Akwa Ibom Audit Service Commission Holds 2024 Pre-Promotion Seminar for Auditors

 

...As Head of Civil Service Assures Workers Prompt Release of Promotion Results, Capacity Building 

MARY EKERE 

The 2024 Pre-Promotion Seminar for Auditors in Akwa Ibom State Public Service has been held.

The exercise, to herald the examination, interview and subsequent promotion of qualified Auditors, was organised by the Akwa Ibom State Audit Service Commission at the Governor's Office, Annex, Uyo on Thursday, 11th July, 2024.

The 2024 Promotion exercise which is the third in the series, have 89 Auditors from the offices of the State and Local Governments Auditors-General undergoing the process.

Declaring the Seminar open, the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien has assured that henceforth, there shall be no arrears of carrying out promotion for qualified Civil Servants when due, courtesy of the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno. 

The Head of Civil Service disclosed the State Government's commitment to building the capacities of the Auditors and other Civil Servants to bring them to spar with existing knowledge and expertise in their fields. 

"Aside the necessary protocols of being promoted, Akwa Ibom State Government is committed to building the capacities of Civil Servants in the areas of computer literacy, professional competency and leadership.

"In this regard, it is the place of the Commission to ensure the training and retraining of staff on Information and Communication Technology to bring them up to speed with the digitization of the Public Service in line with the A.R.I.S.E. Agenda of Governor Umo Who's led administration".

Appreciating the Governor for his fatherly disposition to workers welfare and approving the hosting of the promotion process, the Head of Civil Service urged all Civil Servants to arise to their responsibilities of effective service delivery, punctuality to work.

Reacting to the 'lack of befitting office accommodation' for Workers in the State and Local Government Auditors-General, Elder Effiong Essen disclosed that Government is working towards providing them a befitting office space at the Governor's Office Annex.

In a welcome address, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Audit Service Commission, Pastor Bassey Umo said the aim of the Seminar was to serve as a refresher course in updating the knowledge and sharpening the skills of the Auditors to perform their work with diligence, dignity, integrity and excellence.

While setting the tone of the 2024 Pre-Promotion Seminar, the Chairman of Promotion Committee, Pastor Praise Okon revealed that needed actions were undertaken to ensure that no qualified Auditor is exempted from the exercise. He urged them to get acquainted with the necessary materials, to be successful at the forthcoming examination.  

In separate goodwill messages, the Commissioner of Finance, Mr Linus Nkan represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance - Mr Mark Umoh, the Permanent Secretaries - Offices of the Auditor General for State and Local Government, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Civil Service Commission, Mrs Ekereobong Umoh represented by the Commission's Permanent Secretary - Barr Selong Asuquo urged the participants to utilise the Seminar in strengthening their financial knowledge, prudence and efficiency at service whilst assuring a speedy compilation of the results.

The Seminar featured sessions on Personnel Management in State and Local Governments, Financial Management in State and Local Governments,  General Paper, Public Sector Audit and Investigation and Security in State and Local Governments. 

Meanwhile, the examination of the qualified Auditors is slated for Thursday, 18th July, 2024 at Aka Community Model School, Uyo followed by an Oral Interview on 25th and 26th July, 2024 at the Audit Service Commission Office, Uyo.

REFORM OF THE AFRICAN DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS IN AKWA IBOM STATE

By Nora Inwang

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akwa Ibom State has undergone significant reform under the leadership of its new chairman, Hon. D. Udom. His exceptional performance in state politics over the years has earned him considerable recognition and the role of chairing the party.

In just one month, Hon. Udom has acquired a new, well-furnished office at 84 Udotung Ubo Street in Uyo, marking a significant milestone in the party's reformation. The ADC is preparing to constitute the State Executive Council, Chapter Executive Councils, and Ward Executive Councils across the 31 Local Government Areas, demonstrating its readiness for the upcoming Local Government elections.

Under the leadership of Hon. Udom and the new political leader of the party, Dr. Umo Ntuen, the ADC has undergone a transformative change. The Independent National Electoral Commission recently verified the ADC Secretariat and commended the leadership for the office's well-furnished condition and the peaceful coexistence among members.

Astonishingly, the current stakeholders are opting for significant changes in the party, armed with concrete ideas and a positive mindset that will bolster the party. Like other parties that started with few members and have now become strong voices in the state, the ADC is set to grow rapidly. With the new structure and leadership, the party aims to soon be in a position to govern Akwa Ibom State.

The ADC is now considered the main opposition party and a formidable force in the forthcoming Local Government election, thanks to the new state chairman and dynamic state leader. The party's commitment to providing an enabling platform for its members to contest political positions is evident. Aspirants are encouraged to contest through the African Democratic Congress.

The ADC's doors are open to Akwa Ibom citizens seeking a robust platform to pursue leadership roles. The party's stakeholders are working diligently to ensure that their aspirants win various positions, from councilorship to governorship.

The rapid growth of the ADC under the current leadership is remarkable, and it is poised to become an unrivaled political force in the state.

Emmanuel Ukpong -Udo Concludes 1st Anniversary with Unprecedented Empowerment for Constituents

 

The member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo (PhD), concluded the activities marking the first year of his second term in office on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The week-long event highlighted Ukpong-Udo’s dedication to community development through a series of project commissionings, constituency visits and empowerment initiatives. The grand finale took place at Government Primary School, Ikot Odu Ndiya, in the Ikono Local Government Area.

The day began with an interdenominational thanksgiving service, during which Rep. Ukpong-Udo read the first Bible passage. Bishop Akpan Inua of the Methodist Church Nigeria delivered a sermon, describing the lawmaker’s re-election as divinely ordained. The service included praises, worship, intercessory prayers, choir renditions, and heartfelt thanksgiving. Obong (Barr.) Edet Inyangidim, Director-General of the Mkpoikana-Abasi Campaign Organization, led the thanksgiving, reflecting on the faithfulness of God throughout the election period that resulted in a triumphant victory during the election, supplementary, and subsequent rerun on February 3, 2024.

Following the service was the constituency briefing and the grand empowerment ceremony. Addressing the large crowd, Rep. Ukpong-Udo reflected on his challenging electoral journey to a second term in office, expressing gratitude to God and his supporters for his victory. He pledged continued efforts to improve the lives of his constituents and reassured those not yet included in the empowerment program to remain patient, as future ceremonies are planned to encompass all.

During the event, substantial business grants and various empowerment items worth hundreds of millions of Naira were distributed. The chairman of the occasion, retired Air Vice Marshal Sampson Akpasa, praised the gesture as "unprecedented and worthy of emulation." Highlights of the disbursement included:

* Business support grants to 500 constituents, ranging from N300,000 to N5,000,000.

* Distribution of 35 vehicles to constituents.

* 150 motorbikes 

* 20 minibuses

* 5 tricycles.

* 25 generating sets and 26 refrigerators.

* N100,000,000 in cash empowerment was distributed to 5000 constituents.

The event was attended by prominent dignitaries who offered a multitude of goodwill messages. Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by his Political Adviser, Akparawa Godwin Ntukude, commended Rep. Ukpong-Udo for his generosity and urged him to continue his commendable work. 

Hon. Mark Esset, the member. Representing Uyo Federal Constituency, and other dignitaries also extended their accolades, affirming the lawmaker’s dedication to humanity. Edidem Udo Ette Edon, Paramount Ruler of Ini LGA, Rt. Hon. Asuquo Nana, Representative of Ikono State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, and Bishop Blessing Amakiri, National Chairman of the Young Progressives Party, lauded the lawmaker’s commitment to serving the people and his focus on poverty alleviation.

The celebration of Rep. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo’s first year in office not only highlighted his accomplishments in just one year of his second term but also set a precedent for future engagements, solidifying his reputation as a servant-leader deeply invested in the well-being of his constituents.

Sun King Embarks on Community Sanitation as Part of Corporate Social Responsibility

 ...announces promo on inverters

A leading renewable energy company in Nigeria, Sun King has spearheaded a sanitation exercise in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

On Saturday, June 29, 2024, employees of Sun King took to the streets of Uyo, equipped with gloves and cleaning tools, to tackle waste and pollution in public areas. The cleanup efforts focused on the Nyong Essien roundabout and surrounding areas along Nwaniba and Oron roads, where participants collected trash and promoted recycling to improve the city's cleanliness and environmental health.

Mr. Nelson Nelson Sr., Area Business Manager of Sun King in Uyo emphasised the company's commitment to making a positive impact beyond the energy sector. "At Sun King, we believe that our responsibility extends beyond providing clean energy. We are dedicated to contributing to the well-being of the communities we serve. This sanitation exercise is just one of the many ways we aim to support and uplift our immediate environment," he stated.

Sun King's CSR initiatives are part of a broader strategy to integrate sustainable practices into all aspects of its operations. The company plans to continue its community engagement efforts with more events and programs designed to promote environmental health and social well-being.

It might interest you to know that the company is currently running a promo on inverters that can power homes. One can acquire it by buying outright or through payment by installments. 

Visit their office at 76 Aka Rd by Kevin Street, Uyo for more details on the promo.

#SunKingCSR

#Sanitation

Akwa Ibom Records 520 Cases of Spousal Battery in three Years

Priscilla Akpanettot

Spousal Battery is a violent act carried out by a person on their wife, husband or partner with the intent of controlling them and causing physical, psychological or emotional injury by inducing fear and pain.

According to statistics provided by Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Gender Based Violence (GBV) Management Committee, Barr. Emem Ette, 520 cases of Spousal Battery have been recorded in the State in the last three years.

The figure which represents a staggering 56% in a total of 1467 cases of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) is seconded by rape - 401 cases, physical abuse -165 cases, attempted rape - 118 cases, abandonment of dependants - 65, intimidation - 54, harmful widowhood practices -53, incest - 35, forceful ejection from home - 32 and stalking - 21 cases.

She furthered that 210 of the cases were undergoing investigation while 120 of them are cold cases where the perpetrator is unknown and cannot be found or witnesses are unavailable.

"We keep in view until we are able to gather more evidences and we're able to get the perpetrators caught", she said.

Meanwhile, 53 convictions have been made so far, 302 cases withdrawn from Court and 240 settled through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

Speaking to newsmen in her office last week, Barr. Ette who doubles as  Director of the SGBV Response Department in the Ministry of Justice explained that that the spike in the number of the ugly trend is traceable to the year 2020 COVID-19 pandemic which kept people behind closed doors.

"People who were supposed to be protectors became predators, perpetrators and violators of their husbands, wives, children, neighbors and people generally". 

"And then we had very unnatural offences;  unnatural cases that were not covered by the criminal code which was in existence at that time and not covered by the Child Rights Law which was meant to protect our children". 

"So there was a need for us to have a law which we could use to persecute a male who rapes another male or a female who rapes another female or a female who rapes a male, because under the criminal code the only person who could rape was a man not a woman", she expressed.

"Since we already had the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act at the federal level, there was a need for Akwa Ibom State to adopt that act and make it a law to deal with those cases".

"...so in 2020, June 10th exactly, the Akwa Ibom State Government enacted the "Violence Against Persons Prohibition law" and that law came into being forcefully and we've been running with it since then", she continued. 

Upon inauguration in September 2021, the SGBV Committee embarked on a state-wide sensitisation campaign across the 10 Federal Constituencies of the State with the message of the ills of SGBV, how to identify violence, how to respond to violence and where to report violence. 

The Committee has also established sexual assault referral centers at General hospital, Ikot Ekpene and Heartland Alliance in Osongama Estate, Uyo.

"Government is also looking to reinforcing and supporting the Agape Center in Eket and we are looking to see how we could establish a place where people can access free medical services in our Primary Health Centers".

"We found out that victims and survivors often go to Pharmacies and Chemists for help before they go to Hospitals, so we are trying to see how we could connect Pharmacists and Chemists so that we can have a wholesome way of ensuing that victims and survivors have access to medical care", she said.

Notably, the Committee has built a 66-bed shelter specifically for victims of SGBV, with a well-furnished functional skill acquisition center to teach and train survivors on life skills that would make them financially independent and able to take care of themselves and their children.

A unified referral pathway booklet has also been made available by the Committee to help  educate people on where to go if they are violated or suffering GBV in anyway. 

Likewise, the Committee has created a training manual for Schools, Churches, Mosques and Organizations to teach children and adults on what constitutes GBV.

Speaking on the successes recorded from the yearly awareness campaign held in the month of June, Barr. Ette attributed their feats to the coalition formed against SGBV.

"The energy and fire behind our successes is because the coalition is made up of individuals, institutions and organizations who are working actively to end GBV in the state and I think that is the major source of Akwa Ibom State success in handling issues of GBV.   We recommend that other States form such a coalition to ensure that they are able to deal with issues of GBV", she submitted. 

"As we speak we have over 300 members of that coalition and throughout this one month awareness, each organization is working so hard to take our messages to the nooks and crannies of Akwa Ibom State", she revealed. 

"We have done a lot of rehabilitation and we have given about 350 survivors shelter and skill acquisition in our GBV shelter and then we have responded to over 667 victims of GBV in our different centers in Ikot Ekpene, Eket and Uyo". 

"We are doing the best we can to ensure that we serve our people and to make Akwa Ibom State a peaceful place for us all", she said .

While encouraging victims and witnesses of SGBV to speak up, she instructed that rape cases should be sent to the family support unit at the Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia for proper attention and investigation while others should be reported to the SGBV department at the Ministry of Justice. 

"We have a website and social media handles where we can be reached, and we have been having a lot of engagements, questions and cases coming in through our social media handles".

"Our website is safe to use, we even have a button where if you have been trying to contact us and your abuser is in front of you, and wants to take on you; you can just click a safety button and that safety button will take you completely out of our website so that even if the person searches your phone to see your history, our website wouldn't appear in your history, it is designed to ensure that they did not know you contacted us but we will respond to whatever distress that you are having", Barr. Ette explained.

The SGBV response department was set up by the State Government as a multi-sectoral approach to respond to day-to-day cases of SGBV.

It is headed by the Wife of the Governor, Pst. Patience Umo Eno and co-chaired by the Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi.

Members are drawn from Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance. 

Others include: the media, law enforcement agencies, Non Governmental Organizations (NGO),  traditional rulers, a representative of the youth and a representative of women.

1st Anniversary Message by Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo (Ph.d)

FIRST ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF IKONO-INI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY BY RT. HON. EMMANUEL UKPONG-UDO (PHD)

My dear brothers and Sisters,

Today marks the first anniversary of my second term in office as your representative in the National Assembly and so I wish to use this medium to express my profound gratitude to you today.

Despite the intense opposition and legal battles that followed my re-election, your steadfast faith has been a beacon of strength and encouragement, guiding our collective journey towards progress and development. 

Over the past 12 months, therefore, I have consciously stayed true to myself and my conscience in keeping to my promise of bringing home to Ikono and Ini people, what is due to them within my sphere of influence and capacity. Your unwavering support, trust, and belief in my vision have been the cornerstone of our shared achievements over the past year. 

While it is not my place to enunciate the strides we have been able to make within these past 12 months, I will only say, in all humility, that I have attempted to make positive impacts on the lives of as many of our people in every life-enhancing sector, even beyond the ambit of my campaign promises. 

Some of the significant strides we have made together include:

The construction of assembly halls and classroom blocks in several schools has provided a conducive learning environment for our children, laying a solid foundation for their future.

We have enhanced security and improved the quality of life by installing solar-powered street lights across the constituency, ensuring our streets are well-lit and safe. We have also established civic centres that serve as hubs for community activities and engagements, fostering unity and collaboration among our people.

Through various grants, we have empowered individuals, businesses, and organizations, including places of worship, enabling them to thrive and contribute to our community’s growth.  In times of illness, bereavement, and celebration, we have continued to provide financial aid, showing that we stand by each other through thick and thin. We have distributed vehicles, minibuses, motorcycles, tricycles, generators, and other household items to ease the burden on needy families and enhance their quality of life. Our commitment to health is unwavering. We have continued the free healthcare programme for pregnant women and their newborn babies, ensuring they receive the care they need.

Recognizing the hardships faced by some of our families, especially in the current economic climate, we have provided palliatives to the very needy, ensuring no one is left behind. As a long-term measure, we have facilitated new employment opportunities and facilitated new appointments, opening doors for our youth and capable individuals to serve and lead. In our commitment to education, we have awarded scholarships to indigent students in secondary and tertiary institutions, paving the way for their academic and professional success.

I have lent my voice – in assent and in dissent – with those of my colleagues in legislating over issues that are of local and remote concern to all Nigerians. I have sponsored, co-sponsored and contributed to various motions and bills on critical issues that have a direct bearing on our day-to-day existence. 

It has not been all smooth sailing as we have met with several challenges over the past two years. We are grateful to God almighty for the Grace to surmount them as they come. My motivation is that these challenges are for a good cause - the betterment of the Ikono-Ini people. These achievements are a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together. Your continued support and collaboration are vital as we move forward, striving to build an even brighter future for Ikono-Ini. Let me use this opportunity to specially invite you all to our Thanksgiving and Empowerment Ceremony which will come up between the 27th and 29th of June 2024.

Thank you for the privilege to serve you. Let us continue to unite, work hard, and reach new heights of development and prosperity. I remain very open to suggestions, contributions and ideas even as I solicit the cooperation of all and sundry in our collective efforts to better our lot as a people. 

God bless us all,

Rt. Hon. Emmanuel E. Ukpong-udo (PhD)

Member, Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency 

House of Representatives

Congestion of Correction Centres: Oruk Anam Legislator Calls for Government Intervention

Member Representing Oruk Anam State Constituency at the 8th Assembly, Sampson Idiong.

The Lawmaker representing Oruk Anam State Constituency at the 8th Assembly, Sampson Idiong has called for urgent government intervention over the congestion in Correctional Centres across Akwa Ibom State.

Sampson Idiong had decried the state of overcrowding witnessed in the Facilities, which has sped up the deterioration of the Centres and the underlining effects on  inmates as well. 

Idiong made the call during Thursday, June 6, 2024 Plenary at the State House of Assembly, when he presented a motion on the "Urgent Need to Intervene in Facilities of Correctional Centres in Akwa Ibom State".

The Assemblyman highlighted that the severe overcrowding of Correctional Facilities does not only strain government resources but also accelerates the deterioration of these centers. 

The Lawmaker who is also the Deputy Chief Whip of the 8th Assembly, informed the House that data reveals Federal offenders constitute less than ten percent of inmates, leaving over 90 percent to State offenders.

"An independent survey indicates that the Uyo Minimum Custodial Centre, originally built to accommodate 600 inmates, now houses over 1,500 of them. Similarly, the Ikot Ekpene Centre, designed for 800 inmates, is currently accommodating twice its capacity", Idiong said.

He also raised concerns over the lack of security lights around the already weak perimeter fence of the overcrowded Uyo Facility. He warned that relying on the Federal Government for action, especially with the onset of the rainy season, could have disastrous consequences.

"If a breach occurs and inmates escape, the repercussions would primarily affect the residents of Akwa Ibom State".

The Deputy Chief Whip reminded the House of a similar breakout on April 24, 2023, when over 100 inmates escaped from Sulejah prison following a heavy downpour that compromised the facility, including its perimeter fence.

He appealed that the House Committee on Security be mandated to embark on an oversight facility tour of the four correctional centres in Akwa Ibom State.

In response, the Speaker, Udeme Otong directed the House Committee on Public Utilities and the Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights, and Public Petitions to collaborate with the Judiciary Service Commission in conducting an in-depth assessment of the Facilities and report findings to the House within two weeks.