symbols of Peace and prosperity presented by the Council Chaplain, Rev. Cleopas, Mr. Iniama reminded the people of the previous investments of prayer and intercession in the LGA and charged them never to give God rest until Itu is made a praise in the earth.He advised every Itu citizen to bear the deliverance of Itu as a burden for the success of Itu and to love one another sincerely.

 The Estate Surveyor also shared his experience with the people, on how he and his friends went to the slave Beach to witness and pray many years ago to deal with the actrocities of slave trade. 

Pastor Emmanuel Bassey, led the council Chairman, Rt. Hon. Etetim Onuk, Member representing Itu State constituency,Hon KufreAbasi  Edidem, former SSG, Obonganwan Grace Ekong and members of Itu Local Government Legislative council in prayers of confession and repentance, and  Rededication of the land and it's people to God  for God's blessings upon Itu people.

ESV James Iniama ( FNIVS) stressed the need to pray for

forgiveness becuse of the ancestral sins where twins were killed in their land as a result of evil practices. Reaffirming his resolve to focus on good, he also thanked God and prayed that God will favour the people of Itu.

 Iniama, an intercessor prayed for a change in character and attitude towards Itu as a project. Speaking during the event at Itu Council Hall, Mbak Atai Itam, Itu LGA. thanked God for unity and progress and for keeping the people safe. He expressed regrets over  the killing of innocent twins during the time of their forefathers, and assured all citizens that with God all things are possible.

James Iniama urged his constituents to remain stronger, united and formidable as a people. He thanked God for being the lifter of the heads of Itu citizens.

Highlights of the service included songs of praise to God for His blessings towards the local government and prayers for the good people of Itu .

PDP,APC WILL LOSE FOOTING IN 2023 - Nya Etok

By Ekemini Akpan

The pioneer national chairman of the Young Democratic Party (YDP) and the proponent of the Social Governance Idealogy, Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok has predicted the Waterloo of PDP and APC in the next gubernatorial elections in Akwa Ibom State.

Nya-Etok made this predictions known when he officially joined the African Democratic Congress, ADC, at the party state secretariat located at 6 Bassey   Esau street, Uyo.

Arc. Ezekiel was received into the party on Thursday, July 14, 2021 by the national chairman of ADC, High Chief Ralph Nwosu and was officially issued a membership card.

Nya-Etok revealed that by 2023 the political structure of the ruling party in the state and APC will lose their footing as the people of Akwa Ibom State are tired of the system of governance that doesn't want the youths to progress.

The social governance ideologist described the political condition of the state has being unstable and this has created what he called the dependency syndrome among the youths.

"This people want youths who will be dependent on them in the name of loyalty and they give them peanuts as the reward for this acclaimed loyalty.

"Come 2023, when I become the governor of Akwa Ibom State that sacrilege will end because I will run a youth oriented government".

Also speaking, the national chairman of ADC revealed that the party was the third force that had emerged to salvage the problems APC and PDP had created in Nigeria.

High Chief Nwosu declared that the party was all out to take over Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria come 2023 and the era of a non performing governor imposing a successor on the people has ended.

Nwosu described ADC as the only political party in Nigeria that is credible, transparent, discipline and the party's DNA is very clear as those qualities are imbedded in the party.

"We are emerging as the credible and reliable alternative for this Nation, Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State can't be left out, ADC has the interest of Nigerians at heart".

The state chairman of the party ADC, Mr Utip Etiebet revealed that Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok joining the party is a clear indicator that 2023 ADC is taking over Nigeria.

Etiebet described Nya-Etok as a man who believes in the youths and whose political ideology was in line with the party's policies and objectives.

"Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok is a big catch for our party ADC, by 2023 when the results are out and ADC has taken over Akwa Ibom we will be taking over the national assembly". He boasted.