1st Anniversary Message by Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo (Ph.d)

FIRST ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF IKONO-INI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY BY RT. HON. EMMANUEL UKPONG-UDO (PHD)

My dear brothers and Sisters,

Today marks the first anniversary of my second term in office as your representative in the National Assembly and so I wish to use this medium to express my profound gratitude to you today.

Despite the intense opposition and legal battles that followed my re-election, your steadfast faith has been a beacon of strength and encouragement, guiding our collective journey towards progress and development. 

Over the past 12 months, therefore, I have consciously stayed true to myself and my conscience in keeping to my promise of bringing home to Ikono and Ini people, what is due to them within my sphere of influence and capacity. Your unwavering support, trust, and belief in my vision have been the cornerstone of our shared achievements over the past year. 

While it is not my place to enunciate the strides we have been able to make within these past 12 months, I will only say, in all humility, that I have attempted to make positive impacts on the lives of as many of our people in every life-enhancing sector, even beyond the ambit of my campaign promises. 

Some of the significant strides we have made together include:

The construction of assembly halls and classroom blocks in several schools has provided a conducive learning environment for our children, laying a solid foundation for their future.

We have enhanced security and improved the quality of life by installing solar-powered street lights across the constituency, ensuring our streets are well-lit and safe. We have also established civic centres that serve as hubs for community activities and engagements, fostering unity and collaboration among our people.

Through various grants, we have empowered individuals, businesses, and organizations, including places of worship, enabling them to thrive and contribute to our community’s growth.  In times of illness, bereavement, and celebration, we have continued to provide financial aid, showing that we stand by each other through thick and thin. We have distributed vehicles, minibuses, motorcycles, tricycles, generators, and other household items to ease the burden on needy families and enhance their quality of life. Our commitment to health is unwavering. We have continued the free healthcare programme for pregnant women and their newborn babies, ensuring they receive the care they need.

Recognizing the hardships faced by some of our families, especially in the current economic climate, we have provided palliatives to the very needy, ensuring no one is left behind. As a long-term measure, we have facilitated new employment opportunities and facilitated new appointments, opening doors for our youth and capable individuals to serve and lead. In our commitment to education, we have awarded scholarships to indigent students in secondary and tertiary institutions, paving the way for their academic and professional success.

I have lent my voice – in assent and in dissent – with those of my colleagues in legislating over issues that are of local and remote concern to all Nigerians. I have sponsored, co-sponsored and contributed to various motions and bills on critical issues that have a direct bearing on our day-to-day existence. 

It has not been all smooth sailing as we have met with several challenges over the past two years. We are grateful to God almighty for the Grace to surmount them as they come. My motivation is that these challenges are for a good cause - the betterment of the Ikono-Ini people. These achievements are a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together. Your continued support and collaboration are vital as we move forward, striving to build an even brighter future for Ikono-Ini. Let me use this opportunity to specially invite you all to our Thanksgiving and Empowerment Ceremony which will come up between the 27th and 29th of June 2024.

Thank you for the privilege to serve you. Let us continue to unite, work hard, and reach new heights of development and prosperity. I remain very open to suggestions, contributions and ideas even as I solicit the cooperation of all and sundry in our collective efforts to better our lot as a people. 

God bless us all,

Rt. Hon. Emmanuel E. Ukpong-udo (PhD)

Member, Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency 

House of Representatives

Congestion of Correction Centres: Oruk Anam Legislator Calls for Government Intervention

Member Representing Oruk Anam State Constituency at the 8th Assembly, Sampson Idiong.

The Lawmaker representing Oruk Anam State Constituency at the 8th Assembly, Sampson Idiong has called for urgent government intervention over the congestion in Correctional Centres across Akwa Ibom State.

Sampson Idiong had decried the state of overcrowding witnessed in the Facilities, which has sped up the deterioration of the Centres and the underlining effects on  inmates as well. 

Idiong made the call during Thursday, June 6, 2024 Plenary at the State House of Assembly, when he presented a motion on the "Urgent Need to Intervene in Facilities of Correctional Centres in Akwa Ibom State".

The Assemblyman highlighted that the severe overcrowding of Correctional Facilities does not only strain government resources but also accelerates the deterioration of these centers. 

The Lawmaker who is also the Deputy Chief Whip of the 8th Assembly, informed the House that data reveals Federal offenders constitute less than ten percent of inmates, leaving over 90 percent to State offenders.

"An independent survey indicates that the Uyo Minimum Custodial Centre, originally built to accommodate 600 inmates, now houses over 1,500 of them. Similarly, the Ikot Ekpene Centre, designed for 800 inmates, is currently accommodating twice its capacity", Idiong said.

He also raised concerns over the lack of security lights around the already weak perimeter fence of the overcrowded Uyo Facility. He warned that relying on the Federal Government for action, especially with the onset of the rainy season, could have disastrous consequences.

"If a breach occurs and inmates escape, the repercussions would primarily affect the residents of Akwa Ibom State".

The Deputy Chief Whip reminded the House of a similar breakout on April 24, 2023, when over 100 inmates escaped from Sulejah prison following a heavy downpour that compromised the facility, including its perimeter fence.

He appealed that the House Committee on Security be mandated to embark on an oversight facility tour of the four correctional centres in Akwa Ibom State.

In response, the Speaker, Udeme Otong directed the House Committee on Public Utilities and the Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights, and Public Petitions to collaborate with the Judiciary Service Commission in conducting an in-depth assessment of the Facilities and report findings to the House within two weeks.

UCCDA Commences Intensive Demolition of Shanties

Priscilla Akpanettot

Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA) has made known it plans to commence extensive demolition of shanties, containers and illegal structures within the capital city from Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

The Authority informed newsmen of it's plans at a briefing held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in Uyo.

The Authority's Head of Town Planning, Mr. Edidiong Edoho who addressed the press said   the exercise would be carried out on major roads such as: Oron Road to Udom Emmanuel Boulevard - Airport Road- Ring Road 3 Junction; Abak Road to Ikot Oku Ikono Flyover, Nwaniba Road to Ring Road 3, (Idongesit Nkanga Avenue), Aka Road to Goodluck Jonathan Boulevard Rotary (Ring Road 3) as well as Ikot Ekpene Road to Itam Junction.

He therefore advised occupants and property owners on the affected roads to remove any unauthorized structure mounted on them to avoid inconvenience and penalties. 

"Defaulters will have their properties confiscated, and these will only be released upon payment of the approved penalty fee", he stressed.

Meanwhile, a release issued after the briefing informs that the demolition exercise is in compliance with the guidelines for orderliness as stipulated in Cap 158, Part 2 of the laws of Akwa Ibom State, and part of the Authority's commitment to maintaining the aesthetics and serenity required for building a Smart Capital City.

They therefore sought the cooperation and understanding of members of the public in their bid to improve the urban landscape and uphold the laws governing the city's development.

The release was signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of the Authority, Abasiodu Idiong.

Prince Archibong Life Foundation will keep on the paths of positive impacts - Coordinator

 

Priscilla Akpanettot 

An international non-governmental organization in the State, Prince Archibong Life Foundation has expressed readiness to keep up with its positive impacts on the Akwa Ibom society.

The Foundation said this at a press briefing held on Friday, June 6, 2024 at its International office in Uyo.

Addressing the media, the International Coordinator of the Foundation, Hon. Uduakobong Akpan explained that they have been at the fore of empowering individuals to reach their potentials through diverse range of initiatives spanning mentorship, skills development and entrepreneurship thus, culminating in the transformation of lives and fulfilment of beneficiaries’ desired dreams.

He furthered that the Foundation has been in the business of humanity since its establishment in 2011, with a special focus on empowering the vulnerable.

“Some of these set of persons, who may not have had a livelihood meaningful enough are today owners of businesses, owners of houses, homes and top entrepreneurs, courtesy of the Foundation”, he stated.

Among the workings of the Foundation are: empowerment of over one thousand Nigerians both in Akwa Ibom State and other States in the South South Geopolitical zone; provision of academic scholarships to about 300 indigent students up to Tertiary Institution as well as payment of study grants; financial support to vulnerable women in rural areas; agricultural support to farmers; provision and repairs of basic amenities such as boreholes, electricity projects, street lights and so on.

“Part of our empowerment was also in the area of donation of cars and motorcycles to Youth Support Groups, Individuals, Churches, Agencies amongst others”, Hon. Akpan said.

Speaking on partnerships with the government and similar agencies, the International Coordinator told newsmen that the Foundation has extended its support to the pet project of the Governor’s wife, Pst. Patience Umo and would do same in support of the ARISE agenda.

While commending the State Chief Executive on his first anniversary as Governor, the Foundation proffered that Pst. Eno has justified the confidence reposed on him by millions of voters and justified their support for his emergence. The support according to the International Coordinator included: the conduct of a Thanksgiving Service held at Believers Assembly when he won the election; provision of free buses during the campaigns, donation of 300 campaign fez-caps to his campaign organization, staging a Unit to Unit campaign tour in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, support of 10 widows with the sum of N50, 000 business grants and the provision of scholarship to two students of the University of Uyo.

The Foundation also donated cars and motorcycles to indigenes in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District; dug boreholes and gave N50, 000 agricultural grant to 150 women each, all in support of the Governor’s election in 2023.

Again, during the occasion of Pastor Umo Eno's birthday in 2023, two Secondary School students in All Nations Christian Ministry International, the Governor’s Church were given Scholarship from JSS1 to SS3 with their NECO and WAEC fees paid, while 10 widows in the Church got Fifty Thousand Naira each as business support.

“One hundred students were given JAMB form in support of Pst. Umo Eno's election and the same number in 2024, in support of the Governor's administration. The foundation also visited IDP Camp in Essien Udim with relief materials like bags of rice and cartons of indomie during the crises in 2021”, Hon. Akpan said.

Chaired and funded privately by Prince Mendie Archibong, the Foundation restated its commitment to do more for people of the State and country in days to come, while stressing that it will continue to inspire hope, instill confidence and catalyze meaningful changes in communities around the globe. 

GBV: First Lady Takes Sensitization to Ibesikpo Asutan

 

Wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Chairperson of the Akwa Ibom State Gender - Based Violence Management Committee (AKAGBVMC), Pastor Patience Eno has engaged with Community Stakeholders in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area to raise awareness on the ills of Gender-Based Violence.

In a Town Hall meeting at the Council Hall, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, Pastor Patience Eno who said the fight against GBV will be tackled collectively, explained that the advocacy visit is to educate and inform the Community Stakeholders of the provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) VAPP Law 2020, to avert breaches of the law.

According to the Governor's Wife who was represented by a GIFA team member Mrs Anne Abraham, the month of June is dedicated to advocacies and sensitisations on the contents of the VAPP law, advising them as leaders of different groups, to share the information received with their members to help curb the incessant occurrence of GBV cases in the State.

A member of the Akwa Ibom State GBV Management Committee, Mrs Kokomma Umanah, the Director of the Akwa Ibom Multi - Door Courthouse Magistrate Helen Umana and Miss Ekemini Akpakpan of GIFA, took turns to handle several sessions on SGBV, the mandate of the AKS GBV Committee, as well as the stipulated penalties - sanctions and fines, for the different GBV offences.

They particularly talked about a few GBV offences such as harmful traditional widowhood practices, rape, Female Genital Mutilation and  forceful ejection from home. Other offences included willfully making false statements, forced financial dependence, as well as emotional, verbal and psychological abuse.

The Town Hall meeting featured an interactive section where the men and women participated in a Focal Group Discussion anchored by Mrs Edidiong Inyang, where they responded to issues bordering on existing traditional laws against GBV and enforcement patterns in the LGA.

Stakeholders from Ibesikpo Asutan including the Wife of the Head of Civil Service, Mrs Uduak Essien, Wife of the Paramount Ruler, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, Obongawan Udeme Clement, Wife of Chairman AKICORP, Mrs Joanna Owodiong - Idemeko, Wife of the Clan Head, Ibesikpo, Obongawan Glory Etuk, Village Head of Nung Udoe, Eteidung Okon Joseph, Archbishop Emilia Samuel, Youth Leader Nnimong Inyang, expressed their commitment to reporting cases of violence to deter perpetrators at the meeting which brought together leaders of women and youth groups across the LGA.

Media Unit

Office of the Wife of Governor, AKS

June 6, 2024

Having intense itching and thinking of getting an antibiotics...wait, it could be scabies?

 

Mbuotidem Akpan 

Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by the infestation of the human itch mite. This parasite is microscopic in size and can be transmitted by direct skin contact with an infected person and object like clothing material. 

It can cause severe discomfort and widespread outbreaks if not addressed promptly. Understanding its symptoms, methods of prevention, and available treatments is crucial for managing and mitigating its impact.

The primary symptom of scabies is intense itching especially Between the fingers, armpits, Buttocks, Inner thigh and Genital area often exacerbated at night- take note especially at night. 

This itching results from the body’s allergic reaction to the mites, their eggs, and their waste. Other common symptoms include the appearance of rash, lesions and burrows on the skin.

In as much there are medications available for treating scabies it is very important to implement the non-pharmacoligical ( without the use of drugs) approach in tackling scabies while using drugs. which include:

1. Avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact with an infested person until they have been effectively treated or contaminated objects.

2. Personal Hygiene:  Washing and thorough drying of clothing, bedding, towels using hot water, antiseptics  and drying under the sun to kill any mites. The clothes should be Ironed if you can not dry them properly under the sun.

3. Awareness in Communal Settings like dormitories, schools or childcare centers.

In Conclusion, Scabies, though uncomfortable and sometimes distressing, is a condition that can be treated and managed effectively with proper awareness. 

Mbuotidem Ime Akpan is a Pharmacist who is dedicated to promoting the responsible use of antimicrobials and educating the public on healthy living and lifestyle choices.

Movement For A Better Nigeria Felicitates Alhaji Dokubo on 60th Birthday

 

The Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Movement For A Better Nigeria has extended its congratulations to the renowned Niger Delta activist, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

The group commended his relentless advocacy for the freedom and development of the Niger Delta region, wishing him many more years of impactful service and achievements.

#MovementForABetterNigeria

#AlhajiAsariDokubo