Menstrual Hygiene Day: First Lady Distributes Sanitary Packages to Girls

In her commitment to promote good menstrual health and hygiene practices, Wife of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Patience Umo Eno has facilitated the distribution of sanitary pads to hundreds of girls in select Public Secondary Schools across the three Senatorial Districts in the State.

Celebrating the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Day on Tuesday May 28 with the  students of Girls' High School, Ikot Ibiok, Eket; Goretti Girls' Secondary Commercial  School, Ikot Ekpene and Union Secondary School, Ibiaku, Ibiono Ibom; Pastor Patience Eno said it was pertinent to equip the girls with proper period education and sanitary pads in order to prevent infections.

The Governor's wife who was represented by her Aide and member of her Golden Initiative For All - GIFA team, Mrs Ann Abraham, stated that the observance of the day is in tandem with GIFA's school Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme targeted at promoting safe WASH practices to prevent the spread of diseases.

The First Lady reiterated that access to sanitary pads to manage menstruation, will not only decrease the risk of infections that might pose as infertility challenges in future, but also dismantle barriers to education, hence the distribution of sanitary pads to boost their confidence and reduce the shame and stigma associated with monthly periods.

Giving a talk on menstrual hygiene, the Public Relations Officer of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Dr. Rhoda Peter said menstruation is a thing of pride and a pathway to adulthood. She encouraged the girls to care for themselves, be intentional about their body and well-being as well as practice proper personal menstrual hygiene and disposal.

She noted that the first menstrual flow is menarche which starts at age 11 and  that good menstrual health and hygiene practices can prevent infections, reduce odours and help them stay comfortable during their period.

The Principals and students of the Schools visited applauded the Governor's Wife, Pastor Patience Eno for identifying their schools as beneficiaries of the menstrual hygiene kits and guidance on proper management of menstrual hygiene. They also praised the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for the construction of the road that has provided access to the Goretti Girls' Commercial Secondary School, Ikot Ekpene.

Goodwill messages were received from Stakeholders in the three Local Government Areas visited, including the Wife of the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Obongawan Mandu Abia, Wife of the member representing Ikot Ekpene and Obot Akara State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Pastor Idongesit Otu, Wife of the transition Chairman Ikot Ekpene, Mrs Utibe John and Dr Eno Antiaobong Ekong extended appreciation to the Governor's wife, Pastor Patience Umo  for her motherly support in celebrating the Menstrual Hygiene Day in the schools.

The Senior Prefects  of the benefiting Schools, Miss  Bright Essien, Miss Inimfon Otu and Miss Mkpouto Akaninyene Edet thanked the Governor's wife for the choice of their schools for the commemoration of the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Day and prayed God to bless the wife of the Governor and her family.

Highlights of the celebration was the presentation of Sanitary packs to the girls who left the different venues informed of best practices in menstrual hygiene and overall wellness.

Media Unit

Office of the Wife of the Governor, AKS

May 28, 2024

Uyo Women Celebrate as Uwemedimo Udo Distributes N5.5m Grant to 55 Small-scale Business Owners

 

In a heartwarming gesture, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Transition Committee, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, on Tuesday, distributed N5.5 million as business support grants to fifty-five women selected from the eleven wards of Uyo Local Government Area. 

The recipients, including market women, were visibly elated as they received their cash transfer alerts of N100,000 each inside the Uyo Council hall, expressing their gratitude through joyful dancing and songs of praise for the Chairman.

Notable beneficiaries such as Mfonobong Godwin Archibong, Grace Ibanga Eyo, Kokomma Mkpongoñyong, Philomina Bright, and Udeme Asuquo Effiong, among others, were among those who received the grants. 

Dr. Udo emphasized that the grants were aimed at bolstering local women in their entrepreneurial pursuits and supporting the economic growth agenda championed by Governor Umo Eno. 

He announced plans to extend the support to an additional 55 women in future phases of the program, urging the recipients to use the funds prudently to enhance their businesses.

During the event, dignitaries including the wife of the Chairman, Mrs. Akaninyene Uwemedimo, who was represented by the Council's Supervisor for Education, Obong Idara Akpan, lauded Dr. Udo's commitment to the welfare of the people and the development initiatives of Governor Umo Eno.

Well-wishers, including Dr. Inemesit Uwah, wife of the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government; Roberta Nyong, a Commissioner in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Service Commission; and Chief Boniface Okon, Clan Head of Etoi, praised the Chairman's benevolence and encouraged the beneficiaries to effectively utilize the grants to grow their businesses.

The event witnessed the presence of political figures, including Council Secretary Hon. Ubong Udofia, NULGE Chairperson Comrade Emem Ekikor, Council Supervisors, senior officials of the local government, and traditional leaders, among others. 

Media Unit

Office of the TC Chairman,

Uyo LGA.

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.