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Tag: Akwa Ibom State Government

  • A’Ibom govt spends N10B on grants to 7,688 indigenes

    A’Ibom govt spends N10B on grants to 7,688 indigenes

    …as Eno rallies support for Tinubu

    The Akwa Ibom State Government has disbursed N10 billion in grants to 7,688 beneficiaries across the state’s 10 federal constituencies, Governor Umo Eno has announced.

    Eno disclosed this at the weekend during the grand finale of the six-month Town Square Meeting/Empowerment Series in Etinan Federal Constituency.

    The grants, targeted at indigenes engaged in agriculture, trading, transportation, and equipment acquisition, were allocated via the state’s ARISE portal to ensure equal access.

    The empowerment series began in Abak with 833 beneficiaries and continued in Oron (980), Eket (1,076), Ikot Ekpene (664), Ikot Abasi (540), Ukanafun (411), Itu (677), Uyo (1,187) and Ikono (476), culminating in Etinan where 844 residents received grants totaling N361.45 million.

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    Governor Eno emphasized transparency and fairness, stating that no slots were given to individuals. He urged youths to register on the ARISE portal to benefit from government initiatives, including employment and procurement opportunities.

    He also announced plans to incorporate constituency needs into the 2026 budget and build youth centres and official residences for local government chairmen across the state.

    The governor reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu and local government autonomy, warning youths against disrespecting leaders.

    The event ended with stakeholders adopting Tinubu and Eno as sole candidates for the 2027 presidential and governorship elections.

  • Akwa Ibom to clamp down on quackery in health sector

    Akwa Ibom to clamp down on quackery in health sector

    Akwa Ibom State Government has promised to shut down health facilities operating with unqualified personnel, to sanitise the health sector and safeguard public safety.

    Health Commissioner Prof. Augustine Umoh spoke at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held in Uyo.

    He said the ministry had begun profiling of private and public health facilities, to weed out substandard operations and rid the system of quackery.

    Umoh added: “Any health facility found operating without the requisite qualifications or those who continue to employ unlicensed or fake personnel will be shut.

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    “We will not allow the lives of our people to be put at risk by those masquerading as health care providers.”

    The commissioner said the government was concerned about the growing number of complaints from residents over the poor quality of care in some clinics, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

    He said the state’s task force on health facility monitoring had been directed to intensify inspections and report any infraction without delay.

    “We have seen cases where people masquerade as nurses or doctors without any formal training or licensing. This is unacceptable, we are moving swiftly to address the situation,” Umoh said.

    He noted that some facilities, including maternity homes and drug dispensaries, were found to be operating without proper accreditation or compliance with professional standards.

    Such infractions, he warned, would no longer be tolerated.

    The commissioner stressed that the clampdown was not targeted at genuine private practitioners who met the minimum standard, but was rather aimed at safeguarding lives and restoring confidence in the health system.

    The state Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Emem Abraham, described the move as “long overdue,” urging the Ministry of Health to ensure enforcement without political interference.

  • 18-storey Ibom towers ready in 24 months – AKSG

    18-storey Ibom towers ready in 24 months – AKSG

    …Sanwo-Olu, Attah, Oba eulogise project

    As part of its economic diversification efforts, the Akwa Ibom State Government has launched the construction of the 18-storey Ibom Towers in Lagos, with a commitment to complete the project within 24 months.

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, led the groundbreaking ceremony, joined by former Akwa Ibom Governors, Udom Emmanuel and Obong Victor Attah, along with other prominent Nigerians.

    The Ibom Towers project aims to boost revenue and GDP for both Akwa Ibom and Lagos States, contributing to economic resilience amidst Nigeria’s financial challenges.

    Governor Umo Eno stated that the initiative is intended to generate income and create employment opportunities for Akwa Ibom state.

     “Anytime leaders invest in forward-looking projects like this, there are challenges,but a leader must look into the future.” 

    “With Ibom Towers, both Akwa Ibom and Lagos are demonstrating how unity and vision can drive prosperity, marking a new era of economic innovation amid national economic downturn.”

    He further expressed gratitude for the partnership and his ties to Lagos, underscoring that the project represents the power of bipartisanship. 

    “This is the essence of bipartisanship; it should not be coloured by political affiliations,” he noted.

    Governor Eno expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was once the Governor of Lagos State for his significant contributions to the development of Lagos, emphasising the importance of patience during this period of reforms in Nigeria. 

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    “These changes may be painstaking, but they will bear fruit,” he assured.

     Located in the heart of Victoria Island, Ibom Towers will serve as an iconic structure aimed at boosting investments and economic ties, directly benefiting Lagos and Akwa Ibom.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu welcomed the development, highlighting Lagos’ longstanding role as Nigeria’s centre for commerce. 

    He remarked: “I look forward to seeing this relationship deepen, and who knows, maybe I’ll also invest in an oil well in Akwa Ibom,” adding a light-hearted touch that underscored the states’ shared economic aspirations. 

    The Managing Director of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP),Imo-Abasi Jacob, provided a detailed overview of Ibom Towers, describing it as a premium project designed to attract urban professionals. 

    “Featuring upscale apartments, gyms, pools, and smart building technology, the tower will serve as both a luxury residence and a revenue generator, with income from property leases and tourism expected to enhance GDP growth for both states”, Pastor Jacob said. 

    In their separate goodwill messages, leaders from both states celebrated the impact of Ibom Towers on revenue and employment. 

    The Oba of Oniru, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal, expressed satisfaction in the project, assuring his support and seeing it as a legacy of Lagos-Akwa Ibom cooperation. 

    Similarly, His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, President General, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, stressed the value of the initiative in uplifting Akwa Ibom’s profile internationally and encouraged the involvement of young engineers from the state to gain hands-on experience.

    The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, pledged legislative support, asserting that landmark projects like Ibom Towers elevate Akwa Ibom’s standing nationally.

     Former Governor, Obong Victor Attah commended the achievement, viewing it as the realisation of a vision to make Akwa Ibom a key player in real estate and economic growth. 

    “This project represents the fulfillment of long-held aspirations for our state’s prosperity,” he said.

    The Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah who said the tone for the event, said the State has been blessed with good leaders, adding that Governor Eno is expanding on the legacies of his predecessors.