Engr. Oto-Obong Essien Receive traders acceptance, endorsement

 

By Emmanuel Ufon

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Chairmanship Candidate for Ikono Local Government Area, Engr. Oto-Obong Essien was at Oduk market on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, to support traders with grants and gift items, while interacting with them ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.

The Chairmanship Candidate who went round the market with with her campaign train canvassing votes for the PDP, received cheers and got endorsements from jubilant traders and her teeming supporters.

Engr. Essien urged the market traders and supporters to vote for PDP during the elections by casting their votes in the ballot paper where the symbol of an Umbrella is for them to continue to enjoy peace, empowerment, improvement in all sectors of the economy and good governance at the local government area.

In her words, "the market is a place where the economy of the local government area recycles because from here you sell your goods, provide services and pay tax to government either through tickets or whatever way, so the government must support you by providing a conducive environment for you to do your business. I will visit back the market when I assume office as the Chairman of the council, I will do more for the market women across Ikono in terms of grants and other supports", she said.

Declaring the traders’ unanimous support for the PDP Chairmanship Candidate and all PDP Councilorship Candidates, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Market Traders Association, Ikono Chapter, Mr. Joseph Ekpenyong told the Chairmanship Candidate that the traders have already resolved to vote her due to her good leadership track record as a tested and trusted leader.

According to Ekpenyong, “the entire market traders have resolved and asked me to inform you that our votes are exclusively for you and other PDP candidates in the Ikono. none will miss as they all agreed to give you 100 percent votes in the forthcoming elections.”

The organization chairman maintained that Engr. Essien magnanimity, future plans and kind gesture towards market traders in Ikono are exceptional, stressing that she deserves their overwhelming votes and maximum support as no candidates have proven to them beyond doubt that they have interest for them.

Why we prefer Oto-Obong Essien - Ikono Political Leader

...as PDP inaugurates Campaign Committee, set for flag-off Thursday September 19th

By Emmanuel Ufon

Ahead of the October 5th Local Government council elections and Thursday September 19th campaign flag-off, the Political Leader of Ikono Local Government Area, Sir Sunday Akpan has opened up on why the PDP Chairmanship Candidate is the best candidate among other contestants jostling for the Chairmanship seat in Ikono Local Government Area.

Fielding question from Journalists at Ikono Council hall over the weekend during inauguration ceremony of the PDP campaign central working committee of the area, Sir Akpan who also once held sway as Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, equally described Engr. Oto-Obong Essien as a visionary leader with a brighter future for Ikono.

According to him, "Oto-Obong Essien is favored in all ramifications for the seat of the Chairmanship position in Ikono both in her gender as a female which signifies peace and by virtues of political zoning to her area, above all the young lady is hard working, she had earlier saved as Councilor in her ward with good track records and have over a decade of experience in chemical engineering, environmental consulting, and a proven track record of leadership, Engr. Oto -Obong Essien has established herself as a trailblazer in the public sector. Her remarkable journey, marked by dedication, innovation, and leadership, has made her a beacon of hope for a better tomorrow.

"I call on every one in Ikono to vote for this young dynamic lady who has what it takes to lead us at our council, Engr. Oto-Obong Essien is a visionary leader, whose unique blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and passion for community development makes her an exceptional candidate for public office. With her proven track record of driving positive change, she is poised to inspire and lead towards a brighter future".

Earlier while inaugurating the campaign committee, the Champion of Ikono Politics, Sir Victor Etefia said the inauguration of the campaign committee which took place on Thursday 13th September, 2024 was timely as Ikono people were waiting for the Governor to officially present flag to candidates of PDP and declare the campaign officially opened at the state.

The Ikono Champion of Politics used the opportunity to call on members of the election committee to expand their reach and carry others along to boast the party's wining chances at their respective polling units and wards.

In his acceptance speech, the Director General DG of the campaign committee,  Barr Moses Akpan reiterated commitment to work in unity with other members of the campaign committee ahead of October 5th to ensure victory of all PDP Candidates at the poll.

On her part, the Chairmanship Candidate of PDP,  Engr. Oto-Obong Essien while presenting her flag to the party Stakeholders expressed appreciation to the Leader of the Party and Governor of the State, Pastor Umo Eno, the Chairman Nkwot Leadership Council, Evang. Albert Inyang and the entire Ikono PDP family for the opportunity given to her to fly the flag of the party ahead of the October 5th elections.

She further assured the people of Ikono that her administration will experience improvement in all sectors of the economy in line with the A-R-I-S-E Agenda of Gov Umo Eno when voted into office as the Executive Chairman of Ikono Local Government Council.

Others who spoke at the event were the Transition Committee Chairman of Ikono Local Government Area, Hon. Kingsley Akpan, Distinguished Senator Aloysius Etok, the immediate past National Assembly Member Representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Hon. Iboro Ekanem, the Member Representing Ikono State Constituency, Hon. Asuquo Nana, the Chairman House of Assembly Service Commission, Barr Godswill Umoh, the Former Chairman of Ikono Local Government Council, Mr. Itoro Columba,  the Chapter Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Edem Obot Nyah, the Head Women Mobilization, Mrs. Ekaette Columba. 

High point of the event was the inauguration of the campaign committee ahead of the campaign flag-off in Ikono Local Government Area on Thursday 19th September, 2024.

Umo Eno sure of NULGE's vote come 2027 - Anestina Iweh

 

...says payment of more than N3b gratuity to LG workers in 1 year is uncommon 

Priscilla Akpanettot 

The Akwa Ibom State President of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Anestina Iweh has assured Governor Umo Eno of the support of Local Government workers in the State should he desire a second term in office as Governor.

The State President said this on Friday, September 9, 2024 at a press briefing held in her office to acquaint newsmen of activities for the 2024 Local Government Week, beginning on Sunday 15th through Thursday 19th September, 2024.

The event, according to Comrade Iweh will be kick-started with a Thanksgiving Service at Insight Bible Church, Uyo on Sunday, to thank God extensively for using Governor Umo Eno to solve their problems.

The Union Leader who narrated the Governor's numerous intervention in the affairs of Local Government workers said Pst. Umo Eno was an answer to many of their prayers.

"More than N3b have been released so far for payment of gratuity to Local Government workers. We in the Union have received these monies and we can't thank the Governor enough".

"Governor Umo Eno paid the 2020/2021 Leave Grants to workers in the 31 Local Government the  same month he was sworn into office. And he did this in a single day".

"In December 2023, he paid 3 months extra salary to workers in the mainstream Civil Service and to us in the Local Government".

"In March 2024, arrears of salaries for 4 months were paid to workers in the affected Nine Local Government Areas of the State".

"In June, Leave Grants of 2012/2013 was paid and that of 2014 which is over N5.90 million is ongoing.

Meanwhile, gratuity to Local Government workers has also been paid up to 2011 so far".

For these reasons, Iweh stated that the Governor was deserving of a second term vote from the NULGE.

She stressed that Governor Umo Eno's commitment to the plight of Local Government workers has brought hope both to those who recently retired and those who would soon retire, as they would no longer wait for up to 10 years or more to get their entitlements.

While observing that allocations to Local Government Councils have also increased significantly since the inception of the present administration, she noted that Transition Committee Chairpersons are now doing in 1 year, what elected Council Chairpersons could not do in 3 Years, courtesy of the Governor's intervention. 

"For these reasons and more, we will be thanking God on Sunday for giving Governor Umo Eno to us as a gift", she said and called on members of the public to join them in thanksgiving on Sunday by 10:00am.

She informed that the Thanksgiving Service will be followed by a carnival float on Tuesday, September 17, to the Government House in Uyo, where they will thank the Governor face-to-face for his generous kindness upon them.

This will be preceded by a novelty football match at Uyo Township Stadium on Monday, September 16, between Local Government Chairmen and the NULGE by 3:00pm.

By 9:00am on Wednesday, the 18th of September; a Symposium on Local Government Autonomy will be held at Helemah Event Centre, Uyo, on the theme: "Local Government Administration: Strengthening Grassroots Participation and Inclusivity in Governance", for Local Government Chairpersons, Local Government Service Heads, Payroll Officers, Cashiers and key officers in the Local Government administration.

To end the Week, a Convocation of the General Assembly, Cultural Parade and Fundraising for the building of a spacious meeting place for the Union will be held at Unity Park, Udoudoma by 10:00am on Thursday, September 19, 2024.

The President called on relevant Unions in the Local Government to attend the event, saying it was needful to foster solidarity and togetherness.

Governor’s wife Patience Umo Eno Inaugurates Water Project for Mkpat Enin Communities

The Wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Patience Umo Eno has officially inaugurated a resuscitated 12,000 - litre water project in Ibiaku village, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, an intervention by her pet project the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA).

At the ceremony, Pastor Patience Eno expressed her joy over the resuscitation of the water project for the Ibiaku community, whose inhabitants and those of the neighbouring Ikot Idiong and Esa Ekpo village, had  suffered from water scarcity, for several years.

Highlighting the crucial role of access to water in community development, the First Lady reiterated GIFA's commitment to fostering economic growth through the provision of essential infrastructure, encouraging Stakeholders in the area to ensure the sustainability and maintenance of the project.

The Governor's wife, who was represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Mrs. Enobong Mbobo, acknowledged the tireless efforts of GIFA team members and her office staff in restoring the project to life, hoping its resuscitation would improve the living conditions of the people.

In a welcome remark, the Transition Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Council, Lady Mercy Bassey, expressed her gratitude to Pastor Patience Eno for her thoughtful efforts in revitalizing the water project which she noted  will alleviate the burden of trekking long distances to access clean and potable drinking water, thereby improving the overall well-being of the community.

Setting the tone for the event, the Special Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Hon. Anne Abraham, emphasized that the intervention by GIFA, is in line with a key component of GIFA's Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme, which aims to promote safe WASH practices and prevent the spread of diseases.

In their separate goodwill messages, notable Stakeholders from Ibiaku Esa Ekpo community including the Village Head of Ibiaku Esa Ekpo, Eteidung Nsini Akpabio, Mkpat Enin PDP Chairmanship Candidate  Hon. Emmanuel Inyang, the Woman leader of the Village, Obonganwan Nwa Ezekiel Udoekwere, and Engineer Okon Uffot Obot expressed gratitude to the Governor's Wife for reviving the water project which has provided relief to the community.

The Mkpat Enin women presented a special rendition depicting their joy over the resuscitation of the water project initially sited in 2011 by the Local Government Administration before its dormancy, a situation that has been tackled with the revitalization of the project, which has brought ease to the lives of the people. 

Media Unit

Office of the Wife of Governor, AKS

September 5, 2024

AKIRS Takes Tax Education to Radio

 

... Winners of quiz segment to receive mouth-watering gifts

Priscilla Akpanettot

The Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS) has come up with a strategy to make citizens of the State pay their taxes voluntarily.

The strategy is the commencement of a tax education programme on radio, where extensive explanation on tax will be given to the public.

The programme which is titled "Tax Talk Time" in English Language and "Ini Nneme Tax" in Ibibio Language will be aired on Thursdays on Comfort 95.1FM, Uyo by 5:30-6:00PM; Redemption 101.5FM, Abak by 12:30-1:00PM and Heritage 104.9FM, Eket by 11:30AM-12PM, to cover the three senatorial districts of the State; with it's Ibibio Language version on Tañg Sio 102.7FM by 5:30PM on Fridays.

Chairman of the AKIRS, Sir. Okon Okon gave this information to Journalists on Monday, September 2, 2024 at the Conference Room of the Service.

According to Okon, the plan to intentionally take tax education to the public is hinged on the realization that the level of knowledge on taxation is reasonably low.

"We cannot hold people responsible for non-compliance and lack of knowledge and ability to pay their taxes when due", he said.

For this reason, the Chairman explained that the tax programme on radio will educate people on how, when, and the processes involved in paying taxes.

He therefore appealed for the support of the media in promoting the programme beforehand.

Buttressing the Chairman's explanation, a media expert and consultant with the AKIRS, Mr. Abasifreke Effiong added that the programme was conceived to take tax awareness and sensitization beyond interpersonal mode of communication.

"The idea came that we expand our communication channels to tax payers and increase the level of awareness and sensitization on tax so, the Board decided on a radio programme to show people what Government is doing with tax payers' money and thus, make them see the need to pay their taxes", he said.

He further informed that the programme will be a flexible magazine programme featuring a gingle, playlet, news and discussion segment, with a phone-in segment to allow listeners make enquires and get instant responses on tax matters.  

Effiong who disclosed that instant gifts would be given to listeners who provide correct answers to questions asked in the quiz segment of the programme, said that those who get up to two questions correctly will as well get a special gift at the end of the month.

The tax education programme initiative was appreciated and commended by the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Linus Nkan who described it as an aid to ease his job.

"People don't believe in Government; that's the reason they abandon their civic responsibilities. But Government cannot do well without the support of citizens and one way of showing that support is by paying taxes. Government needs money both for it's capital and fixed expenditure so paying taxes is an obligation everyone ought to partake in", he stressed.

He therefore praised Okon Okon for the creative thought, noting that it would bring about high productivity.

Also lauding the initiative were the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Akparawa James Edet; Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk; Honorary Special Adviser to Governor Umo Eno on Tourism, Dr. Imeh Udoh as well as the programme producer, Mr. Uwem Obot.

The tax education programme which is structured in quarters will run for the next three months.

EMOIMEE Trust Unveils Life-Changing Projects for Local Communities

By Deborah Ekanem

The EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust has commissioned and donated three brand new ambulance buses to enhance emergency medical services in the  catchment areas. The event also witnessed the  donation of  600-solar-powered street lights to nine villages and   Skill acquisition programs for 50 youths to boost employability and economic prospects in the region.

Speaking during the official flagg-off/handing over of projects at Okoroette in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, a member of the Board of Trustee (BOT), Mrs Lily John intimated that EMOIMEE  is an acronym for the seven  oil-producing communities in the region which are: Eastern Obolo, Mbo, Onna, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas.

Inaugurated in 2023 following the  promulgation of the petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, the Trust was established to provide direct social and economic benefits by Oil Companies in Nigeria to oil-bearing communities.

The life enhancement projects, according to the Eastern Obolo Trust representative underscores the Trust's commitment to the holistic development and well-being of its host communities.

"The projects you have seen and will see in the future are not entirely our selection, but the result of what you proposed in your Eastern Obolo  5-year development plan, facilitated by the Settler, ExxonMobil prior to the incorporation of the Trust," she added.

She highlighted the Trust's achievements to include: award of scholarships to 237 indigenes in tertiary institutions and 143 in secondary schools, adding that a speed boat would soon be delivered to facilitate movement in the riverine area.

The Chairman, EMOIMEE  HCDT, Senator Helen Esuene who was represented by Engineer Clinton Akpan assured that the projects are community-focused and apolitical. 

She pledged to continue championing manpower development and scholarship programmes for people of the area.

Esuene however appealed for calm and assured that more projects would be executed as captured in the five-year development plan.

On his part, the  Paramount Ruler of Eastern Obolo, His Royal Majesty Ubóóñ Harry Etetor hailed the Petroleum Industry Act as an innovative instrument for developing oil-bearing communities. 

He advised youth of the area to take responsibility of the  facilities for community's benefit.

Similarly,  the Transition Chairman of Eastern Obolo, Elder Uro Nango commended the Trust for the ingenuity in developing communities in the area, assuring that the ambulances and other social amenities provided by the Trust would be protected and put to appropriate use.

In his response, the Director, Primary Health Center in the local Government, Mrs Atim Udo described the ambulance buses as extraordinary, stressing that the equipment will help save lives and improve healthcare delivery in the area.

The event was sponsored by NNPC/MPN Joint Venture, EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust and members of the Trust in Eastern Obolo, including: Sir (Rt.Hon) Uduyok Aboh, BOT membe;, Barr. Nango Nango, Management Committee member and Mr Stephen Tiligborb, Advisory Committee.

Police Assures of calm and security in Unyenghe

 

...uncovers dead bodies of marine hunters

... arrest killers 

Priscilla Akpanettot 

This is Utit Antai Village, a once peaceful and tranquil settlement in Unyenghe, Mbo Local Government Area.

The Village which has become a shadow of itself was forced into this level of abandonment by a notorious gang of criminals which terrorised the villagers, causing them to vacant their homeland for safety.

The height of the terror was the killing and burying of marine hunters from the Ministry of Internal Security and Inland Waterways who were returning from an operation.

Thanks to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, the killers were arrested and the bodies, exhumed.

The suspects, Anthony Archibong 'M' 46 year-old, Emmanuel Emmanuel Otoyo 'M' 18 year-old, Daniel Edet Okon 'M' 26 year-old, Enietie Harry Tom 'M' 34 year-old and Joseph Okon 'M' 44 year-old were eventually arrested alongside the Village Head of Utit Antai, Chief Okon Asuquo Eteokpo who is said to be their ally and spiritual fortifier; while a total of 15 live cartridges were recovered from them. 

Upon their arrest, a combined team of the Command launched a search for the corpses and found them after hours of frantic toil, with their heads dismembered.

A youth member who didn't want his name mentioned told this reporter that the gang had held the community in perpetual fear and terror in recent times, calling sea pirates and militants on them at intervals.

He explained that the crisis leading to the unfortunate end of the marine hunters emanated from the suspended village youth election on the order of the Local Government, when the criminals insisted on having one of their own on seat as President. 

They then took their frustration on members of the community, killing and maiming until the entire community fled for their lives.

"These men (the deceased) were just returning from their usual operation of manning the waterways when they fell into their hands", he lamented. 

While assuring the community of close surveillance of the area, the Command allayed fears of insecurity, saying that they would not relent until everyone involved in the crime is brought to book. 

The Command also encouraged the villagers to return to their homes, stay vigilant and report suspicious movements to the Police.