Thursday, May 30, 2024

An Open Letter to Pst. Umo Eno

๐—ข๐—ฃ๐—˜๐—ก ๐—Ÿ๐—˜๐—ง๐—ง๐—˜๐—ฅ ๐—ง๐—ข ๐—›๐—œ๐—ฆ ๐—˜๐—ซ๐—–๐—˜๐—Ÿ๐—Ÿ๐—˜๐—ก๐—–๐—ฌ, ๐—ฃ๐—”๐—ฆ๐—ง๐—ข๐—ฅ ๐—จ๐— ๐—ข ๐—˜๐—ก๐—ข, ๐—˜๐—ซ๐—˜๐—–๐—จ๐—ง๐—œ๐—ฉ๐—˜ ๐—š๐—ข๐—ฉ๐—˜๐—ฅ๐—ก๐—ข๐—ฅ ๐—ข๐—™ ๐—”๐—ž๐—ช๐—” ๐—œ๐—•๐—ข๐—  ๐—ฆ๐—ง๐—”๐—ง๐—˜


๐™ƒ๐™ž๐™จ ๐™€๐™ญ๐™˜๐™š๐™ก๐™ก๐™š๐™ฃ๐™˜๐™ฎ, ๐™‹๐™–๐™จ๐™ฉ๐™ค๐™ง ๐™๐™ข๐™ค ๐™€๐™ฃ๐™ค, ๐™‚๐™ค๐™ซ๐™š๐™ง๐™ฃ๐™ค๐™ง ๐™ค๐™› ๐˜ผ๐™ ๐™ฌ๐™– ๐™„๐™—๐™ค๐™ข ๐™Ž๐™ฉ๐™–๐™ฉ๐™š, ๐™‚๐™ค๐™ซ๐™š๐™ง๐™ฃ๐™ข๐™š๐™ฃ๐™ฉ ๐™ƒ๐™ค๐™ช๐™จ๐™š, ๐™๐™ฎ๐™ค, ๐˜ผ๐™ ๐™ฌ๐™– ๐™„๐™—๐™ค๐™ข ๐™Ž๐™ฉ๐™–๐™ฉ๐™š.  

๐™”๐™ค๐™ช๐™ง ๐™€๐™ญ๐™˜๐™š๐™ก๐™ก๐™š๐™ฃ๐™˜๐™ฎ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Yours sincerely,


Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-udo (PhD)

Member, House of Representatives

Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency

May 30, 2024

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

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

 


Priscilla Akpanettot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Credit: Aniefiok Christopher*

Menstrual Hygiene Day: First Lady Distributes Sanitary Packages to Girls


In her commitment to promote good menstrual health and hygiene practices, Wife of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Patience Umo Eno has facilitated the distribution of sanitary pads to hundreds of girls in select Public Secondary Schools across the three Senatorial Districts in the State.

Celebrating the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Day on Tuesday May 28 with the  students of Girls' High School, Ikot Ibiok, Eket; Goretti Girls' Secondary Commercial  School, Ikot Ekpene and Union Secondary School, Ibiaku, Ibiono Ibom; Pastor Patience Eno said it was pertinent to equip the girls with proper period education and sanitary pads in order to prevent infections.


The Governor's wife who was represented by her Aide and member of her Golden Initiative For All - GIFA team, Mrs Ann Abraham, stated that the observance of the day is in tandem with GIFA's school Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme targeted at promoting safe WASH practices to prevent the spread of diseases.

The First Lady reiterated that access to sanitary pads to manage menstruation, will not only decrease the risk of infections that might pose as infertility challenges in future, but also dismantle barriers to education, hence the distribution of sanitary pads to boost their confidence and reduce the shame and stigma associated with monthly periods.


Giving a talk on menstrual hygiene, the Public Relations Officer of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Dr. Rhoda Peter said menstruation is a thing of pride and a pathway to adulthood. She encouraged the girls to care for themselves, be intentional about their body and well-being as well as practice proper personal menstrual hygiene and disposal.

She noted that the first menstrual flow is menarche which starts at age 11 and  that good menstrual health and hygiene practices can prevent infections, reduce odours and help them stay comfortable during their period.

The Principals and students of the Schools visited applauded the Governor's Wife, Pastor Patience Eno for identifying their schools as beneficiaries of the menstrual hygiene kits and guidance on proper management of menstrual hygiene. They also praised the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for the construction of the road that has provided access to the Goretti Girls' Commercial Secondary School, Ikot Ekpene.

Goodwill messages were received from Stakeholders in the three Local Government Areas visited, including the Wife of the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Obongawan Mandu Abia, Wife of the member representing Ikot Ekpene and Obot Akara State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Pastor Idongesit Otu, Wife of the transition Chairman Ikot Ekpene, Mrs Utibe John and Dr Eno Antiaobong Ekong extended appreciation to the Governor's wife, Pastor Patience Umo  for her motherly support in celebrating the Menstrual Hygiene Day in the schools.


The Senior Prefects  of the benefiting Schools, Miss  Bright Essien, Miss Inimfon Otu and Miss Mkpouto Akaninyene Edet thanked the Governor's wife for the choice of their schools for the commemoration of the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Day and prayed God to bless the wife of the Governor and her family.


Highlights of the celebration was the presentation of Sanitary packs to the girls who left the different venues informed of best practices in menstrual hygiene and overall wellness.


Media Unit

Office of the Wife of the Governor, AKS

May 28, 2024

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Uyo Women Celebrate as Uwemedimo Udo Distributes N5.5m Grant to 55 Small-scale Business Owners

 


In a heartwarming gesture, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Transition Committee, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, on Tuesday, distributed N5.5 million as business support grants to fifty-five women selected from the eleven wards of Uyo Local Government Area. 

The recipients, including market women, were visibly elated as they received their cash transfer alerts of N100,000 each inside the Uyo Council hall, expressing their gratitude through joyful dancing and songs of praise for the Chairman.



Notable beneficiaries such as Mfonobong Godwin Archibong, Grace Ibanga Eyo, Kokomma Mkpongoรฑyong, Philomina Bright, and Udeme Asuquo Effiong, among others, were among those who received the grants. 

Dr. Udo emphasized that the grants were aimed at bolstering local women in their entrepreneurial pursuits and supporting the economic growth agenda championed by Governor Umo Eno. 

He announced plans to extend the support to an additional 55 women in future phases of the program, urging the recipients to use the funds prudently to enhance their businesses.

During the event, dignitaries including the wife of the Chairman, Mrs. Akaninyene Uwemedimo, who was represented by the Council's Supervisor for Education, Obong Idara Akpan, lauded Dr. Udo's commitment to the welfare of the people and the development initiatives of Governor Umo Eno.

Well-wishers, including Dr. Inemesit Uwah, wife of the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government; Roberta Nyong, a Commissioner in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Service Commission; and Chief Boniface Okon, Clan Head of Etoi, praised the Chairman's benevolence and encouraged the beneficiaries to effectively utilize the grants to grow their businesses.

The event witnessed the presence of political figures, including Council Secretary Hon. Ubong Udofia, NULGE Chairperson Comrade Emem Ekikor, Council Supervisors, senior officials of the local government, and traditional leaders, among others. 



Media Unit

Office of the TC Chairman,

Uyo LGA.

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Pen Girls Celebrate 50 on Boy-Child Day

 


Priscilla Akpanettot 

No fewer than 50 boys were on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 celebrated by The Pen Girls' Initiative in commemoration of the International Day of the Boy-Child.

The event which was staged at EKMA Royal School, Nwut Usiong Street, Off Nelson Mandela, had the Pen Girls talk to the boys about their welfare, hygiene and career, while stories of outstanding male personalities were shared with them.

Speaking at the event, Leader of The Pen Girls' Initiative, Comrade Priscilla Akpanettot stressed the need to celebrate the Boy-child, alongside their counterparts to strike a balance in the clamour for gender equality. 

She expressed that the call for equality implied fairplay to both boys and girls, adding that what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. 

While acknowledging the unspoken concerns of the boy-child, Akpanettot stated that they were equally as vulnerable as the girl-child. 

“The Boy-child has also been an endangered specie from time immemorial. They are also vulnerable and are equally subjected to several forms of violence like the girl-child. And they are not immune from threats facing the girl-child. It’s just that they hardly let out their challenges”, she said.


She therefore encouraged the boys to learn to share their problems with, and seek advice from persons they can trust. This she said, would help ease their worries and lighten their burdens.

The multiple award-winning journalist and Secretary, Conference of Online Practitioners in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) further charged the boys to be of good positive attitude and refrain from vulgar acts and vices which would jeopardise their future. These attitudes she said, included: rebellion, theft, alcoholism, smoking, indulgence in unwholesome relationships and bad company, disobedience, stubbornness, amongst others.

Speaking on the implications of a care-free life, Comrade Mary Ekere read out the penalties awaiting them for defaulting the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (Act) Law. Among the laws were consequences for stalking, raping, incest, domestic violence, indecent exposure, among others. She impressed upon the minds of the boys the need to live a covert life in other to escape the wrath of the law.

Meanwhile, Comrade Amadie Udoakpan and Comrade Imaobong Umoekah addressed the young boys on good habits and stressed the imperatives of proper personal hygiene. They also shared tips on how the boys could grow a good self-esteem through their physical appearance.

The School's Principal, Mr. Anietie Udoh

Earlier, the Principal of the School, Mr. Anietie Udo warmly received the Pen Girls and appreciated their interest in the boys. He told the boys that the essence of the day was to create in them the awareness that they were born with distinct roles to play in their families, society and generation. As such, he advised that they live up to their calling and be good ambassadors of their time.

The event featured the reading of stories of select leaders in Nigeria, among whom were Gani Fawehinmi, a human rights activist; former President Goodluck Jonathan and Pst, Sylvanus Ukafia, founder, Insight Bible Church. 

The boys also went home with a gift text titled “The Clock” and “Obinna the Honest Boy”.

The Pen Girls' Initiative is a group of like-minded young female Journalists who are desirous of impacting the society in their little way.






AKHA Praises Uwemedimo Udo's quality projects in Uyo

 


The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has commended Dr. Uwemedimo Udo for the high-quality projects he has executed during his tenure as the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Transition Committee in the past six months.

Chairman of the Committee, Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung, made the commendation on Monday when he led the lawmakers on an inspection tour of the Council to assess the number of projects and achievements recorded so far under Dr. Udo's administration.

Idung, shortly after he inspected the new 18-room Technical Building for staff of the Directorate of Works, Lands, and Housing of the Council, expressed satisfaction with the project status. 

He noted the serenity and neatness of the Council vicinity, stating that the Chairman had shown a commitment to improving the Council.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Udo explained that the building was about 90% complete, adding that the furniture to be used had already been purchased and was ready to be installed. He assured the Committee that the facility would be ready for commissioning in the first week of June 2024.

The Chairman listed other projects completed during the period, such as acquiring a new 8800 Model SUMEC FIRMAN power generator for the Primary Health Centre in Ikot Ebido, refurbishing a borehole and the Uyo Transitional Rulers Council building, providing bursaries and free JAMB forms for students, and conducting maintenance at the Council secretariat. 

He said his administration's focus also extended to rural development, where the Council embarked on a road grading project, improving over 20 roads across the four clans of Etoi, Ikono, Offot Ukwa, and Oku, spanning a total of 33.6 kilometers.

Dr. Udo also highlighted the Council's investment in grassroots sports to nurture local talent as well as soft infrastructure, including training, capacity building, and stakeholder meetings to address community needs.

He discussed the Council's involvement in health issues, specifically in providing support to pregnant women and new mothers, as well as intervening in communities with electricity issues.

"For the past six months of tenure that His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno has given to us, we have intervened in various aspects of governance at the local government level, and I am grateful to be commended by the House of Assembly for our efforts.

"We are grateful to the Governor for the support provided to Local Governments in addressing our outstanding arrears and other entitlements. 

“I also appreciate the House of Assembly for being supportive of local government and for providing us with valuable ideas to help us fulfill our duties."

Looking ahead, the Chairman said the next phase of projects would include the construction of a state-of-the-art conference hall at the Council secretariat, rehabilitation of motor parks in Uyo, and the clearing of roads around the parks, among others.

Media Unit


Ubong Archibong Emerges Itam Market President

 

…promises improved infrastructural devt, security of goods


Priscilla Akpanettot


Comrade Ubong Sunday Archibong has been sworn in as the 5th President of Etaha Itam, a business hub in Akwa Ibom State popularly called Itam Market. 

His inauguration as President occurred on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at the section of the market known as “night market”, where the market is said to have begun originally.

Archibong who polled a total of 96 votes against his opponent, Elder Emmanuel Benedict who had 77 votes,  becomes the 1st Market President from Nung Ukot Itam in Itu to clinch the elevated market position and will hold the position for the next three years. 

Addressing a cross section of traders, Archibong told them of his desire to transform Itam into an international model market where issues of insecurity and loss of wares would be a thing of the past.

“We will ensure that high level of decorum is maintained every market day. Our market will be well developed; our medical facility will be top notch; our goods and properties will be well-secured and we will ensure that a security/police post is installed at Etaha Itam to forestall the loss of items and properties”, he said.

He furthered that the drainage system in Etaha Itam International Market will be duly maintained through the prompt evacuation and removal of wastes, while the welfare of traders would be prioritized. 

While stressing that the desire of his administration would be to make Etaha Itam Market a conducive place for buying and selling, he stated that this desire was irrespective of the traders’ tribe, ethnicity and religion. As such, he sought the traders’ support and cooperation in his bid to advance the course of the market, and encouraged his co-contestants to bring in their good intentions and ideas to help build the market.

In his remarks, the Chairman on the occasion and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Brand Management and Marketing, Sir Raphael Edem tasked the elected Market Executives to stay committed to their goals and prospects for the traders, while charging the traders to support the new market executives.

 “This typifies governance. Government will work if everyone play their contributory role effectively”, he said.

Himself the patron of the market, Hon. Edem informed that Etaha Itam was one of the most significant markets in the State which had the attention of government due to its strategic location and being a rallying point for commercial activities situated in a strategic location.

 “As such, Government is very particular about this market and those trading here”.

Corroborating his assertion, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Trade and Marketing, Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael noted that government’s interest in the market was the reason the Governor recently appointed three additional aides on marketing, with a firm charge that they report matters of the market to him. He therefore thanked the Governor on his interest in the market and assured the traders that they would begin to count the dividends of the Governor’s selflessness in no time.

Meanwhile, the Transition Chairman, Itu Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. Etetim Onuk advised the newly elected market executives to work closely with the Board of Trustees and Local Government to ensure harmony of purpose at all times. Represented by the Local Government Revenue Committee Chairman, Hon. Patrick Ekim, the Chairman stressed that both bodies were cardinal to the smooth running of  every market and should therefore be prioritized.

In his address, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Market, Elder Godwin Ebong also advised the new Exco to carefully coordinate the affairs of the market which has been entrusted in their care, while ensuring to continue in some reforms introduced by the BOT. 


A highlight of the event was the presentation of soft grants to twenty (20) elderly traders by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Trade and Marketing, Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael, in commemoration of the Governor’s 60th birthday.

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