Samuel Efanga, others rejoin PDP

 

Itoro Bassey

A former commissioner for science and technology in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Samuel Efanga, on Saturday, rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ending his sojourn in the opposition party in the state. 

Mr Efanga returned to the PDP alongside top All Progressives Congress (APC), Young Progressives Party (YPP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) politicians from Offot 1 Ward 6, including Hon. Michael Edem.

They attributed their decision to rejoin the PDP to the magnanimous nature of Governor Umo Eno and the open-door policy of Prince Enobong Uwah, the Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government (SSG).

The meeting witnessed the presence of key figures in the Uyo political landscape, including Prince Enobong Uwah, the Political Leader of Uyo Local Government Area, and Hon. Monday Eyo, the Deputy Political Leader. 

Additionally, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, the Chairman of the Uyo Local Government Transition Committee, and Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo, the member representing Uyo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, attended the meeting. They spoke in support of their return and welcomed them back to the party.

Notable attendees also included Obong Paul Ekpo, a former PDP State Chairman and National Assembly member; Obong Uduak Edim, the State PDP Officer, as well as various aides of the governor and other political stakeholders from Ward 6 in Uyo Local Government Area.

Uyo Chairman convenes staff meeting, emphasizes commitment to service

  

The Chairman of the Uyo Local Government Transition Committee, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, at the Council's general staff meeting held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, emphasized the importance of delivering excellent service to the people. 

As he addressed the gathering, Dr. Udo reflected on the Council's achievements over the past year. However, he also touched on several critical issues that needed attention. 

The Chairman highlighted the menace of certificate racketeering, stressing the need for integrity and professionalism. He urged the staff to approach their work with a renewed sense of dedication and passion, emphasizing the significance of their role in the local government service.

"Let us treat the infrastructure we have with care, as if it were our own," Dr. Udo passionately implored. "These resources belong to all of us, and we must respect and protect them."

Dr. Udo also took a moment to express his gratitude to the Governor Pst. Umo Eno for his desire to build lodges for Local Government Chairmen across the state and the agricultural initiative for Uyo local government area. 

He revealed that land had already been donated for these projects, showcasing the commitment of the Council to progress and development.

Dr. Udo acknowledged the dedication of his staff, and he commended their support and recognized the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Uyo Branch, for their generous donation of 10 bags of cement towards the construction of the works, lands and housing office block. 

The meeting also featured a solemn thanksgiving service, where various departments, including the Chairman of NULGE, Uyo Branch, Mrs Emem Ekiko, paid tribute to Dr. Udo's exceptional leadership. 

The Administrative, Finance and Supply, and Health departments, among others, led by the Head of Local Government Service, Mrs. Imaobong Antai, expressed their admiration and appreciation for the Chairman's guidance.

Intercessory prayers were offered for the Chairman and his family, Uyo Local Government Area, the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, and members of the political class.

Also in attendance at the occasion were the wife of the Chairman, Mrs. Akaninyene Uwemedimo; Vice Chairman, Mrs Sylvia Ekong; Transition Commitee Secretary, Mr Ubong Udofia, members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Uyo Chapter, led by Rev. Patrick Eyo, members of Uyo Local Government Transition Commitee, and Supervisors, among others.

Media Unit

Office of the Chairman, Transition Commitee

Uyo Local Government Area.

GBV: State Mgmt Committee Trains Resource Persons on Media Engagement

...Aim for effective media representation in 2024

Priscilla Akpanettot

Worried at the alarming increase in  Gender-based Violence (GBV) in the State, the Akwa Ibom State Gender-based Violence Management Committee has staged a training for persons who would engage with the media on issues pertaining to sexual and gender issues. 

Held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at Ann's Haven in Uyo, the training was put together to ease the task of media engagements on few people, and to spread the reach of SGBV messages.

In her opening remarks, Director, Department of Sexual and Gender-based Violence and Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State GBV Management Committee, Barr. Emem Ette lamented the shortage of advocates On-Air. She recalled that during the last 16 days of advocacy against SGBV, a good number of airtime slots were missed due to unavailability of resource persons.

"We need more voices to speak to the ills ongoing in the society hence this training", she said.

She therefore called on the trainees to take good advantage of the training in preparation for media engagements subsequently.

Participants were taught how to prepare for media engagements, how to conduct themselves On-Air and how to speak in public.

While Barr. Emem Ette spoke on issues surrounding the concept of gender, gender issues and trends; Comrade Uduak Ekong, Chairperson AKBC TV Chapel of the NUJ gave an overview of the types of media and their characteristics. She made a case for the use of the electronic medium on grounds of the immediacy it affords in the dissemination of SGBV messages.

The Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Social Reorientation, Mr. Aniekeme Finbarr educated the attendees on the four types of public speaking and gave useful hints on how to improve one's public speaking skills overtime; while Mrs. Nkoyo Umoh of Breakthrough Action Nigeria, took the trainees on practical steps in preparing for media engagements.

In their separate reactions, participants at the breakout session were excited to share their feedback on the training. They expressed readiness to take-up the responsibility of media advocacy and assured that the knowledge imparted in them would be put to effective use.

The training was put together in collaboration with the Coalition against GBV, with support from Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma Empowerment Foundation.

Pst. Patience Eno to Partner MWAN in Fight against Breast Cancer

The wife of Governor Pastor Patience Umo Eno receiving the T-shirt for the 2024 cancer solidarity walkathon from the 16th President of Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, MWAN, Akwa Ibom State Branch, Dr Uduak Usanga at the prayer meeting

The wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, has indicated her interest in partnering with the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN),Akwa Ibom State Branch, in the fight against breast cancer. 

The First Lady made this known on Thursday, January 25, 2024, during the January edition of the Akwa Ibom State Women Monthly Prayer meeting tagged 'Glory Without Bounds' which held at Government House Banquet Hall, Uyo, in response to a brief talk on breast and cervical cancer by the State President of MWAN, Dr. Uduak Usanga. 

The Governor's wife admonished the women to pay close attention to their breasts and report anything unusual for proper checkup and treatment where necessary.

Pst. Patience making a remark at the event

In her words: "your breast is very important. Take very good care of it. When you notice anything abnormal in your breast, run to the address you were given earlier and get checked." 

She expressed her willingness to visit and inspect facilities at the MWAN Well Woman Clinic, Atiku Abubakar Way, relaying her interest to establish a cancer screening centre  under her pet project.

"I want to say because of what you have announced today, I will want you to plan and take me to your Well Woman Clinic. In my pet project, I’m making plans around establishing a cancer screening center. I want to start from there; see what you have on ground and know what to do next," First Lady Patience Eno said. 

Speaking on the theme of the service, Pastor Patience Eno said that God's glory makes one to stand before Kings and Princes, praying that Akwa Ibom women would experience the glory that will announce them to the world. 

"The glory of the Lord will make you appear before the king and when you are there, that glory will instruct you what to say. If you do not have this glory, you will speak vain words.”

"Let the Glory of the Lord in your life show and the people around you will see you as a woman that carries glory. May the joy of the Lord continue to be your strength. Run with this word today and nothing will limit you this year. Whatever you want to achieve will be achievable," the Governor's wife posited. 

In an exhortation on the theme: "Glory Without Bounds", drawn from Habakkuk 2:14, Pastor Idongesit Essienobong who said God's glory is revealed in salvation and judgement, noted that man was created to manifest the glory of God which is the visible expression of signs, wonders, miracles and testimonies. 

Pastor Essienobong charged the women to come to total reconciliation with God by confessing their sins, revealing that the nature of God is love and his saving grace is sufficient for all.

Earlier, a delegation from Akwa Ibom State branch of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, led by the President Dr. Uduak Usanga, who were at the service, sensitized the women on the dangers of cervical and breast cancer and the need for regular medical examination to ensure early detection and intervention, as well as the place of vaccination in preventing being infected with the Human Papillomavirus, HPV. 

The female Doctors also announced plans to hold the biggest Cancer Walkathon in Uyo, on Saturday, 3rd February 2024, by 6am, from the Greenfield Park along Brooks Street to University of Uyo Town Campus field, Ikpa road, Uyo to sensitise residents and help close the cancer care gap, in observance of the World Cancer Day 2024. 

Special intercessory prayers were offered in thanksgiving to God for the victory of Governor Umo Eno at the Supreme Court, prayer for peace in Akwa Ibom State as well as  the smooth actualization of the ARISE Agenda. 

The Service which had in attendance a cross section of women from all the Local Government Areas of the State, featured special numbers, testimonies, hymns, praise and worship as well as renditions by the Deliverance Chorale. 

Media Unit,

Office of the Wife of the Governor, AKS,

January 25, 2024.

UCCDA will have Uyo LG's Support - Uwemedimo Udo

 

...proposes multisectoral committee on City remodeling

Priscilla Akpanettot

The Transition Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo has assured Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA) of it's full support to transform the city of Uyo.

He said this when he received the inspection team of the UCCDA in his office on Friday, January 19, 2024, on their way to inspect critical infrastructure within the City.

Led by the Executive Chairman of the Authority, Rt. Hon. Anietie Eka, the team had gone to intimate him of their plans before commencing inspection.

They were received by the Transition Chairman who commended the new leadership for being upbeat and assured them of maximum support.

"The areas of interest mentioned are mutual on Uyo being a model and decent city. So, we are on the same page. The Local Government will collaborate to ensure that the lofty ideas are realized," he said. 

While giving the team a brief overview of the Local Government's lone efforts, he lamented the negligence of some infrastructure and called on the sister body to help in ensuring their maintenance.

"Park infrastructure especially has suffered negligence and poor maintenance. We decided to fix the place to make it attractive after interacting with Unions within the Park. We then met with Hensek to deflood some of the parks as our Corporate Social Responsibility", he said, while attributing the patronage of roadside parks to the menace.

"We don't support illegal parks. We've not created any. It's just in people's attitude to look for alternatives but with this collaboration, alot can be achieved", he maintained.

He also supported the demolition of buildings erected under high-tension wires and roadside shanties, while proposing the inaguration of a multisectoral committee on remodeling the Capital City.

"Those who violate building regulations will meet stiff penalties. We will support you on this. Street trading also distorts the master plan of the City, just like those who deface the City with billboards". 

Uwemedimo Udo however, cautioned the Capital City Boss to be firm, fair and operate with equality.

"Use one rule for everybody, no matter how highly placed. You have nothing to be scared of if you do the right thing", he said and again assured that the Local Government will do everything within it's power to help them succeed.

Responding, Rt. Hon. Anietie Eka thanked the Transition Chairman for the warm reception and acceptance accorded them, saying that Udo had justified their reason for coming.

"Since assumption on 1st December, 2023 we've tried to make reforms to make the city better. We want to inspect assets and facilities owned by the government, audit them and take stock, to make them more useful and befitting of a Capital City. So we came for collaboration and partnership". 

He made known his intent to take down illegal structures within the City and the plan to upgrade the Motor Parks to a befitting standard, and promised to report their findings back to the Governor and Chairman for necessary action. 

Anietie Eka was accompanied by board members of the UCCDA on the inspection, including the Assistant Director of Administration, Mr. Anietie Akpan who restated that the new administration came with the agenda of rebranding the Capital City in line with the Arise Agenda; to recover Government property, generate revenue that will sustain the ARISE Agenda and create job opportunities.

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!