Pen Girls Celebrate 50 on Boy-Child Day

 

Priscilla Akpanettot 

No fewer than 50 boys were on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 celebrated by The Pen Girls' Initiative in commemoration of the International Day of the Boy-Child.

The event which was staged at EKMA Royal School, Nwut Usiong Street, Off Nelson Mandela, had the Pen Girls talk to the boys about their welfare, hygiene and career, while stories of outstanding male personalities were shared with them.

Speaking at the event, Leader of The Pen Girls' Initiative, Comrade Priscilla Akpanettot stressed the need to celebrate the Boy-child, alongside their counterparts to strike a balance in the clamour for gender equality. 

She expressed that the call for equality implied fairplay to both boys and girls, adding that what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. 

While acknowledging the unspoken concerns of the boy-child, Akpanettot stated that they were equally as vulnerable as the girl-child. 

“The Boy-child has also been an endangered specie from time immemorial. They are also vulnerable and are equally subjected to several forms of violence like the girl-child. And they are not immune from threats facing the girl-child. It’s just that they hardly let out their challenges”, she said.

She therefore encouraged the boys to learn to share their problems with, and seek advice from persons they can trust. This she said, would help ease their worries and lighten their burdens.

The multiple award-winning journalist and Secretary, Conference of Online Practitioners in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) further charged the boys to be of good positive attitude and refrain from vulgar acts and vices which would jeopardise their future. These attitudes she said, included: rebellion, theft, alcoholism, smoking, indulgence in unwholesome relationships and bad company, disobedience, stubbornness, amongst others.

Speaking on the implications of a care-free life, Comrade Mary Ekere read out the penalties awaiting them for defaulting the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (Act) Law. Among the laws were consequences for stalking, raping, incest, domestic violence, indecent exposure, among others. She impressed upon the minds of the boys the need to live a covert life in other to escape the wrath of the law.

Meanwhile, Comrade Amadie Udoakpan and Comrade Imaobong Umoekah addressed the young boys on good habits and stressed the imperatives of proper personal hygiene. They also shared tips on how the boys could grow a good self-esteem through their physical appearance.

The School's Principal, Mr. Anietie Udoh

Earlier, the Principal of the School, Mr. Anietie Udo warmly received the Pen Girls and appreciated their interest in the boys. He told the boys that the essence of the day was to create in them the awareness that they were born with distinct roles to play in their families, society and generation. As such, he advised that they live up to their calling and be good ambassadors of their time.

The event featured the reading of stories of select leaders in Nigeria, among whom were Gani Fawehinmi, a human rights activist; former President Goodluck Jonathan and Pst, Sylvanus Ukafia, founder, Insight Bible Church. 

The boys also went home with a gift text titled “The Clock” and “Obinna the Honest Boy”.

The Pen Girls' Initiative is a group of like-minded young female Journalists who are desirous of impacting the society in their little way.

AKHA Praises Uwemedimo Udo's quality projects in Uyo

 

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has commended Dr. Uwemedimo Udo for the high-quality projects he has executed during his tenure as the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Transition Committee in the past six months.

Chairman of the Committee, Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung, made the commendation on Monday when he led the lawmakers on an inspection tour of the Council to assess the number of projects and achievements recorded so far under Dr. Udo's administration.

Idung, shortly after he inspected the new 18-room Technical Building for staff of the Directorate of Works, Lands, and Housing of the Council, expressed satisfaction with the project status. 

He noted the serenity and neatness of the Council vicinity, stating that the Chairman had shown a commitment to improving the Council.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Udo explained that the building was about 90% complete, adding that the furniture to be used had already been purchased and was ready to be installed. He assured the Committee that the facility would be ready for commissioning in the first week of June 2024.

The Chairman listed other projects completed during the period, such as acquiring a new 8800 Model SUMEC FIRMAN power generator for the Primary Health Centre in Ikot Ebido, refurbishing a borehole and the Uyo Transitional Rulers Council building, providing bursaries and free JAMB forms for students, and conducting maintenance at the Council secretariat. 

He said his administration's focus also extended to rural development, where the Council embarked on a road grading project, improving over 20 roads across the four clans of Etoi, Ikono, Offot Ukwa, and Oku, spanning a total of 33.6 kilometers.

Dr. Udo also highlighted the Council's investment in grassroots sports to nurture local talent as well as soft infrastructure, including training, capacity building, and stakeholder meetings to address community needs.

He discussed the Council's involvement in health issues, specifically in providing support to pregnant women and new mothers, as well as intervening in communities with electricity issues.

"For the past six months of tenure that His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno has given to us, we have intervened in various aspects of governance at the local government level, and I am grateful to be commended by the House of Assembly for our efforts.

"We are grateful to the Governor for the support provided to Local Governments in addressing our outstanding arrears and other entitlements. 

“I also appreciate the House of Assembly for being supportive of local government and for providing us with valuable ideas to help us fulfill our duties."

Looking ahead, the Chairman said the next phase of projects would include the construction of a state-of-the-art conference hall at the Council secretariat, rehabilitation of motor parks in Uyo, and the clearing of roads around the parks, among others.

Media Unit

Ubong Archibong Emerges Itam Market President

 

…promises improved infrastructural devt, security of goods

Priscilla Akpanettot

Comrade Ubong Sunday Archibong has been sworn in as the 5th President of Etaha Itam, a business hub in Akwa Ibom State popularly called Itam Market. 

His inauguration as President occurred on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at the section of the market known as “night market”, where the market is said to have begun originally.

Archibong who polled a total of 96 votes against his opponent, Elder Emmanuel Benedict who had 77 votes,  becomes the 1st Market President from Nung Ukot Itam in Itu to clinch the elevated market position and will hold the position for the next three years. 

Addressing a cross section of traders, Archibong told them of his desire to transform Itam into an international model market where issues of insecurity and loss of wares would be a thing of the past.

“We will ensure that high level of decorum is maintained every market day. Our market will be well developed; our medical facility will be top notch; our goods and properties will be well-secured and we will ensure that a security/police post is installed at Etaha Itam to forestall the loss of items and properties”, he said.

He furthered that the drainage system in Etaha Itam International Market will be duly maintained through the prompt evacuation and removal of wastes, while the welfare of traders would be prioritized. 

While stressing that the desire of his administration would be to make Etaha Itam Market a conducive place for buying and selling, he stated that this desire was irrespective of the traders’ tribe, ethnicity and religion. As such, he sought the traders’ support and cooperation in his bid to advance the course of the market, and encouraged his co-contestants to bring in their good intentions and ideas to help build the market.

In his remarks, the Chairman on the occasion and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Brand Management and Marketing, Sir Raphael Edem tasked the elected Market Executives to stay committed to their goals and prospects for the traders, while charging the traders to support the new market executives.

 “This typifies governance. Government will work if everyone play their contributory role effectively”, he said.

Himself the patron of the market, Hon. Edem informed that Etaha Itam was one of the most significant markets in the State which had the attention of government due to its strategic location and being a rallying point for commercial activities situated in a strategic location.

 “As such, Government is very particular about this market and those trading here”.

Corroborating his assertion, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Trade and Marketing, Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael noted that government’s interest in the market was the reason the Governor recently appointed three additional aides on marketing, with a firm charge that they report matters of the market to him. He therefore thanked the Governor on his interest in the market and assured the traders that they would begin to count the dividends of the Governor’s selflessness in no time.

Meanwhile, the Transition Chairman, Itu Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. Etetim Onuk advised the newly elected market executives to work closely with the Board of Trustees and Local Government to ensure harmony of purpose at all times. Represented by the Local Government Revenue Committee Chairman, Hon. Patrick Ekim, the Chairman stressed that both bodies were cardinal to the smooth running of  every market and should therefore be prioritized.

In his address, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Market, Elder Godwin Ebong also advised the new Exco to carefully coordinate the affairs of the market which has been entrusted in their care, while ensuring to continue in some reforms introduced by the BOT. 

A highlight of the event was the presentation of soft grants to twenty (20) elderly traders by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Trade and Marketing, Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael, in commemoration of the Governor’s 60th birthday.

Ini LGA Suspends PDP Chapter Chairman

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.

We’re not aware of any Land Acquisition pact – Ibesikpo-Asutan Communities to Umo Eno

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.

I am not ashamed of being a Vulcanizer - Female Automobile Repairer boasts

...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.

World Press Freedom Day: Journalists too are Humans

 

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.