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”.

IWD: Akwa Ibom First Lady Reiterates Commitment to Economic Empowerment of Women

Wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, says she will continuously engage in economic empowerment of women in the state through her pet project, Golden Initiative For All (GIFA),  to give the womenfolk a pride of place and enable them contribute their quota to the betterment of the society. 

The Governor's wife stated this on Friday, March 8, 2024, during the 2024 International Women's Day celebration with the theme 'Count her in: accelerating Gender Equality through economic empowerment', held at Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo.

While calling on women, who she described as the backbone of their families, to brace up as the task of ensuring gender equality in the society is enormous, the First Lady stressed the need for women to be given equal opportunity to succeed and thrive. 

"On my part, I am committed to the holistic economic empowerment of Akwa Ibom women through my recently launched project, the Golden Initiative For All, GIFA, and I have no doubt that with your support, we will achieve a great deal. 

"Today, beyond the fanfare and elaborate display of the rich culture and economic opportunities that abound in the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, I urge Akwa Ibom women, as the backbone of their families and communities, to brace up for the task ahead as enunciated in the theme of this celebration “Count her in : accelerating Gender Equality through economic empowerment “, which reminds us of work that still needs to be done in achieving gender equality," she noted. 

While pouring encomiums on the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for being gender-friendly as demonstrated through the many opportunities given to women to serve in the present administration, the Governor's wife, however, requested for more women to be engaged by the Akwa Ibom State Government.

Pastor Patience Eno expressed optimism that working together, women can create a future where every woman and girl child would have unhindered access to education, finances and leadership as well as decision-making positions in the society. 

Speaking at the event to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day Celebration the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, applauded Akwa Ibom women for their contributions, giant strides and unwavering commitments towards the growth and development of the state. 

Pastor Eno, described as apt, the theme of the celebration as it reflects the critical layer of the ARISE Agenda which centers around the promotion of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SME's) in line with the Sustainable Development  Goals. 

He challenged Akwa Ibom women whom he described as the engine of every household to engage in farming to ensure food sufficiency for all in tandem with the Agricultural revolution of the ARISE Agenda while he pledging to continue to run a gender inclusive government as reflected in all strata of his administration. 

The Governor lauded his wife, Pastor Patience Eno for the great initiative she launched recently, the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), noting that a key component of this initiative is on the training of the Girl Child aimed at preparing them to be competitive in the market place of ideas in the future.

In a welcome remark, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, thanked Governor Umo Eno for allotting 30 percent of political positions to women as part of efforts in ensuring gender parity.

She solicited for gender responsive budgeting, establishment of inclusive schools for persons with disabilities, provision of social welfare for various segments of the society and massive involvement of women in agriculture. 

A keynote address presented by Dr. Uyai Akpanobong, indicated that Akwa Ibom State has prioritized inclusiveness and economic empowerment to change societal stereotype, charging women to eschew biases and foster collective strength while contributing to the overall advancement of women in society. 

Goodwill Messages were received from professional organizations including Ikwo Abia Esq. of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA);  Mrs. Atim Ekpa representing the National Council for Women Society (NCWS); Comrade Nsikak Okon of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ); Mrs. Grace Jumbo representing Excellence Community Welfare Scheme (ECWES,) Dr. Aniebuk Iwok from the Medical Women Association of Nigeria(MWAN); and Maria Akpan Esq. from the Nigeria for Women Project.

The event featured cutting of the International Women’s Day Cake, March-past, cultural displays and inspection of farm produce exhibition stands mounted by women from all  the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. 

In attendance were Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Government Functionaries, Service Commanders, Development Partners, Professional Women Groups, Stakeholders, Women Groups among others.

Media Unit

Office of the Wife of Governor, AKS

March 8, 2024.

Akwa Ibom Police Promises Cordial working relationship with COOPA

The Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, SP, Odiko Macdon in a warm handshake with the Chancellor, Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom (COOPA), Utitofon Morgan

 The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has assured of a cordial working relationship with the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA).

The assurance was handed down by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Odiko Macdon, when he received in audience, the leadership of COOPA, at the Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, on Wednesday.

The Police Spokesman said the Command remains committed to fighting crime in the State but called on COOPA to assist in curbing misinformation and disinformation in Akwa Ibom.

The visiting delegation with the PPRO

While commending the Akwa Ibom State Government for providing logistics support to security agencies, the PPRO further lauded COOPA for dutifully coordinating the activities of Online Publishers and assured of close partnership with the group toward a peaceful Akwa Ibom.

Earlier, the Chancellor of COOPA and leader of the delegation, Mr. Utitofon Ukpong, had requested the involvement of registered Online Publishers during media briefings by the Command.

Ukpong thanked the PPRO for the warm reception accorded his team and promised that the group will deploy its professional services to assist the Police carry out its duties.

The visit was part of COOPA's familiarisation tour to security agencies, professional bodies and sister groups in the State.

Public Relations Unit,

COOPA.

See the place in Uyo where Wastes is luxury!

Priscilla Akpanettot

There’s a place in Akwa Ibom State capital city where wastes are considered an essential commodity for economic gain. It is a place where all forms of wastes are collected and sold to industries who recycle them. 

The wastes collected there vary from plastics to polythenes, tins, cartons, irons, shoes, bottles, cans, papers and etc,

The Waste Hub is located on Pepsi Road which can be accessed through Idoro and Abak Road.  Owned by Mr. Rabiu Bello from Kano State who’s been in the business for over 20 years, the hub is a place for the collation and sorting of plastics, including all kinds of condemned disposable plates and their covers; water bottles, broken buckets, baskets, chairs and more.

Upon arrival at the hub, wastes brought in by a supplier are scaled in kilograms and paid for immediately.

After collection, the wastes are carefully sorted into forms, shapes and sizes; and their labels removed, before being stacked in a sack. Thereafter, they are moved to Aba to be grinded, before being sent to Lagos for recycling.  

According to Mr. Bello, the grounded wastes are recycled into rubber slippers, paper bags, water-proof materials or even melted to produce another rubber.

When asked why he has to go all the way to Aba to have the wastes grounded, he explained that there were no such industries in the State, except one in Mbierebe Obio which deals only on cartons. “So all that we buy is sent to Aba, Calabar, Onitsha and Lagos”, he said in pidgin English.

Describing the business as lucrative and self-sustaining, he said the business has helped him cater for his family of 5 and engaged some idle youths in the area.

“I went into the business because it is somewhat monopolistic. There is no much competition in it and a lot of people are running away from it”, he said.

Recalling his early days as a scavenger, Mr. Bello narrated how he went about picking wastes from gutters, before he started having assistants. The boys go round to do the picking from hotels, receptacles, and event venues. When they return, he’ll scale their wastes and pay them appropriately.

The Wastes Hub owner explained that a Kilogram of plastics goes for between N70-N100.  “There are people who bring up to 10kg worth of plastics every day. And that amounts to N30 or 31,000 in a month because they do it every day religiously”.

For bottles, Rabiu pays as much as N100 each for some of them while others are placed in the category of between N5-N50 naira. “That money helps them to pay their bills and also support their families”.

He told the story of a physically impaired boy who’s mother often visit to thank him for engaging the boy. “The boy can neither speak nor hear but he takes home N500-N800 daily from supplying plastics. The mother talk sey the boy dey help am wewell, sey him dey give am moni to buy food and clothes for the two of them”.

Rabiu who attributed the absence of stealing and theft on the Street he operates business to his engagement of the boys in supplies, told this reporter that his place is always busy when they return from school and during holidays.

“Some of them wey bin dey steal, na me warn dem sey mek dem no do am again before dem go burn dem. I go just give dem bag, tell dem sey mek dem enter street, pick rubber. By the time dem come back, I go scale their rubber, pay dem moni and dem dey happy very well. So now, nobody dey steal for here because they don already see wetin to carry com collect moni. Some dey even use the moni buy from another person come sell”, he said.

Attesting to his testimony, his Manager, Miss Emediong Abednego described the business as a worthy venture better than staying idle. She told this reporter of how she put aside her shame to work with Mr. Rabiu when she saw that the gains were substantial.

“There’s a family man who comes here regularly to supply us plastics. He does it diligently and is not ashamed. So I want to encourage everyone out there to drop their pride and ego, and join us in this worthy venture. It’s so easy; just pick, bring and get paid”, she said.

Medical Women Hold Cancer awareness Campaign

 

Amadie Udoakpan

President of the Medical Women's Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Branch, Dr Uduak Usanga has called on women not to relent in the fight against breast and cervical cancer.

Dr Usanga stated this today, when she led MWAN  members, partners, and support groups on a cancer awareness walk in uyo to mark this year's World Cancer Day on the theme "Lost But Not Forgotten".

While interacting with Journalists, The 16th MWAN president explained that the walk was to create awareness and inform the public of the dangers of breast and cervical cancer.

"As medical women, we are known for cancer-related activities such as screening, prevention, and care, we make out time every two years to organise a cancer walk, to tell the world that early detection can save lives" she explained.

The medical practitioner made clear that there are many other cancer-related diseases in the body but the focus is on breast and cervical cancer which can be detected early enough to prevent death. It has a higher survival rate and lower risk of death.

"My advice to women is, when you start experiencing abnormal growth on your breast, waist pains foul discharge among other signs, do not stay and die in silence, do not fall into depression, no one is witch hunting you, God has the power to heal, go to the hospital, we understand that cancer is not a death sentence. "

Dr Usanga said the Association conducts cancer screening, on the third Tuesday of every month at number  172 Atiku Abubakar Way and that office is open to as many women as possible to come and screen free of charge.

Other partners who joined the solidarity walk encouraged women to practice personal breast examination and report any case to the appropriate authority for prompt response. 

The walk which started at Greenfield by Dominic Utuk Avenue, spanned through Wellington Bassey Way and terminated at the University of Uyo Mini stadium.

Note that cancer is an abnormal growth in any part of the body that causes the affected part to rupture and cause discomfort to the affected persons. Whereas cervical cancer is a malignant tumor in the lower part of the uterus, breast cancer is an abnormal tumor in the breast.