Akwa Ibom PDP Ward Executives suspend Proposed Chapter Chairman, Hon. Imo Udo Abam from the Party
The Ward Executive Committee of PDP, Ikono North Ward 8, Ini LGA, suspends Hon. Imo Udo Abam from the Party.
Appeals to the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno to delist him from the proposed names submitted by Ini LGA led PDP congress exco as CHAPTER CHAIRMAN of the party.
A cross section of community leaders in 12 villages across Ibesikpo-Asutan Local Government Area have called on Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pst. Umo Eno to wade into what they described as the forceful acquisition of their lands without due consultation with them.
The communities are Nung Ukana Ikot Obio Akpan, Nung Ukana Ikot Efre, Ikot Okubo and their adjourning villages.
Reacting to a newspaper publication which communicated the said acquisition, the community leaders in a communique stated that the process of the said acquisition was opaque, wrapped in secrecy and very suspicious, and that they were never informed, or consulted about the planned acquisition.
Furthermore, they refused the ceding of their lands for any purpose other than agriculture. “…the publication by the government indicated that the lands so acquired would be used for a residential estate, Hon Ubong Attah, member representing Ibesikpo Asutan in AKHA and our clan head, Etebom Nsidibe Etuk, have insisted that a private university will be built on the land”, the communique reads.
They stated that on reading of the planned land acquisition in April 11, 2024, they sought the intervention of the Commissioner for Lands, Captain Iniobong Ekong the following day where they registered their concerns and displeasure.
While extolling the Governor’s virtues and selfless thoughts for people of the State, the community leaders argued that acquiring the lands of people whose major occupation is farming and animal husbandry, to build private structures would plunge them into hunger and widen their poverty gap.
They therefore called on the Governor to intervene speedily on the matter, while suggesting the use of the lands for agricultural purposes, following due consultation with them.
“Given the concerns raised above, we respectfully request that Your Excellency cancel the planned acquisition of our farmlands and investigate those who are attempting to use your name to seize and handover property in our villages to private interests”.
“Given that agriculture is a critical component of the ARISE Agenda, converting our farmland to a residential estate with the current food crisis will be unsettling because many estates previously acquired have not been fully developed. Examples of such acquired and undeveloped estates include Idu Housing Estate, Dakkada Housing Estate, Shelter Afrique, Anua Ifa Housing Estate, Ikot Ambon-lkot Oduot-Eberetu Estate, and Owot Uta-Ikot Ambon-Nnung Ette Estate, among others. The majority of these abandoned estates are already in lbesikpo.
“Instead of using our lands for a private university or other private interest, we request that you use agreed portions to site projects or establish integrated farms that would not only cultivate food to address the country's lingering food crisis, but also provide jobs for our people in accordance with your ARISE Agenda”, they opined.
...Solicits patronage, support for services
...Wants sponsorship for further training
Priscilla Akpanettot
Her name is Emek Joe William, a 33 year old auto technician who specializes in car alignment and wheel balancing at PMB Services, Transossa Fuel Station, Ikot Ekpene Road (Opposite former APC Office) in Uyo.
Popularly called ‘Mama Solution’, she repairs and fixes car bolt joint and tyrods, works on car steerings, changes gear box oil and gives general advise relating to vehicle maintenance.
Sharing her motivation and experience at the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) commemoration of the International Women’s Day recently, ‘Mama Solution’ was confident of a future in the industry.
The indigene of Ikot Otoiwo in Ukanafun Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State traced her interest in the industry to her days as a student of Technical College, Ikot Akata in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area where she attended practical classes with students in the automobile department, even when she wasn’t part of them. She then moved to acquire more training at her current place of work, under the tutelage of Engr. Patrick Malachi Bassey, CEO PMB Services and Engr. Idongesit Nnah Johnson, respectively for three years.
She noted that her husband and the duo of Engr. Bassey and Engr. Nnah motivated and encouraged her to go into the field and have contributed positively to her success and fame in the field.
On how she came by the name ‘Mama Solution’, the female Vulcanizer answered that it came as a compliment from satisfied clients whose cars she has repaired.
“I have the solution to any car tyre problem and other related issues. That is how the name ‘Mama Solution’ came about", she said. “Many customers appreciate me but some don't because they think I’m not capable of delivering the job efficiently due to my gender. So, they will only want the male workers to repair their cars but those who know me have been recommending customers to me and I do not disappoint them”, she said.
When asked how she feels about working in a male-dominated field, ‘Mama Solution’ said she was proud of herself and feels honored. “The desire to take this bold step and delve into this male-dominated field was borne out of the desire to break the gender barrier and stereotypes against women, to pave way for more women to come into the industry”, she explains.
Despite the discrimination from male customers who would rather want her male counterparts to handle their cars, ‘Mama Solution’ remains undeterred. Her only challenge so far has been finance. She expressed a strong readiness to expand her business by acquiring certain work tools and equipment if she was financially unconstrained.
Meanwhile, ‘Mama Solution’ is a final year student of the Faculty of Management Science, Jim Polytechnic, Afaha Oku, Uyo which is affiliated to Temple Gate Polytechnic in Abia state. She plans to venture into large-scale sales of automobile spare parts where she can be an employer of labour and thus, reduce unemployment.
Asking about her thoughts on the risks and hazards on the job, ‘Mama Solution’ replied that danger is inevitable and at such, she adheres to safety tips to avert hazards. While calling for patronage from all car owners and drivers within and outside the State, she expressed readiness to go for some professional trainings to gain more knowledge on what she does if given the opportunity.
She also prays to carry out her National Youth Service programme with multinational firms such as Shell, Mobil, Chevron and the likes, to advance her tap knowledge in the industry.
The female Vulcanizer charged other women to rise in pursuance of their passion and not wait for white-collar jobs, while striving to be the best in their chosen endeavours.
Priscilla Akpanettot
It’s the official day to celebrate gentlemen (women inclusive) of the press. Like other annuals, this day comes once in a year and with it comes a lot of reflections for those practicing journalism. I often wonder whether to be excited or sad about this day because for me, it’s just like every other day. The reason is simple; it’s a day to work even more, despite the fact that it’s a day to celebrate and unwind. Yes, we will celebrate; yes, we will unwind and yes, we will still report the story of how our celebration and unwinding went (Lols). And for those who are “multipurpose” journalists as some of us “unfortunately” are, we will not only report the story but type and edit it alongside those of others (under pressure), cast headlines, blog and stay all through the production process until the published copy is out. Argh! I feel tired already! Dare go home or sleep off and you’ll be called like 50 times to confirm if the picture on the cover page is what was intended or if the cover page is grammatically in order or if so so person’s story has been included…oh my! It’s a never ending circle….the things we go through to inform, educate and entertain the public.
Journalists truly deserve to be celebrated. They bring events and happenings to limelight which would have remained unknown to the public. They hide you when the need arises and announce you when it is high time. This explains why they are often regarded as watchdogs of the society. A dog knows just when to bark, growl or be quiet and so does a journalist, in the interest of the society. Journalists are one of the most socially responsible people on earth (I’m not talking about media aides or handlers, except they are first journalists). A typical journalist knows where, when and how to “kill” with the “sword” but won’t do so. They know those who steal, pilfer and loot public funds but won’t tell you; and they know a truckload of secrets but won’t mention it, because giving out certain information will be far too detrimental than useful. We know because we see and hear first-hand. That’s the reason they are often dreaded by culprits.
Safe for people who think they are journalists because they’re loyal to some public figure who’ve blessed their hands with some gadgets, journalism would have been one of the most respected profession across the globe, for this is a profession where you genuinely seek the interest of others above yours. It is a risky profession which puts your life on the line and keeps demanding all of you. You put in your best to find out what, where, when, why and how a thing happened, and strive even more to explain your findings in unwatery Queen’s English. As a regular, you’re called to cover any event, anywhere and anytime. As a beat reporter, you’re limited to your beat but not immune from the insecurities therein. As an investigator, you or your family member (s) could be killed if your cover is blown yet, we work under one of the worse working conditions.
For all the risk and stress associated with the task of journalism, Journalists do not have a housing, health or life insurance scheme; no monetary allocation from anywhere, no access to loans from commercial banks (except for those in government employ) and no retirement benefit. Some journalists ‘work for God’ and many others work for those who ‘work for God’. You gerrit? No salary or some form of compensation to appreciate them for their tasking job. Sometimes, those who are paid ‘groundnut money’ by their media houses are placed on targets – 5 original stories per publication and you’ll be wondering what magic you’ll perform to submit 5 original stories from a take-home of N5-15,000. No be juju be dat? And then they go to an event and the organiser’s PR is also N5,000 or at most, N10,000 for an entire day of coverage. On a ‘good’ day, PR could even be the popular ‘urgent 2k’ or ‘please, I’ll get back to you’. And this could be an event one was not given the courtesy of water or any form of refreshment.
Need I mention that journalists have suffered humiliation and discrimination at events than the randy showboys? Typically, Journalists stand all through an event (morning till evening) without being given food or water and are often made to hang around after a long day’s event without being officially dismissed. I recall an occasion an interviewee and his team arrived hours behind the scheduled time for the interview and Journalists had to sit patiently in the mini conference room, in wait of the persona. He eventually arrived alongside a crowd of followers who could not all be accommodated in the mini conference hall. Almost immediately, a Commissioner who had been magnanimously offered a seat offensively remarked that it was the first time she was seeing journalists sit at an event while guests were standing. Others agreed and we had to get off the seats.
Again, on one of my recent assignments to join a monitoring team, I was asked to hop behind a Hilux van, being the only means of mobility available. I did, although grudgingly, because going back home wasn’t the best thing to do. So I adjusted my skirt and did the hopping. That one hop became the routine for the day as I had to disembark and embark at every stop the team made till they returned from the exercise. Meanwhile, the ride was one I won’t forget in a hurry. I returned sick from the dusty breeze which blew at me unapologetically.
At functions, Journalists are often harassed by bouncers, orderlies and security operatives and would readily be prevented from accessing newsmakers for confirmation of facts. So, you’ll see them bend, crawl, stoop, run or take any inconveniencing posture to have a voice recorded or take a photograph because they won’t get it standing conveniently with all the unnecessary distractions around public figures. The era of digital devices has made the task of journalism even more burdensome, no thanks to brothers and sisters who hover around public figures to record, do a video or take their pictures for personal reasons, rather than allow professionals the space to do their work for the general good.
Generally, Journalists are exempted from the scheme of things. They report all the good things happening in every ministry and sector but are hardly beneficiaries of any. You’ll hardly see a journalist among those getting the loan for farmers, scholarship or even benefiting from the newly initiated bulk purchase scheme. Sometime ago, the Governor of my State after rounding off his official speech at the grand opening ceremony of a commercial enterprise, pleaded that the press put his next conversation off-record. He made huge donations thereafter to passers-by (youths) who had stop by the event centre to watch the ongoings. Another lump sum went to female youths, the brass band and finally, the showboys. The press were circumspectly omitted.
As members of the 4th estate of the realm, Journalists are even denied access to certain places and basic information necessary for their work. Politicians especially would rather make use of their media handlers to give out one-sided press releases than subject themselves to the scrutiny of journalists. This is so they don’t support good journalism.
But all of these ill treatment has got to stop. Journalists too are humans. We deserve to be given sits at functions and everything others are entitled to. We deserve to be enrolled into the Federal and State Government’s welfare programmes. We deserve to be supported in creating a future for ourselves and our families because we’re equally humans.
A housing, health or life insurance scheme for us would not be a bad idea; neither will monthly allocation and retirement benefit. Government should be more intentional and committed to improving the lives of journalists who make it known, appreciated and supported by the people.
…commences campaign to popularize Electoral Act ahead 2027
Priscilla
Akpanettot
The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) has linked
some of the numerous electoral irregularities committed during election period to
ignorance of the Electoral Act. They made this known on Wednesday, April 29, 2024
at a capacity-building workshop for Journalists in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking through its Executive Director, Ezenwa Nwagwu, the national
movement which promotes electoral governance and strengthens citizen engagement
to demand transparency and accountability said that the challenges of the 2023
election was basically ignorance on the part of political parties, the electorates
as well as some of the candidates.
“The challenges of the previous election was ignorance, parading themselves
as authorities. We had leaders, politicians and analysts talk elections without
recourse to the electoral laws. But you cannot discuss election without the
constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC Guidelines for conducting election. Sadly,
in a place where we have
more than 60-70 participants, only two people would say that they have the Electoral
Act”, he lamented.
For
this, he informed that PAACA was embarking on a campaign to popularize the Electoral
Act.
“We
saw the knowledge gap about the Electoral Act and have decided to take the
advocacy round the country ahead of 2027. We want to deepen the knowledge of
the Act before 2027 through partnership with the media and thus, get political
parties and stakeholders to respond to the challenges of democracy”, he said.
Nwagwu
furthered that the larger objective of the workshop was to equip participants from
the media, traditional and religious institutions with the necessary knowledge and
skills to effectively understand and communicate the provisions of the
Electoral Act of 2022, enabling them, to conduct step-don training and host
informative radio programs on electoral laws.
While
appreciating MacArthur Foundation for supporting their objective, he sought the
collaboration of the media in the actualization of their goal.
The
extensive media training provided journalists with in-depth comprehension of
the Electoral Act. It featured the engagement of participants in a thorough
analysis of electoral changes, including their essential provisions,
ramifications, and prospective effects on the democratic process, through
demanding sessions and interactive workshops anchored by the Senior Programme
Officer, PAACA, Isaiah Amonye.
It
further offered the news makers the knowledge with which to properly inform the
public, maintain openness, and defend electoral integrity.
Established in 2017, the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre
in Africa (PAACA) works
to promote and strengthen citizens’ engagement with government institutions. Its
programs are targeted at increasing social accountability movement, youth and gender
inclusiveness, support and promoting electoral reforms, legislative engagement,
and advancing anti-corruption campaigns. Ultimately,
the project contributes to improved electoral and political systems that lay
the foundation for accountability, transparency, and anti-corruption.
.jpeg) |
| Dr. Borges making a presentation at the training |
With an increasing awareness of gender-based discrimination and the need for societal change, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) is set to launch an intensive media campaign aimed at tackling misogyny and dispelling anti-women stereotypes in Akwa Ibom State.
This decision was reached during a workshop on "Recognising And Fighting Misogyny and Anti-women Stereotypes" organised by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Ini Ememobong for women journalists in the state on Friday, April 26, 2024.
In her remarks, the State Chairman of NAWOJ, Comrade Nsikak Okon appreciated the Information Commissioner for the opportunity given to NAWOJians to boost their knowledge.
Comrade Okon emphasised the importance of dismantling rooted biases and fostering a more inclusive society where women are respected and empowered and pledged NAWOJ's commitment to challenge harmful perceptions and promote gender equality for social progress through media engagements.
In her presentation, the Resource Person, Dr Aleida Borges, who is the Grassroots Women Leaders Research Lead at the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership (GIWL) and a Visiting Lecturer at the African Leadership Centre at King’s College, London hinted that recognising and combating misogyny and anti-women stereotypes is crucial for creating a more equitable society.
She explained misogyny to mean hatred, dislike, or prejudice against women or girls which can manifest in various forms, including discrimination, belittlement, and violence at home or workplace.
According to her, misogyny often stems from deep-rooted societal beliefs and stereotypes about gender roles and power dynamics, and it can have harmful effects on women's rights, opportunities, and well-being.
She frowned at the normalisation of misogyny, even in developed nations which makes it difficult to fight the social vice.
Dr Borges in her submission noted that curbing misogyny requires a multi-faceted approach, including education, policy changes, and cultural shifts, which involves promoting respect for all genders, challenging stereotypes, supporting victims, and holding perpetrators accountable.
Goodwill messages were received from the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Elder Sunny James, as well as the State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Amos Etuk.
Media Team
AK-NAWOJ
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| The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John sandwiched by members of the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) |
The Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) has assured the new Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, ASP John Timfon, of close collaboration and support.
During a maiden visit to the Police Spokesperson, at the Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, COOPA's Chancellor, Mr. Utitofon Ukpong, led the delegation in congratulating the PPRO on her new appointment. Ukpong stressed the importance of synergy between the two organisations, noting that they share a common goal of working in the best interest of the Akwa Ibom people.
In her response, ASP John Timfon thanked COOPA for the visit and pledged her readiness to partner with online publishers and other relevant organisations in the state.
This development is expected to strengthen the relationship between COOPA and the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, promoting a more effective and collaborative approach to information dissemination and community policing.
Priscilla Akpanettot Spousal Battery is a violent act carried out by a person on their wife, husband or partner with the intent of controlli...
