Policy Alert, NUJ Train Journalists on Budget Investigation

Julius Nsikak 

A non-governmental organization passionate about accountability has ended a two-day training   on Budget Analysis and Investigative Reporting for journalists in Akwa Ibom State.

The training was held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Press Centre in Uyo on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th of November, 2025.

Organized in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, the training aimed to enhance journalists’ ability to analyse budgets, monitor public spending, and report governance matters with precision and depth.

Addressing the trainees drawn from respective Chapels in the Union, the State Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, represented by the Council Secretary, Comrade Nsikak Esenowo, commended Policy Alert for its sustained partnership and support in advancing media development within the State. He described the training as essential and vital, saying it would equip the trainees with the skills needed in the budgeting beat.

Similarly, the Executive Director, Policy Alert, Mr Tijah Bolton-Akpan, praised the NUJ for creating a platform for the enhancement of journalists’ knowledge of fiscal transparency.

He underscored the pivotal role journalists play in fostering accountability through effective budget and expenditure tracking and reaffirmed Policy Alert’s commitment to continued collaboration with the media.

Within the two days, participants engaged in practical sessions facilitated by seasoned trainers. The trainees were introduced to the fundamentals of budget preparation and interpretation by Mr. Iniobong Usen while Comrade Ekemini Simon guided them on navigating budget websites for data analysis. 

Mr Bolton-Akpan also took participants through the policy and legal frameworks in budget reporting as well as the fiscal norms, governing budget processes.

The second day featured advanced sessions led by Comrade Simon and Mr Bolton-Akpan, focusing on understanding Akwa Ibom State’s procurement laws, business ownership transparency, and other key aspects of public finance tracking.

At the end of the workshop, participants, including Comrade Priscilla Etini Akpanettot of The Ink Newspaper and Comrade Unyime Anietie of Redemption FM, expressed appreciation to the NUJ and Policy Alert for the opportunity. They noted that the training had broadened their understanding of budget reporting and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to enhance accountability and improve the quality of journalism in Akwa Ibom State.

The workshop reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ and Policy Alert to advance a more transparent, accountable, and development-oriented media landscape in Nigeria.

Health Sector Leaders in Akwa Ibom State Hail Umo Eno

Priscilla Akpanettot 

In what appears as a response to the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the health sector by Governor Umo Eno, the Coalition of All Health Sector Leaders (CAHSEL) in Akwa Ibom State has commended the Governor for "his passion and vigor in his pursuit of the implementation of the ARISE agenda as it affects the health sector in the State".

This message was conveyed during a press conference organised by CAHSEL, a coalition made up of Chairmen of labour unions in the health sector in Uyo on Monday.  

The coalition particularly listed revolutions in Primary healthcare, health insurance, emergency medical service and ambulance systems; construction of oxygen plants, Ukanafun General Hospital development, renovation of accident and emergency units at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital, renal centre at Ikot Ekpene, renovation of Ibom Airport Clinic to international standard as some of the initiatives that have prompted their gratitude to the Governor.  

In a Release issued at the Conference, CAHSEL further appreciated the State Governor for the various health workers welfare schemes, including approval of new allowances to healthcare practitioners, the skipping package policy, and several infrastructural developments which they consider as a good way to motivate healthcare workers and check against the prevailing brain drain currently witnessed in the country. 

However, the Coalition used the opportunity to ask for salary increase, saying it would improve the quality of healthcare delivery in a more efficient and sustainable manner. 

On staffing level, the coalition acknowledged efforts of the government in the ongoing recruitment drives, such as, the provision for placement of 2000 healthcare professionals, as well as ongoing recruitment of 900 retired health workers on contract, describing it as highly commendable.

Furthermore, they pledged support to Governor Umo Eno come 2027, while expressing readiness to work with the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John whom they described as "very hard-working and committed", as well as other stakeholders in the health sector to improve commitment to service.

The release was signed by Dr. Aniekan Imo Peter, Pharm. Abasiama Uwatt, Apostle Ekerete Bassey Bassey, Dr. Ithiel Essien on behalf of the Coalition of All Health Sector Leaders in Akwa Ibom State.

Idorenyin William Emerges CITN's 1st Female Chairman

Priscilla Akpanettot 

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Uyo and District Society now has a female Chairman overseeing it affairs for the first time after 5 governing tenures. She is Deaconess Idorenyin Charles William, FCTI.

The 6th Chairman was on Saturday, October 25, 2025 celebrated grandly during the Institution's 6th Investiture at Jacksville Events Place in Uyo, amidst encomiums from members of the Institute.

Mrs Williams, FCTI, was inducted into the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in 2006 and was conferred the prestigious Fellow of the Institute (FCTI) in 2014.

According to her profile, she has served the Uyo and District Society of CITN, as Deputy Vice Chairman and Vice Chairman, where she distinguished herself through diligence, professionalism, and commitment to the Institute’s ideals.

In 2022, Deaconess Williams was appointed the pioneer Coordinator of the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, where she served with great passion, promoting the empowerment and advancement of women in the profession.

Beyond CITN, she is a Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN); an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Examiners of Nigeria (CIFCFEN), and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) — a testament to her multi-disciplinary expertise and leadership in Nigeria’s financial and professional sectors.

In her acceptance speech, Deaconess William pledged to lead a collaborative administration that will promote professional excellence while contributing to economic growth and sustainable development in Akwa Ibom State. She emphasized partnerships with government, private sector and other stakeholders to advance sound tax practice and administration.

She also urged members to support the new executive with their time, expertise and resources, noting that leadership success depends on shared commitment.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS) and co-host of the event, Sir. Okon Okon, FCTI commended the Chairman's proven record of diligent service and expressed confidence in her capacity to elevate the District. 

Representing CITN's President and Chairman of Council, Mr. Innocent Ohagwa, FCTI; Sir Okon admonished all tax professionals on the need to embrace the newly enacted tax reform Acts by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in June 2025, saying that the reforms seek to broaden the tax base, simplify compliance, enhance transparency and strengthen the fiscal link between taxation and governance.

"Tax professionals must now demonstrate stronger technical competence, ethical judgment and advisory depth in guiding taxpayers, businesses and stakeholders through this transition".

This is why Council attaches the highest importance to ensuring that governance at the district level is guided by quality leadership" he said.

In his valedictory speech, the outgoing Chairman of the Institute, Elder Godwin Owonam, FCTI said he was bowing out with confidence in the leadership succeeding him.

He charged the incoming Chairman and her team to build on the gains his team made, while upholding professionalism, ethics and fair-play.

Similarly, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Oto-Obong Uwah, FCA, described Mrs William's emergence as the harvest of years of hard work and dedication to the ideals of the Institute.

A keynote paper on “Contemporary Issues in the Nigerian Tax Act 2025: A Critique” was delivered by Mr. Ide Owodiong-Idemeko, who highlighted implementation gaps, compliance issues and the need for reform, digitization and capacity building.

Goodwill messages were received from stakeholders within and outside the Tax environment, including the Accountant-General of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Andrew Essien.

A major highlight of the event was the decoration of Mrs. William as 6th Chairman of the Institute as well as cutting of the Investiture cake.

Mrs. William's 2-year tenure has Deaconess Stella Effiong, FCTI as Vice Chairman; Mr Victor Ekpo, FCTI, Deputy Vice Chairman; Barr Mfon Udosen, ACTI, General Secretary; Mr Ubong Akpan, ACTI, Assistant General Secretary; Mrs Uduakobong Ukpe, FCTI, Honourary Treasurer; Ms Esther David, ACTI, Financial Secretary; Mr Ime Ekpoikong, ACTI, Membership Secretary; Mrs Ekemini Effiong, ACTI, Technical Secretary; Mrs Itoro Akpan, ACTI, Social/Publicity Secretary.

Others are: Barr Inyene Ibe-Bassey, ACTI - Legal Adviser; Sir Okon Okon, FCTI - Ex-officio and Dr Emmanuel Akpan, ACTI - Ex-officio. 

Asuakak, Iwaudofia fingered in marginalization attempt against Idoro Community

 

Priscilla Akpanettot 

The Chairman of Ibiono-Ibom Local Government Area, Hon. Asuakak Umoh and the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Grassroots Mobilization, Aniefiok Iwaudofia have been fingered in a marginalization attempt against Idoro Community in Ibiono-Ibom Local Government Area.

According to the Idoro Community Development Association (ICODA), the duo of Asuakak Umoh and Aniefiok Iwaudofia have concluded plans to divert the Model Primary Healthcare Centre project originally and officially approved to be sited in Idoro Community by the Governor, to the latter's Village in Use Ndon.

Briefing members of the Press on Monday, October 20, 2025, the President, ICODA, Prof. Halo B. Etom expressed the Community's grievance on the development and humbly called on the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno to order the immediate reversal of the alleged relocation.

Putting forward his argument, Mkpisong Halo Etom narrated that Iwaudofia's Village - Use Ndon - is surrounded by five (5) effective Healthcare facilities including Palmer Memorial Hospital in Ikot Usen, the newly constructed Mother and Child Healthcare facility at Oko-Ita and another at Use Abat, whereas, not a single health facility is situated across the length and breadth of Idoro, a Community of 9 Villages.

"...to ‎relocate this critical facility is‎ a profound act of injustice against the people of Idoro Community and the entire neglected Northern Ibiono II", he stated.

Putting the records straight in a Release signed by the Clan Head of Idoro, Eteidung Eyibio Udo AkpanObong (JP) and Heads of the 9 Villages making up the Community, the President recalled that stakeholders, led by the International President of the Ibiono-Ibom Welfare and Development Union (IWADU), Otuekong Godwin Okon and then Director of Health in‎ charge of Ibiono Ibom, conducted due diligence and unanimously approved ‎Idoro Community as the most suitable, strategic, and deserving location.

"‎This approval was endorsed by Your Excellency's administration, and the site ‎was subjected to four separate inspections by the Ministry of Health/Works".

"‎Idoro was chosen because it represents the heart of the neglected Northern‎ Ibiono-Ibom, a region housing over 100,000 citizens without access to a ‎functional healthcare facility".

"We are now confronted with the shocking report that an appointee of the Governor, the Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Mobilization, Akparawa Aniefiok Wilson Iwaudofia, and some political office holders in Ibiono Ibom have unilaterally announced the project's relocation to Use Ndon Village on grounds of motorable accessibility", he said.

"‎This alleged diversion is an outrageous act of political selfishness, as Use ‎Ndon is already surrounded by five (5) functional and motorably accessible healthcare facilities, including a General Hospital and a Specialist Hospital, all within a 0.5-1.5 kilometer radius and a mere 5 to 10 minutes' drive".

"‎In stark contrast, Idoro Community is located 18 kilometers from the nearest health facility. Our people, including pregnant women and children, face a‎ perilous minutes to 1 hour journey on motorcycles along deplorable road conditions just to reach basic aid, often dying on the way".

"‎Relocation is a Death Sentence. ‎Moving the PHC from Idoro is not merely an administrative shift, it is a decision that actively condemns thousands of rural dwellers to preventable suffering and death, in direct contradiction of the Governor's promise of equitable health distribution", the Release, signed by 29 others, stated.

They therefore demanded the immediate and public cancellation of any plan to divert the‎ Model Primary Healthcare Centre to Use Ndon or any location, other than the‎ unanimously approved site in Idoro Community, while demanding an official statement to that effect. 

They furthered that any attempt to build the Health Centre elsewhere would be met with uncompromising peaceful resistance.

"We register our collective outrage and stern protest against the alleged subversion and diversion of the project. We will not stand by as political interests override the health and welfare of an entire region especially in this very case where emergency has been declared", the Release added.

In his passionate appeal, seeking the Governor's intervention on the issue, ICODA's President stressed that northern Ibiono has been the most marginalized part of Ibiono. 

"We've never produced a Commissioner since the creation of the world, despite having three electoral Wards and so, we have no one to speak for us. The few facilities we have in Idoro are self-help attempts which we've done, having waited for the Government's help to no avail".

He therefore appealed for the Governor's kind consideration in appointing a son/daughter of the Community into the State Executive Council for the attraction of Government's attention to the area.

Supporting the President's submission, the Clan Head of Idoro, Eteidung Eyibio Udo AkpanObong buttressed that this wasn't the first time the Community was being marginalized.

"When Ibiono-Ibom was created, Idoro was the first headquarters. This same issue of access road took the headquarters out of Idoro to Oko-Ita... we didn't protest because we're peaceful". 

"We're here to let the world be aware of the injustice and deprivation planned by some people in the corridors of power against us in Idoro yet, Idoro is the food basket of Ibiono-Ibom", he said.

PFN Confirms Uma Ukpai's Demise

 

Priscilla Akpanettot 

...Dedicates 40th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service to His Memory

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has confirmed the death of Rev. (Dr.) Uma Ukpai, founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association.

The confirmation was made by the national leadership of the Fellowship on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at a press briefing in Uyo.

Addressing the Conference, PFN's national President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke described the late octogenarian as an enduring voice of revival in Nigeria’s Christian movement.

Represented by the national Secretary, Rev. (Dr.) Cosmas Ikechukwu,
Bishop Oke said the transition was a great loss to the entire PFN family, the Church and the christendom.

He furthered that the late clergyman was one of the most comforting and enduring voices of evangelism and revival in Nigeria’s history, through his crusades, interdenominational outreaches, and evangelistic association, where he brought healing, salvation, and unity to millions.

Going down memory lane, he recalled that 40 years ago, one of his crusades in Lagos gave birth to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, which today boasts of over 65 million members across Nigeria and the diaspora where they remain a vibrant arm of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

“Rev. Uma Ukpai birthed the PFN through his crusades, nurtured it to maturity, and remained a pillar of strength and faith. He was not just an icon to the Church or Nigeria, but to the world at large. Though he is gone, the PFN will celebrate him for all he stood for,” he said.

His passing, they noted, comes on the eve of PFN’s 40th Anniversary, serving as a solemn reminder of the rich heritage of faith laid by the founding fathers of the fellowship.

“In honour of his life and legacy, the PFN at 40 Thanksgiving Celebration shall be officially dedicated to his memory as a national thanksgiving unto God for the gift and treasure he was to our generation,” he said.

The PFN's 40th Anniversary Celebration is scheduled to commence on October 19, 2025, with a Thanksgiving Service across the 36 States and the FCT, culminating in a National Thanksgiving Service on October 23, 2025, at the Old Arena, Redemption City, Lagos.

"The event which was originally planned as a grand anniversary celebration, has now been restructured as a thanksgiving service in honour of the late evangelist, who had been slated as the Speaker before his passing on October 6, 2025.

Earlier, the PFN delegation, led by Bishop David Bakare, Archbishop Emma Isong and Dr. Sylvanus Ukafia, joined other men of God in offering prayers for the NUJ State Working Committee and members, seeking God’s continued grace upon their work and service to humanity.

How prepared is your wine jar?

While cleaning the bathroom few days ago, I stumbled on the positive pregnancy test strip which marked the beginning of our testimony. It was the first out of hundred strips which eventually showed those two life-changing lines after months and years of dedicated checking. 

I had kept it concealed and hidden for fear that throwing it away would change my status or undo the 'deed' Lol.

I smiled at my childish thought as I recalled my long walk to victory.

Like every newlywed, I was highly expectant of conception within the first 6 months of marriage but when it didn't happen after a year, I knew something needed to be done.

Being a lover of natural remedies, I opted for fertility herbs which I knew were particularly helpful for conception. When the result wasn't forthcoming, I consulted those in the field and got enough tradomeds out of which I made teas and enemas. Still unsatisfied with the result, I began increasing the prescribed dosages to see if that would hasten my system's response to the infusions yet, nothing happened. I rather overloaded my organs with the broth that I started stooling and vomiting simultenously for days, before Dr. Ubong Gideon came to the rescue. A second year passed.

After that encounter, Hubby and I washed our hands and feet off native treatments and began seeking medical attention. It was then we discovered after the myriads of checks and examinations that the supposed problem was far from the herbs we were blindly romancing. 

We commenced treatment immediately, while believing God for the desired result. Trust me, going the medical route was quite expensive, tiring and time-consuming. There were days we felt tired and discouraged. There were days we'd make a transfer to the laboratory and shed tears at our account balance, but we were glad we weren't treating blindly this time. 

Funny enough, we patiently followed through that phase until we were certified "okay" medically still, we no see the belle. Another year passed. 

We intensified our prayers and increased our faith but I didn't sit still. I went back to my herbs joor (kikiki). "There's nothing you'd tell a woman trying to conceive ... she must seek Somehow, I had this conviction that if the herbs we took previously yielded no result, it must have been because we were simply consuming them amiss. So, having found a problem which the 'white' medicine finds difficult to cure (in my thoughts), the 'black' would definitely have a solution for it.

Thus, I began another fresh careful start with the herbs, making sure not to get into trouble this time and boom....the lines on the strip doubled!

Now, this isn't about glorifying herbs or medical services. It's about the things we do while "waiting on God". It's about how prepared we are to receive God's blessings.

A lot of times, we expect God's blessings in emptiness. It's like going to harvest without a bag; where do you intend putting the crops you'd harvest?

We pray for admission without writing JAMB; pray for a job without hunting and applying or having the requisite skills for the job. Some persons can not even prepare their CV, not to mention being employable; we pray for financial breakthrough yet, with no business at hand.

I've heard people pray for wisdom and knowledge without reading 

I've also heard people who are financially unstable fasting and praying to get married.

And then, people pray to conceive without running the necessary checks on their reproductive organs? 

How would these 'miracles' happen if you don't play your own part of the game? 

So, before you begin questioning God and pointing accusing fingers at Him, check to be sure you're not hindering His visitation.

Maybe you should also see the Doctor 

Perhaps, you should loosen up on your mindset 

It could be that (person's) right you're sitting on

Or the unforgiveness/bitterness in your heart about another person's happiness 

It could even be a sin you're not willing to let go

Or that child/adult you're maltreating

Hindrances to prayers come in different forms...so, be sure you're not the problem. Make yourself ready for that miracle because before the water turned into wine someone, filled the jars.

Helen Obareki Plans Financial Empowerment for Adolescent Girls

Priscilla Akpanettot 

Lady Helen Obareki has announced plans to equip adolescent girls in Akwa Ibom State with skills that will strengthen their financial foundations.

The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, said this on the occasion of the 2025 International Day of the Girl-Child, celebrated in Uyo on Monday, October 13, 2025 with the theme: “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis".  

She explained that the initiative was pertinent to transform the economic landscape for adolescent girls in preparation for a safe and secure financial future.

Observing the steady growth and development of the girl-child in Akwa Ibom State, the Coordinator submitted that the girls were no longer waiting for a better world; "they are diligently building it. They are excelling in our schools, taking initiatives in their little corners, and embracing entrepreneurship with passion and innovation".

For this, she sued for a need to help the girls overcome the barriers of financial exclusion, which she noted was one of the crisis they face. 

Lady Obareki informed that the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) was intentional about enhancing the course of the girl-child and would stop at nothing to ensure that girls were empowered.

"Under the visionary ARISE Agenda of our Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and through the commitment of the Office of the First Lady,...our pet project, the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA)...has been strategically designed to ensure that the global goals for girl-child empowerment are translated into tangible local impact".

"Through GIFA, we are making targeted investments in enhancing leadership and learning, with focus on mentorship and equipping our girls not just with knowledge, but with the confidence and character needed for future leadership roles".

"These are strategic investments in a girl's dignity, her education, and her empowerment, which will yield returns across health outcomes, economic growth, and generational stability".

"We must understand that when a girl's right to safety, education, and health is compromised, it is not just her future that is jeopardized, but the collective future of our State", she said.

She therefore called on government agencies, community leaders, parents, teachers, men and boys to renew their commitment to the girl child and her advancement.

Even more, she urged the Girls to embrace their strength, own your voice, and never stop learning. 

"You are the heartbeat of our progress, and the leaders the world is waiting for. Believe in your potential, regardless of the crisis that surrounds you. Be the change you lead", she charged; while calling on parents and guardians to prioritize their girl-children's physical, emotional well-being and education over outdated practices.

In her remarks, the Deputy Governor of the State, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi supported the motion for the empowerment of the Girl-child.

She stressed that acquiring the relevant skills and training, and having the necessary exposure will advance the intelligibility of the Girl-child.

She therefore advised the Girls to aim for whatever they want and take their education seriously, adding that a woman can also take on leadership positions in various professional fields, apart from their roles in the home.

Earlier, Mrs. Ifiokbong Anthony Akan, Guest Speaker and Creative Director, House of Borah at the occasion had charged the Girls on principles they must strictly adhere to, to attain their dreams of becoming successful.

The principles, according to her include: determination, identify, leadership and resilience; purposefulness, among others.

The event featured a drama presentation against child abuse by the Akwa Ibom Young Professionals and  a spelling session.

Educational Tablets and Gift Packs were also given to 500 Female Students and Pupils in attendance.

Another highlight of the event was the cutting of an anniversary cake by the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, supported by the Deputy Governor and other stakeholders.

In attendance were: the Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Inibehe Etukudoh; the Commissioner, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Emem Ibanga; Wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Inemesit Uwah; Mrs. Comfort Bob, Hon. Ekaette Ebong, some Local Government Chairperson, among others.