Rigobert Song Emerges Cameroonian Indomitable Lions coach

Former Captain of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 🇨🇲 Rigobert Song has been named the new Coach.

Following  high instructions of the Head of State, a press release signed by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, announces the new technical framework of the national flag team. The former captain of the Indomitable Lions, Rigobert Song, takes the reign as manager-selector. He replaces Portuguese Antonio Conceição in this position. In his new functions, "Captain Courage" will be assisted respectively by Sébastien Migne, Augustine Simo, Souleymanou Hamidou.

PRESS RELEASE N°A/FECAFOOT/PDT/2022

The Cameroonian Football Federation announces to public opinion and to

the sports family, the end of the contract of Coach Antonio CONCEIÇAO.

This is an opportunity to thank him and all his staff for the work done within our National selection.

The upcoming deadlines for our National Team require new directions and a new lease of life.

We wish him much luck and success for the future.

Done in Yaoundé, February 28, 2022

ELECTORAL ACT WILL DEEPEN INTERNAL DEMOCRACY IN POLITICAL PARTIES - senator Bassey Akpan

The Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East and Chairman Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Obong Albert Bassey Akpan (OBA), has expressed optimism that the recently signed electoral act (amended) will deepen internal democracy among political parties in the country.

Akpan, while fielding questions from journalists at the weekend, added that the act will also guarantee increased participation in future elections.

The lawmaker described President Buhari as a true democrat for yielding to the yearnings of Nigerians by assenting to the amended electoral act, despite pressure from some quarters.

“The President is a true democrat. We have used the old electoral act for two elections. The recent review was necessary because of the need to address critical issues from the past elections. Some of these issues were not provided for by the law. Hence the President has signed the new act that will go a long way in enhancing the transparency of the election process.

“Political parties now have a clear mandate of choosing between direct, indirect and consensus approach in the nomination of candidates who will represent them at the polls", Senator Akpan reiterated.

Commenting on consensus candidacy as enshrined in the new law, Senator Akpan said the law would make the process more participatory and transparent. He said all candidates seeking an elective office must append their signatures to adopt any consensus position before ratification by delegates.

He noted that where a political party cannot secure written consent of all cleared aspirants for the emergence of a consensus candidate, the law mandates the party to revert to the choice of direct or indirect primaries for the nomination of a candidate for the desired office.

Reflecting on voter apathy, which he said has marred previous elections in the country, the lawmaker posited that a free and credible nomination...

ABANDONED PROJECTS, THE OPPORTUNITY COST OF ADOPTION

by Imo Ben

When a thing is forgone for another, economists say it is the opportunity cost for the valued one. In this case, abandoned projects are cost of adoption of

Deacon Udom Emmanuel's preferred aspirant, Pastor Umo Eno which is more valuable to him than development. He has traded development for fanfare called adoption of one of the most unpopular aspirants which he has consripted to succeed him in 2023.

In the name of adoption of his unpopular choice, billons of naira meant for infrastructural projects have been diverted to empty into pockets of the campaign promoters of succession project, MPM and in that of contractors. This is the reason why there are so much abandoned projects here and there across the state which the adoption train cannot deny anymore of not seeing and even driving on such roads to take them to venues of their adoption drama to market their controversial politician.

It makes mockery of MPM and Pastor Umo Eno's team for standing up in crowd of people to say the aspirant should be accepted because the Governor knows the best that worthy for Akwa Ibom people to adopt. Are his abandoned projects the best for citizens of the state? Indeed if he has disappointed electorate in his two terms, why does he believe that people are so stupid to accept his planned successor. Has he forgotten that people say, show me your friend, l tell who you are. If as a Governor he has abandoned projects meant for the development of the state, what will he use to convince delegates and electorate to vote for his preferred choice as better than other aspirants, especially those who have been tested and trusted.

Good enough, the admittance that there exist abandoned projects by no less a person than Mr. Ephraim Inyang Eyen who presided over the ministry of works before now finally nailed the administration that is fond of denying there are no abandoned projects. His confession dismisses the Governor's Complection Agenda slogan as smokescreen to give citizens false belief that the abandoned projects are on course. 

Whereas, it is clear that he can't compete these projects within the very limited time remaining if he could not in about 7years of being on seat collecting the highest allocation plus loans, Paris Club refunds do so; still his administration keeps deceiving vulnerable electorate that it is achievable. Who is fooling who? Not delegates or electorate who have eyes to see his planned successor as another mistake,like himself.

Already with very limited time for him to exit, everything is on stand still as he has launched his succession project while he has abandoned projects everywhere. Setting campaign on when it is not time tells us he is done definitely with development. Campaign period usually terminates serious work on projects, this is why electorate are annoyed with him for flagging off campaign prematurely to stall development.

The confession of Mr. Inyang Eyen has set fire in Onna local government area where the Governor and the ex-commissioner hails from. Some sychophants of the Governor expected the sacked Chief of Staff to die for the sins the of Mr. Udom Emmanuel, whereas according to him he never stole a dime as alleged, rather he pointed out that questions on the abandoned projects visible around should be for the Accountant General and contractors to answer. What wrong did he commit?

He further exonerated himself when he boldly asked that  EFCC should be invited for investigations to unravel who is with funds for road construction which are left abandoned. Unfortunately, rather than act to prove his innocence and that of those mentioned, the Governor sacked him unceremoniously to punish him for loose tougues. Did he want an innocent friend that never eat delicacies from diverted funds to shut up? If he did join in the conspiracy, then rope him in. Simplest thing to do.

However, the question still remains who is with  diverted funds and why the Governor finds it reluctant to ask questions from contractors and his accountant general. Why has there been conspiracy of silence on the issue? 48 hours after, no word of defense or probe has been said! Instead, his adoption cohorts have loud voices to  threaten the ex-commissioner. 

Moreover,  his Commissioners are still parading and shouting the  Pastor Umo Eno's adoption slogans shamelessly as if the revelation of Mr. Inyang is of lesser importance to the Governor's desperate moves to impose on citizens his unpopular aspirant. Sychophantic politics of the highest order. Nobody amongst them to tell him the truth of his unpopular actions?

Some allege that monies for contracts paid to construction companies ended up being withdrawn by contractors to pay back to political leaders shortlisted on the instructions of "oga at the top". Meaning some contractors are conduit pipes for government to siphon  funds use for adoption scam. What a cycle of corruption at the expense of development in Akwa Ibom. Besides spending billions underservingly, it is a costly exercise by the Governor to shut down operations of government in the name of adoption. 

Why should the. system drag out Commissioners, Special Advisers, Board members, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants and aides to run round pseudo adoption venues on work days even when campaigns have not been kicked started by INEC or party directives. He does it without recourse to the negative leadership orientation he is impressing on the political class. 

It is time the mockery called adoption should be ignored by the electorate because the purpose is to create false impression using the media that the choice of Pastor Umo Eno is popular, especially to the party leadership  in Abuja. Whereas those there like us here know he is lest known and most unpopular amongst the aspirants, just as his mentor is the least in popularity amongst all pasts governors.

The next nomination and election shall be an eye opener that it is the plot of a sit tight cabal that urged him to sack Mr. Ephraim Inyang Eyen to get his dependable friend off his row of defense so they can have easy access to manipulate him and open him up to sucker punch. 

All ther interest is about how to use the succession agenda to transit to the next administration, then they will give the Governor when out of seat a dose of what they did to Chief Godswill Akpabio'who turned them from boys to men. 

The entire adoption is a scam, a game played against the Governor which time will definitely tell, but at the expense of Akwa Ibom State funds wasted on senseless adoption, funds which could have been used to complete the many abandoned projects to put the Governor's record in positive side of history. If he has no skeletons in his cupboard, why not allow a level playing ground for one of the popular aspirants from the favoured zone, Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency to contest and win while he gives decent support to anyone you prefer rather than ambushing electorate using billions of State funds to intimidate them to vote  for Pastor Umo Eno. This is not right.

SACK C.O.S SENDS EMOTIONAL MESSAGE TO GOV. EMMANUEL, A'IBOM PEOPLE

The chief of staff to the Akwa Ibom State governor Akparawa Ephriam INYANGEYEN, who has been relieved of his post, says he remain grateful to Governor Udom Emmanuel and the Akwa Ibom State people for giving him the opportunity to serve the state as the commissioner for works and the chief of staff.

INYANGEYEN, stated this in an appreciation message released after the government in a statement signed by the secretary to the Akwa Ibom State government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, relieving him of his job.

While hinting that he will continue to work for the betterment of Akwa Ibom State where he finds himself, thank colleagues whom he served with in the state executive council for their support and encouragement during his time as both commissioner for works and the chief of staff.

Meanwhile a visit to Akparawa Ephriam INYANGEYEN's Shelter Afrique resident by our correspondent, revealed that the house gate was lucked and only two mobile police men were seen outside and when asked of the whereabout of INYANGEYEN, they said " oga is not around".

GOV EMMANUEL SACKS C.O.S, EPHRAIM INYANGEYEN

Akparawa Ephraim Inyangeyen has been relieved of his office as the Chief of Staff to the Governor. The announcement is contained in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, dated 22nd February, 2022 addressed to the former Chief of Staff.

The letter reads in part “On behalf of His Excellency, the Governor, government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State, I write to convey to you His Excellency, the Governor’s profound appreciation of the worthy contributions you made to the development of our dear State while you served as Chief of Staff to the Governor. However, given the urgent  need to  match skill set and competencies to the  task of maintaining  the momentum of  economic development  in peace, your services are no longer required and you are hereby relieved of your position, as Chief of Staff ( CoS)  to His Excellency, the Governor with immediate effect.”

Signed:

Comrade Ini Ememobong

Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy.

OBA'S MULTI-PURPOSE FACILITY: BEST GIFT TO TO SOCIETY

By Promise Etim  &  Priscilla Christopher. 

Community relations is a term used to describe the ways and means of establishing and maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship with the communities in which organizations or entities operate. It is by far one of the most significant things which bind organizations or entities with their host communities. Through good community relations, members of the society are impacted positively and made to feel the impulse of development. As much as community relations aim at maintaining peaceful coexistence between organizations and their host communities, individuals who have made a name for themselves and feel inclined to give back to society also engage in the exercise. One of those individuals is Obong   Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA), the Akwa Ibom North-East Senator, whose goodwill advances society in leaps and bounds. Having touched several facets of the society spanning from education to entrepreneurial development, his latest gift to the society is a multi-purpose recreational facility at Ifa Ikot Akpan in Uyo. Strategically located in a serene environment along the Victor Attah Airport Road, the facility is one place one would call a one-stop venue for every class of people. It has a digital technology hub, a bar and restaurant, a football field, lawn tennis court, basketball court, emergency medical unit, air-tight security, green area, playground, good road network, and a 1,500-capacity events center. 

Digital Technology Hub

The digital technology hub was conceptualized based on the need to promote excellence and train youths in Information Technology (IT) to prepare them for global competitiveness. Established for training and certifications, the facility can take thirty (30) trainees per session. The hub is fitted with Internet facilities that also service the entire recreational center and its environs, a 24-hour electricity supply, a solar-powered backup system, projectors, and a visual interface, among other features. According to the facility manager, Engr. Etiese Akpan, a projected 2,000 youths will benefit from the center yearly. Programmes offered at the hub include internet core competence certification (IC3), coding, software engineering, advanced systems networking, systems security, programming languages, agile framework, web design, scrum, etc. 

Taking into cognizance that technology is now the key driver of the global economy, Senator Akpan conceived the idea of a technology hub that would help Akwa Ibom people develop their talents and become relevant in the market. Already, the Covid-19 pandemic has forced leaders to think about how they can midwife an IT-driven global economy. Small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) were the worst hit during the pandemic as the supply chain was put through some difficulty, while job cuts before the 4th quarter were unprecedented (approaching 70 percent). So, Senator Albert nursed the idea of a digital transformation center to facilitate the training of constituents for the post-Covid-19 economy, driven by technology. He made this known in December 2019 during an end-of-the-year party with constituents, when he reeled out plans for the year 2020, and today, that dream has materialized. For a start, 30 indigenes of the state spread across fields such as engineering, physical and applied sciences, financial management, environmental studies, etc., qualified for the foundation programme (IC3) after a benchmarking test (the IC3 is a globally acceptable prerequisite for advancement to other modern IT training). 

Flagging off the training in January 2022, Senator Albert promised to equip each of the first set of trainees with a high processing capacity laptop on completion of training. A special financial package of one million naira (N1,000,000) for the best five participants, in addition to their feeding and accommodation allowances, has also been provided. The ICT Centre runs on a train-the-trainer model, where graduates of the programme will take the challenge of training the next set of beneficiaries. According to projections, no fewer than 1,000 Youths will be trained at the center annually. This can be classified as a sustainable empowerment package aimed at engaging and repackaging our Youths for the labour market. 

In the area of collaboration, the center is open for partnership with MDAs, private concerns, institutions of higher learning, research centers, and IT professionals for training and certification of personnel in programmes it offers.

1,500-Capacity Events Centre

Determined to expand the existing 300-capacity events center at the Senator’s Liaison Office at Plot E7, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, the idea of a 1,500-capacity events center at the recreational facility was birthed. A multi-media and lighting system, world-class audio system, eight (8) conveniences, a VIP room, and a waiting hall are some of the salient features of the center, which is fitted with a state-of-the-art air conditioning system and other awe-inspiring facilities. Events such as international conferences, wedding parties, symposiums, lectures, professional pieces of training, etc., will be hosted at the venue at a very convenient fee. The proceeds will be for managing the facility. 

By implication, this means that the people of Ifa Ikot Akpan and neighbouring communities have a standard events center at their doorstep where they can hold their events without going through the rigours of moving uptown for the same purpose. Thus, by giving the community a place as such, with all its urban features, Senator OBA has given the formerly unnoticed area a facelift that will in no time metamorphose into a buzz. 

Road Network

Before developing the multi-purpose recreational facility, the newly constructed road within the community was merely a path covered with bushes and trodden only by motorcyclists. Senator Albert thought it was befitting to give the community a reason to smile by constructing a 2km road that leads to the center and traverses Ifa Ikot Akpan community. The internal road network at the center spans 1km. 

Power Supply

A unique feature of the multi-purpose recreational facility is its uninterrupted power supply, secured by 150KVA and 60KVA generating sets. A transformer linked to the PHED facility supplies electricity to the center and the neighbouring environment. Solar-powered systems have been installed within the center to enhance security and light up the community at night.

Football Field

At the heart of the recreational center sits a football pitch of 110 meters long and 70 meters wide. The lush green grass gives a natural ambiance that presents a veritable opportunity for competition and relaxation. An estimated 1,000 persons can watch a football game comfortably from the stands. The mini-stadium comes with a floodlighting facility, which enables matches to be played at night. Youths from the community and its environs can take advantage of the facility and hone their football skills to earn a career in the future. Clubs in the professional and national leagues can adopt the facility as a campground to equip themselves for competition.

Lawn Tennis Court

The lawn tennis court at the recreational facility is of Olympic standard (24 X 8 meters) and embedded with the best of facilities. An umpire stand is affixed at the center of the court, while the service line is 6.4m from the net. The total playing area is 192 sq. meters. Games can be hosted at night because of a high-impact floodlighting system embedded within the court perimeter. 

Basketball Court 

Like the lawn tennis court, the basketball court is of standard as recommended by the Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA). The dimension is 28 x 15 meters and has a total area of 420 sq. meters. The court is fitted with state-of-the-art facilities such as floodlights. The facility will present a platform for future stars who dream of developing a career from the game. 

Green Area & Playground

A clean and serene environment is key to the development of children. To this end, a green area of 45 X 30 meters has been reserved at the Centre, secured by a perimeter fence. The location serves as a playground and recreational facility for kids and can also be used for mini outdoor events such as birthday and engagement parties. Holiday adventure, picnics, and other parties can be organized at the playground by schools, churches, or organizations that desire an open space for informal gatherings. 

Bar, Restaurant & Viewing Center

The multi-purpose Centre is embedded with a standard bar and restaurant for the needs of the public. It is equipped with an industrial kitchen and a VIP bar. The open bar is specially wired to take care of guests who may want to relax after engaging in sporting activities at the center. Guests will also be treated to the best of meals and drinks at a very subsidized rate. The barbeque spot features the best red meat, roasted fish, and other seafood spiced with the best of contemporary and local delicacies. The unit is also embedded with a state of ultra-smart TV, decoder, and free subscription, to give the masses the opportunity to watch the best of sporting activities including the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Qatar. It will provide soothing relief for constituents within and beyond the location of the project. 

Parking Lot

The parking lot at the recreational facility can take up to Five Hundred (500) cars at a time due to its total area covering 6,000 sq. meters. This feature is critical for hosting top-class events where many guests would be expected to turn up. Carports are fixed in the VVIP section of the lot, making it more secure, convenient, and reserved. 

Security

Security is key to the sustenance of a facility of this magnitude. To this end, the center has two outpost security units and an exclusive apartment for personnel. To ensure maximum security and illumination at night, seventy solar-powered street lights have been installed from the entrance of the Centre to the main facility. The solar system works all through the night in conjunction with the power supplied to the center by the primary source (PHED). At the last count, no fewer than 30 youths of the community are directly and indirectly engaged at the center to provide internal security, as well as janitorial services. The number is expected to increase as the facility expands. 

Community Health Unit

The Centre has an emergency medical unit fully equipped to provide quality first aid in the event of an accident or casualty. There is medical personnel on call and an out-patient unit. Even more, the health facility is equipped with medical consumables, drugs, and other relevant features to serve members of the public as well. 

In Conclusion

The multi-purpose recreational facility is undoubtedly the best of its kind in Uyo built for the generality of the public. Given its outstanding features and unique characteristics, it provides an ambiance for the leisure needs of all age grades and the development of talents for the state. This gift by Senator Akpan would remain a sure means of strengthening community relations and ties with the people of Ifa, Uyo, and Akwa Ibom State at large.

The Center is an attempt to address six critical issues embedded in the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, which targets: No Poverty (1); Good Health & Well Being (3); Quality Education (4); Affordable and Clean Energy (7); Sustainable Communities (11) and Partnership for Development (17) by the year 2030. 

Senator Bassey Albert Akpan has shown enormous capacity with the conceptualization of such a unique idea and seeing through its realization. Given the opportunity in a higher capacity as Governor, there is no doubt that he does possess the requisite skills and technical depth to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Akwa Ibom people. Already, his exposure to these areas places him in an advantageous position to easily address them holistically.

2023: STOP INTIMIDATING DELEGATES, OBA CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION TELLS GOVERNMENT,PDP

Chairman of Akwa Ubok Abasi Campaign Organisation, Archbishop Andrew Unwanta has accused some officials of the Akwa Ibom State Government and officials of the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of harassment and intimidation of delegates.

Akwa Ubok Abasi is the campaign organisation of Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) a frontline 2023 governorship aspirants on the platform of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State.

Briefing newsmen in Uyo on Thursday, ArchBishop Uwanta stated, ”we want to clear all doubts and baseless speculations flying around town, and state unequivocally that our superlative aspirant and principal, Senator (Obong) Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) is still very firmly in the gubernatorial race to the Hilltop Mansion in 2023.

He is not shaken in his resolve and his love for Akwa Ibom increases daily.

“Above all, he still holds onto his belief that power belongs to God and he gives it to whoever He pleases. Therefore, we call on our teeming supporters and delegates to remain steadfast in their resolve, too, We are still on course!

“To this effect, Obong (Senator) Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) will soon launch his manifesto,which is a rich and verifiable blue print that will roadmap the path to a more refreshing Akwa Ibom State of tomorrow. The due date will soon be announced,” Uwanta disclosed.

He condemned “recent and ugly activities of government and party officials, individually and as a group, calling meetings as well as reaching out to some party members, mostly statutory delegates to direct them against freely associating with other leaders/party members of the party and also threatening and intimidating them with violent and illegal sanctions such as delisting, suspension and prevention from participating in voting at party primary elections of which they are legitimate delegates is unfortunate, irrational, unconstitutional, null and void.

“This has been the scenario across the state in recent times and cuts a picture of systemic and strategic plan to victimize, undermine and infringe on the inalienable rights of these members of the party as provided for by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and PDP.

“In as much as this negates the tenets of democracy and fundamental rights, it is an abuse of office and threat to public peace, in contravention of the oath of office taken by government and party officials,” Uwanta.

Uwanta underlined that such actions are in violation of Chapter IV- Fundamental Rights, Section 40 which provides that: “ Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to political party, trade union or other association for the protection of interest.

He stated that these unwholesome and illegal actions are seriously viewed as a calculated attempt to polarise the party with the potential of negativity affecting the long-earned success of the party in the state and it is condemned.

“We hereby encourage our party members/delegates to ignore their empty threats and intimidations and continue in their lawful and loyal activities to promote an egalitarian society founded on freedom, equality and justice.

“We insist that in line with the appropriate provisions of our party, the leadership of the party should ensure a level playing field for all delegates to exercise their free choices by supporting whoever they want without intimidation. Nigeria is running a democracy and not a theocracy (a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God), monarchy or dictatorship- where one man’s choice or decision must be obeyed by all without question.

“We also demand that primary, as stipulated by our party constitution, be conducted in a free, fair and credible manner where all the aspirants will subject themselves to the voting choices of delegates and test their popularities. This will truly ensure that our parties retains its enviable hold on our dear state in the general election,” submitted Uwanta.

Uwanta advised the perpetrators of the ignoble and illegal acts of intimidation to retrace their steps to avoid appropriate sanctions in line with the provisions of the PDP constitution.