UCCDA: Anietie Eka Embarks on Inspection Tour of Govt. Infrastructure

  

... promises effective use and management of facilities

Priscilla Akpanettot

The Chairman, Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), Rt. Hon. Anietie Eka, has undertaken an inspection of government infrastructure within Uyo capital city.

The tour which took place on Friday, January 19, and Tuesday, January 23, 2024 had the Executive Chairman visit and inspect

At the commencement of the tour, Rt. Hon. Eka said the action was necessary to take account of government critical infrastructure and assets in order to decipher ways of improving them, maximizing them and making them yield appropriate dividend for the government.

Moreover, he stressed that the exercise was also to clear the city of dents and make it a model city, in line with the State Governor's vision of building a smart city in Akwa Ibom State. 

Rt. Hon. Eka being shown the plan of the Ediene Ikot Obio Imo Estate (Martha's Vineyard)

 

Martha's Vineyard in Ediene Ikot Obio Imo, the Chairman made known Government's interest to boost social amenities in the estates. He therefore advised those who were yet to start work on their alloted plots to do so, to forestall a revoke of their ownership.

“His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno has granted us this opportunity to move in and provide basic amenities in this estate. If you look around, you will see that heavy-duty equipment that has been moved-in, in the last one week. 

“Governor Umo Eno is very particular about providing housing schemes for a lot of Akwa Ibom people, as enshrined in ARISE Agenda. So, we commend him for what he had been doing, and we are here to assist in interpreting his dreams and ensuring that by the end of his first term, most of his visions must have been completed”. 

The Estate which already has a functional Police Station is expected to have other amenities such as electricity, road network, malls, water, etc.

A resident of the Estate, Mrs. Comfort Nkereuwem, who spoke with journalists, appreciated Governor Umo Eno for the ongoing construction of roads in the Estate. She however appealed that other amenities be provided soon to make the Estate more comfortable for living. 

Rt. Hon. Eka interacting with the market women

When he met with roadside traders at Plaza,  Nung Oku and Itam Market, Rt. Hon. Eka stressed the imminent demolition of shanties from February 1, 2024. He advised them to use the markets and avoid the roadside, saying that their action were detrimental and stripping the city of it's beauty.

He also met with illegal motor park operators at Nung Oku and Itam Flyover, stressing the imperatives of yielding to Government's directive. 

"My visit is part of my commitment to reposition the Capital City, having received the mandate to do so from  Governor Umo Eno". 

"Its important that you respect Government directives to avoid getting into trouble. All illegal motor parks will be demolished from 1st of February so, make use of the approved Parks", he restated.

In their separate responses, the illegal park operators agreed to comply with the directive to move into the approved Parks. They however called for proper management of the Parks to ensure that they are not shortchanged.

The roadside traders also sought Government's intervention in the provision of more stalls and shops to enable them carry out their businesses.

"We won't be here if we had a better place. We have no place to go. Government should help us provide more shops because we're paying levies", one of the traders, Mrs. Uduak Jerome said.

The inspection team also visited Akpasima Estate, Afaha Offot mini Estate and John Ebiye (100 Units) Estate. They inspected the Capital City's Cemetries at Mbiokporo and Use Offot, as well as the Government approved Motor Parks at Mbiabong, Itam, Ikot Ekpe and Ikot Oku Ikono.

On "Not Greeing for anybody"

 If you're among those who've been indoctrinated by the 2024 official social media motto: "no gree for anybody"; I have a message for you.

You see, it's okay to choose ruggedity over gentility as a proof that you're not a weakling. But it's also necessary to understand that there are situations you "must gree", so you can move on.

Infact, they're situations you shouldn't think twice about "greeing" even when your rights and entitlements are involved. 

Your mental health isn't worth the stresses of "not greeing" and so is your precious life.

Not "greeing for anybody" has led many to their early graves and resulted in cascading outcomes which would have been averted if the affected persons "gree-d".

So rather than fight a lost battle or die a careless death and leave behind the vulnerable, please "gree for anybody". Then calm down and allow God fight your battle!

UCCDA Partners NURTW on Park Maintenance, Mgmt

...plans demolition of illegal parks, Feb 1

Priscilla Akpanettot

Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA) is making plans with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on proper management and maintenance of approved motor parks in the State capital.

Chairman of the Authority, Rt. Hon. Anietie Eka said this in a meeting with members of NURTW in his office on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

Lamenting the proliferation of illegal parks within Uyo Capital City, Rt. Hon. Eka said that operators of such parks were constituting a nuisance to the society and grounding Government's efforts at keeping the capital city clean. 

"One way to sanitize Uyo Capital City is to get rid of such vices. We want to maintain our legacy of cleanliness especially because our State Governor, Pst Umo Eno is particular about tourism", he stated.

He therefore told NURTW  of his team's planned inspection of approved parks in the State, ahead of their intensive road-drive which will commence in February.

"Starting from 1st of February, we will stop operators of illegal parks in the capital city and drive them into the approved parks. But we will come for inspection first to be sure that the parks are useful and can accommodate those we'll be driving off the streets", he assured.

Promising them an effective synergy, the UCCDA Chairman agreed to incorporate some members of the NURTW into the UCCDA team to enable them chart a course on areas of collaboration. He said the incorporation was necessary to help both organizations achieve their objectives.

Earlier, the Chairman, NURTW, Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Uwem Umo Inyang pledged the Union's support for UCCDA's plans for the motorparks and it's leadership. He was corroborated by the NURTW Chairman in Itu, Eld. Timothy Udoh who lamented the menace of illegal motor park operators.

"It is sad that motorparks built with our taxes are left empty while some have been vandalised by hoodlums. Meanwhile, these parks were sited at the sub-urbans so that the capital city can be clean. But it seems like that plan has now been defeated", he explained.

Among other things, the NURTW also made a case for maintenance of the parks to prevent them from wearing out.  

Their request was assented to by the Secretary, UCCDA, Mr. Anietie Akpan who told them that plans were underway on that.

The meeting was attended by Board members of the UCCDA, members of NURTW and heads of motor parks in Uyo Capital City.

Akwa Ibom Photographer Wins 3rd Place at 2023 International Close Up Photographer Of The Year Photo Contest

 

Joseph Macro

An Akwa Ibom photographer, David Joseph has clinched the 3rd place spot, Animals category at the 2023 edition of Close-up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY). 

The Close-Up Photographer Of The Year (CUPOTY) is a yearly global photo competition that celebrates close-up, macro, and micro photography, where tiny creatures and things (or tiny parts of larger things), are captured to reveal details our naked eyes can't pick therefore revealing the hidden wonder of the world.

Winning Images for Animal Catergory

The winners and Top 100 pictures of its 5th edition were announced on Tuesday, January 9, via the contests' official website, with David Joseph making the list in the Animal category of the CUPOTY with his flawless "Natural Architecture", a picture of a sac spider in a curled and webbed grass.

David's Joseph winning image; a sac spider in a curled and webbed grass

According to the CUPOTY website, It took over 20 hours of Zoom calls with 23 judges looking at 11,870 photographs to create what is the best survey yet of close-up, macro, and micro photography in the world across 11 categories from 67 countries.  

"Personally, I think this is our best collection of winning images yet, and I’m so grateful to those who entered as it allows us to see and learn from their work and to recognize how incredible and surprising the world is", says CUPOTY co-founder Tracy Calder.

David, a native of Ikot Annung in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State and a 2023 English Education graduate from the University of Uyo had won Akwa Ibom State Professional Photographers and Cinematographers Guild (ASPPACG) Macro Photographer Of The Year Award, 2022 edition. 

Robberfly by David Joseph

He hopes to make more people, especially our young ones aware and understand these little creatures, and replace fear with fascination, through his photos, future exhibitions and workshops, as well as activities in nature conservation programs, as these bugs, which are the unseen heroes of our world are essential to not just our survival, but continuity of the earth. See his works on Instagram: @abcdee_david.

PRESS RELEASE

 

CONFERENCE OF ONLINE PUBLISHERS IN AKWA IBOM STATE (COOPA)

4th January, 2023.

2024: A YEAR TO MOVE FORWARD

As we come into the New Year, 2024, the Conference Of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA), welcomes all Akwa Ibomites to a fresh journey where hope should be renewed with a sense of purpose, focus and clarity on the ideals that will drive the wheels of development in our dear state to a desired destination.

COOPA wishes to commend the efforts of the present administration led by Pastor Umo Eno, who has been proactive in delivering on the pillars of the A.R.I.S.E Agenda mantra in the Agricultural sector, especially, with the establishment of Ibom Model Farm; ecological intervention projects; education; infrastructural development; Aviation; Power; Man power development with the payment of gratuities; Health; Tourism; ICT; and Security. 

On security, we wish to salute the forward steps of the state government to boost security by putting in place the Ibom Community Watch programme, the signing into law of the Akwa Ibom Security Trust Fund Bill, and the recent launch of the Akwa Ibom State Waterways Security Assets. It is also pertinent to emphasise that these machineries should be put into optimal use in securing lives and properties of the citizenry and residents of the State. Government should redouble efforts to  tame the spate of insecurity and ensure the release of the remaining Corps members kidnapped on their way to the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as in the case of the State High Court Judge, Justice Unwana Joy.

Importantly, too, we urge the government to prioritise the establishment of stable ICT platforms for the teeming youths of the state, in line with 21st century technological  innovation and revolution. With the 'Bill for a Law to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Bureau for ICT, Innovation and Emerging Technologies (AKIBCT)' before the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, we believe, when passed, more opportunities for job creation, skills acquisition and intellectual engagement of the youths will be achieved, while crime rate will be reduced to the barest minimum.

COOPA hopes to remain an impartial partner in the development process of Akwa Ibom State and looks forward to a more productive year, even as we collectively work to foster democratic dividends to our people. 

Signed:

Mr. Utitofon Ukpong,

Chancellor.

Comrade Priscilla Akpanettot,

Secretary

The Struggle Continues

 

The struggle for survival, relevance,  permanence, independence, power, occupancy, headship and so on, continues.

Whatever you'll be struggling for this Year, do not rub the outcome on the faces of those who won't meet up with you.

Don't make anyone feel they can't be anywhere close to your space. Don't act or play God.

Remember you don't, and won't have it all. 

We will all get there in our appointed time.

Allow people breathe!

Hundred Youth to Get Interest-free Loans as DIF Launches Free Digital Skill Training in Uyo

 

…Registration for training to last throughout Jan. 2024

 Priscilla Akpanettot

No fewer than a hundred participants who attended the inauguration of the Digital Innovative Forum (DIF) on Sunday, December 24, 2023 will benefit first-hand from the interest-free loans the organization will roll-out in no time, the Chief Executive Officer of DIF, Prince Godwin Tommy has said.

Tommy who spoke shortly after the inauguration held at Vinpy Event Centre in Uyo informed that DIF will soon be partnering with international organizations for support and sponsorship. “When the loan is approved, the participants here will be the first batch of people who will benefit from it and it will be interest-free”, he said.

The Digital Innovative Forum is a three-fold package which includes training on digital communication skills, study-and-work-abroad programme (anchored by ProU Education, India) as well as affordable real estate and land banking schemes.

According to Mr. Tommy, registration for the skills will last throughout the month of January, 2024, while the training will commence in February and last for four months.

He said the skills to be learnt for free are Web 3.0, Content creation and Plagiarism checks, while those to be paid for are Artificial Intelligence, Digital Marketing, UIUX, Cloud Computing, Web Design and Development, Graphics and Design, Animation, Data Analysis as well as Digital Publishing and Printing.

He urged members of the public to see the DIF opportunity as a platform to up their skills and position themselves for relevance in the global workspace in order not to cut-off from digital realities.

“The training will be done online and only few people will be taken after a qualifying test has been conducted. It is open to everyone but you must pass the test. We’ll send a link to people on our WhatsApp group to register for the test”, he explained, adding that the link will be dropped on their Facebook page @Digital Innovative Forum to accommodate those who could not attend the inauguration.

Appraising the DIF, a Corporate Communications expert and PR luminary, Mr. Umoh Joshua described digital communication as one of the biggest emerging industries of the 21st century which offers lots of opportunity for the Nigerian youth population.

“From digital marketing to data science, web development, app building, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, animation, digital publishing and printing; there are plenty opportunities that today’s youths can utilize to gain employment or provide employment for themselves”, he expressed.  

“Through digital communications, lots of innovative solutions to real life problems are offered online for fees…people who are able to offer innovative solutions to other people’s problem get handsomely rewarded and digital communication is making it very easy for those with problems to meet those with solutions to their problems. Metaphorically speaking, digitally engineered innovative solution is the new hydrocarbon reservoir or the 21st century oil well”, he posited.

For this, he charged participants to key into the offerings of the DIF to amass wealth for themselves. “The only two things separating you that is not making any money from those who are making money via the machination of digital communication are skills and opportunities. Those two missing links are what Digital Innovative Forum (DIF) has come to offer”, he enthused.

Umoh who was the inaugural lecturer at the event was speaking on “Digital Communications and Innovative Solutions to the Double Jeopardy of Poverty and Almajirism in Nigeria: The DIF Paradigm”. He stressed that the switch to digital skills was one way in which people can move out of what he termed ‘almajirism’; a pattern of Islamic education colloquially used to describe a system that supports alms-giving which he noted to be a major challenge in Akwa Ibom State. Thus, he gave credence to the Initiator's standpoint on self-dependency. 

It would be recalled that Prince Godwin Tommy had in his brief prior to the event said the initiative was meant to empower and position the youth for handsome financial take-homes.

"We’re trying to ensure that youths of the State and University students are empowered by our digital skills where they can work remotely and earn in dollars while they are still studying. My main goal is to bring digital skills to every young Akwa Ibomite and to help them say no to urgent 2k and ‘my leader, my leader’ attitude”, he stated.

“We are also doing this in support of Governor Umo Eno’s administration to help curb unemployment and poverty among youths in the State. We want to see a way of helping them acquire highly demanded, saleable and highly sought-after digital skills that would make them self-reliant and independent”, he stressed.

Tommy who spoke extensively on the DIF furthered that it was a three-fold package which includes the study-and-work-abroad program; a package that aids students secure admission, obtain a visa and combine work and schooling overseas, while offering them loans payable within 5-10 years after study.

The third package of the Digital Innovative Forum according to the progenitor is the real estate innovation which allows a person to acquire a 100sqm sized portion of land at the rate of N100,000 with yearly Return on Investment of 30% after it has appreciated.

He therefore encouraged members of the public to take advantage of it's offerings on grounds that they were legitimate and certified by the Akwa Ibom State Government as a Cooperative and by Corporate Affairs Commission as a Non-Governmental Organisation.

Earlier, the Chairman on the occasion, Pst. AB Isong threw his weight behind the initiative and prayed for it's progress, while calling on participants to support it by spreading the message.

An offshoot of GT Technology, DIF is in partnership with ProU Education (India) and has an NGO arm christened Ephafresh Foundation.

The event featured the unveiling of the DIF inauguration plague, award presentation to deserving key players and a Paper presentation by Eduek Bassey on "The Impact of Technological Development on Access to Justice".

Prince Godwin Tommy can be reached via: +234 906 000 8331 or digitalinnovativeforum@gmail.com for further information.