UCCDA Commences Intensive Demolition of Shanties

Priscilla Akpanettot

Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA) has made known it plans to commence extensive demolition of shanties, containers and illegal structures within the capital city from Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

The Authority informed newsmen of it's plans at a briefing held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in Uyo.

The Authority's Head of Town Planning, Mr. Edidiong Edoho who addressed the press said   the exercise would be carried out on major roads such as: Oron Road to Udom Emmanuel Boulevard - Airport Road- Ring Road 3 Junction; Abak Road to Ikot Oku Ikono Flyover, Nwaniba Road to Ring Road 3, (Idongesit Nkanga Avenue), Aka Road to Goodluck Jonathan Boulevard Rotary (Ring Road 3) as well as Ikot Ekpene Road to Itam Junction.

He therefore advised occupants and property owners on the affected roads to remove any unauthorized structure mounted on them to avoid inconvenience and penalties. 

"Defaulters will have their properties confiscated, and these will only be released upon payment of the approved penalty fee", he stressed.

Meanwhile, a release issued after the briefing informs that the demolition exercise is in compliance with the guidelines for orderliness as stipulated in Cap 158, Part 2 of the laws of Akwa Ibom State, and part of the Authority's commitment to maintaining the aesthetics and serenity required for building a Smart Capital City.

They therefore sought the cooperation and understanding of members of the public in their bid to improve the urban landscape and uphold the laws governing the city's development.

The release was signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of the Authority, Abasiodu Idiong.

Prince Archibong Life Foundation will keep on the paths of positive impacts - Coordinator

 

Priscilla Akpanettot 

An international non-governmental organization in the State, Prince Archibong Life Foundation has expressed readiness to keep up with its positive impacts on the Akwa Ibom society.

The Foundation said this at a press briefing held on Friday, June 6, 2024 at its International office in Uyo.

Addressing the media, the International Coordinator of the Foundation, Hon. Uduakobong Akpan explained that they have been at the fore of empowering individuals to reach their potentials through diverse range of initiatives spanning mentorship, skills development and entrepreneurship thus, culminating in the transformation of lives and fulfilment of beneficiaries’ desired dreams.

He furthered that the Foundation has been in the business of humanity since its establishment in 2011, with a special focus on empowering the vulnerable.

“Some of these set of persons, who may not have had a livelihood meaningful enough are today owners of businesses, owners of houses, homes and top entrepreneurs, courtesy of the Foundation”, he stated.

Among the workings of the Foundation are: empowerment of over one thousand Nigerians both in Akwa Ibom State and other States in the South South Geopolitical zone; provision of academic scholarships to about 300 indigent students up to Tertiary Institution as well as payment of study grants; financial support to vulnerable women in rural areas; agricultural support to farmers; provision and repairs of basic amenities such as boreholes, electricity projects, street lights and so on.

“Part of our empowerment was also in the area of donation of cars and motorcycles to Youth Support Groups, Individuals, Churches, Agencies amongst others”, Hon. Akpan said.

Speaking on partnerships with the government and similar agencies, the International Coordinator told newsmen that the Foundation has extended its support to the pet project of the Governor’s wife, Pst. Patience Umo and would do same in support of the ARISE agenda.

While commending the State Chief Executive on his first anniversary as Governor, the Foundation proffered that Pst. Eno has justified the confidence reposed on him by millions of voters and justified their support for his emergence. The support according to the International Coordinator included: the conduct of a Thanksgiving Service held at Believers Assembly when he won the election; provision of free buses during the campaigns, donation of 300 campaign fez-caps to his campaign organization, staging a Unit to Unit campaign tour in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, support of 10 widows with the sum of N50, 000 business grants and the provision of scholarship to two students of the University of Uyo.

The Foundation also donated cars and motorcycles to indigenes in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District; dug boreholes and gave N50, 000 agricultural grant to 150 women each, all in support of the Governor’s election in 2023.

Again, during the occasion of Pastor Umo Eno's birthday in 2023, two Secondary School students in All Nations Christian Ministry International, the Governor’s Church were given Scholarship from JSS1 to SS3 with their NECO and WAEC fees paid, while 10 widows in the Church got Fifty Thousand Naira each as business support.

“One hundred students were given JAMB form in support of Pst. Umo Eno's election and the same number in 2024, in support of the Governor's administration. The foundation also visited IDP Camp in Essien Udim with relief materials like bags of rice and cartons of indomie during the crises in 2021”, Hon. Akpan said.

Chaired and funded privately by Prince Mendie Archibong, the Foundation restated its commitment to do more for people of the State and country in days to come, while stressing that it will continue to inspire hope, instill confidence and catalyze meaningful changes in communities around the globe. 

GBV: First Lady Takes Sensitization to Ibesikpo Asutan

 

Wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Chairperson of the Akwa Ibom State Gender - Based Violence Management Committee (AKAGBVMC), Pastor Patience Eno has engaged with Community Stakeholders in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area to raise awareness on the ills of Gender-Based Violence.

In a Town Hall meeting at the Council Hall, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, Pastor Patience Eno who said the fight against GBV will be tackled collectively, explained that the advocacy visit is to educate and inform the Community Stakeholders of the provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) VAPP Law 2020, to avert breaches of the law.

According to the Governor's Wife who was represented by a GIFA team member Mrs Anne Abraham, the month of June is dedicated to advocacies and sensitisations on the contents of the VAPP law, advising them as leaders of different groups, to share the information received with their members to help curb the incessant occurrence of GBV cases in the State.

A member of the Akwa Ibom State GBV Management Committee, Mrs Kokomma Umanah, the Director of the Akwa Ibom Multi - Door Courthouse Magistrate Helen Umana and Miss Ekemini Akpakpan of GIFA, took turns to handle several sessions on SGBV, the mandate of the AKS GBV Committee, as well as the stipulated penalties - sanctions and fines, for the different GBV offences.

They particularly talked about a few GBV offences such as harmful traditional widowhood practices, rape, Female Genital Mutilation and  forceful ejection from home. Other offences included willfully making false statements, forced financial dependence, as well as emotional, verbal and psychological abuse.

The Town Hall meeting featured an interactive section where the men and women participated in a Focal Group Discussion anchored by Mrs Edidiong Inyang, where they responded to issues bordering on existing traditional laws against GBV and enforcement patterns in the LGA.

Stakeholders from Ibesikpo Asutan including the Wife of the Head of Civil Service, Mrs Uduak Essien, Wife of the Paramount Ruler, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, Obongawan Udeme Clement, Wife of Chairman AKICORP, Mrs Joanna Owodiong - Idemeko, Wife of the Clan Head, Ibesikpo, Obongawan Glory Etuk, Village Head of Nung Udoe, Eteidung Okon Joseph, Archbishop Emilia Samuel, Youth Leader Nnimong Inyang, expressed their commitment to reporting cases of violence to deter perpetrators at the meeting which brought together leaders of women and youth groups across the LGA.

Media Unit

Office of the Wife of Governor, AKS

June 6, 2024

Having intense itching and thinking of getting an antibiotics...wait, it could be scabies?

 

Mbuotidem Akpan 

Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by the infestation of the human itch mite. This parasite is microscopic in size and can be transmitted by direct skin contact with an infected person and object like clothing material. 

It can cause severe discomfort and widespread outbreaks if not addressed promptly. Understanding its symptoms, methods of prevention, and available treatments is crucial for managing and mitigating its impact.

The primary symptom of scabies is intense itching especially Between the fingers, armpits, Buttocks, Inner thigh and Genital area often exacerbated at night- take note especially at night. 

This itching results from the body’s allergic reaction to the mites, their eggs, and their waste. Other common symptoms include the appearance of rash, lesions and burrows on the skin.

In as much there are medications available for treating scabies it is very important to implement the non-pharmacoligical ( without the use of drugs) approach in tackling scabies while using drugs. which include:

1. Avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact with an infested person until they have been effectively treated or contaminated objects.

2. Personal Hygiene:  Washing and thorough drying of clothing, bedding, towels using hot water, antiseptics  and drying under the sun to kill any mites. The clothes should be Ironed if you can not dry them properly under the sun.

3. Awareness in Communal Settings like dormitories, schools or childcare centers.

In Conclusion, Scabies, though uncomfortable and sometimes distressing, is a condition that can be treated and managed effectively with proper awareness. 

Mbuotidem Ime Akpan is a Pharmacist who is dedicated to promoting the responsible use of antimicrobials and educating the public on healthy living and lifestyle choices.

Movement For A Better Nigeria Felicitates Alhaji Dokubo on 60th Birthday

 

The Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Movement For A Better Nigeria has extended its congratulations to the renowned Niger Delta activist, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

The group commended his relentless advocacy for the freedom and development of the Niger Delta region, wishing him many more years of impactful service and achievements.

#MovementForABetterNigeria

#AlhajiAsariDokubo

An Open Letter to Pst. Umo Eno

𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡 𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗢 𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗬, 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗨𝗠𝗢 𝗘𝗡𝗢, 𝗘𝗫𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗢𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗞𝗪𝗔 𝗜𝗕𝗢𝗠 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘

𝙃𝙞𝙨 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙮, 𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧 𝙐𝙢𝙤 𝙀𝙣𝙤, 𝙂𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙠𝙬𝙖 𝙄𝙗𝙤𝙢 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚, 𝙂𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚, 𝙐𝙮𝙤, 𝘼𝙠𝙬𝙖 𝙄𝙗𝙤𝙢 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚.  

𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙮,

On behalf of the good people of Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency, it is with great pleasure that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on the successful completion of your first year in office. Your administration's commitment to the development and welfare of our beloved state has been evident through the numerous giant strides you have taken in this short period.

Your visionary leadership has brought significant progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic development and various other sectors. The people of Ikono-Ini and indeed the entire state have witnessed remarkable improvements that have positively impacted their lives. We are particularly appreciative of your efforts in promoting peace, security, and unity within the state, which are essential for sustainable development.

While celebrating your achievements, I must also address a matter of concern that has affected the development of Ikono Local Government Area. It is with a heavy heart that I apologize for the unfortunate actions of certain individuals within the political class in Ikono Local Government who, in the past, have connived to frustrate development projects in our constituency. A notable case in reference is the 21.5 km Urua Naira-Ikot Ayan-Nung Ukim road project in Ikono Local Government Area.

This crucial road project, which has been awarded twice by the two preceding administrations, has faced undue setbacks due to the unscrupulous actions of some individuals, who went behind the scenes to extort monies from the contractors, thereby stalling progress and denying our people the benefits of a completed road which would have been listed as one of the projects for your commissioning within your one (1) year in office. This betrayal of public trust is unacceptable, and I share in the disappointment and displeasure of our constituents over this matter.

Your Excellency, I humbly ask you to forgive those who have acted against the interests of our community. Despite these setbacks, I have unwavering faith in your administration's commitment to ensuring that no part of our state is left behind in the journey towards development. In line with your drive to complete abandoned roads and projects across the state, I earnestly request that you prioritize the completion of the Urua Naira road in Ikono Local Government Area. Completing this project will not only enhance economic activities and improve the quality of life for our people but also restore their faith in your government’s dedication to their welfare. 

Your intervention in this matter will be deeply appreciated and will stand as a testament to your inclusive and compassionate leadership.

Once again, congratulations on your successful first year in office. The people of Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency stand with you and support your vision for a greater Akwa Ibom State. May your tenure be marked by unprecedented achievements and may our state continue to thrive under your leadership.

Yours sincerely,

Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-udo (PhD)

Member, House of Representatives

Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency

May 30, 2024

"I’ve served in the last 1 year with the integrity of my heart" – Umo Eno

 

Priscilla Akpanettot

Pst. Umo Eno has expressed that he has served Akwa Ibom State as Governor in the last one year with the integrity of his heart.

He said this while briefing the State media community on Tuesday, May 28, at the Government House in Uyo.

The Governor who recalled with thankfulness, his sojourn into governance noted that himself and his team have so far been sincere and truthful to the people. 

“The team have done their best. We’ve tried to stay within our agenda and the promise/covenant we had with the people and I trust that we’ll continue to do more”.

He thanked the media community for promoting activities of his administration, and called for their constructive reviews at all time.

Reiterating his desire to ensure that projects initiated by his government promotes economic growth at the grassroots, to give the people a sense of belonging; the Governor directed questions on his doings to Commissioners who provided insights on happenings in their respective Ministries. 

Sectoral appraisal of Governor Eno’s administration reveals that education, agriculture, social welfare, among others were being prioritized.

The major successes recorded in the scorecard include roads and other infrastructure numbering over 80 road projects, some of which he inherited from previous administrations.

Paramount among these infrastructure is the construction of Ndiya Street and environs around Akpan Andem Market, remodeled with street lights and drains. Pastor Umo Eno has equally completed the construction of the 1.3km, 8 metre-deep underground flood control tunnel along Atiku Abubakar Avenue in Uyo.

The scorecard also captured the construction of the 60 metre span Nto Ide-Ikot Amba Bridge with 800m Aproach Road in Obot Akara. 

The administration has equally carried out the ongoing construction of the neglected Nto Ndang-Nto Ekpu Ikot-Nto Abiakpo-Ikot Otu-Atan Ibong-Usaka Annang Road in Obot Akara Local Government Area.

The government has equally commissioned the recently completed expansion of the 24km Airport Road among other major road projects ongoing across the State.

The Governor equally highlighted his achievements in the education sector of the State, including the two model primary schools have already been commissioned by his administration.

 The model primary schools are with state-of-the-art learning facilities which come with sports facilities and residential quarters for teachers, to encourage them to give their best to the children. 

To enhance security of lives and property, Governor Eno had created the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways Management and has procured 14 gunboats and police patrol vehicles to enhance the performance of security agencies in the State.

The government also initiated Ibom Community Watch to serve as actionable intelligence to regular security agencies. This initiative apart from the peace it has engendered for Akwa Ibom people, has also created gainful engagements of youths from the 31 LGAs in the state.

The government has as well made bold impacts in the health sector with the provision of primary healthcare centres have already been commissioned and equipped within Uyo, Ibesikpo, Eket and Nsit Atai Local Government Areas.

The Governor’s scorecared in the social sector include the payment of gratuities worth over 21 billion Naira among other entitlements to retirees in the State. The government has equally carried out the distribution free food to the vulnerable through the bulk purchase agency in addition to the Compassionate Homes built for widows and other disadvantaged members of society.

Among other Commissioners that made presentations at the media parley were the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong who spoke on plans to build an ultra-modern radio station for the State.

While his counterpart in Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet and that of Works, Prof Eno Ibanga spoke on issues raised with regards to their respective ministries.

The event climaxed with a vote of thanks from the State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk who commended the Governor for carrying journalists along in his scheme of things as reflected in appointment of journalists to serve in different capacities in the State.

*Credit: Aniefiok Christopher*