The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Oil theft: Saboteurs, perpetrators out to smear Naval Chief, CSO alleges

    Oil theft: Saboteurs, perpetrators out to smear Naval Chief, CSO alleges

    The Centre for African Liberation and Socioeconomic Rights (CALSER) has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by some elements to blackmail the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

    Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, convener,  Professor Thomas Uzah said oil thieves are on the prowl, seeking the head of the Naval Chief for thwarting their illicit business.

    Uzah said the allegations against Ogalla and a respected institution like the Navy remain a figment of the imagination of the promoters.

    While applauding the Navy’s drive to protect national assets on our waterways, he warned that further slander campaign against the Chief of Naval Staff would lead to a nationwide protest. 

    He said: “Also worthy of mention is that the efforts of the Nigerian Navy have further led to the delisting of Nigeria from the International Maritime Bureau piracy list,” the statement said.

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    “These are indeed tangibles that the Nigerian Navy has recorded in recent times under the watch of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

    “We wish to use this medium to call on the Department of State Services to the diatribe capable of undermining the tangible gains recorded by the Nigerian Navy in addressing crude oil theft in the country.

    “The promoters of this campaign of calumny must be identified and brought to book if we are desirous of making progress as a country, given that the major source of revenue is crude oil.

    “There is no doubt that those behind crude oil theft have resources at their disposal to undermine the efforts of the Nigerian Navy. As such, they must be identified and brought to book.

    “We also wish to inform members of the general public to be circumspect about news stories about the Nigerian Navy. These are the handiwork of enemies of the country who have been diverting the commonwealth of the people.

    “The efforts of the Nigerian Navy in recent times is such that has contributed immensely to socioeconomic growth and development. As such, it behoves well-meaning Nigerians to support the Nigerian Navy at this critical point of our existence.”

  • Anambra stakeholders honour Ohanaeze boss, CP Adeoye, Umeh

    Anambra stakeholders honour Ohanaeze boss, CP Adeoye, Umeh

    Stakeholders in Anambra State have bestowed prestigious awards on the leader of the apex igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene and Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye. 

    Also conferred with the honour are the former Anambra Chief Judge, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Justice Peter Umeadi and  Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central). 

    They were conferred with the Grand Patrons in the State by the Association of Past Presidents General of Anambra State (APPAS) under the Association of Anambra state Town Union (ASATU).

    CP Adeoye was honoured with the award of excellence in security architecture, having battled gunmen and kidnappers headlong in the State. 

    Speaking shortly after receiving the award at the group’s 2024 General Assembly in Awka, Ohanaeze leader in the Southeast, Okeke-Ogene, expressed joy that an organisation with a little beginning could boast of men of timber and caliber as a result of years of sacrifice by the founding fathers.

    He said: “The elders went back to memory of the reason behind forming this association which is not based on money, but on self recognition and self service.

    “I started early to be involved in community service, which attracted to me an award of Grand Commander on service to the community by the Willie Obiano-led government. 

    “Today, the association has crowned it with an honour of Grand patron. I didn’t lobby for it. I’m the most senior PG both past and present, outside late Chimezie Ikeazor, SAN. I helped in forming the association. 

    “I’m also the oldest serving executive, 26 years still counting and the only one in history of Ohaneze that has served three different national offices.

    “I believe you must be willing to learn to grow, that’s why they refer to me as encyclopedia. I’ll always see myself as the least person in any organisation I belong because I want to tap from the knowledge of others.

    “The most recognised service is the one elected by the community, because there’s no rigging. You can rig election of any political party, but you can’t rig that of town union.”

     CP Adeoye appreciated the body for finding him worthy of the recognition, pledging increased commitment to their responsibility.

    He said: “I feel humbled and the same time gratified and fulfilled that the past Presidents General of over 179 communities in Anambra State found me worthy for an award of excellence in security architecture. 

    “It’s a recognition I cherish because it validates and recognises the modest efforts the Police command has put in towards serving the people.

    “This, we’ve done in synergy with sister security agencies. Incidentally, I coordinate all the security agencies in the state, both military and paramilitary. 

    Read Also: Ohanaeze chief defends Fed Govt’s decision to relocate CBN to Lagos

    “In essence, the award is not just for me or the police, but for all the entire security services operating in the state. 

    “Not only do we function as federal government agencies, but we collaborate with state vigilante groups and local communities and town unions. So it’s a robust partnership where everyone work for the security of the state.

    “This award coming from a body that offered it is significant because they represent the aspirations of the people of the state at the grassroots. 

    “It’s not an elitist award, but grassroots oriented; simply lending voice to the saying that the voice of the people is the voice of God. We see this award as the people themselves speaking who we take seriously because they’re the reason for our existence. 

    “Just as the constitution stipulates that security and welfare of the people are sole responsibility of government. When these things are lacking, it means government has failed.

    “But in Anambra State, government hasn’t failed. Rather it has lived up to its expectations in meeting the people’s aspirations for security.

    “Since the environment is security friendly, it makes it easier for people to achieve their lives ambitions. That’s why we’re elated at the award, feeling that efforts we put in as a duty, not as favour is being recognised.”

    National President of Association of Past President General of Anambra state (APPS), Mazi Omife Omife praised Okeke-Ogene for his selfless service and commitment to the association.

    He said the Ohanaeze boss was honoured with the award together with others for distinguishing themselves in their respective areas of endeavours.

  • Obasanjo, Six Govs, others for Utomi’s two-day symposia

    Obasanjo, Six Govs, others for Utomi’s two-day symposia

    Consistent with the commitment to assembling thought leaders across the nation and the globe to strengthen democracy and advance good governance, Professor Pat Utomi, founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) has announced former President Olusegun Obasanjo, six Governors, eminent royal fathers, captains of industry, and international scholars as part of the key participants in the two-day international symposia to celebrate CVL at twenty, Patitos Gang TV at 25 and his 68th birthday.

     The two-day events are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, February 5 and 6.

    On day one, Entrepreneurship Symposium is scheduled to hold at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos with the theme: “Skills driven Entrepreneurship.” 

    The keynote speaker is Dr. Adiele Nwankwo, an innovator in planning applications, who initiated and completed the first Geographic Information System Transportation application in the state of Michigan, USA and is credited with the development and implementation of a methodology for integrating traffic safety with regional transportation plans. 

    The co-speaker is Dr. Henrietta Onwuegbuzie, Director, Business Innovation Accelerator and an associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Lagos Business School.

    The Panel of Practice include Mustapha Njie, a Gambian, regarded as one of Africa’s most successful property developers. Njie’s Group, TAF Africa Homes, is present in eight African countries; Engr. Alfred Okoigun, founder and Group Managing Director of ARCO Group Plc, a diversified company with operations spanning maintenance engineering support services, Marine Logistics, Pipelines & facilities Inspection, property development, and consumer power generation; Dr. Leemon Ikpea, chairman/Chief Executive Officer, LEE Engineering and Construction Company Limited; and Dr Cosmos Maduka, founder, President and CEO of Coscharis Group, an indigenous conglomerate with diverse interest in Manufacturing, Petrochemical, Auto care, Auto Components, Automobile Sales and Services.

    The day two event scheduled for Tuesday, February 6 at Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, will be the Leadership Symposium and Launch of Professor Utomi’s New Book: POWER, POLITICS, PUBLIC POLICY PROCESS AND PERFORMANCE. The theme of the symposium is “DEMOCRACY, GOVERNANCE AND NATIONAL PERFORMANCE: THE MUTUAL RELATIONSHIP.”

    The key note speaker is Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, a globally acclaimed authority on democratisation in Africa, and Senior Associate for Africa at the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, Washington DC, USA, while the Co-Speakers are Professor Peter Lewis, the Warren Weinstein Chair of African Studies at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies; and Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

    The panel of discussants are Governors Dr. Alex Otti (Abia); Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra); Peter Mbah (Enugu); Sule Abdullahi (Nasarawa); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo)..

    According to Utomi, a renowned Political Economist, the two-day international event is in keeping with the established tradition of CVL since 2004 to provide a “veritable platform for great intellectual discourse and a think point for national issues, to promote and encourage good leadership in Nigeria and Africa.”

    The CVL Annual Lecture and International Leadership Symposium which started in 2004 assembles noted thought leaders and renowned experts from around the world to discuss and analyse topical issues relevant to Nigeria’s economic and socio-political  development with the overall goal to strengthen democracy, good governance, rule of law, and sustainable leadership.

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    The first edition of the CVL Annual lecture took place in 2004 at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) with Mr. Tom Isegohi, a Nigerian Investment banker in the USA as the first speaker. Since then, CVL has consistently hosted thought provoking editions, featuring brilliant minds from around the world as speakers with discussions on various issues ranging from education, leadership, employment, cities development, democracy, economy, youth, values, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and development, amongst others.

    Also eminent and inspirational speakers have graced the annual lecture series such as Chief Olusegun Obasanjo former President; Professor Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Mr. Paul Kagame, President, Republic of Rwanda; Mr. Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential election; Most Reverend Matthew Hasan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese; and Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank.

  • Ebonyi by-election: LP candidate, council boss bicker over alleged importation of thugs

    Ebonyi by-election: LP candidate, council boss bicker over alleged importation of thugs

    • APGA accuses APC of threatening candidate
    • ’Allegation false’

    The senatorial candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the February 3 by-election in Ebonyi State, Linus Okorie and the Chairman of Onicha Local Government, Chidiebere Uzor, have disagreed over alleged importation of political thugs from the Niger Delta ahead of the poll.

    Okorie had during a reception in his honour in the area accused Uzor of bringing thugs from the Niger Delta to unleash mayhem on innocent voters ahead of the election.

    He noted that the party had alerted security agencies to the plot by the chairman and his thugs to cause mayhem during the election and expressed regret that the same scenario played out during the general election last year.

    Okorie warned youths against being used as thugs and expressed sadness that some politicians could never play politics without thuggery and violence.

    Reacting, the Media Adviser to the council chairman, Prince Chijoke Agwu, described the allegation as false, urging the candidate to focus on his campaign “if he is actually campaigning for the by-election.”

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    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ebonyi State has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to disrupt its senatorial campaign slated to hold in Afikpo Local Government.

    Director General of APGA’s Odohzia Campaign Council, Samuel Okporie, made the allegation in a statement yesterday.

    He alleged threats by APC stalwarts to the lives of APGA’s senatorial candidate, Ifeanyi Eleje and party faithful if the campaign was to hold in the area.

    According to Okporie, Eleje’s performance in last year’s election where he won the local government and garnered 12,000 votes is unsettling the APC.

    He alleged that on January 20, a politician from the area, who is occupying an elective position in Ebonyi State, advised Eleje to opt out of the senatorial race in exchange for political settlement, as his candidature is unsettling nerves in the APC.

    The Chairman of Afikpo Local Government, Mr. Ibiam, denied threatening the life of anybody.

    He, however, noted that there is ban on the use of public places for rally without authorisation.

    He said any political party that wanted to hold such rally in any public place must write to the council for permission.

    Ebonyi South by-election comes up on February 3 in the five local governments of the zone.

    The position became vacant following the resignation of Senator David Umahi due to his appointment as minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

  • Abia okays setting up of lab for testing building materials

    Abia okays setting up of lab for testing building materials

    Abia State Executive Council has approved the setting up of Standard Materials Testing Laboratory in Umuahia. 

    Commissioner for Information and Culture Prince Okey Kanu made this known yesterday while briefing reporters at the Government House, Umuahia.

    He said the setting up of the laboratory was necessitated by the incessant collapse of buildings in the country, with the attendant human and material losses.

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    “This government is trying to ensure such instances do not occur in our state. 

    “The lab may include where they test materials for road construction. It will also provide a platform for a research for those who want to carry out research in such areas. 

    “They will be able to use such facility to carry out research when you want to test materials,” Kanu said.

    Throwing more light on the Standard Materials Testing Laboratory, the General Manager, Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, said it is an initiative government feels is worthwhile.

    Agumuo, who said the lab would also be set up in other areas of the state, noted that it had the capacity to handle soil test, reinforcement of rods, aggregate materials and asphalt. 

  • Ohanaeze chief defends Fed Govt’s decision to relocate CBN to Lagos

    Ohanaeze chief defends Fed Govt’s decision to relocate CBN to Lagos

    An elder statesman and chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide,  Chief Goddy Uwazuruike, has defended the Federal Government’s decision to relocate some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Lagos.

    He said the action is aimed at reducing time and expenditure. 

    Uwazuruike,  a lawyer, said the action would streamline processes,  improve efficiency and have a significant impact on the banking sector.

    According to him, the administrative action of relocating CBN departments to a more convenient location is a step in the right direction. 

    Uwazuruike stressed that “this move is intended to reduce time and expenditure in the performance of a statutory duty, rather than being relocation to Lagos, as some have argued.”

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    “The relocation is expected to streamline processes, improve efficiency and have a significant impact on the banking sector in Nigeria,” he said. 

    He cited the CBN governor’s periodic meetings with bank chief executives as a key reason for the relocation. 

    “The new location in Lagos will allow for more convenient access, enabling 10 CBN executives to efficiently meet with over 200 banks.”

    He said the relocation is intended to facilitate CBN’s operations and enhance its oversight capabilities, particularly in relation to the banking sector.

     ”Additionally, the relocation will facilitate CBN supervisors’ ability to conduct unannounced visits to banks, enhancing their oversight capabilities,” he said. 

    He stressed that the decision should not be overly politicised and should be seen as a step towards improving operational effectiveness, rather than a purely political move.

    “Everything is not politics. For instance, the international oil companies should move their main offices or head offices to the Niger Delta.

    “The decision making process is easier when the top people are conversant with the situation on ground. So, the unfolding opposition should be moderated, instead of overheating the polity.”

  • NDDC gives education materials to schools in Rivers

    NDDC gives education materials to schools in Rivers

    • Announces 120 scholarships for indigent students

    Rivers State representative on the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Tony Okocha, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to pursue programmes and activities that would impact on people’s lives.

    He spoke yesterday after distributing learning and teaching materials to primary and secondary school pupils in the three senatorial districts, to mark the International Day of Education.

    The United Nations General Assembly declared January 24 as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development. This year’s theme is: ‘Learning for Lasting Peace.’

    No fewer than six primary and secondary schools and a university were visited and given educational materials in the three senatorial districts by the Okocha-led team to mark the day.

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    They are Community Primary School 1 and 2, as well as Community Secondary School, all at Kaani in Khana Local Government.

    Also visited are Community Primary School, Rumuorosi and Community Secondary School, Rumuapara, in Obio/Akpor Area for Rivers East and Western Ahoada County High School, Ahoada East Council, for Rivers West Senatorial Zone and University of Port Harcourt.

    Thousands of 60 leaves exercise books with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s passport photo and Renewed Hope Mantra inscription were captured on the cover of the books, apparently to remind the youth the message behind the gifts.

    Addressing the pupils and students at the schools, the NDDC state representative said the gesture was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Vision, as it relates to education.

    He said: “Today is International Education Day, as proclaimed by the United Nations Assembly. We are here to support the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in his Renewed Hope Mantra, which covers all spheres of life, particularly the one that will push Nigeria to her Eldorado.

    “On behalf of NDDC, which was established to eliminate and reduce poverty in the Niger Delta and one sure way of doing this is to aid the younger ones from the kindergarten to the university level.

    “The reason is because education is the bedrock of every society and an educated society is miles away and apart for development because education is a tool to fight poverty. This is what prompted the coming out to mark this global date of note with distribution of educational materials to the pupils and students as a way to encourage them to be focused and dream and achieve big for the safety of the society and the state in particular.”

    Okocha told the beneficiaries that it was the desire and efforts of President Tinubu to see that the youth grow to become useful to themselves, the state, Nigeria and society at large and encouraged them to be focused and hardworking in their academic.

    “We have brought you this number of exercise books so that it will enhance your learning. We hope that these things we are giving you will make you better children.

    “So we have brought you exercise books so that you will have something to write in. We have also brought pencils, erasers, dusters.”

    He announced the purchase of 110 free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for indigent students and 10 scholarships slots for students that would score the highest marks in the JAMB examination.

    At the University of Port Harcourt, Okocha told the Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Owunari Georgewill that he chose to visit the school for the global day because of the realisation that he is an alumnus of the university and a vibrant student union leader.

    He promised to come back to the institution on a later date to officially give back to the school in his capacity as a state representative on the NDDC board.

    Okocha gifted the school with over 200 copies of his book- ‘A personal memoire: Through the slippery Slop of Rivers Politics.’

    He visited Mene Bua Kaani and Mene G.B. Apere, where he highlighted the importance of the UN Day on Education to the President Tinubu administration.

    Welcoming the visitors, the monarch told Okocha and his team that Kaani was the largest single community in any local government in Rivers State. “Unfortunately, the community could not have the attention it deserved in terms of basic infrastructure.”

    He expressed the appreciation of his kingdom for the kind gesture of the NDDC to them and appealed to the agency to intervene in the area of roads and drainage system construction, to prevent erosion.

  • ‘Akwa Ibom consumes 80% of adulterated petroleum products’

    ‘Akwa Ibom consumes 80% of adulterated petroleum products’

    Southsouth Secretary of the Waterways Transport Association of Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (WTAPMAN), Mr. Fidelis Ekanem, has said Akwa Ibom State consumes 80 per cent of adulterated petroleum products.

    Speaking with reporters in Uyo yesterday, he said a survey by experts and stakeholders indicated that there were widespread activities of illegal bunkerers operating in the downstream sector of the oil industry.

    Leading hundreds of his members on sensitisation tour along the streets of Uyo, the WTAPMAN secretary said the group had secured the mandate of the state government to collaborate with the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, and other security agencies to rid the state of oil sector criminals.

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    He noted: “Akwa Ibom State has no refinery, no tank farms, oil depots and other large petroleum product reservoirs to store products that can be sufficient for the entire population given the fact that most products come from neighbouring Calabar, Cross River State and Port Harcourt in Rivers State.

    “Illegal sources account for most of the products consumed in the state. Akwa Ibom is not like Rivers, Delta and other states where you have all these facilities to store fuel and other petroleum products.

    “This means only about 20 per cent of the products come in through legal process, while about 80 per cent find their way into the state through illegal processes of bunkering, pipeline vandals and oil thieves.”

    Ekanem warned oil sector thieves to vacate the state or be ready to face the firepower of the Joint Task Force (JTF) comprising operatives of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the regular Police and other security agencies detailed to work with WTAPMAN, in the ongoing reforms in the sector.

  • Bayelsa to prioritise teaching of Ijaw, French, other subjects in public schools

    Bayelsa to prioritise teaching of Ijaw, French, other subjects in public schools

    Bayelsa State Government has said plans are underway to make the teaching and learning of Ijaw, French and Chinese languages a priority in public schools.

    It said science and mathematics would also be prioritised.

    Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo made this known yesterday during a visit by the state chapter of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), at the Government House in Yenagoa.

    He said government was emphasising the teaching of the three languages, and the core science subjects, including mathematics, to prepare and equip children to take advantage of career opportunities in the subjects.

    The deputy governor said the growing economic influence of China in global affairs as a major state actor in world trade and commerce, justified the inclusion of Chinese as a subject in the curriculum.

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    Sen. Ewhrudjakpo said:  “I am happy about the programme you are introducing. For us, we have made it compulsory; we are pursuing STEM because we believe with this, the negative impression of Bayelsa State will change sooner or later.

    “We will really be available for anything you want us to do from the government angle. As I told you earlier, in our teachers’ recruitment, we deliberately laid emphasis on science, ICT and mathematics.

    “We are recruiting more teachers in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, agric science and computer science. The other subjects we are placing priority are: Chinese, French and Ijaw languages.”

    The deputy governor, who urged APWEN members to make team work their watchword to achieve their objectives as a professional body, advised them to also include male students in their programmes.

    He said engineering career required a lot of hard work for one to be awarded fellowship, enjoining the association to work together in closer synergy to gain more visibility in the male-dominated profession.

    He advised APWEN to redouble its effort in marketing engineering to the girl-child at the secondary school level for more female pupils to embrace and develop interest in engineering as a course and profession.

    He thanked the national and state executive councils of APWEN for honouring him with awards in recognition of his contributions to the growth and development of engineering in the state and country.

    Ewhrudjakpo noted: “For everything you are committed to do, do it as much as you can. I always tell people to be paced, to be prayerful, have a positive attitude, courageous, put in effort, and to be determined.

    “Your profession is one that requires a lot of hard work. For you to be inducted as a fellow, real hard work is required in this profession, unlike politics where anybody is given any position.

    “Once you are not together as a team you will fail. Together everyone achieves more. This is what team work is all about. Nobody is an island; a tree standing alone can’t make a forest. I want you to continue to work as a team.”

    The state Chairman of APWEN, Mr. Diepreye Owana-Omubo, and the Vice Chairman, Dr. Ann Obuebite, said the association was doing everything to push its corporate social responsibility project aimed at introducing the girl-child to engineering at the basic education level.

    They hailed the state government for establishing more technical colleges and recruiting science and mathematics teachers to promote science technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the state.

    Obuebite thanked the deputy governor for his support to the Bayelsa State chapter of APWEN, which had helped it to gain a lot of recognition and prominence at the national level.

  • I’m working to upgrade Maritime Academy to varsity, says senator

    I’m working to upgrade Maritime Academy to varsity, says senator

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Ekong Sampson, has said he is working to ensure the upgrade of Maritime Academy, Oron to a full-fledged university.

    Sampson, who represents Akwa Ibom South, said upgrading the institution remained priority in his legislative agenda.

    He spoke in Eket yesterday during his empowerment scheme and official presentation of scholarship, education and business grants worth millions of naira to over 700 constituents.

    He said his office is working in conjunction with stakeholders from his senatorial district to attract a federal university to Eket Federal Constituency, stressing that their increasing demand for it is receiving attention.

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    Sampson said it was his responsibility to ensure accountability and promote dividends of democracy while serving with their mandate, adding that he had to create employment, eradicate poverty and promote high literacy among his constituents.

    He said his constituents would benefit from the empowerment regularly, to ensure human capital development, noting that the people are already getting jobs in ministries and parastatals.

    The senator, who inaugurated four liaison offices in Eket, Oron, Mkpat enin and Uyo local governments, to link up the 12 councils in the senatorial district, said he would listen to the yearnings of the constituents “through these outlets.”

    He promised to prioritise his constituents in his undertakings, noting that they were fully captured in the 2024 accented recently by the President.

    The Chairman of the occasion and former Nigeria ambassador to Russia and Belarus, Assam Assam, hailed the senator for his performance within seven months in office.

    He said the constituents made the right decision to vote for Senator Sampson during the last election, urging him to remain steadfast in his determination to improve the plight of the people.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Kiddy Sunday, a visually-impaired student, who received N250,000 education grant, thanked the senator for his kind gesture, pledging his determination to post outstanding performance  in his educational pursuits.