Bulk Purchase Agency will Ensure Efficient Tracking of Food Distribution - Dan Akpan

Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Rt Hon Dan Akpan 

Priscilla Akpanettot

Contrary to speculations that the Bulk Purchase Scheme of the present administration would be enmeshed in scandals, Chairman of the Bulk Purchase Agency, Rt. Hon. Dan Akpan has posited otherwise, and urged members of the public to keep faith with the initiative.

Rt. Hon Dan Akpan said this on Monday, April 15, 2024, at the conversation put together by the Ministry of Information on ARISE Scorecard, to discuss Governor Umo Eno’s intervention and sustainability strategy towards food sufficiency and security.

He reminded that the objective of the Scheme is to mitigate the high cost of foodstuff in the State; ensure food security and sufficiency in the State and to improve the socioeconomic condition of people at the grassroots by delivery of relevant food items at subsidized rate geared towards poverty reduction.

He stated that the Scheme would be sustained for a while upon commencement, to help vulnerable members of the public find their feet physiologically.

L-R: Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Emem Bob; Commissioner for Agriculture Dr Offiong Offor and Chairman of the Bulk Purchase Agency, Rt Hon Dan Akpan 

Rt. Hon. Akpan who refuted claims that the food items given at the flag-off of the Scheme were sandy and substandard stressed that they were of good quality, and that any vendor supplying substandard food items will be evicted from the scheme. 

On how the items would be monitored for effective distribution, he informed that three monitoring teams have been set up by the Agency, one for each of the three Senatorial Districts to ensure that the food items get to those intended. 

Meanwhile, the Government of Akwa Ibom State under Pastor Umo Eno is planning to spur the interest of young people in agriculture by providing them financial access and land for start-up. 

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor said this at the discussion and called on interested Akwa Ibom youth to form a team of likeminded farmers and approach Room 99 of the State Ministry of Agriculture, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat where they can be merged as a Corporative group and given lands for cultivation and or funds for start-up. 

She explained that the Governor was leaving no stone unturned in his bid to making agriculture the mainstay of the economy and thus, eradicating poverty and hunger from the land, in line with Goal 1 and 2 of the United Nations proposition on Sustainable Development.

Dr. Offor who recounted the various interventions of the State Governor to livestock and crop farmers since the inception of his administration was hopeful that subsequent harvests would be bountiful and food items, less expensive for the Akwa Ibom populace.

“Government had asked Local Government Chairpersons to gift lands to government for farming, to increase production and 7 of them have done that so far. The lands will be given back to the people to cultivate, with the farm inputs provided by government. With this, we can are sure of food availability in sufficiency”, she said, adding that there’ll be designated sales point for purchase of the food items cultivated by assisted farmers when it is time. 

Dr. Offiong while responding to questions on Government’s action towards the destruction of farmlands by cattle and herders frowned at the development and announced that such defaulters will be prosecuted. 

Her position was corroborated by the Commissioner for Information and host of the discuss, Comrade Ini Ememobong who informed that the State Government had held consultations with the Arewa Community in the State and was consolidating on agreement reached to take legal action on defaulters of the Law on Open Grazing.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong said the platform was created to put members of the State in the know of the extent and why Governor Eno was intervening in food sufficiency and security.

The Discuss also had the Commissioner for Economic Development,

Mr Emem Bob Almond speak on key issues regarding the economic development of the State.

Meet your Next President

PROFILE: Gabriel Ene – Former Senior Military Attaché to the UN who aspires to be Nigeria's President in 2027

Gabriel Victor Ene is a highly accomplished individual from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, who has served the nation with distinction. He held the prestigious rank of Lieutenant General while he served as a Senior Military Attaché to the United Nations.

Known for his visionary outlook, Ene has embarked on his journey toward the presidency, aiming to become the Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2027 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform. With unwavering determination, he leaves no stone unturned in his pursuit to garner overwhelming support from Nigerians in the next general election

Early Life and Education

Born on November 22, 1974, in Ikot Ambang, Ibiono Ibom local government area of Akwa Ibom State, Gabriel Ene had his formative years in the bustling city of Lagos. He received his primary education at Archbishop Taylor Memorial Primary School, Maroko, from 1981 to 1987. Following this, he attended Government College, Victoria Island, Lagos from 1987 to 1993, where he successfully completed his secondary education.

Driven by a passion for knowledge, Gabriel Ene enrolled at the prestigious University of Uyo, Nigeria, to pursue a degree in Geography and Regional Planning. In 2001, he graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc). As part of his commitment to national service, Gabriel served at Government Girls College, Gwaram, during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme from 2001 to 2002.

Military Career

Gabriel Victor Ene's career in the military has been nothing short of extraordinary. Serving as the Senior Military Attaché to the United Nations with the rank of Lieutenant General, he held the crucial role of advising on military affairs and developments. Throughout his military journey, Ene demonstrated exceptional leadership and tactical skills through his strategic appointments.

During his tenure as the Senior Military Attaché to the UN, Gabriel Ene prioritized promoting peace and fostering cooperation among nations. His impeccable diplomatic abilities and vast military expertise earned him the utmost respect from his peers and superiors.

Sports/Business 

Outside of his military service, Gabriel is also an astute businessman who is deeply committed to his Jewish Christian faith. In addition, he is passionately pursuing personal achievements and recognition in the highly competitive world of professional boxing.

The grandmaster in chess has set his sights on immense challenges beyond the realm of politics. His fervent desire is to face off against boxing champions Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, viewing them as his ultimate adversaries in the near future.

Having diverse experiences in education, the military, business, politics, and faith, Ene is driven to continue making significant contributions to society while seeking personal growth and fulfillment.

Overall, Gabriel Victor Ene is not only a distinguished military officer but also a revered diplomat and sportsman who has made substantial contributions both at a national and international level. His outstanding leadership, unwavering integrity, and unwavering dedication serve as an inspiration to all those who have the privilege of working alongside him.

Daily Trust Foundation Holds Workshop on Investigative Reporting

L-R: Executive Director, Tito TV, Oto-Abasi Tom; Board Member DTF, Dr. Nuhu Yakubu; Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong; Fidelis Mbah of Aljazeera and Programmes Manager, DTF, Dr. Theophilus Abbah at the opening ceremony of the Workshop

 

Priscilla Akpanettot

Daily Trust Foundation (DTF) has undertaken the training of select journalists in South-South, Nigeria on broadcast investigation. The 3-day training which began on Wednesday, April 3 to Friday, April 5, 2024 was held at Watbridge Hotel and Suites in Uyo.

Addressing participants at the Workshop, a Board member of the Foundation and former Rector at the Kaduna State Polytechnic, Dr. Nuru Yakubu said that the objective of the workshop was to bring together journalists from the South-South geopolitical zone and train them in the skills of broadcast investigation and thus, motivate them to do more.

“We conduct these Workshops because we believe that journalists must learn new skills, if they must carry out the onerous responsibility the Constitution heaps upon them”, he explained.

Comrade Ini Ememobong giving an address of welcome

He furthered that an ignorant reporter or editor would neither be able to hold government accountable, as enshrined in the constitution, nor be effective in the discharge of their responsibilities as gatekeepers hence, the need for regular knowledge acquisition.

Justifying the training of broadcast journalists, the Board member submitted that radio, television and livestreams on social media platforms travel wider than print publications and could be more impactful.

“If most of the investigations published in print and online were done by television or radio platforms, their impacts would have been totally different”, he stated, and charged participants on effective utilization of the Workshop.

Dr. Theophilus Abbah in one of his sessions with the participants

“It is the vision of the Foundation that broadcast journalists would do more investigative reporting in the interest of the growth of Nigeria…There can be no change except ills in the society are exposed. We must do the kind of journalism that is driven by values patriotism, nationalism, transparency and accountability”, he campaigned.

Welcoming participants to the Workshop, the State Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong described the training as an investment in the future and commended the Foundation for undertaking such gesture.

“When we invest in training, we invest in the future. The egalitarian nature of Daily Trust Foundation must be noted. You could still have gotten this funding and made it an in-house training with Daily Trust, but you are now training your competitors…you are training people without the fear that they would use the knowledge you have facilitated them to get to outdo you in the market”.

Ibanga Isine providing insights on investigations

“That is where the issue of adversarial collaboration comes in, because at the vendors hands, all your titles are competitors, but when we come into the democratisation processes of our country, the entire press becomes one family, and that is where the collaboration is”, he noted.

He therefore called on participants to apply the knowledge gained from the training in the discharge of their work.

Daily Trust Foundation, according to Dr. Yakubu is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Media Trust Group, owners of Daily Trust, Trust TV, Digital Trust, Trust Radio, Aminiya, and other specialized publications.

Participants at the Workshop

 

The Foundation has undertaken a number of humanitarian activities such as the provision of scholarships for female medical and nursing students; boreholes for communities lacking water; capacity building for women; support for orphanages; assistance to inmates in correctional centres through payment of fines for those without prison terms; remodeling of Primary Healthcare Clinic; and as well as capacity building for journalists.

So far since 2017, over 700 journalists across Nigeria have been trained by the Foundation in investigative reporting with support from MacArthur Foundation. The Workshop is the third to be conducted in the South-South with participants from Bayelsa, Rivers, Edo, Delta, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States

Resource persons at the Workshop were: Mr. Fidelis Mbah, a world-class investigative journalist whose media experiences span through the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Aljazeera and China Global Television Network (CGTN); Mr Isine Ibanga, an investigative reporter and winner, CNN and Wole Soyinka Award for investigative journalism; Programme Director, Daily Trust Foundation, Dr. Theophilus Abbah as well as Oto-Abasi Tom, Executive Director, Tito Television Studios. 

Eme Best Foundation Fetes Akwa Ibom Communities on Easter

Priscilla Akpanettot

Keen about the overall welfare of women and children in the society, Emebest Foundation has put smiles in various communities in Akwa Ibom State with donations of food items and provisions in the spirit of Easter. 

The Foundation made the donations to Ntak Inyang community in Etim Ekpo Local Government area on Friday 29 March, 2024 and Mother Charles Walker Childrens' Home, Uyo on Saturday, while paying glowing tributes to Christ, the reason for the season.

Led by one of it's Directors, Madam Ubong Udoetuk, the Foundation premised the donation on love, saying it was needful to replicate the love of Christ to vulnerable members of the society.

Receiving the items with great excitement and joy,  the recipients at Ntak Inyang, expressed their gratitude through kind words of appreciation and prayers of blessings for the founder of the organisation, Mrs Eme Udoetuk and her team.

At Mother Charles Walker Childrens' Home, the team was gleefully received by the children and staff of the facility.

While commenting on the healthy outlook of the children and the hygenic condition of the surroundings, Emebest Foundation promised their regular patronage of the Home and prayed God to give them the grace and strength to cater for the children.

Receiving the items, Matron of the Home,  Rev. Sis. Matilda Inyang appreciated the Foundation for having the children in mind, inspite of the hike in cost of food items. She asked God's blessings upon them and assured the prudent use of the items.

Emebest Foundation according to it's Directors is a non-profit organization established to support women and children. They also offer assistance to the vulnerable and less-privileged, by supporting them financially to be self-reliant.

Located by Itam Flyover in Itam, they embark on quarterly visits to Orphanages, pay school fees of indigent students and issue soft loans to women.

The Foundation charged members of the public to keep the children in remembrance, saying that giving is loving and there is love in sharing.

Federal Lawmaker Condemns Grazing on Farmlands

 

…wants sponsors of cattle herders to be conscientious 

Priscilla Akpanettot

The member representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency, Dr. Patrick Umoh has condemned the act of grazing on farmlands in Akwa Ibom State. 

He said this on Thursday, March 28, 2024, while interacting with the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA), in Uyo. 

The Federal Lawmaker who frowned at the gross trespass of herders on people’s farmlands in Essien Udim and other parts of the State described the act as sheer wickedness and a waste of people’s painstaking efforts.

“The issue of open grazing is a serious concern because it undermines the efforts of our farmers and is a palpable cause of communal conflict”, he stated.

Sharing his personal experience and encounter with the situation, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Legislation said it was unlawful, unfair and unjust for Cows to be carelessly allowed to graze on farms meant for subsistence or commercial use. 

He however acknowledged sadly that most of the cattle herds in the State are owned by people of the State and called on such owners to be more conscientious.

“Even the Bible says we should do to others what we want them to do to us, and its vice-versa. So our people should be more conscientious”, he appealed. 

Speaking on the plights of his constituents and his desire to help alleviate their challenges, the Federal Lawmaker justified his recent Motion calling on the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the Uwa Junction/Urua Edet Obo/Nto Edino Road in Essien Udim and Obot Akara Local Government Areas. 

"That road connects over 40 communities, schools, and businesses, playing a crucial role in the daily lives of our people".

"It is troubling that this project, awarded in 2021, has been abandoned due to insufficient funding, causing unimaginable hardships for the people, so it is an essential road", he stated.

The Knight of Saint John International who validated the impact of the harsh economy on his constituents and Nigerians at large said he was doing his bid to salvage the unsavory situation, beyond making cases for them at the Green Chambers.

He informed COOPA that about 5 of his constituents have been settled in permanent jobs, while others including People Living with Disabilities are being empowered regularly with vocational and soft skills for self-reliance.

It would be recalled that Dr. Umoh on the first day of March, 2024 had engaged with Family Heads and Youth Leaders in his Constituency where he gave out 510 bags of rice and N2.3M to People Living with Disabilities.

This followed a similar gesture the Lawmaker undertook during the yuletide period, where 300 bags of rice, 3 cows, and the sum of N4M were distributed among party stakeholders and the women. 

Hon. Umoh also awarded a million-naira business grant to Ntiufan Multipurpose Cooperative to enhance their business/loan capital and improve their stance as a Cooperative.

The former Secretary of Obot Akara Local Government Area who thanked the Senate President, Obong Godswill Akpabio for his continued support and nudge, called on people of his Constituency and Akwa Ibomites at large to rally around the Senate President and keep faith with President Bola Tinubu, while expressing firm believe that the prevalent hard times will in no time be over.

IWD: Police Superintendent, Cordelia Nwawe to Support Widows with Soft Loan

 

Priscilla Akpanettot

The O/C Provost Marshal, PMF Squadron 26, Idoro in Akwa Ibom State, SP Cordelia Nwawe has promised to personally support Widows in the State with soft funds for their businesses.

She gave the assurance on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at the NUJ Press Centre, Uyo, while identifying with Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists' (NAWOJ) on their commemoration of the 2024 International Women's Day.

The event which attracted women from various professional bodies across the State featured the presentation of soft loans to 12 vulnerable women and widows, as well as welfare package to an octogenarian.

SP Nwawe while making her remarks

Commending NAWOJ for being consistent in the struggle for women emancipation, the Police Superintendent who served as the State Force Public Relations Officer between 2015 and 2017 said she was happy to be a woman and proud to be identified with NAWOJ.

Recalling her experience with women the Journalists during her years as PPRO, she described NAWOJians as  friends and family who supported her all the way and made her tenure successful.

"You were all there for me. I couldn't have made all the difference I made without your solid support so, NAWOJians will always be my sisters", she stated.

While appraising the theme of the event: "Inspire Inclusion",  Nwawe expressed gratitude to God for sparing her life and those of the women to be included in the affairs of men.

Chairperson, NAWOJ, Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Nsikak Okon

"... because it's only when you're alive you can talk about inclusion", she asserted. She then charged the women on the need for adequate preparation ahead of opportunities.

"You can't be asking for inclusion when you don't have what it takes to be included. People rarely resist knowledge and intelligence; when you prove yourself knowledgeable in whatever you're doing, recommendation comes very handy. So adequate preparation is expedient", she stressed. 

Following the presentation of soft loans to 12 small-scale business vulnerable women and widows, Nwawe pledged to support 2 more widows as her contribution to the event.

Chairman, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk at the event

Earlier, the State Chapter Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Nsikak Okon remarked that the International Women's Day is an occasion to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women around the world.

She pointed at the challenge of gender inequality in all spheres of life and lamented the discrimination and violence against women because of their gender.

"As we stand on the threshold of a new era, let us reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and women's rights. Let us strive for a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to fulfill her potential, free from discrimination and violence. Let us work together to dismantle the old structures that perpetuate inequality and oppression.

We must ensure equal access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities and political participation for women everywhere. We must amplify women's voices, support their leadership, and promote policies that advance gender equality", she preached.

She described the presentation of soft loans to vulnerable women as one of the many ways NAWOJ is responding to the international theme, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress".

L-R: Keynote Speaker, Comrade Nene Afia; representatives of the Police Officers' Wives Association, Federal Road safety Commission and SP Nwawe

"We will be responding to this call. We believe this will go a long way to assist the women in this harsh economy", she maintained, while calling on the First Lady of the State, Pst. Patience Umo Eno, stakeholders in the affairs of women and members of the public to support their bid.

Consequently, Nice Theodore, Esther Sunday John, Rita Rose Alexander, Emek William Jude, Uduak Jane, Abigail Francis, Akon James Udoh, Mandu Okon Edet, Halimat Abdulazeez, Ekaette Amos Udoh and Eno Abel selected across the Federal Constituencies of the State were given the loans.

The occasion was chaired by Lady Esitmbom Ekperikpe, represented by Comrade Nene Afia who also gave a keynote address on the theme. 

A major highlight of the event was the induction of four notable women into the NAWOJ hall of fame. They were: Wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Inemesit Enobong Uwah; Wife of the former Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo, Dr. Rosalyn Enefiok Essien; Transition Chairperson, Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Lady Emem Ibanga as well as the former Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet.

The Hall of famers

Preceding the event was a free medical outreach in the morning and a visit to new born babies at St. Luke's Hospital, Anua on Monday, March 25, 2024.

Goodwill Messages were received from the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk; Wife of the State Head of Service, Mrs. Uduak Effiong Essien; Paramount Rulers Wives (Mbong Ibaan Akwa Ibom) as well as from representatives of the 

Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT), Police Officers Wives Association (POWA),  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), among others.

In attendance were the former Zonal Vice President of NAWOJ, Comrade Mary Asuquo;  immediate past Chairperson of NAWOJ, Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Uduak Ekong; General Manager, Redemption FM, Comrade Comfort Umanah; General Manger, NTA, Uyo, Mrs. Alice Ugbe; members of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers' Union (RATTAWU); Muslim Women Association, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), amongst others.

100 Days in Office: Ukobot Gives Stewardship Account

The Transition Committe Chairman of Ibiono-Ibom, Hon. (Comr.) Nsikanabasi Ukobot has given a stewardship account of his first 100 days in office.

He gave the account last week when he hosted the media at the renovated council secretariat at Oko Ita, capital of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.

He thanked the Governor Umo Eno for finding him fit to interpret the Arise Agenda at the grassroots, describing the State Chief Executive as a visionary and exemplary leader.

He outlined some of his projects and achievements to include; completion of 20 open stalls at Afua Market, desilting of gutters at Council Headquarters and environs, restoration of Water Supply, Renovation of Facilities at the Council Secretariat, Corpers' Lodge and Security Village, Renovation of main office buildings and construction of perimeter fence at the council secretariat. 

Other achievements of the transition committee Chairman include:improvement  of staff welfare, free medical outreach, installation of Air conditioners and television sets in the Vice Chairman and Secretary’s Offices, Facilitation of Skills Acquisition Training in collaboration with NDDC and Free registration of thirty (30) indigent students in UMTE.

Speaking further, he listed thepayment of N20,000 each business support to hundred (100) entrepreneurs of Ibiono Ibom origin, installation of Solar Panels and Flood Light at Ikot Ambang Night Market, repair of a worn-out 30KVA diesel generator, purchase of new power generator, and fixing of electricals. 

Meanwhile, the council boss hinted of the construction of a Civic Centre at Ikot Obo, Idoro which is currently at 60% completion stage. There has also been massive grading of roads, worthy of note is the opening up of Ukpakon Okpoto-Ikpanya Road. Ukobot said these projects were undertaken after carefully assessing the state of the infrastructure and in consultation with people in the area. 

According to him “ just like our leader, we are particular about our people in rural communities, let me use this opportunity to thank the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey, for finding us worthy to serve in this capacity, and also pledge that as the chairman of this committee, together with the members, we will continue to support his administration and work hard to make sure his ARISE agenda is realized in Akwa Ibom State”.