Uyo Council Boss Gets more accolade on Compassionate Home Built for Nsukara Widow

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot

The Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo has again been applauded for the construction and handing-over of a modern habitable edifice to a widow at Nsukara Offot.

The applause came from the Uyo Media Group on Monday, April 20, 2026 during a meeting with the Council Chairman in his office. 

It would be recalled that the widow, Madam Comfort Okon Ekpenyong, formerly known as “Mma Ntagha Ufok Nsukara”, meaning the woman living in the most dilapidated house in Nsukara, had endured harsh living conditions while raising three children and caring for seven grandchildren, one of whom is physically challenged.

The apartment presented was fully furnished and equipped with solar-powered electricity and borehole water to ensure comfort and sustainability for Madam Comfort Ekpenyong and her family. 

As the tape was cut and the doors of the new bungalow opened on Monday, February 23, 2026, the widow broke down in tears, saying she would sleep on a proper bed for the first time in her life. 

Beyond the house, the Chairman presented her with a cheque of ₦500,000 to boost her plantain and fufu business.

For this, the Uyo Media Group commended Dr. Udo, describing the action as a demonstration of humanity. 

Led by its Chairman, Elder Patrick Albert, the group gave the Uyo Council Boss a pat on the back, saying that he was making Uyo proud.

"Your leadership of Uyo LGA is quite remarkable. Your performance is evident and impactful. However, we must emphasise that despite enormous records, much is still expected of you. Continue this way, and posterity will judge you favourably", Albert said, while promising the support of the media body for his activities.

In his introduction of the Group to Dr. Udo, Elder Albert informed that the Uyo Media Group is a body of professional media practitioners whose aims and objectives were to promote love, unity, progress, and development of Uyo Local Government Area.

According to Albert, the Group also exists to preserve, protect, and advance the collective interest of Uyo Local Government within the politics of the State and the Nation as a whole; while identifying, collaborating, and supporting sons and daughters holding leadership positions in various tiers of government from the area.

He again applauded Dr. Uwemedimo on his track record of excellence, and promised the Group's partnership to get his deeds to public glare. 

Responding, the Uyo Council Boss, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo appreciated the team for visiting and acknowledging his activities. He disclosed that the Nsukara Offot house was one of the 14 Compassionate Homes to be delivered under his administration across the 14 wards in the local government.

The Chairman noted that his administration has consistently prioritised education and capacity building, as well as initiatives designed to ensure that the people directly benefit from government resources.

“ We are setting Uyo on a trajectory of sustainable developments. The template we are setting is one that whoever comes after us must sustain, especially in providing basic benefits like bursaries and entitlements to statutory officers,” he said.

On infrastructure, the Chairman disclosed that several projects are ongoing, including the renovation of the Community Health Centre at Atan Offot; rural electrification efforts in communities such as Nung Udoe Ediene, Ebong Akpakpan, Mbiabong Ikot Akpan, Ibiam Street, Ifa Ikot Okpon, Ikot Obio Mkpong, and others, where power is being restored after about five years as well as the installation of solar-powered water facilities in Ikot Akpan Ediene. He expressed optimism that many other projects including compassionate homes would be completed and handed over before the end of the year.

“We will continue to deliver within the limits of available resources, he added, while also acknowledging the support of stakeholders and traditional institutions, whom he said are carried along with due respect and recognition. 

Dr. Udo who doubles as Akwa Ibom ALGON Chairman further called on members of the group to uphold professionalism, fairness, and ethical standards in their engagements, while advocating for mentorship opportunities for younger media practitioners.

ARISE Park: Uyo Media Group Applauds Umo Eno

 

...describe edifice as destination of tourism 

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot 

Governor Umo Eno has continued to receive commendation on the construction of the ARISE Palm Resort, also known as the ARISE Park.

The lastest is coming from the Uyo Media Group, being the umbrella body of media practitioners from Uyo Local Government Area.

Describing the Park as the destination of tourism in Nigeria, the group at it's General Meeting held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 commended the State Governor for transforming the area from a degraded environment into a major economic asset.

In a Communique issued at the meeting, the Group lauded Governor Eno for the visionary project, while expressing gladness that it is sited in Uyo.

They also appreciated the Governor for the reconstruction and expansion of road networks across the four clans of Uyo; establishment of ARISE Model Schools in Uyo Village and Ewet Offot as well as the provision of modern primary healthcare centres in the Local Government. 

"Others are the ongoing construction of the Ring Road III dual carriageway from Idoro Road, ongoing construction of Ibom International Convention Centre and the 200-room Ibom Hotel close to the Tropicana, and the upgrade of IbomLED, IBB Way, into a functional skills acquisition hub empowering youths".

"The establishment of a CNG Bus Terminal at Obio Offot and Ikot Akpe with integrated security infrastructure, expansion of housing through Ewet Luxury Estate and other estate developments, as well as the delivery of ARISE Compassionate Homes across the 14 wards", the Communique reads.

Similarly, the Uyo Media Group has given Governor Umo Eno thumbs-up for recognising and rewarding eminent sons and daughters of Uyo Local Government to manage various segments of his administration. 

They specifically mentioned the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Chairman of ALGON, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo; Member, Uyo State Constituency,  Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Anieti Udofia; Managing Director, Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Sir Charles Udo and the Chairman, Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), Rt. Hon. Anietie Eka as sons of Uyo who were making them proud in Umo Eno's administration. 

"The Group expresses profound commendation to the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, for his diligence, loyalty and faithful discharge of his responsibilities to the State Government under the people-centric leadership of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D, Governor of Akwa Ibom State". 

"The Group notes with satisfaction that under the leadership of Prince Enobong Uwah as Political Leader of Uyo Local Government Area, there is a harmonious political alignment, peace, unity and sustained progress across all Wards and Clans of Uyo. To a greater extent, his commitment and political dexterity has continued to strengthen good governance and inspire confidence among the four (4) Local Government Areas in the Uyo Federal Constituency".

"The Group expresses commendation to the leadership of the Chairman of Uyo Local Government, who doubles as the Chairman of ALGON in Akwa Ibom State, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, noting that his “Service Alone” mantra has translated into tangible impacts across all the 14 wards and four clans of Offot, Etoi, Oku and Ikono, with notable projects, which includes provision of transformers and connection to the national grid in previously neglected communities, bursaries to students, financial support to Law Students, entrepreneurs, and the delivery of compassionate homes".

"The Group commends the Member representing Uyo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Security, Youth and Sports, Hon Uwemedimo Asuquo, for effective representation. It notes that his interventions which includes the construction and furnishing of a four-classroom block with toilet facilities serving multiple villages at Idoro and Nung Obio Enang, provision of water to villages, grading of roads, scholarships, gift of vehicles to constituents for commercial use, bursary schemes and sustained support to entrepreneurs among several others, have defined his representation positively".

"The Group commends the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Anieti Udofia, for effective leadership at the Ministry - making it vibrant and result-driven institution, and of a significant note, earning the COMMISSIONER OF THE YEAR 2025 recognition from the Governor for his stellar performance in the organization of the Christmas Unplugged 3.0 and contributing to the growing visibility of Akwa Ibom in the tourism sector".

"The Group acknowledges the insightful performance of Sir Charles Udo, Managing Director of Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, whose leadership has driven ongoing renovations, rebranding and transformation of the facility into a competitive world-class hospitality destination. Such innovative managerial acumen, the group notes, is what the 5-star facility needs at this time".  

"The Group also expresses satisfaction with the performance of the Chairman, Uyo Capital City Development Authority, Rt Hon. (Sir) Anietie Eka, for effectively driving the Governor’s vision of a modern city through the remodelling of Ibom Plaza, the transformation of the Itam flyover into a major city attraction, ongoing plans to replicate same across other flyovers, and the firm enforcement against street trading within the capital city".

Based on this inclusiveness of Uyo Sons and daughters in his administration, and the execution of life-touching projects and programmes which have positively impacted indigenes, residents and businesses in Uyo; the Uyo Media Group expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Umo, while promising commitment to identifying and supporting it to completion.

The Communique was jointly signed by the Group's Chairman, Elder Patrick Albert; Secretary, Patrick Titus; Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee, Elder Chris Ikpoto; Secretary, Henshaw Nyong and Chief Imo Udoima, Member.

Public Service Announcement

 

Public Service Announcement

 

Notice of Change of Name in Tax Process

 

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.