100 Days After, NUJ beams with Pride

Priscilla Akpanettot

There’s a good thing about doing good. It is the good you feel about yourself for doing well. Anyone who has seen the Akwa Ibom State Council Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Nsibiet John recently will attest that his shine has been on another level since Saturday, the 2nd of August, 2025.

The shine implied here isn’t that which comes from the application of a skin-glow but that which comes from living one’s dream. It is the radiance that comes from your ability to solve problems and meet needs - a shine of fulfilment. Since his assumption of office as NUJ Chairman, this fine gentleman of the press has carried on the execution of his dreams for the Union with visible glee, steeze and flair, which have impressed on his comeliness and outlook, making him glow with pride. 

A hundred days after, one can observe without incongruity that the Union now beams with the radiance of Nsibiet John’s goodness, thoughtfulness and kindness, incorporated into his style of leadership – one established through clear goals and objectives which are aligned with the needs and aspirations of members.

Notable among his landmark achievements is building the capacity of over 100 members of the Union through training; enhancing their skills and knowledge for personal, professional, and economic growth for the attainment of financial independence. 

In terms of partnerships, the Office Holder has established relationships with a range of organizations, including government agencies, NGOs, and private sector companies which have accrued a number of benefits for members, including access to training and employment opportunities, and access to resources and expertise.

These significant partnerships have not only opened up new opportunities for members but also empowered them to contribute more effectively to the Union’s professional standing.

 Moreso, he has made the Press Centre a hub for learning, growth, and development, where members can access resources and support to achieve their goals.

Additionally, he enabled the availability of free internet access to members, boosting connectivity and information flow. He has also restored the water facility at the Secretariat, improving access to clean water for members and staff of the Union. This has had a major impact on the quality of life of users of the Secretariat premises and has helped to create a more conducive environment for work and study. He oversaw the renovation of the Press Centre, fixed bad facilities, revamped the generating set, and acquired a 100% fill cooper KVA generator. These infrastructure upgrades have improved the overall environment for members of the Union. Journalists can now visit the Union’s Secretariat to carry out their duties with ease without the discomfort of not having basic amenities. 

Following his understanding of the demands of the profession, Comrade John thought of the need for a standard recreation centre for members to ease off work stress. Thus, he partnered For the Love of Nigeria (FLON) for the construction of an International Football Court, which, upon conclusion, will meet help journalists unwind mentally and socially. This is non-exclusive of measures to promote work-life balance and to support physically challenged members. 

John, whose priority from the inception has been the improvement of members’ welfare hasn’t reneged on his words. Welfare packages have been issued out to members in need, while he ensures to physically attend and follow up on members’ situation/occasions. 

In addition to these achievements, Comrade John has brought new ideas and perspectives to the NUJ by fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, encouraging communication and feedback mechanisms within the Union. His regular meetings with members, stakeholders, and staff to ensure that everyone is informed and aligned with the Union’s goals and objectives have helped to build trust and confidence among members and created a sense of ownership and responsibility. This has, in turn, led to a significant increase in membership engagement and participation, with more members attending meetings and events and taking an active role in the Union. The appointment of new members into various sub-committees are testaments to this. 

Despite the progress made, operationalizing some initiatives fully remains a task, given logistical constraints. However, Nsibiet John has made an outstanding impact in his first 100 days, delivering value to members across the board.

 His leadership has brought significant benefits to the Union, and he is poised to sustaining the momentum to amplify benefits for members. 

As he continues to lead the Union, it is expected that he will build on the gains of his first 100 days and take it to greater heights. 

With his commitment to innovation, partnership, and member welfare, the Union is positioned for even greater success in the future.

Inoyo Toro Foundation Rewards Teaching Excellence the 18th time

 Inoyo Toro Foundation Rewards Teaching Excellence the 18th time

Priscilla Akpanettot

In its commitment to the sustenance of teacher-motivation in public secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State, the Inoyo Toro Foundation has again rewarded teachers for the 18^th successive time. This happened on Friday, November 7, 2025 at Watbridge Hotel in Uyo.

Following a thorough selection process, the event saw 6 teachers who came 2^nd position in Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English Language, Mathematics and Physics; go home with Two Hundred Thousand Naira each; while another 6 who came 1^st in the 6 subjects went home with Three Hundred Thousand Naira each.

Three Principals got Two Hundred Thousand, Three Hundred Thousand and Five Hundred Thousand Naira, as 3^rd, 2^nd and 1^st place winners, respectively; while Grand Mentors for each of the subjects got Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000).

Winners at the event

The second-prize winner for Biology was Anthony Akpan Essien of Ibesikpo Secondary Commercial School, Nung Udoe; while Nyakno Essien of McIntre Secondary Community School, Utu Abak emerged first prize winner.

For Chemistry, Nkereuwem Andrew Udo of Community Secondary School, Ibiaku Ibiono, Western Ibiono-Ibom came 2^nd and Udeme Felix Ekanem of Aka Offot Community Secondary School, Uyo, came 1^st.

In Economics, Glory Monday Umanah of Offot Ukwa Secondary Grammar School, Obio Offot emerged 2^nd, while Ndifreke Edet of Brotherhood Secondary School, Ikot Ide Akpakpan came 1^st.

The second-prize winner for English Language was Kufre Akpan Benson of McIntre Secondary Commercial School, Utu Abak; while Imoh Archibong of Cornelia Cornelly College, Afaha Oku emerged first-prize winner.

For Mathematics, Ofonime Okorie of Nduo Eduo High School, Eket came 2^nd and Emmanuel Akpan of Ikpe Community Secondary School, Ibam Edet in Ini came 1^st.  

In Physics, Blessed Sunday of Asong Community Secondary School, Asong, Mkpat Enin emerged 2^nd, while Michael Sunday Moses of Government Secondary School, Afaha Eket came 1^st.

Similarly, Uwem Jacob of Unity Model College, Obontong, Nsit Ibom emerged third-prize in the Principal’s category; Imo Etim Okori of Nigerian Christian Secondary School, Ukpom Abak came second-place, while Augusta Afahaenam Etukudo of Girls’ High School, Ikot Ibiok, Eket came first-place.

Grand Mentors were: Edidiong George Idioh of Ibesikpo Secondary Commercial School, Nung Udoe (Biology); Joshua Udo Udo of Lott Carey Baptist Secondary School, Afaha Obio Eno (Chemistry); Ubon-Obong Friday Archibong of McIntre Secondary Commercial School (English Language), Felix Oku Effiong of Girl’s High School, Ikot Ibiok, Eket (Physics) and Godswill Bradford Inyang of Salvation Army School, Efa, Etinan.

Speaking on the selection process, Chairman of the Award Screening Committee, Prof. Enobong Joshua explained that the screening test for selecting the winning teacher is in two parts. “The first part is an aptitude-based CBT aligned with the WAEC/NECO curriculum. The second part is an oral interaction between the facilitators and at most, 6 of those who pass the written test reasonably well…the first and runner-up prizes can be achieved only if a contestant scores at least, 70% and at least, 50%, respectively, in the tests”, he said.

He furthered that 200 teachers, made up of 10 teachers, 11 mentors and 9 Principals applied for the award exercise but only 150 of them participated in the CBT.

“Although this response shows improvement over 2024 figures, it still falls short of our expectation, given the large number of teachers … in our public secondary schools”, he worried, and encouraged more teachers in the public schools to apply for the awards exercise in the coming year.

                               Chairman of the Award Screening Committee, Prof. Enobong Joshua

He maintained that a good teacher can inspire hope and ignite imagination when adequately trained and motivated. This he noted, was the reason the Foundation was committed to rewarding teachers by helping them become more dedicated to their profession.  

Among other things, the retired Professor of Applied Mathematics listed the aims and objectives of the Inoyo Toro Foundation to include: encouragement of teachers of Science, Mathematics, English Language and some other endangered subjects in public schools; stimulation of awareness for the study of these subjects; promotion of healthy and positive competition for excellence among teachers and the offer of mentorship opportunities for public secondary school students in the State.

He therefore congratulated the awardees on their success, urging them to see their win as the beginning of a new journey in mentorship and collaboration with their colleagues for effective lesson delivery.

One of the Mentors, Mr. Effiong Esumo addressing students

Preceded by a Student Mentoring Clinic where students across 16 Local Government Areas of the State met and interacted with their mentors, the awards were majorly sponsored by Engineering Automation Technology Limited as well as individuals such as Mr. Boni Akpan (English Language), Barrister Aniekan Ukpanah (Mathematics), Clement Isong, Jnr. (Economics), Bassey Ukpong Udo and the family of Simon Etim (Principal Award).

In her Goodwill message, a pioneer member of the Lagos Business School and special guest at the event, Prof. Franca Ovajie appreciated the Inoyo Toro Foundation for the initiative to appreciate the efforts of teachers, describing it as a boost to the existing free education policy in the State. She also commended the award sponsors for keying into the Foundation’s teacher motivation initiative and called for more support from individuals and organizations.

Prof. Franca Ovajie at the event

Earlier, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Uyo and Chairman on the occasion, Prof. Aniekan Brown charged the students to not only aim towards certification but be certified to drive the needed change that will positively affect the society.

In his remarks, the Vice President and Principal Consultant, Service Business Development in West Africa at Mastercard and Guest Speaker, Mr. Unwana Esang extolled the virtues of teachers whom he described as the heartbeat of the society. He recalled his academic journey from cradle to adulthood and acknowledged the impact of his teachers on his life all the way. Speaking through by Mr. Effanga Effanga, the Guest Speaker charged the audience, students particularly, on success-consciousness. He impressed that excellence was not accidental but intentional and a product of hardwrok, integrity and community. For this reason, he urged his listeners to embrace team-work on their path to greatness, against solitary growth.

Chairman on the ocassion, Prof. Aniekan Brown

Responding to the gesture, the first-prize winner of the Principal Award, Mrs. Augusta Afahaemem Etukudo of Girls’ High School, Ikot Ibiok in Eket, was overjoyed at her feat. She expressed sincere thanks to the Foundation for rewarding her years of dedication in such manner. Describing the selection process as very transparent and objective, she attributed her win to ANCOPPS training she has attended over the years and Conference materials which she said have helped her fare well as Principal.

Another first-time winner and 2^nd prize winner for Chemistry, Mr. Nkereuwem Andrew Udo of Community Secondary School, Ibiaku Ibiono in Western Ibiono was visibly elated to have won the award on his first attempt. He said the award was a huge motivation to his career and promised to be a good ambassador of the Foundation.

Students at the mentoring session

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of a souvenir by the Inoyo Toro Foundation’s Teachers’ Alumni, to the Foundation’s Principal, Mr. Udom Inoyo. According to the Coordinator of the Alumni, Mr. Ephraim Jacob Inyangudo, the Foundation had been all they ever needed to upscale, bounce and shine in their respective subject areas. Himself a multiple Awardee of the Foundation in Physics, the FULLBRIGHT award winner assured that they would keep the Foundation’s flag flying wherever they went.

Meanwhile, the 2025 edition of the Teachers’ Award was staged alongside the 5^th Ray Ekpu Award for Investigative Journalism in Akwa Ibom State. It had Ekemini Simon of the Mail Newspaper as winner; Saviour Imukudo of Premium Times Newspaper as 1^st runner-up and Enwono-Abasi Elisha of the Crest Newspaper as 2^nd runner-up.  

Winner of the Ray Ekpu Award for Investigative Journalism, Ekemini Simon, flanked by Mr. Nsikak Essien (L) and Mr. Census Ekpu

According to the organisers, the award aims to promote the ideals of journalistic excellence, contribute to good governance in public office, impact the fight against corruption and impunity, support national unity and ethnic cohesion in Akwa Ibom State, champion human and individual rights, as well as combat societal ills such as rape and girl-child abuse.

Speaking on the criteria for selection, Chairman of the Award Screening Committee, Mr. Nsikak Essien said that depth of investigation which highlights facts, figures and relevant issues; adherence to journalistic excellence; style and language of presentation as well as the expected contribution of the report to good governance in the public sector were cardinal factors the Committee took into cognizance in choosing the three winners. He encouraged media houses and reporters to pursue investigative journalism, stressing that it was the crux of the practice.

Commenting on the development, the Akwa Ibom State Council Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Nsibiet John felicitated with winners of the 5^th Ray Ekpu Investigative Journalism Awards and commended the organizers for their consistency in promoting excellence in journalism practice.

The Chairman, NUJ AKS, Comrade Nsibiet John

He said the Award was an inspiration to the winners to continue upholding the values of professionalism, truth and accountability, and that the Union remains open to partnerships with individuals, organizations and institutions that would like to support the Union in any way possible.

Responding, the 2025 winner of the award, Ekemini Simon thanked the Foundation for the honour and recognition done him. “Knowing that a prize will come at the end of the year is itself a motivation for me”, he said, while thanking God for protection in the course of his duties. Simon who has won the prize for 4 years since it was initiated in 2021, said he has, and will continue to share practical knowledge with other journalists on financial and environmental reporting to enable the availability of newcomers to the investigative beat.

The event was well attended by members of the academia, corporate organisations, the media as well as lovers of education within and outside Akwa Ibom State.

Other attendees at the event

Policy Alert, NUJ Train Journalists on Budget Investigation

Julius Nsikak 

A non-governmental organization passionate about accountability has ended a two-day training   on Budget Analysis and Investigative Reporting for journalists in Akwa Ibom State.

The training was held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Press Centre in Uyo on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th of November, 2025.

Organized in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, the training aimed to enhance journalists’ ability to analyse budgets, monitor public spending, and report governance matters with precision and depth.

Addressing the trainees drawn from respective Chapels in the Union, the State Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, represented by the Council Secretary, Comrade Nsikak Esenowo, commended Policy Alert for its sustained partnership and support in advancing media development within the State. He described the training as essential and vital, saying it would equip the trainees with the skills needed in the budgeting beat.

Similarly, the Executive Director, Policy Alert, Mr Tijah Bolton-Akpan, praised the NUJ for creating a platform for the enhancement of journalists’ knowledge of fiscal transparency.

He underscored the pivotal role journalists play in fostering accountability through effective budget and expenditure tracking and reaffirmed Policy Alert’s commitment to continued collaboration with the media.

Within the two days, participants engaged in practical sessions facilitated by seasoned trainers. The trainees were introduced to the fundamentals of budget preparation and interpretation by Mr. Iniobong Usen while Comrade Ekemini Simon guided them on navigating budget websites for data analysis. 

Mr Bolton-Akpan also took participants through the policy and legal frameworks in budget reporting as well as the fiscal norms, governing budget processes.

The second day featured advanced sessions led by Comrade Simon and Mr Bolton-Akpan, focusing on understanding Akwa Ibom State’s procurement laws, business ownership transparency, and other key aspects of public finance tracking.

At the end of the workshop, participants, including Comrade Priscilla Etini Akpanettot of The Ink Newspaper and Comrade Unyime Anietie of Redemption FM, expressed appreciation to the NUJ and Policy Alert for the opportunity. They noted that the training had broadened their understanding of budget reporting and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to enhance accountability and improve the quality of journalism in Akwa Ibom State.

The workshop reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ and Policy Alert to advance a more transparent, accountable, and development-oriented media landscape in Nigeria.

Health Sector Leaders in Akwa Ibom State Hail Umo Eno

Priscilla Akpanettot 

In what appears as a response to the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the health sector by Governor Umo Eno, the Coalition of All Health Sector Leaders (CAHSEL) in Akwa Ibom State has commended the Governor for "his passion and vigor in his pursuit of the implementation of the ARISE agenda as it affects the health sector in the State".

This message was conveyed during a press conference organised by CAHSEL, a coalition made up of Chairmen of labour unions in the health sector in Uyo on Monday.  

The coalition particularly listed revolutions in Primary healthcare, health insurance, emergency medical service and ambulance systems; construction of oxygen plants, Ukanafun General Hospital development, renovation of accident and emergency units at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital, renal centre at Ikot Ekpene, renovation of Ibom Airport Clinic to international standard as some of the initiatives that have prompted their gratitude to the Governor.  

In a Release issued at the Conference, CAHSEL further appreciated the State Governor for the various health workers welfare schemes, including approval of new allowances to healthcare practitioners, the skipping package policy, and several infrastructural developments which they consider as a good way to motivate healthcare workers and check against the prevailing brain drain currently witnessed in the country. 

However, the Coalition used the opportunity to ask for salary increase, saying it would improve the quality of healthcare delivery in a more efficient and sustainable manner. 

On staffing level, the coalition acknowledged efforts of the government in the ongoing recruitment drives, such as, the provision for placement of 2000 healthcare professionals, as well as ongoing recruitment of 900 retired health workers on contract, describing it as highly commendable.

Furthermore, they pledged support to Governor Umo Eno come 2027, while expressing readiness to work with the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John whom they described as "very hard-working and committed", as well as other stakeholders in the health sector to improve commitment to service.

The release was signed by Dr. Aniekan Imo Peter, Pharm. Abasiama Uwatt, Apostle Ekerete Bassey Bassey, Dr. Ithiel Essien on behalf of the Coalition of All Health Sector Leaders in Akwa Ibom State.

Idorenyin William Emerges CITN's 1st Female Chairman

Priscilla Akpanettot 

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Uyo and District Society now has a female Chairman overseeing it affairs for the first time after 5 governing tenures. She is Deaconess Idorenyin Charles William, FCTI.

The 6th Chairman was on Saturday, October 25, 2025 celebrated grandly during the Institution's 6th Investiture at Jacksville Events Place in Uyo, amidst encomiums from members of the Institute.

Mrs Williams, FCTI, was inducted into the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in 2006 and was conferred the prestigious Fellow of the Institute (FCTI) in 2014.

According to her profile, she has served the Uyo and District Society of CITN, as Deputy Vice Chairman and Vice Chairman, where she distinguished herself through diligence, professionalism, and commitment to the Institute’s ideals.

In 2022, Deaconess Williams was appointed the pioneer Coordinator of the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, where she served with great passion, promoting the empowerment and advancement of women in the profession.

Beyond CITN, she is a Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN); an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Examiners of Nigeria (CIFCFEN), and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) — a testament to her multi-disciplinary expertise and leadership in Nigeria’s financial and professional sectors.

In her acceptance speech, Deaconess William pledged to lead a collaborative administration that will promote professional excellence while contributing to economic growth and sustainable development in Akwa Ibom State. She emphasized partnerships with government, private sector and other stakeholders to advance sound tax practice and administration.

She also urged members to support the new executive with their time, expertise and resources, noting that leadership success depends on shared commitment.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS) and co-host of the event, Sir. Okon Okon, FCTI commended the Chairman's proven record of diligent service and expressed confidence in her capacity to elevate the District. 

Representing CITN's President and Chairman of Council, Mr. Innocent Ohagwa, FCTI; Sir Okon admonished all tax professionals on the need to embrace the newly enacted tax reform Acts by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in June 2025, saying that the reforms seek to broaden the tax base, simplify compliance, enhance transparency and strengthen the fiscal link between taxation and governance.

"Tax professionals must now demonstrate stronger technical competence, ethical judgment and advisory depth in guiding taxpayers, businesses and stakeholders through this transition".

This is why Council attaches the highest importance to ensuring that governance at the district level is guided by quality leadership" he said.

In his valedictory speech, the outgoing Chairman of the Institute, Elder Godwin Owonam, FCTI said he was bowing out with confidence in the leadership succeeding him.

He charged the incoming Chairman and her team to build on the gains his team made, while upholding professionalism, ethics and fair-play.

Similarly, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Oto-Obong Uwah, FCA, described Mrs William's emergence as the harvest of years of hard work and dedication to the ideals of the Institute.

A keynote paper on “Contemporary Issues in the Nigerian Tax Act 2025: A Critique” was delivered by Mr. Ide Owodiong-Idemeko, who highlighted implementation gaps, compliance issues and the need for reform, digitization and capacity building.

Goodwill messages were received from stakeholders within and outside the Tax environment, including the Accountant-General of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Andrew Essien.

A major highlight of the event was the decoration of Mrs. William as 6th Chairman of the Institute as well as cutting of the Investiture cake.

Mrs. William's 2-year tenure has Deaconess Stella Effiong, FCTI as Vice Chairman; Mr Victor Ekpo, FCTI, Deputy Vice Chairman; Barr Mfon Udosen, ACTI, General Secretary; Mr Ubong Akpan, ACTI, Assistant General Secretary; Mrs Uduakobong Ukpe, FCTI, Honourary Treasurer; Ms Esther David, ACTI, Financial Secretary; Mr Ime Ekpoikong, ACTI, Membership Secretary; Mrs Ekemini Effiong, ACTI, Technical Secretary; Mrs Itoro Akpan, ACTI, Social/Publicity Secretary.

Others are: Barr Inyene Ibe-Bassey, ACTI - Legal Adviser; Sir Okon Okon, FCTI - Ex-officio and Dr Emmanuel Akpan, ACTI - Ex-officio. 

Asuakak, Iwaudofia fingered in marginalization attempt against Idoro Community

 

Priscilla Akpanettot 

The Chairman of Ibiono-Ibom Local Government Area, Hon. Asuakak Umoh and the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Grassroots Mobilization, Aniefiok Iwaudofia have been fingered in a marginalization attempt against Idoro Community in Ibiono-Ibom Local Government Area.

According to the Idoro Community Development Association (ICODA), the duo of Asuakak Umoh and Aniefiok Iwaudofia have concluded plans to divert the Model Primary Healthcare Centre project originally and officially approved to be sited in Idoro Community by the Governor, to the latter's Village in Use Ndon.

Briefing members of the Press on Monday, October 20, 2025, the President, ICODA, Prof. Halo B. Etom expressed the Community's grievance on the development and humbly called on the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno to order the immediate reversal of the alleged relocation.

Putting forward his argument, Mkpisong Halo Etom narrated that Iwaudofia's Village - Use Ndon - is surrounded by five (5) effective Healthcare facilities including Palmer Memorial Hospital in Ikot Usen, the newly constructed Mother and Child Healthcare facility at Oko-Ita and another at Use Abat, whereas, not a single health facility is situated across the length and breadth of Idoro, a Community of 9 Villages.

"...to ‎relocate this critical facility is‎ a profound act of injustice against the people of Idoro Community and the entire neglected Northern Ibiono II", he stated.

Putting the records straight in a Release signed by the Clan Head of Idoro, Eteidung Eyibio Udo AkpanObong (JP) and Heads of the 9 Villages making up the Community, the President recalled that stakeholders, led by the International President of the Ibiono-Ibom Welfare and Development Union (IWADU), Otuekong Godwin Okon and then Director of Health in‎ charge of Ibiono Ibom, conducted due diligence and unanimously approved ‎Idoro Community as the most suitable, strategic, and deserving location.

"‎This approval was endorsed by Your Excellency's administration, and the site ‎was subjected to four separate inspections by the Ministry of Health/Works".

"‎Idoro was chosen because it represents the heart of the neglected Northern‎ Ibiono-Ibom, a region housing over 100,000 citizens without access to a ‎functional healthcare facility".

"We are now confronted with the shocking report that an appointee of the Governor, the Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Mobilization, Akparawa Aniefiok Wilson Iwaudofia, and some political office holders in Ibiono Ibom have unilaterally announced the project's relocation to Use Ndon Village on grounds of motorable accessibility", he said.

"‎This alleged diversion is an outrageous act of political selfishness, as Use ‎Ndon is already surrounded by five (5) functional and motorably accessible healthcare facilities, including a General Hospital and a Specialist Hospital, all within a 0.5-1.5 kilometer radius and a mere 5 to 10 minutes' drive".

"‎In stark contrast, Idoro Community is located 18 kilometers from the nearest health facility. Our people, including pregnant women and children, face a‎ perilous minutes to 1 hour journey on motorcycles along deplorable road conditions just to reach basic aid, often dying on the way".

"‎Relocation is a Death Sentence. ‎Moving the PHC from Idoro is not merely an administrative shift, it is a decision that actively condemns thousands of rural dwellers to preventable suffering and death, in direct contradiction of the Governor's promise of equitable health distribution", the Release, signed by 29 others, stated.

They therefore demanded the immediate and public cancellation of any plan to divert the‎ Model Primary Healthcare Centre to Use Ndon or any location, other than the‎ unanimously approved site in Idoro Community, while demanding an official statement to that effect. 

They furthered that any attempt to build the Health Centre elsewhere would be met with uncompromising peaceful resistance.

"We register our collective outrage and stern protest against the alleged subversion and diversion of the project. We will not stand by as political interests override the health and welfare of an entire region especially in this very case where emergency has been declared", the Release added.

In his passionate appeal, seeking the Governor's intervention on the issue, ICODA's President stressed that northern Ibiono has been the most marginalized part of Ibiono. 

"We've never produced a Commissioner since the creation of the world, despite having three electoral Wards and so, we have no one to speak for us. The few facilities we have in Idoro are self-help attempts which we've done, having waited for the Government's help to no avail".

He therefore appealed for the Governor's kind consideration in appointing a son/daughter of the Community into the State Executive Council for the attraction of Government's attention to the area.

Supporting the President's submission, the Clan Head of Idoro, Eteidung Eyibio Udo AkpanObong buttressed that this wasn't the first time the Community was being marginalized.

"When Ibiono-Ibom was created, Idoro was the first headquarters. This same issue of access road took the headquarters out of Idoro to Oko-Ita... we didn't protest because we're peaceful". 

"We're here to let the world be aware of the injustice and deprivation planned by some people in the corridors of power against us in Idoro yet, Idoro is the food basket of Ibiono-Ibom", he said.

PFN Confirms Uma Ukpai's Demise

 

Priscilla Akpanettot 

...Dedicates 40th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service to His Memory

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has confirmed the death of Rev. (Dr.) Uma Ukpai, founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association.

The confirmation was made by the national leadership of the Fellowship on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at a press briefing in Uyo.

Addressing the Conference, PFN's national President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke described the late octogenarian as an enduring voice of revival in Nigeria’s Christian movement.

Represented by the national Secretary, Rev. (Dr.) Cosmas Ikechukwu,
Bishop Oke said the transition was a great loss to the entire PFN family, the Church and the christendom.

He furthered that the late clergyman was one of the most comforting and enduring voices of evangelism and revival in Nigeria’s history, through his crusades, interdenominational outreaches, and evangelistic association, where he brought healing, salvation, and unity to millions.

Going down memory lane, he recalled that 40 years ago, one of his crusades in Lagos gave birth to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, which today boasts of over 65 million members across Nigeria and the diaspora where they remain a vibrant arm of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

“Rev. Uma Ukpai birthed the PFN through his crusades, nurtured it to maturity, and remained a pillar of strength and faith. He was not just an icon to the Church or Nigeria, but to the world at large. Though he is gone, the PFN will celebrate him for all he stood for,” he said.

His passing, they noted, comes on the eve of PFN’s 40th Anniversary, serving as a solemn reminder of the rich heritage of faith laid by the founding fathers of the fellowship.

“In honour of his life and legacy, the PFN at 40 Thanksgiving Celebration shall be officially dedicated to his memory as a national thanksgiving unto God for the gift and treasure he was to our generation,” he said.

The PFN's 40th Anniversary Celebration is scheduled to commence on October 19, 2025, with a Thanksgiving Service across the 36 States and the FCT, culminating in a National Thanksgiving Service on October 23, 2025, at the Old Arena, Redemption City, Lagos.

"The event which was originally planned as a grand anniversary celebration, has now been restructured as a thanksgiving service in honour of the late evangelist, who had been slated as the Speaker before his passing on October 6, 2025.

Earlier, the PFN delegation, led by Bishop David Bakare, Archbishop Emma Isong and Dr. Sylvanus Ukafia, joined other men of God in offering prayers for the NUJ State Working Committee and members, seeking God’s continued grace upon their work and service to humanity.