Udoedehe Blows Hot on Umo Eno

 ...Says Bungalow Structures are not

Empowerment

...Questions ₦3trn revenue

...Challenges Governor on abandoned Ibom Hotels, oil wells, deteriorating roads

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akwa Ibom State, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, has launched a blistering attack on Governor Umo Eno's development priorities, declaring that the State has witnessed an unacceptable decline in infrastructure and economic advancement despite trillions of naira accruing to the present administration.

Akpanudoedehe, who accused the governor of prioritising debt repayment over economic empowerment and infrastructure development, challenged him to account for over ₦3 trillion allegedly accrued to the state government since the inception of his administration.

The former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, who spoke during the presentation of his party's 2027–2031 governorship manifesto on Monday, November 2 in Uyo, said Akwa Ibom had lost its reputation as a leading destination for development, arguing that the state was gradually settling for projects that lacked the scale and transformative impact expected of a government with enormous financial resources.

Taking particular exception to the administration's Compassionate Homes initiative and other bungalow-type structures, Akpanudoedehe questioned whether such projects represented the development priorities of a state government.

"When did we begin settling for bungalow projects? What exactly is a Compassionate Home? It is the kind of project that the wife of a local government chairman should be able to undertake?," he questioned.

He also queried the construction of model primary schools and health centres, insisting that such projects fundamentally fell within the responsibilities of local government councils.

The ADC candidate challenged Governor Eno to clarify whether the projects were being financed with state government resources or local government funds, arguing that the State should be pursuing more ambitious infrastructure and economic development programmes.

He further accused the administration of neglecting critical road infrastructure, citing the deplorable condition of roads in Uyo, particularly Itu Road, Church Road and adjoining areas, which he described as death traps.

According to him, the State capital has become a "headquarters of potholes", a situation he said was inconsistent with Akwa Ibom's previous record of infrastructure development.

Akpanudoedehe who recalled that successive administrations had undertaken projects that significantly altered the State's development landscape listed the Ibom International Airport, Ibom Le Meridien Hotel, Science Park, Ibom Power, dual carriageways and ring roads as some of the landmark initiatives of former Governor Victor Attah.

He also credited former Governor Godswill Akpabio with the Government House, E-Library, International Stadium and several road projects, while identifying the 10-lane ring road, 21-storey building, Ibom Air and International Worship Centre as major projects executed under former Governor Udom Emmanuel.

He argued that the scale of those investments had established Akwa Ibom as a destination for major development projects, questioning why the present administration appeared to be lowering the State's development ambitions.

On revenue management, the ADC candidate faulted Governor Eno's public emphasis on clearing inherited debts, arguing that borrowing was not inherently detrimental to development when loans were invested in productive, people-centred projects.

He challenged the governor to explain why debt repayment appeared to command greater attention than investments capable of creating jobs, expanding economic opportunities and empowering residents.

Akpanudoedehe also raised questions over the status of the disputed oil wells between Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, demanding clarification on whether the state had lost any oil wells and the implications for its 13 per cent oil derivation revenue.

He further criticised the administration's reported position on direct government involvement in industrial development, insisting that even where government did not establish industries itself, it had a responsibility to create an enabling environment for private investment and job creation.

The ADC candidate particularly cited the continued closure of Ibom Hotels, formerly Le Meridien, alleging that over ₦25 billion had been budgeted for its renovation without the facility returning to operation.

He accused the administration of neglecting the hospitality asset while pursuing alternative accommodation projects, which he claimed could undermine employment and investment opportunities associated with the hotel.

He also expressed concern over complaints by contractors who, according to him, were struggling to repay bank loans because of delays in the approval and payment of executed projects.

Akpanudoedehe's criticisms formed part of his presentation of the ADC's 2027–2031 manifesto, tagged Rich Land, Poor People, which he said was designed to reposition Akwa Ibom from a consumption-driven economy to one anchored on productive investment, economic empowerment and shared prosperity.

He maintained that the state required a new development philosophy that prioritised the people as the principal beneficiaries of government resources rather than the proliferation of projects he considered insufficient to transform the economy.

No plans to sell Ibom Power Plant - Commissioner for Power

 

 ...Becomes 17th State to Establish Independent Electricity Market

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot 

Akwa Ibom State Government has dismissed any suggestion of plans to sell the Ibom Power Plant, reaffirming its commitment to retaining its equity in the State's power assets while positioning the facility as the anchor of its emerging electricity market.

The State Government also announced a major breakthrough in its electricity sector reforms, having become the 17th State in the Federation to obtain the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Transfer Order, Order No. NERC/2026/087, empowering it to establish and regulate its own intrastate electricity market through the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC).

The development, made possible by the Electricity Act, 2023 (as amended), marks a significant step in the State's quest for greater control over electricity generation, distribution and regulation within its territory.

The Commissioner for Power, Rt. Hon. Iniobong Robson, who disclosed this during a Ministerial Briefing on Friday, October 30, 2026, in Uyo, said the State was determined to consolidate its investments in the power sector rather than relinquish ownership of strategic assets.

He stressed that there was no plan to sell the Ibom Power Plant or surrender the State's equity in FourPower Consortium Limited and the proposed State Distribution Company.

According to him, Akwa Ibom occupies a unique position in Nigeria's electricity landscape as the only State among just two States that have owned grid-connected power plants since 1999. He explained that Ibom Power, alongside its associated gas supply infrastructure, remains central to the State's electricity development strategy.

Robson said the government's priority was to rehabilitate and strengthen the plant, while partnering with credible concessionaires under arrangements that would guarantee payment for electricity generated and ensure sustainable operations.

He described the acquisition of the NERC Transfer Order as a defining milestone, noting that it provides the legal and regulatory foundation for Akwa Ibom to develop an independent electricity market tailored to the needs of its residents, businesses and industries.

The Commissioner recalled that the foundation for the ongoing reforms was laid at the State Power Sector Summit held in September 2025 in Ikot Ekpene, where stakeholders deliberated on the future of electricity development in Akwa Ibom.

He said the summit informed the establishment of critical institutions and structures, including the incorporation of Ibom Electricity Holding Limited (IEHL), which holds the State's shares in power sector assets; the establishment of AKSERC, headed by Lady Arit Uya as Chairperson and Chief Executive; and the submission for approval of the administrative structure of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Agency, designed to facilitate electricity access in off-grid communities.

He added that stakeholders from the 31 Local Government Areas were involved in the reform process, which was coordinated under the chairmanship of the Delivery Adviser, now Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson.

On the next phase of implementation, Robson expressed optimism that the Akwa Ibom Distribution Subsidiary would be incorporated before the end of 2026. He also disclosed that AKSERC would soon commence full regulatory operations, while the selection of partners for Ibom Power and the completion of transfers under the NERC Order would advance the commencement of the State's electricity market.

Beyond conventional power generation, the Commissioner said the government was also exploring solar energy as a complementary source of electricity, with plans to train young people in solar installation, operation and maintenance to expand access to clean and affordable energy, particularly for households and small businesses.

Acknowledging that reforms of such magnitude require time and sustained commitment, he appealed to residents to exercise patience as the government strengthens the institutional and operational framework for the new electricity market.

He urged citizens to protect public power infrastructure, report acts of vandalism and sabotage, and participate in the forthcoming AKSERC consultations on electricity tariffs, standards and other regulatory issues.

Responding to concerns about low voltage, transformer replacement and other electricity-related challenges, the Chairman and Chief Executive of AKSERC, Lady Arit Uya, advised residents to direct their complaints to the Commission or submit them through its official website for appropriate attention.

The Ministerial Briefing was attended by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Dr. Friday Ido; State Statistician-General, Mr. Uduak Isaac; Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, among others.

Akwa Ibom Teacher Emerges 2nd runner-up at 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition

 

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot 

A teacher from Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Ephraim Jacob Inyangudo, has emerged second runner-up at the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition.

Inyangudo, who teaches at Comprehensive Secondary School, Ediene, in Abak Local Government Area, clinched the position at the grand finale of the competition held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos State.

The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, was among dignitaries at the ceremony, where he commended the Akwa Ibom-born teacher for his dedication, resilience and commitment to shaping the next generation.

Umoh described the feat as a well-deserved recognition of Inyangudo’s contributions to education, noting that his emergence among the top three teachers in the country was a source of pride to the state.

The commissioner said the achievement was in line with the Umo Eno-led administration’s commitment to educational advancement and teachers’ welfare under the ARISE Agenda.

The Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition is an initiative of the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, aimed at recognising and celebrating outstanding teachers across Nigeria.

The 2026 edition was organised in partnership with Union Bank, Air Peace, Eko Hotels & Suites and Honda Manufacturing Nigeria Limited.

Akwa Ibom Unveils Christmas Unplugged 4.0

 

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot 

The Akwa Ibom State Government is set to unveil the activities lined up for the 2026 edition of its annual Christmas celebration, Ibom Christmas Unplugged 4.0.

The unveiling is to be officially made known at a media briefing scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026, in Uyo.

The event, organised by the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, will provide an opportunity for the government to formally present the programme of activities and other exciting attractions planned for this year's Christmas festivities.

According to an invitation issued by the ministry, the media briefing and unveiling will take place at the IBOM LED E-Library, IBB Way, Uyo, by 10:00 a.m.

Governor Umo Eno, PhD, will serve as Chief Host, while the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Anieti Udofia, and the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, are expected to be part of the engagement.

The briefing is expected to provide details of the vision, entertainment packages, cultural exhibitions, tourism attractions and other activities designed to make the 2026 edition memorable for residents, visitors and tourists.

The Ibom Christmas Unplugged initiative has become an important component of Akwa Ibom's efforts to promote its cultural heritage, showcase its tourism potential and position the state as a preferred destination for festive celebrations.

The fourth edition is expected to build on previous experiences by providing opportunities for cultural expression, entertainment, hospitality, tourism development and economic activities, particularly for businesses and operators within the creative and hospitality industries.

Beyond the celebration, the initiative aligns with the state government's broader efforts to harness tourism as a driver of economic growth, attract visitors and project Akwa Ibom's rich cultural identity to the outside world.

Media organisations, tourism stakeholders and members of the public are expected to follow the unveiling as the state prepares for another season of Christmas festivities under the Ibom Christmas Unplugged brand.

PRESS RELEASE!

MILITARISING EXTINCTION: PEER FOUNDATION AND HOST COMMUNITIES CONDEMN PROPOSED NAVAL BASE IN STUBBS CREEK FOREST RESERVE, DEMAND AN IMMEDIATE END TO ECO-DESTRUCTION UNDER THE GUISE OF BUILDING SECURITY INFRASTRUCTURE 

UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE | OCTOBER 26, 2026 — Peer Foundation, in solidarity with environmental justice advocates and the indigenous host communities of Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas, utterly rejects and condemns the recent announcement by the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Federal Government to establish a Naval Base within the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve.

This move is not a security strategy; it is a calculated, hostile Trojan horse designed to forcefully evict local communities, silence legitimate dissent, and permanently lock in the ecocide of Akwa Ibom’s last remaining biodiversity sanctuary for commercial petroleum exploitation.

For years, our communities have watched the systematic, state-sponsored destruction of Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve. Under the deceptive banner of "infrastructure and development," governments have repeatedly violated environmental laws, fragmented critical ecosystems with invasive road networks, and licensed a petroleum refinery directly inside a protected zone. The sudden Friday announcement to establish a Naval Base is the final step in a playbook of securitisation for land grabbing—using the military to guard corporate polluters, bypass Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and violently displace the indigenous peoples who have sustainably managed this forest for generations.

From a standpoint of climate justice and ecosystem restoration, this state-backed onslaught must stop immediately due to the following critical impacts:

Complete Absence of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC): The proposal to establish this Naval Base was drafted behind closed doors, completely shutting out the host communities of Eket and Esit Eket LGAs. By deliberately refusing to conduct community consultations, the government has treated indigenous landowners as non-entities on their own ancestral soil. Decisions regarding our environment cannot be handed down as military decrees.

Severe Consequences of Top-Down Militarisation: Forcing a military installation into an unconsented community creates an immediate recipe for friction. This lack of consultation will inevitably trigger deep-seated mistrust, escalate local tensions, and destroy the social cohesion between the civilian population and the armed forces. Instead of providing safety, it turns a peaceful community zone into a highly volatile flashpoint of conflict.

Weaponising Security for Fossil Fuel Expansion: The positioning of a Naval Base between Eket and Esit Eket is a blatant attempt to establish an armed perimeter around corporate interests. It serves to protect a carbon-heavy refinery at a time when the world demands an urgent, just transition away from fossil fuels. It is a direct assault on climate justice, forcing frontline communities to bear the toxic brunt of pollution while under military surveillance.

The Final Death Blow to a Critical Carbon Sink: Stubbs Creek is not a vacant plot of land waiting for concrete and artillery; it is a vital carbon sink, a shoreline protector, and a refuge for endangered flora and fauna. Flattening this forest for military infrastructure releases massive amounts of stored carbon, directly accelerating the climate crisis and stripping Akwa Ibom State of its natural defense against rising sea levels and coastal erosion.

Human Rights Violations and Community Displacement: The host communities of Eket and Esit Eket rely on this forest for their livelihoods, medicine, and cultural heritage. Using military presence to intimidate, restrict access, and evict local populations is a flagrant violation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Real security comes from ecological stability, food sovereignty, and economic justice—not gunboats and barracks.

Subverting the Rule of Law: By hiding behind "national security," the government is attempting to bypass mandatory public consultations and independent environmental audits. We state categorically: National security cannot exist at the expense of ecological survival.

We refuse to stand by while our ancestral heritage is traded for short-term corporate greed and environmental destruction. We demand that the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Federal Government immediately rescind the decision to place a Naval Base in Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve.

Instead of further militarisation, Peer Foundation demands an immediate halt to all industrial activities within the reserve, the withdrawal of destructive refinery plans, and the commencement of a community-led ecosystem restoration agenda to heal this vital sanctuary.

Our forest is our life. Our ecosystem is our security. We will resist this eco-fascism with every legal and peaceful tool at our disposal.

Signed:

Mfon Gabriel, Executive Director, Peer Foundation

Glory Akpan

Programmes Officer, Peer Foundation

Air Peace Set to Begin Flights at Victor Attah Int'l Airport, October 23

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot 

Air Peace is set to commence flight operations at Victor Attah International Airport on Friday, October 23, 2026, as part of efforts to expand air travel options and strengthen aviation activities in Akwa Ibom State.

The development was disclosed by the Special Adviser to Governor Umo Eno on Aviation and Airport Development, Engr. Uwem Ekanem, during the 11th day of the ongoing ministerial media briefing on the achievements of the state government on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Ekanem said the airline’s entry into the airport would complement the state government’s investments in aviation infrastructure and efforts to enhance air connectivity.

Presenting the aviation sector’s scorecard, Ekanem disclosed that the state government had invested ₦2.32 billion in the sector between 2023 and September 2026.

He highlighted key infrastructure at Victor Attah International Airport, including the international terminal access road and drainage, aircraft apron, airfield lighting and a 14.1-kilometre operational security fence.

The Special Adviser also identified the proposed Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, aviation training opportunities and commercial activities as critical components of the state’s long-term aviation development strategy.

Meanwhile, as the airport prepares to accommodate the new flight operations, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has called on the State government to prioritise the welfare of airport personnel to ensure efficient service delivery.

John stressed that improved working conditions and staff welfare would boost morale, enhance productivity and strengthen the airport’s capacity to meet the demands of expanding aviation activities.

The NUJ Chairman also called for adequate support for government information officers and publicity personnel to enable them to effectively communicate government policies, projects and achievements to the public.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Aniekan Umanah, described the aviation and special duties sectors as important drivers of the state’s infrastructure development, tourism and investment agenda.

He said the ministerial briefings were designed to promote transparency, improve public understanding of government activities and strengthen engagement between the government and the media.

On tourism and commercial development, the Commissioner overseeing the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr Emem Bob, highlighted projects including the Ibom International Convention Centre, the 18-storey Ibom International Hotel, Arise Shopping City, road and drainage infrastructure around the Ibom Tropicana complex, and the proposed Court of Appeal facility.

Bob explained that the convention centre was designed to host conferences, exhibitions and major business events, while the adjoining 220-room hotel would provide accommodation for delegates, investors and other visitors.

On the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport and Industrial City, he disclosed that the port master plan, site-specific studies and feasibility studies had been completed. He added that the project’s full business case had received approval from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Federal Executive Council, while the process of identifying preferred bidders was ongoing.

The Finance Commissioner, who also serves as a board member of Ibom Air, explained that the state-owned airline operates as a limited liability company with external auditing arrangements and a governance framework intended to promote accountability and commercial performance.

With Air Peace scheduled to begin operations at Victor Attah International Airport on October 23, the NUJ Chairman’s appeal highlights the importance of complementing infrastructure investment and expanding flight services with adequate attention to the welfare of the workforce responsible for sustaining airport operations.

The development is expected to broaden flight options for travellers while reinforcing the need for efficient airport services as Akwa Ibom continues to position its aviation sector as a catalyst for tourism, investment and economic growth.

Oruk Anam First as Akwa Ibom Targets Zero Maternal Deaths with Community-Based Health Model

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot

Despite high antenatal care (ANC) attendance at public health facilities, many pregnant women in Akwa Ibom State still turn to Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) for childbirth, exposing themselves to preventable complications, including postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), and the risk of maternal death.

To bridge this gap between antenatal care and skilled delivery, the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR), has adopted a community-based intervention designed to rebuild trust in the formal healthcare system and encourage more women to deliver in health facilities.

The initiative emerged from a one-day co-creation meeting in Uyo, convened under the Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) Catalytic Opportunity Fund Project, where stakeholders resolved to pilot the Community Reorientation Women Network (CRoWN) model in Oruk Anam Local Government Area.

The model seeks to leverage the influence of trusted women within communities to identify pregnant women, promote birth preparedness, encourage skilled delivery and facilitate timely referrals to health facilities.

Oruk Anam has been selected as the first local government area in the state to pilot the initiative, with stakeholders from government, health facilities, traditional institutions, churches and women’s groups participating in discussions on how best to adapt the model to local realities.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, said the state had recorded progress in strengthening maternal healthcare, including the development of its Essential Medicines List and the training of health workers in the prevention and management of postpartum haemorrhage.

He, however, noted that the continued preference for Traditional Birth Attendants by some pregnant women remained a major challenge to maternal survival, despite their contact with the formal healthcare system during antenatal visits.

Dr. John commended SCIDaR for its support and emphasised the need to extend interventions beyond hospitals and primary healthcare centres to the communities where families make critical decisions about childbirth.

He maintained that achieving better maternal health outcomes required a coordinated approach that addressed not only the availability of healthcare services but also the social, cultural and practical factors influencing women’s choices.

The Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Eno Attah, echoed this position, stressing that the success and sustainability of the CRoWN model would depend on its relevance to the state’s diverse communities.

She said the intervention must reflect local cultures, needs and regional differences to secure community acceptance and ensure lasting impact.

Providing further insight into the challenge, the Ministry of Health’s PPH Project Desk Officer, Dr. Edidiong James, identified the absence of health workers at some primary healthcare centres during night hours, the cost of delivery services and entrenched cultural beliefs as factors contributing to the continued patronage of TBAs.

According to him, these barriers often undermine the benefits of antenatal care, as women who regularly attend hospital appointments may still opt for traditional birth attendants when labour begins.

He called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, community leaders and women’s groups to identify and address the obstacles discouraging facility-based deliveries.

The concerns highlight the need for a maternal healthcare strategy that combines improved service delivery with community engagement, ensuring that pregnant women can access skilled birth attendants when and where they need them.

Explaining the operational framework of the initiative, SCIDaR Team Lead, Masturah Baba, said the CRoWN model would rely on respected women volunteers, known as CRoWN Ambassadors, who live within the communities they serve.

Rather than depending solely on health workers to reach pregnant women, the ambassadors will use their established relationships and influence to identify expectant mothers early, educate families on birth preparedness, promote skilled delivery and follow up on referrals to ensure women are not lost along the continuum of care.

Baba said the model had recorded encouraging results in some northern states, expressing optimism that similar outcomes could be achieved in Akwa Ibom through effective implementation and strong community ownership.

She explained that trusted community women could play a crucial role in changing perceptions, addressing misconceptions and helping families recognise the importance of delivering in health facilities where trained personnel and emergency interventions are available.

The Project Director of SCIDaR, Dr. Chukwunoso Nwaokorie, also underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between government and development partners in ensuring that pregnant women receive timely and appropriate care.

Similarly, the Project Manager, Dr. Chinedu Obikeli, disclosed that the media campaign supporting the initiative would be integrated into existing Ministry of Health programmes to reinforce positive health-seeking behaviour and increase public awareness of the importance of skilled childbirth.

The CRoWN initiative represents an effort to address one of the persistent challenges in maternal healthcare: ensuring that women who access antenatal services also deliver under the supervision of skilled health professionals.

If successfully implemented in Oruk Anam, the model is expected to be expanded to other local government areas, complementing existing state interventions aimed at reducing preventable maternal complications, including postpartum haemorrhage and eclampsia.

Its long-term success will depend not only on the commitment of community ambassadors but also on the readiness of health facilities to provide accessible, affordable and reliable services, particularly during emergencies and at night.

For Akwa Ibom, the pilot offers an opportunity to strengthen the link between communities and the formal healthcare system, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that no woman dies from a preventable complication of pregnancy or childbirth.