Trader Head Condemns Forceful Unionism, bullying of unregistered sellers across markets

 

...says no one should be denied the right to earn a living from the market

Priscilla Akpanettot

Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Market Matters and President, Akwa Ibom Traders Association, Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael has condemned the act of forceful unionism and bullying of traders who refuse to be part of select Unions operating within markets across the State.

He described the seizure of such people’s goods as theft and warned Unions to desist from such act or face the full wrath of the law.

This was one of the discussions which held sway at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Akwa Ibom Traders Association on Friday, October 3 2025 at Governor’s Office Annexe in Uyo.

The SSA who spoke strongly against the act of forcing sellers to be part of respective Unions said it was an act of high-handedness and wickedness to prevent people from earning a decent means of living in the market, and a breach of their fundamental human rights.

He however encouraged the traders to register with any market union of their choice to enjoy incentives and benefits such as access to funds and government support.

“There’s freedom of Association and people are entitled to their freedom. If anybody wants to be part of your Union, its’s fine. If they don’t, it is their choice. Forceful unionism is illegal. No one should force you to join any market Union. If you are harassed for not joining a Union, call me and we will seek legal redress”, he stressed.

Tracing the history of the Association to 2011, the Trader Head observed that its unity, organization and discipline had given traders a strong political voice and positioned it as the second strongest and organised trading bloc in the country.

As such, he appealed for more unity and pledged commitment to the oneness of the Association. “I may not be the best, but I will endeavour to unite the Association to the best of my ability”, he said.

He noted that the AGM was an avenue for checks and balances, as well as ensuring transparency and accountability across all market fronts in the State.

While commending Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to the cause of Traders in the State, Akparawa Raphael listed the Governor’s intervention programmes to include: the grouping of traders into cooperative societies for the provision of buses, as well as a ₦2 billion interest-free loan introduced in the last administration, which has now been converted into grants by the current administration. He also brought to public knowledge the construction of Urua Anwa in Oruk Anam, Urua Obo Annang in Essien Udim, Urua Edereobo in Obot Akara with 50 lock-up stalls and open sheds complete with water and toilet facilities; Urua Ette in Ikot Abasi, Urua Ikot Akpabio in Nsit Atai, Okobo Beach Market, and Otoro Market in Abak; not excluding the newly constructed solar-powered Ndiya street to access Akpan Andem Market, and the ongoing Itam Park Market project, which is now 80% complete.

He also thanked Governor Umo Eno for instituting the biometric capturing of traders in a digital portal for easier access to grants while passing down the Governor’s directive that all market men and women should register on the Portal for easy access to grants.

While announcing a personal funding of traders’ accounts across the 31 local government areas with ₦3.1 million as part of his drive for transparency and ease of accountability among leaders of each Local Government Association, Akparawa Raphael revealed that the Governor has earmarked over ₦10 billion for traders and farmers in the 2026 Akwa Ibom State budget; an allocation which he said will bring about massive development, increased empowerment, and expanded opportunities for traders, and in turn boost the state’s economy.

For these and more, the Association unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Governor Umo Eno and presented a cheque of ₦100 million as his re-election nomination fee for a second term come 2027.

They further commended the leadership of Akparawa Raphael for amplifying the challenges of traders and pledged their total loyalty to the government.

The Annual General Meeting also featured the appointment of Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael as Chairman, Board of Trustee of the Akwa Ibom Traders Association and Pastor Moses Sambo as Acting President of the Association.

COOPA Congratulates Member on Governor's Appointment

 

The Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA), has congratulated one of its founding members, Mr. Cavil Inwang, on his appointment as Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Marketing and Social Media.

COOPA's Chancellor, Mr. Utitofon Morgan, described Mr. Inwang’s appointment by Governor Umo Eno, Ph.D, as a well-deserved recognition of excellence, professionalism, and digital competence.

The Conference appreciates the Governor for considering a core digital communication expert from its fold for such a strategic role.

“Mr. Inwang is not only a founding member of COOPA, but has been a consistent voice in the digital media space. He is known for his innovative approach to online engagement, integrity, and deep understanding of the dynamics of social media communication,” the statement read in part.

While expressing confidence that the new Aide would bring his wealth of experience and creativity to bear in driving the digital visibility of the state government’s programmes and policies, COOPA notes that the appointment points to the growing relevance and influence of digital media practitioners in governance and policy communication.

“We commend His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, for continuously identifying and appointing young, competent professionals into critical roles in his administration. Cavil's appointment is a step in the right direction and aligns with the Governor’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation in public service delivery,” the Chancellor stated.

COOPA assures Mr. Inwang of its full support as he embarks on his new role and charges him to remain a worthy ambassador of the digital media community in the state.

Ephraim Inyangeyen’s Ordination – Desire Granted

 

“The ordination signals a new level of commitment to this gospel of my Lord Jesus Christ” – Pastor Inyangeyen

By Substance Udo-Nature

On Sunday, 20th July, 2025, Mr. Ephraim Akparawa Inyangeyen, was ordained a Pastor in the Insight Bible Church, Abuja. He is the former Commissioner for Works and pioneer officially recognized Chief of Staff to the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel. It is interesting that all the necessary distractions along the course of time have not disconnected his focus from this grand desire. 

Although it was nothing so extraordinary to celebrate with fanfare or boast about, just imagine how busy and sensational front pages of newspapers especially in Akwa Ibom State would have been was Inyangeyen involved in something negative. Just imagine. But there was mischievous quiet in the media over his ecclesiastical call! 

Not that he craved such publicity or is bothered about the indifference, but it speaks to the syndromatic prejudice of the media towards positive developments, especially if we remember that everything and anything Inyangeyen has always made banner headlines in newspapers. We will continue to forgive the media for tomfoolery!   

It is the reason I must be quick to state that this essay is not a eulogy or paean. I do not have the gifts of sycophancy. So this essay is an unsolicited attempt at examining Inyangeyen’s passionate progression in this regards and the significance of his ordination in relation to public expectations in a country where socioeconomic dynamics have birthed all manner of persons wearing the collar and the cassock merely for the spectacle and make-belief. 

This writer shares flourishing stubborn and foster filial relationship with Pastor Inyangeyen. Those who know know. So, the comments I have heard and calls I’ve received from close friends for confirmation at the break of the news of the ordination clearly showed how much people could remember. The reactions have been a cocktail of sentiments and compliments for the ordained Pastor. 

One unassuming but excited fellow whom I felt never really knew Inyangeyen caught my special attention when he called on phone just a day after the ordination to ask, “Is it true?” His curious and innocent inquiry reminded me of 1 Samuel 10:11, “Is Saul also amongst the prophets?” More than that, his question added fuel to my settled intention for this article. I have realized that many only knew Inyangeyen from a distance or what the media used to feed them on while he was in government. 

The inquiries were also an indication of peoples’ longstanding attachment to Pastor Inyangeyen as a celebrated brand in private enterprise and public service delivery counting from his days in the Nigeria Customs. It also showed that God can choose whomever he wants. Remember: All but the last born son of Jesse had lined up for anointing by Samuel the Priest, yet none was chosen in the expectation of humans. Not only the father but also the prophet were astounded. 

But 1 Samuel 16: 7 reports: “But the Lord said onto Samuel, look not at his countenance, or the height of his stature…for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart”. KJV. 

Inyangeyen is still remembered as the spectacular former Commissioner for Works within which time most of the roads in the administration of Udom Emmanuel were built with rapidity and éclat. He also contested on the platform of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the 2023 Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District election which he was condemned to lose to the shenanigans of heartless political contractors who make Nigerian politics what it is today.

Perhaps largely because he made no noise about it or flaunted it as a tag of righteousness even while he was still serving in government, not many knew that pastoring has always been Inyangeyen’s unquenchable desire. I do not want to reveal that in about the past 15 years, Inyangeyen has kept a private sanctuary at his Ikot Ebiere country home, Onna Local Government Area, where he dedicatedly assembles family members and others every last Friday of the month for thanksgiving where he or invited pastors minister.

The building is a 500-capacity auditorium right in his compound. Besides, in and out of seasons, he also has a tradition of periodically inviting people from nearby communities and beyond to treat them to charity in expression of God’s faithfulness and blessing upon his life. It is not also my intention to mention that, as a Commissioner, Inyangeyen introduced a brief prayer session every first Monday of the month at the Ministry of Works. That initiative promptly died with his departure.

His recent ordination therefore is not a gate-crashing experience. To reach that point, he deliberately had subjected himself to divine tutorship in the Latter Rain Assembly back in days leading up to 2013 in Lagos. Over the years, he has been refined by further studies and life’s challenges. It means that the Pastor has a good grasp of theology, theosophy, and epistemology, to effectively deploy his endowed eloquence in boldly and persuasively passing the message of life. 

“I have been preaching the gospel for many years but the ordination signals a new level of commitment to this gospel of my Lord Jesus Christ”, he told me in a phone chat. 

There is more to this. Even so well equipped with the Word and blessed with modest means of life, Inyangeyen has shown humility. He refused to join the bandwagon of self-anointed and self-serving seminarians who were always in a hurry to litter every space of their choice with churches. Does Nigeria really need more churches or spiritually religious persons? Are we morally and religiously better now in the proliferation of churches than we were at a time there were just about one or none in a community of communities? 

It is in this light we commend and celebrate the newly ordained Pastor for his patience and modesty in not seeking self-glory and gratifications. He simply would have put up a building to have his face on a glossy poster or big flex banner just to be counted amongst Church Founders. I asked him why he chose the Insight Bible Church. Hear him:

“I left Lagos for Uyo in 2013 and couldn’t travel regularly back to Lagos to be part of the Latter Rain Assembly as it then was, and I began to ask God where I could worship and hear His undiluted Word. Afterwards, my spirit directed me to the Insight Bible Church and I met Pastor Sylvanus Ukafia and offered to start teaching in the Sunday School, which I was doing in Latter Rain Assembly in Lagos. I see my ordination in the Vineyard of the Lord as my ultimate goal in life”.

Established in April 1997, Insight Bible Church prides and introduces itself as a “Bible-believing church where God’s word is taught with accuracy and people receive insight to enable them succeed in everything they do”. It is presided over by Dr. Sylvanus Ukafia. 

It could have been no coincidence that Inyangeyen’s ordination took place in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. Apart from giving it national appeal, it offers him a vantage and counterpoise for deeper cross-examination of attitudes in multi-religious diversities that make up Nigeria. But if he will station in Abuja, he must know that this is Minister Wike’s artificial territory. He must be wary of big invitation cards. Good enough, Pastor Inyangeyen is brave by nature and richly contented, someone who will not fear faces to gratify sentiments and trivialities in his service in the Lord's Vineyard! 

We wish you a successful ministry, Man of God. Congratulations, Sir!

World Malaria Day: Lady Helen Obareki takes Sensitisation to Market

 

As part of activities to mark the world Malaria day which holds globally on April 25, the Coordinator of the Office of the Akwa Ibom State First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, on Friday hosted a sensitisation rally against the life-threatening disease at the Akpan Andem Market in Uyo. 

The rally organized by the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA) with support from the state Ministry of Health, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Gloesel and other partners, was aimed at raising awareness about the causes, symptoms and prevention of malaria, as well as promote measures to combat the disease in the state. 

Lady Obareki interacted with the market women and traders, educating them on the use of insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and other preventive measures, while emphasizing the need for prompt medical attention to reduce malaria prevalence and promote public health. 

"Keep your environments clean and ensure to use insecticide-treated nets as well as other prevention measures to prevent malaria . If you notice any symptoms of malaria, endeavour to seek medical attention. That is why we came here today. 

"Governor Umo Eno has shown unwavering commitment to reducing the prevalence of malaria in the state. You must also play your part to complement the effort of the government," she said.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, announced that the government of Pastor Umo Eno has covered all costs for malaria testing, drugs and prevention measures. He urged Akwa Ibom citizens to take advantage of free malaria medical treatment and access mosquito nets at public hospitals.

Dr. Ekem emphasized the importance of using the mosquito nets correctly, advising the traders in the market against diverting the nets for farming purposes. He encouraged everyone to sleep under the nets to effectively prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of malaria, announcing a collaboration between Akwa Ibom State Government and Ibom Air over the distribution of 60,000 doses of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) for the prevention of malaria in pregnant women.

In their respective speeches, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas and the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, Prince Akpan Ikim, emphasized the need for a proactive approach to combating the disease. They urged citizens to maintain a clean environment by cutting overgrown grass, clearing clogged gutters and eliminating stagnant water and refuse, which are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Health talks were presented by the President of the Medical Women's Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Akwa Ibom State branch, Dr Uduak Usanga, Chairman of the Association of Lady Pharmacists of Nigeria, (ALPs), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Pharmacist Enobong Akpan and Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, (PSN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Pharmacist Abasiama Uwatt, who spoke on the 2025 Malaria Day global theme "End Malaria with Us", enlightened the market women on how to prevent malaria in their communities by keeping their environment clean, engaging in proper refuse disposal and the appropriate use of the treated mosquito net provided by the government noting that the eradication of malaria is not only the duty of government but a collective responsibility, calling on all to join the fight against the prevalence of the disease in the state.

They advised the market women to seek proper medical attention in government medical facilities when they begin to have symptoms of malaria, correcting the impression that malaria is a death sentence as it can be treated with the right medication.

The sensitization event included several fun games, as well as a dance competition. Winners participated in a raffle draw for a variety of prizes from the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki including blenders, electric kettles and other gifts, with every participant receiving mosquito nets, umbrellas, cash, and fez caps. 

Media Unit

Office of the First Lady, AKS

April 25, 2025

COOPA Trains Members on AI Digital Skills

 

...Reveals financial and career-saving opportunities 

Members of the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) have been trained on the act of leveraging on Artificial Intelligence (AI), a tech skill which will enhance thier abilities to unlock both financial and career opportunities while surmounting inevitable challenges on their growth journey.

This was the focus of the training session as organised by COOPA at Perly Gate Residence along  Calabar-Itu highway, Uyo, yesterday, Friday, April 26, 2025, themed "Unlocking Earning Potential with AI-Powered Digital Skills." 

During the training session, the resource person, Hannah Graham, who is the founder of TutorTech Initiative, revealed the many dormant opportunities untapped in the tech world with focus on AI availability to ease media engagements responsibly. 

The UK-based tech-savvy went further on a practical session on how to engage AI tools in one's daily work-life and other engagements, which makes task accomplishment much easier when the user is better informed on the usage of these AI tools. 

She debunked the notion that AI emergence in the tech world is impeding creativity and relieving many employees of their job roles. Mrs Graham noted that though AI has come to stay and helping CEOs, individuals, and corporate entities to manoeuvre their official routines easily, it is compelling for all to be accustomed to these tools which have come to stay. "Existing side-by-side with humans is the future which is already here," she said.

She encouraged COOPA members to avail themselves of these innovative tools, like the ChatGPT, which will not only enhance their growth but their capacity as individuals doing business in the online space.

Earlier, in his opening remark, the Chancellor of COOPA, Mr. Utitofon Morgan appreciated the resource person, Hannah Graham, who was the guest speaker on the occasion, for seizing time from her busy schedule to share knowledge with members of COOPA.

Morgan stressed that one of the blueprints of his administration is the training and retraining of COOPA members, which was captured in his manifesto. He urged members to take advantage of the training and maximize the provisions of AI tools in their daily online engagements for optimum media outputs while opening income earning opportunities.

He also seized the opportunity to appreciate the Special Assistant to the Governor on Trade and Market Matters, Mr. Idorenyin Raphael for being one of the facilitators of the event. 

In his goodwill message, the Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on New/Digital Media, Mr. Richard Okon appreciated the organisers and the resource person for offering the learning platform. He noted that the value of self development can not be underestimated as such training offers an opportunity to learn, relearn, and unlearn. He urged COOPA, who is the organiser, to expand the training  series in the future for more people to benefit and promised to give the necessary support during COOPA's proposed outing later in the year. He added that he wants to align with one of the focuses of the ARISE agenda of Governor Umo Eno's administration which is youth empowerment and skill acquisition. 

In his appreciation speech, the chairman of the training committee and deputy chancellor, COOPA, Prince Simeon Akpan, appreciated the Chancellor of COOPA, the resource person, the SA to the Governor, other facilitators of the training and members of COOPA for making the event a reality. He expressed hope that with the knowledge gained, a lot will change in the output of media engagements of members.

Meanwhile, the highlight of the event was the award of honour to the resource person, Hannah Graham, for her tireless contributions to human capital development and technological advancement within and outside Nigeria where over 2000, mostly women and children have benefited  from her free training on TutorTech Initiative platform.

©️ Enwono-Abasi Elisha

Oruk Anam Council Records Unprecedented Face-lift

 

... about 15 roads graded

Enwono-Abasi Elisha

Within the past three months, Oruk Anam Local Government Area has experienced an unprecedented face-lift, while peace and unity have been promoted in the area.

Chairman of Oruk Anam LocalGovernment Area, Rt Hon. (Elder) Sunday Festus Akpan, who spoke with members of the Conference of Online Publishers Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) in his office, on Thursday, explained his commitment to align with the A.R.I.S.E agenda philosophy of the Governor, Pastor Umo.

With his Future ASSURED Agenda, Festus said the focus of his administration is the major aspects of governance captured by the A.R.I.S.E agenda, which include Agriculture, Security, Unity, and Rural Development.

"Within our capacity, we have done our best within three months. We try to align our programmes within the A.R.I.S.E agenda of the Governor. We want to leave positive legacies."

As a former Leader of the Council, Hon. Akpan said his vision is to leave the Council and the entire Local Government better than he met it.

Within the Council premises, the Chairman took the delegation around, showing the upgrade of the perimeter fencing, which was left untouched for about 25 years. Also, construction work at the main entrance of the Council is ongoing for a better passage.

The group also visited the site of the five hectares of land where the ASSURED farm is situated. The farm has 13 casual staff employed by the Council, and cucumber, pumpkin, and cassava are cultivated on it. 

There is also a two-bedroom ASSURED legacy home built to support the vulnerable in the community. The team also witnessed a water project at Ikot Obio Aduak, Oruk Anam Local Government Area. 

Leading COOPA's delegation, the Chancellor said the COOPA Citizens Tour aims to be abreast with the achievements of the Local Government leaders as they are the closest to the people. 

He added that the community-based tour is never to witch-hunt anyone but to promote development at that tier of government.

#COOPACitizensTour

Akpaden Road Construction responsible for 7-year blackout in Eastern Obolo - LG Chairman

Priscilla Akpanettot 

The Executive Chairman, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area has lamented the total blackout in the area, occasioned by the construction of the Akwa Ibom State University passage way in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin.

Rt. Hon Samuel Nteogwuijah made this known to the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA), during the tour organized by the organization to assess the activities and challenges of Local Government Areas in the State.

Though thankful to the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for intervening in the road project and some Oil Companies for the solar intervention in some areas, the Chairman counted the inconveniences caused by the blackout both at the Council Secretariat, on mainland and the riverine areas.

One of the solar-powered borehole projects in Iko Town 

He prayed for the speedy completion of the road project which he explained was the only thing preventing the erection of electric poles to link the area to national grid.

Rt. Hon. Nteogwuijah who maintained that his core priority upon assumption of office was the unification of warring parties within and among communities in the Local Government Area, was glad to mention that peace had returned to such entities across traditional, socio-political, socio-cultural and socio-economic lines.

Furthermore, the Chairman had in 100 days embarked on the provision of basic infrastructure such as the construction of solar-powered borehole projects, a 3-bedroom bungalow to be used as compassionate home and latrines to combat the menace of open defecation.

72-office-spaced permanent site for the the Council Secretariat 

Among other achievements within 100 days of his administration are the payment of academic grants to over 100 indigenous students, with a second batch underway; as well as intensive preparations made to relocate the Council Secretariat to it's 72-office spaced permanent site which was abandoned since 1999.

Following the outbreak of cholera in Emeoroke, Rt. Hon. Nteogwuijah had also presented relief materials to affected families and facilitated their admission at the hospital. He expressed deep gratitude to the State Governor for wading swiftly into the issue by ordering the movement of the victims to Emmanuel Hospital for proper medical attention.

Earlier, the Chancellor, COOPA, Mr. Utitofon Morgan had appreciated the Chairman for receiving them. He stressed that the exercise was to enable the creation of an effective relationship with Councils that would manifest in positive development, and not to hunt anyone. 

Ongoing construction of a compassionate home for a widow

He also commended the Leader of the Council for the proactive steps taken to combat cholera and for other achievements in 100 days, while suggesting the construction of ramps at the Secretariat for the physically challenged.

The visiting team was led to some of the project sites at Iko Town, Okoro-Iti and Okoroete by the Council Secretary, Comrade Tamuno Timothy.

The visiting team with the Council Secretary Comrade,Tamuno Timothy