2025 Digital Perception Audit of Akwa Ibom State

 PRESS RELEASE 

The Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom (COOPA) has released its 2025 Digital Perception Audit of Akwa Ibom State, an independent review of online media reports and public conversations about government activities and development in the State over the past year.

The audit, which covered major digital and social media platforms, shows that Akwa Ibom State maintained a largely positive public image throughout 2025. Analysis of online conversations indicates that about 70 per cent of the coverage was positive, 16 per cent was neutral, and 14 per cent was negative. This shows that most public discussions focused on development efforts and governance achievements rather than criticism.

Key issues that shaped public opinion included the payment of salary and pension arrears, the approval of the ₦695 billion supplementary budget, progress updates on the Ibom Deep Seaport, road construction across the three senatorial districts, commissioning of model primary schools and health facilities, as well as youth empowerment and social support programmes. Together, these developments formed the foundation of the State’s online reputation in 2025.

The assessment further identified June 2025 as a major turning point following the movement of Governor Umo Eno from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The political development led to a short period of increased online debate and mixed reactions, with discussions centred on governance continuity, political implications, and public expectations. However, COOPA notes that this situation was temporary, as public conversations soon returned to development projects and policy implementation, without any lasting damage to the State’s overall positive image.

Beyond the numbers, the audit also examined the general mood of online discussions. Four major public sentiments were observed. These include optimism about the State’s future, driven by infrastructure projects, economic growth plans, tourism promotion, and youth-focused policies; growing confidence in government institutions due to improved financial management, civil service reforms, and the payment of gratuities; public appreciation for government responses to social needs and emergencies; and concerns raised on specific issues such as land administration, procurement transparency, and occasional activist campaigns. The report stressed that these concerns were limited to specific matters and did not reflect widespread dissatisfaction with governance.

COOPA also identified the major factors behind the strong positive perception. These include ongoing road construction and urban renewal projects, the expansion of Ibom Air, and plans for the Ibom Deep Seaport. Efforts to stabilise the public sector, especially the payment of outstanding wages and pensions and improved fiscal management, helped build public trust. Investments in education and healthcare also attracted strong community support, while initiatives such as the “Destination Akwa Ibom” campaign and public-private partnership efforts improved the State’s image to investors and visitors.

The audit, however, pointed out some areas that require careful communication management. These include disputes over land compensation and allocation, questions about procurement transparency, and the spread of false or misleading information during major government announcements.

COOPA recommends that the State should maintain strong crisis-response communication systems to quickly address emerging controversies or false information before they gain traction online. Coordinated messaging across ministries, departments, and agencies will ensure consistency and reduce information gaps.

Finally, project milestones, budget performance, and social impact results be communicated in clear and simple formats that the public can easily understand. Consistent storytelling around completed projects, beneficiary impact, and economic value will help reinforce the development narrative that currently drives positive perception.

Signed:

Mr. Utitofon Morgan Ukpong

Chancellor, COOPA 

Priscilla Akpanettot,

Secretary, COOPA

February 11, 2026

Blue Economy: Stakeholders Fear Degradation of Communities, Exploitation of Water Resources, Loss of Livelihood

 

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot

As conversations on the need to embrace the Blue Economy deepens, concerned stakeholders have expressed palpable fears on what would become of communities who have their sources of livelihood from the water.

This is in view of the fact that communities whose lands were explored for crude oil are still bleeding from the long-term effect of  exploration activities carried out for decades, without adequate compensation and livelihood replacement plan.

So, questions like: "what would happen to Niger Deltans if their land and water become unusable together?" "If the questions raised in the old economy are being swept under the carpet, who will address those of the new economy when they arise?" "What happens to resource allocation, clean-up and general effect on human and aqua health?" etc were raised at the 2-day Blue Economy Investment Summit on Monday and Tuesday, February 9th and 10th of 2026.

Held at 4-Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene, the Summit was aimed at harnessing Blue Economy potentials for sustainable development in the Niger Delta. 

While a good number of resource persons supported the migration to Blue Economy, a fraction of participants had trust issues on it against the government and multinationals. Those on this table were Ken Henshaw of 'We the People', Rev. Nnimmo Bassey of Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Celestine Akpovore and Barr. Iniro Wills; who faulted the belief that oil spill is caused by local communities. 

According to Mr. Henshaw, Oil Spill is often caused by infrastructural failure whereby pipelines are left for decades, to rust and corrode. But when these pipelines burst, the blame is put on host communities; and government and companies responsible for it play the blame game and refuse to do the needful.

For this, the panelists lamented Nigeria's slow pace access to justice, naming it as one of the reasons for their cold feet on the subject matter. They also opposed the idea of Ocean bed mining, saying it would amount to pollution of the water, distortion of its habitats and the exploitation of its resources, as it were on land.

However, for people like the former Prime Minister of Tunisia, H.E Mehdi Jomaa, the discussion on migrating to the Blue Economy should be built on vision. He said Nigeria needed direction on how to successfully navigate through the process of migration so that it yields nothing but sustainable positive impacts on her people.

"Without direction, even if you have the best of ideas, you're headed for no where. So, it begins with having a vision without which there's no going forward", he said, and charged that the Summit should serve as a locomotive start where ideas are steered for onward action.

In their separate remarks, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pst Umo Eno and his River State counterpart, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara described the converge as important, not only to the self-actualization of Niger Deltans, but a reawakening to the urgent need to move away from the detrimental oil and gas sector. 

Represented by the State's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom (SAN) as well as the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Prof. Peter Medee, respectively; they called for an embrace of the Blue Economy, saying it has positive implications for socioeconomic diversification of individual States and regional economy, with relevance to income generation, job creation, transportation, food security, and would promote wildlife conservation as well as preserve the ecosystem.

As such, they said the Summit would be laced with strategic engagements in the interests of Niger Deltans that will lead to a thorough road map which will in turn address regional challenges and prospects for the future.

Key issues discussed extensively at the Summit were: Unlocking Blue Economy Potentials for shared Prosperity in the Niger Delta; Maritime Governance and Regulatory Challenges in the Niger Delta; Harnessing the Blue Economy for Food Security through Sustainable Fishing and Aquaculture; Tackling Environmental Challenges and Marine Pollution: Remedial Actions and Opportunities; Blue Crimes: Infrastructure Challenges for Safe Marine Transportation, tackling Transnational Organized Crime in the Gulf of Guinea.

Resource persons and panelists included: Jonathan Turner of NLA International, Bode Makanjuola MD/CEO of Caverton Offshore Group; Rear Admiral Sunday Daniel Atakpa, MD/CEO Target One Group, Mr. Kennedy Odoeme; Dakuku Peterson,former DG NIMASA; Dr. Kingsley Ekwere, Founder Maritime and Oceans Academy; Mrs Ify Akerele Maritime Trade Group NACCIMA and Vice President, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping

The event featured the launch of the Niger Delta Blue Economy Roadmap as well as launch of the Niger Delta Blue Economy Development Fund.

PRESS RELEASE

The Executive Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue (AKIRS), Sir Okon Okon, has stated that the Akwa Ibom State Tax Bills currently under consideration at the State House of Assembly will bring relief to the low income earners, promote small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), as well as boost economic growth in the State. 

Okon made the observation on Wednesday, 4th February, 2026 during a public hearing on three executive bills, namely, Akwa Ibom State Revenue Service and Administration Bill 2025; Akwa Ibom State Taxes and Levies Bill 2025; and Akwa Ibom State Betting and Lottery Regulatory Agency Bill 2025. Okon, who a Member of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, gave other benefits of the State Tax Bills to include elimination of multiple taxes, stoppage of road blocks for revenue collections, harmonization of tax collection, e.g. property tax, daily ticket, etc; and uniformity in tax admiration and rates across the Federation. 

Others, he noted, are ease of doing business, exemptions and reduction in personal income tax for low income bracket, zero VAT on food, transport, health, education and rent; elimination of minimum tax on losses, and elimination of nuisance taxes.

Sir Okon said: "The tax reforms has brought a lot of good news to the people. One, what used to be multiple taxes, about 46 taxes between the the state and local governments, have been harmonized, under the bills, into nine taxes for all the State of the federation, not only Akwa Ibom. Two, for low-income earners, those who earn under N800,000 and below, have been completely exempted from Personal Income Tax, whereas last year, it was N300,000 and below".

Describing the old tax laws which came to an end on December 31st, 2025 as archaic and obsolete, he added, "Moreover, five items: food, health, education, rent, and mass transportation have been put at zero rate. That should bring a lot of relief to households. Then, there is digitization of tax processes for efficiency, transparency and accountability”. 

The public hearing was organised by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, chaired by Dr. Itorobong Etim. The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem. Other lawmakers, including the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Rt. Hon. Asuquo Udo; Commissioner for Finance, Mr Emem Bob; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Development, Mr Linus Nkan; Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Anthony Luke; Chairman of NLC, Comrade Sunny James, CSOs, CITN, and ICAN, among others attended the meeting.

AKIRS Holds Capacity-Building Workshop on Implementation of New Tax Reforms & New Tax Management System (TMS)

In furtherance of its capacity-building programme, the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS) is conducting a 3-day workshop for directors, management staff, and heads of units on the implementation of the New Tax Reforms and  their new tax management system (TMS) christened, Ibomtax. The programme which started on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the ICT Centre, Office of the Accountant-General, State Secretariat, Uyo, is scheduled to last till 4th February, 2026.

Some of the topics handled include, Overview of Tax Reforms: Rationale and Objectives"; “Key Changes in Personal Income Tax Under the New Reforms,”; “Key Changes in State Taxes and Levies under the New Reforms,”; "Key Changes in Withholding Tax and Stamp Duties,”;  “Key Changes in Tax Audit under the New Reforms,”, with hands-on sessions on Tax Management Systems with the help of digital tools, anchored by Mr. Mike Eteffia, a Tax Consultant. 

Delivering a keynote address, the Executive Chairman of AKIRS, Sir Okon Okon, encouraged participants to receive and take ownership of the reforms as well as the new technology for improved service delivery. 

Head of Tax Education, Mrs. Uduak Ukpe, who gave a background to the reforms and the major impacts, said the participants were key stakeholders and drivers in educating the taxpaying public, hence the need for the workshop.

Reacting to the impact of the programme,  Mr. Hope Akpan, an Assessment Authority, and Mrs. Itoro Akpan, a senior tax officer both described the workshop as enlightening and highly educative, particularly lessons on practical application of digital tax administration tools, and promised to keep pace with new developments in the tax ecosystem.

T-Shirts Village Rewards Winners of Ikot Ekpe Unity Cup with Grand Prizes

Priscilla Akpanettot 

Winners of the Ikot Ekpe Unity Cup grand finale on Sunday, January 25, 2026 smiled home with large parcels of cash, being the prize given to them by Akwa Ibom's foremost indigenous T-shirts hub, T-shirts Village.

Staged at the field by the Flyover opposite the Federal Secretariat in Uyo, the Unity Match was sponsored by Hon. Akan Eyo, CEO T-Shirts Village, located at 94, Aka Road; with a kick-off performance by the All Stars Club Uyo President, Engr. Uwem Umoh.

In the female category final, Edu Babes defeated Emem Babes 4-3 on penalties after a goalless full-time draw, while the male final between Asin Ufod Street FC and Usong Itiaba FC ended 3-2 in favour of Asin Ufod; also after penalties, as regulation time ended goalless. 

The match, which ended 0-0 after 90 minutes, showcased the skills and determination of both teams, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats. 

All Stars FC went home with third place (bronze) as a consolidation prize, Efiok Ekin, the highest goal scorer, took home a cash prize, while medals and monetary awards were distributed to different categories of winners at the closing ceremony.

The event which brought together members of Ikot Ekpe Offot Community was attended by government functionaries, political and traditional leaders as well as sports stakeholders within and outside the State.

Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society Set for 61st Conference

 

Priscilla Akpanettot 

The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) is set to hold its 61st Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Themed "Optimizing Efficiency, Sustainability and Resilience in Resources Management and Infrastructure Development", the event is scheduled to hold from March 22nd to 27th, 2026, at Ceedapeg Hotel in Ewet Housing, Uyo.

They Conference will feature keynote addresses, technical paper presentations, industry exhibitions, and field excursions, focusing on sub-themes like energy and mineral development, geoscience and flood control, and the role of geosciences in construction.

President of the Society, Ms. Rose Ndong gave this information on Friday, January 23, 2026, at a press briefing in Uyo.

She emphasized the event's significance in promoting geo-economics, sustainable development and infrastructure resilience,  describing it as a rallying point for the transformation of geological knowledge into sustainable revenue streams, job creation, skills development, improved land-use planning and infrastructure investment.

According to the President, NMGS serves as a strategic platform for the advancement of geoscientific knowledge and professional practice; providing technical advisory services to government and industry, ‎promoting sustainable resource development, supporting infrastructure planning, environmental protection, and disaster risk reduction, among other cardinal functions, thus, contributing directly to Nigeria's economic diversification and sustainable development agenda.

‎Ms. Ndong who informed that the Conference is one of the largest geoscience gatherings in Africa said the event is hosted annually,  providing a forum for the exchange of knowledge between academia, industry, and government. 

"It will showcase emerging technologies and innovations in geosciences, strengthen Nigeria's profile in global geoscientific discourse as well as support evidence-based policymaking in resources and infrastructure development," she stressed.

She noted that the theme reflects the urgent need to manage Nigeria's natural resources responsibly while building infrastructure that is safe, durable, and climate-resilient.

"‎Sub-themes include:Maximizing Benefits of Interdisciplinary Approaches to Energy and Mineral Development, Geosciences and Flood Control, Geospatial Analysis and Remote Sensing in Mineral Exploration and Extraction, Current Trends in Geoscientific Discovery and Innovation as well as Role of Geosciences in the Construction Industry", she listed, adding that each of them has direct implications for Akwa Ibom State's development, particularly in energy optimization, flood mitigation, infrastructure safety, and sustainable exploitation of mineral resources.

On the choice of Akwa Ibom State as a venue for the 2026 Conference, the NMGS President said that the State has demonstrated commendable commitment to geo-tourism and sustainable environmental development

She cited the ARISE Palm Resort as an example of this commitment and commended the State Government for the Initiative behind the project.

"... the ARISE Palm Resort...‎harmoniously integrates: natural landscapes, geological features, recreational and tourism

‎infrastructure. ‎In addition, the State's waterfront developments, extensive coastline, beach sands, wetlands ‎and estuarine systems represent significant geo-tourism assets with both economic and scientific value", she noted and submitted that hosting the Conference positions Akwa Ibom as a geo-economic hub within the Niger Delta region.

"Akwa Ibom is also endowed with beach and construction sands, Clay, laterite, ‎gravel prospects, and other industrial minerals, groundwater and surface water resources" which she said the Conference will showcase and responsibly promote to investors, researchers, and policy makers.

The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) is Nigeria's leading professional body dedicated to the advancement and application of geosciences, mining, and allied earth science disciplines

The Conference is expected to attract delegates from Nigeria and abroad, offering a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and investment.

Ikot Ekpe Offot Unity Cup Grand Finale

............1st edition 2026

This Sunday, 25th January 2026, will witness the grand finale of the Ikot Ekpe Unity Cup, an event expected to be a spectacle. The contest will be held at Abak Road, opposite the Jehovah Witness Hall, near the flyover. It is anticipated to be an enthralling game. We invite you to be part of this celebration of unity among the people, embodying the spirit of Akwa Ibom United.

This is powered by the CEO, T-shirts Village, 74 Aka Road, Uyo 

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