NGO Unveils Jackfruit Value Chain

 

...Seeks Govt. Support/Sponsorship

Priscilla Akpanettot

A Non-governmental Organization has unveiled Jackfruit's value chain products to encourage the consumption and usage of the fruit by persons of all ages. In the Value Chain are seedling, fruits, nuts, roots, chips, smoothie juice, Jackvita (Swallow), flour and the Jack supplement.

The NGO, named WINCO (Women in Nature Conservation) is an indigenous women-led organisation dedicated to environmental conservation  regeneration, restoration, Agro-forestry renewable epergy, capacity building and mentoring  of future conservation leaders.

According to its Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Emem Umoh who spoke at the maiden exhibition of the Jackfruit on Thursday, October 12, 2023; the NGO deemed it timely and necessary to organize the first ever exhibition of Jackfruit value chain products to showcase to Akwa Ibomites, Nigerians  and Africans its untapped potentials.

She described Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam) as a widely cultivated fruit in tropical and sub-tropical areas worldwide, with a characteristic flavor, delightful taste and highly versatile function ranging from food and medicine to the provision of several value-added products. 

"In spite of the many benefits the plant offers, Jackfruit is underused, undervalued and underutilized. It has not been sufficiently incorporated in the general food system, partly because of gaps in processing, distribution and knowledge about utilization methods and nutritional and nutraceutical value, and no other organization in Africa and within Nigeria is adding value to Jackfruit", she lamented.

Briefing members of the Press on the fruit's potentials, the Jackfruit Fair convener listed 10 health benefits of the fruit to include:  boosting the immune system, protection against cancer, aiding healthy digestion, maintenance of a healthy eye and skin, lowering blood pressure, boosting energy, treatment of asthma, prevention of anaemia, strengthening of the bones as well as the maintenance of a healthy thyroid.

"Jackfruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful nutrient which helps protect against viral and bacterial infections. Vitamin C helps to boost immune system by supporting the white blood cells function. One cup of jackfruit can supply the body with a very good amount of this powerful antioxidant".

"In addition to containing vitamin C, Jackfruit is also rich in phytonutrients, such as lignans, isoflavones and saponins, which are have anti-cancer and anti-aging properties. These phytonutrients may help eliminate cancer-causing free radicals from the body and slow the degeneration of cells that can lead to degenerative diseases".

"Jackfruit is also known to contain anti-ulcer properties which help cure ulcers and digestive disorders. In addition, the present of high fiber in the jackfruit prevents constipation and helps in smooth bowel movements. These fibers also offer protection against colon mucous membrane by removing the carcinogenic chemicals from the large intestine (colon)".

"Jackfruit contains vitamin A, a powerful nutrient which is known to maintain a healthy eye and skin. It also helps prevent vision-related problems such as macular degeneration and night blindness".

"The potassium contained in jackfruit has been found to be helpful in lowering blood pressure and thus reducing the risk of heart attack as well as stroke".

"Jackfruit is considered as an energy boosting fruit due to the presence of simple sugars like fructose and sucrose which give you an almost immediate energy boost. Although jackfruit is an energy boosting fruit, it contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, making it one of the healthy fruits to savor".

"The root of jackfruit has been found useful in helping those who suffer from asthma. To treat this condition, you need to boil the jackfruit root and drink it. Alternatively, you may use the extract of jackfruit root orally to treat asthma".

"The iron in jackfruit helps to prevent anemia and also helps in proper blood circulation in the body".

"Jackfruit is rich in magnesium, a nutrient which is important in the absorption of calcium and work with calcium to help strengthen the bone and prevent bone related disorders such as osteoporosis".

"Copper plays an important role in the thyroid metabolism, especially in hormone production and absorption. Also, copper is required for the synthesis of phospholipids, which are needed for the stimulation of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). Therefore, correct levels are vital to prevent thyroid problems, and jackfruit is loaded with this important micromineral", she explained.

"Jackfruit is also rich in important nutrient like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Magnesium and many other nutrients", she added.

"When the Jackfruit is opened, you will find the bright yellow pods (when ripe) which can be eaten raw or cooked. When unripe its flesh is green, and it can be made into a delicious vegetable dish", she disclosed. 

Regretting that the fruit production and value addition are relatively under-developed despite the fruit tree’s availability and high yield potential, high nutritional value, nutraceutical and techno-functional properties, Mrs. Umoh stated that the Fair

was the ideal forum to promote aggressive development of Jackfruit plantations locally and regionally, saying it would provide ecosystem services, promote sustainable livelihoods, provide employment, enhance food security and build climate resilience. 

"This exhibition will serve as a platform to engage, educate, train, empower, and provide sustainable livelihood options to Akwa Ibom people, Nigerians and Africans with comprehensive insight into the potentials and versatility of Jackfruit",  she informed.

On their own, the CEO alongside her team has trained eighty four (84) women from three (3) communities in Essien Udim Local Government Area where she comes from, and  inaugurated a 200-hectare plantation of Jackfruit trees, in collaboration with the Community Heads, as part of efforts to enhance livelihood and build resilience.

She therefore called on African leaders, policy makers, financiers, indigenous leaders, women leaders, practitioners and the private sector to support the innovation. 

Meanwhile, the Jackfruit campaigner has called on the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno to adopt Jackfruit plantation development as part of the ARISE strategic action plan. 

She explained that the Governor's involvement in the project would go a long way in enhancing his agricultural development plans in the rural area, and donated 500 seedlings of the fruit as takeoff for any private or Government establishment who would key into Jackfruit farming.

"As an NGO, we are contributing our quota to the development of of our dear state by providing this platform where women and  young people could acquire some skills that could make them self-reliant. That's why we are trying to build cottage industries in one of the villages in the state. To achieve this we need industrial dryer and cutting machines and these are the areas we will need the government and other spirited individuals to come in to assist and provide some level of support to help us achieve these dream", she canvassed.

The Jackfruit Fair was graced by Prince Ukpong Akpabio, represented by Lady Imelda Otong; the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, represented by Barr. Iquo Abia; State Comptroller of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Ntoide; Director, Climate Change of the State Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Ini Umoh and a representative of FeyRep, Mrs. Aniefiok Jackson.

For Sponsorship, Partnership and Patronage on any of the value chain, Mrs. Emem Umoh can be reached via: 08060564026

AKHA Clerk Endorses 2023 NAWOJ National Conference

 ...Says it will contribute to Quality Legislative Reportages

Mary Ekere

The Clerk of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mrs Nsikakabasi Orok has endorsed the 2023 National Conference of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ billed for November, 2023 at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja

The Clerk who received some Executive and members of the Association in her office, Assembly Complex today, Thursday said participation at the event and knowledge to be gathered, especially by Legislative Reporters will impact on the quality of legislative reportages to be churned out thereafter.

"I applaud NAWOJ for organising the National Conference and members of the State Council for considering to attend Abuja Conference which will add to their wealth of knowledge and in turn, impact on the quality of reportages that will be churned out about the Legislature.

"I have heard so much about NAWOJ and known it for a long time right from my school days. I am happy with NAWOJ activities and especially, as you have chosen to celebrate yourselves this period.

"My doors are always open to you and I will support you as much as I can in your activities", Mrs Nsikakabasi Orok said.

The Clerk had also appreciated Mercy Obot -a member of NAWOJ writing for the Crystal Express for listing her as one of the 36 Amazons during the symbolic celebration of the State's Creation Anniversary. 

Speaking earlier, Chairman of NAWOJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsikak Okon said the familiarisation visit was necessary to "seek collaboration between the Clerk and NAWOJ in order to foster the continuous growth of the society.

"NAWOJ is made up of Women Journalists from various media outfits who, aside from writing compelling stories and informing the public also project and advocate for women, girls and the less privileged in the society. We also task ourselves to give back to the society. So far, we have organised several advocacies and sensitisation programmes for girls, boys and the society as a whole".

The NAWOJ Chairman had also intimated the Clerk of the Association's event for December, 2023 and the National Delegates Conference slated for November, 2023 at Abuja and sought sponsorships for members especially, Legislative Reporters reporting the Assembly.

In attendance at the courtesy visit, the Deputy Clerk, Mr had acknowledged the activities of the Journalists by escalating the programmes of the House positively to a wider audience simultaneously, causing the House to be heard and seen. He solicited for more as they journey forward.

Ex First Lady, Senator, Dara Atang for Federated Chapel Week

 

Mrs. Funmi Idongesit Nkanga

As the D.Day for the Federated Chapel week draws closer, more personalities have endorsed and indicated strong interest to attend and actively participate in the weeklong activities with Senator for Eket Senatorial District Barr Ekong Sampson, Ph.D and former First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency Mrs. Funmi Idongesit Nkanga and the Senior Pastor of God's House of Refuge Mrs. Dara Ezekiel Atang leading the pack.

Speaking with the Planning Committee of the weeklong event, Senator Ekong Sampson described the Federated Chapel as his home adding that he always feel excited identifying with his professional Colleagues in the media.

The Senator described the Nsibiet John led administration as a focused and dynamic one which has rewritten the story of the Chapel and placed it on a ladder of excellence.

He said that the theme of the 2023 Federated Chapel week which is Navigating the Socio Economic Challenges of Post Subsidy Era in Akwa Ibom State, is apt and very educating.

He emphasized that the quality of Speakers lined up for that day is an indication that the Chapel is ready to contribute positively towards the discourse on Akwa Ibom and her future. 

Senator Sampson maintained that he will ensure that he attends, learns and contributes positively to the success of the event and the Chapel.

For the Wife of the former Military Administrator of the State Her Excellency Mrs. Funmi Idongesit Nkanga, the Federated Chapel's choice of the theme for the event signals that the Chapel is ready to use it's professional etiquettes towards informing, educating, enlightening and sustaining the peace in Akwa Ibom State.

Mrs. Nkanga who is billed as one of the panelists in a panel discussion on the theme of the event said, she feels honoured to be so invited to speak to Journalists and by extension Nigerians. She praised the leadership of the Chapel and urged them to do more in the area of sensitization of the people and the need for proper information disemination and management. Funmi Nkanga promised to ensure that the best is made out of the symposium the Chapel intends to hold.

The Federated Chapel week begins on Monday 6th November and shall end on Sunday 12th November with a thanksgiving service at the God's House of Refuge, Ikot Ebido Oku, Uyo Local Government Area.

Federated Chapel Hails COOPA on New Developments

The Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has congratulated one of its members, Mr. Ifreke Nseowo, for successfully completing his eight-year term as Chancellor of the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA).

The Chapel has also extended its goodwill to two of its members, Mrs Priscilla Akpanettot and Mr Uwakmfon Dan, on their appointment and election, respectively, into the group's Exco, led by the new Chancellor, Mr. Utitofon Ukpong.

The felicitation is contained in a communique issued at the end of the Chapel's Congress held on Thursday, at the NUJ Secretariat, Information Drive, Uyo.

The communique signed by the Chairman of the Chapel reads; "Congress also congratulates Comrade Ifreke Nseowo, the Publisher of TheMail Newspaper for successfully berthing his meritorious tenure as the Pioneer Chancellor of the Conference of Online Publishers, COOPA, and extended same to the newly elected Chancellor, Mr. Utitofon Morgan and all members of the Chapel including Comrades Uwakmfon Dan as Publicity Secretary and Priscilla Akpanettot who got elected into the COOPA Executive for a four-year term."

The COOPA election held last weekend, during the 2023 Conference of the group in Eket with the theme “The Future of Social Media: Exploring Emerging Platforms, Technologies and the Landscape."

Journalists Launch Advocacy Campaign on Girl-Child Day

…Celebrate 36 Akwa Ibom Girls

Priscilla Akpanettot

A team of Journalists have launched an advocacy campaign on personal/menstrual hygiene and breast/cervical cancer, to celebrate Akwa Ibom Girl-children on the occasion of the International Day of the Girl-Child.

The team comprising five young journalists visited EKMA Royal Schools, Off Nelson Mandela Road, Itam on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 with dozens of sanitary materials including face towels, sanitary pads, shaving stick and edibles for over 50 girls.

Speaking on the theme for this year’s Girl-Child Day celebration – “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Wellbeing”, the team leader, Comrade Priscilla Akpanettot described the Girl-Child as a specie endangered by stereotypical perceptions which could deter them from attaining leadership positions in a male-dominated society.

“We are Girl-children who have waded through some of these widely-held stereotypes to be what we are today; fierce, bold and undaunted. So we want you all to know what lies ahead of you and how you can surmount them”, she said.

She described investment in the Girl-Child as one of the best things to ever happen in recent times, citing high-ranking female figures such as Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Late Dora Akunyili, among others as examples.

She then encouraged the girls to dream big, stay committed and focused on their education, while maintaining positive attitudinal behaviours that would enhance their achievement of set objectives and support from the male folks.

Stirring them on the can-do spirit of the Girl-Child, Comrade Mary Ekere told the girls that they could be whatever they choose to be if they so wish. She described the road to success as one filled with several detours which would only be surmounted by hard work and determination. To further motivate the girls, she shared with them her success story in previous years and recalled her journey to her present societal status.

“You are what you say you are. If you see yourself a looser or a failure, every other person sees you as such. But if you say you’re a winner, the world celebrates you”, she maintained.    

At the occasion, Comrade Mercy Obot  spoke extensively on Breast/Cervical Cancer and taught the Girls how to self- examine their breasts. She also spoke on the need for Girls aged 9-14 Years to get vaccinated against Cervical Cancer on October 26th, 2023, saying it is free of charge at any Government Health Centre.

Comrade Ekemini Emem Akpan  spoke on Personal Hygiene, while Comrade AmadieUdoakpan Itohowo Godwin  drilled the Girls on self-defense against sexual harassment and attack.

In their separate responses on behalf of the Girls, the School’s Senior Prefect, Victory Ogbonna and another Senior Girl, Chosen Obeten expressed satisfaction at the knowledge imparted by the Journalists. They said the explanations given were detailed and practical, and would linger in their memories for a long while. The Senior Girl particularly said that her self-confidence has been boosted, while the Senior Prefect said the program has given them hope for a better future.

Earlier, the Vice Principal of EKMA Royal Schools, Mr. Ndarake Jonathan had welcomed the team and lauded them for choosing the School for the Campaign. He expressed delight at their initiative and declared himself a core advocate of the Girl-Child.

“I am one person who supports the education of the Girl-Child because I know what an enlightened woman can do, and I have female children. You people who have come to us are typical examples of an enlightened Girl-Child and the message you have brought today is practical. The Girls will see you as their role models and take you serious”, he said.

He prayed God’s unending blessings on them and called on his male counterparts to support and invest in the Girl-Child.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of bag packs to 36 of the Girls, in commemoration of Akwa Ibom’s 36 Anniversary.

Bloggers, Online Publishers are not shielded from the law of libel, defamation - Ibanga Isine

...calls for self-regulation, responsible reportage

Priscilla Akpanettot

Veteran Journalist and  Managing Editor of  Guardpost Nigeria, Ibanga Isine has warned that those who own and manage blogs as well as those who publish news items online are not in anyway shielded from the law of libel and defamation.

He said this when he addressed the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) at their 2023 Convention which held over the weekend in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

The Keynote Speaker who spoke via a zoom session on the theme "The Future of Social Media: Exploring Emerging Platforms, Technologies, and the Landscape"; described a blog as a digital platform which allows individuals or organisations to express and share their thoughts, ideas and experiences on a wide range of topics.

Members of COOPA at the Conference

"Can a blog be considered a medium of mass communication? The answer is yes and that is because technology has removed the barrier that once restricted mass communication practice to journalists, editors, and filmmakers", he explained. 

"Today, laypeople can use digital platforms to share their feelings, thoughts, information and ideas with a large and broadly dispersed group of people for a little or no cost. Now...if blogging is a kind of mass communication, are bloggers who create and share information, ideas, and content subject to the same values, laws, and rules as other forms of mass communication? The answer is still yes", he said.

"If communications and media law encompasses all legal issues affecting the media and telecommunications industries, such as free speech, defamation, copyright, and censorship, stalking, bullying, privacy, and national security, are bloggers immune from liability if they violate the law?

The answer this time around is no. Here lies the reason many bloggers and online publishers have continued to be caught on the other side of the law", he pointed. 

Describing the theme of the Conference as timely and incisive, the renowned Journalist said it was a call to COOPA members and journalists in the state "to upskill, cross-skill, and receive hands-on learning required to remain relevant, deliver value, and make profit in a highly disruptive global media ecosystem".

He dismissed the notion held by some bloggers that they live in a world of their own and are largely disconnected from the broader framework, values and practices of the media or mass communication, stressing that such perception is "extremely dangerous and could harm not only the blogger or online publisher, but also lead to the breakdown of law and order". 

He therefore called on members of the organization to be more responsible content creators and become more valuable by acquiring requisite skills that would enhance their  relevance in the highly competitive media space.

"Young and upcoming bloggers and content creators like you have reason to be worried, as major media corporations now deploy top-tier services of professionals and leverage their wide connections in corporate and political circles to pursue the huge amount of advertising revenue flooding into the blogging industry. While it is true that you cannot compete with them on equal footing, there are still steps you can take to ensure your own success, continued relevance, and financial gain. You must innovate, create, and serve".

"When deciding what to post next, it's important to think about the people who will be exposed to the content, how the content will affect them, and how to minimise the negative impacts while amplifying any positive ones".

Furthermore, Mr. Ibanga Isine charged his audience to refrain from being used as political tools of public office holders, adding that a lot of bloggers' arrest and detainment can be traced to their unholy matrimony with politicians.

"You must stop being mouth organs of politicians and do not deploy your platforms to fight their dirty wars. You will agree with me that a lot of the problems you have encountered as a blogger can be traced back to the materials you obtained from politically exposed persons or the posts you made about politically exposed persons. I will not fail to call out media aides to government officials and other individuals who breed crises for a living by giving false scoops and inflammatory stories to both bloggers and journalists. When these narratives are published and they spark a crisis, they go to their bosses and extort them under the pretense of handling the situation they created", he maintained. 

"Some of these maggots in the political murky pond have never had a significant career or trade other than functioning as errand boys and purveyors of propaganda. You must avoid these people for they do not mean well for you and the society".

Consequently, he called on Government Officials to cease from rewarding such persons as their aides, saying they operate the dark media and put Journalists and bloggers into trouble.

"It is past time for the government of Akwa Ibom State, and indeed governments at all levels across the country, to stop rewarding misconduct by appointing people who insult, lampoon, and malignr citizens who criticise the government with the genuine intention of wanting them to deliver on the promise of good governance. When appointed, these individuals operate the dark media within the government's air-conditioned offices, fabricating reports against perceived enemies of the government. Such stories put journalists and bloggers in trouble".

Subsequently, Isine advised COOPA to shield itself from the influence of such people in the corridors of power, by establishing a set of ethical guidelines, a code of conduct, or a set of principles to govern their activities and promote ethical standards within their community. 

"The establishment of such a framework would not only enhance the reputation of practitioners, but also serve as an indication of their professionalism. If your members are not immune from punishment for contravening the rules and regulations that govern the operations of the media and telecommunications sectors, then no one should advise you to create a framework to protect yourselves", he stated. 

Meanwhile, the veteran gave the organization a thumbs up for being upbeat in the discharge of their functions and towing the part of professionalism. 

"Let me remark that between 2015 and now, the Akwa Ibom State blogging community, under the aegis of COOPA, has done an excellent job of cleaning up the practice. I am glad to note that some of our criticisms sparked a sort of revival in the Conference, with many completing programmes in journalism and related media disciplines". 

"For this, I would like to acknowledge my brother, Chancellor Nsewo, and his team for providing the quality leadership that has helped COOPA become what it is today. They have done an excellent job of reorienting and 

rebranding what was once a motley crew of online warriors into a body of responsible and respected bloggers and online publishers". 

He wished the organization well and urged them to keep up on capacity development, reminding that every investment one makes to improve his/herself and the society offers returns in more than one currency. 

"But as you work on that investment, never leave your door open for someone to turn off your light", Ibanga Isine maintained.

At the Conference, a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court, Ekemini Udim also presented a Paper on "The Legal Burden of Online Publishing and the increasing Scourge of Harassment faced by Bloggers and Social Media Influencers. 

Other Papers presented were on "Product Development and Prototyping" by Hanson Johnson; "Empowering Women in Tech: Bridging the Gender Gap" by EnoAbasi Emah and another by Idongesit Essien

Goodwill messages were received from COOPA's Patron, Mr. Akan Okon; Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Brand Management and Marketing, Sir. Ralph Edem; General Manager, Villa Marina Hotel, Mr. Carnice Ezirim and Ace broadcaster, Mr. Mr. Eshiet Rockefeller Nsudo.

Utitofon Morgan Promises Improved Welfare, Capacity Devt for COOPA

 

The newly sworn-in Chancellor of the Conference of Online Publishers of Akwa Ibom State (COOPA), Utitofon Morgan has promised to improve the welfare and develop the capacity of members of the professional body.

He gave the assurances while giving an acceptance speech after he was declared winner of the election, conducted by the Darlington Udobong led Electoral Committee of COOPA

Morgan pulled a total number of 28 votes against his co-contender, Nelson NseAbasi who gathered 11 votes in a keenly contested election, held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Eden Hotel, Eket.

Utitofon Morgan and publisher of Sitippe ke Akwa Ibom blog takes over from Ifreke Nseowo, COOPA's foremost Chancellor who presided over the affairs of the organization for 8 years. Under the Nseowo-led administration, Morgan served as Chairman of the standing committee, a Committee responsible for human capacity development in the organization.

In his speech, Morgan said the focus of his administration will be on Human Capital Development. He explained that members will be provided with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their careers and make positive impact in their communities.

"By investing in our members' development, we are investing in the future of our organization and our state".

"I will work with everyone in this room for the betterment of COOPA. We will operate an open-door policy where every COOPA member is carried along in the scheme of things and given a sense of belonging. Ours shall be a consultative and listening administration", he promised.

While expressing eagerness to work, he called on members of the organization to support his passion, and solicited their cooperation at all times. 

Earlier, the outgoing Chancellor, Ifreke Nseowo had charged Morgan to maintain and sustain COOPA's tempo of exceptionalism. He stressed that the organization has come a long way and has stood out as a brand to be identified with.

He also advised his successor to strengthen the bond of brotherhood among members and ensure to fulfill his campaign promises.

Utitofon Morgan's tenure now has Prince Simeon Akpan as Vice Chancellor, Ifiok Itiaba as Assistant Secretary, Enwono-Abasi Elisha as Treasurer, Saviour Nathaniel as Financial Secretary, Uwakmfon Dan as PRO 1 and Itoro Bassey as PRO 2.

The election marked the end of the 2023 COOPA Convention themed "The Future of Social Media: Exploring Emerging Platforms, Technologies, and the Landscape".