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Tag: Akwa Ibom

  • Kwara, Akwa Ibom, four others most backward in pension payment

    Kwara, Akwa Ibom, four others most backward in pension payment

    Six states – Kwara, Plateau, Borno, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Yobe – appear the most backward in pension obligations and payments toward their public servants.

    The states are yet to implement the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) since its introduction 20 years ago, leaving pension administration of the state in disarray.

    The overall best and most pension compliant, however, are states that have not only gone through the categories listed by PenCom in the report but have valid Group Life/Sinking Fund for their workers and retirees. They are Lagos, Kaduna,Osun, Edo, and Ondo as well as the  Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    While some states have taken various steps to implement the scheme and others enforce it, the six most non-complaint states  have remained at the Bill stage for years.

    This was shown in a report by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) on “Status of Implementation on Pension Arrangements in States and the FCT as at December 31, 2023”.

    In all, 25 states have implemented and enforced the CPS Law. They include Lagos, Kaduna, Ondo, Benue, Ogun, Kogi, Imo, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Ekiti, and Osun.

    Others are Edo, Anambra, Rivers, Delta, Kebbi, Niger, Abia, Sokoto, Enugu, Bayelsa, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Oyo as well as the FCT.

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    However, states with Contributory Defined Benefits Scheme (CDBS) Law are Jigawa, Gombe, Kano, Zamfara, Adamawa, and Katsina,

    States with Pension Bureau/Board include Lagos, Kaduna, Ondo, Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, FCT, Ekiti, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Osun, Edo, Benue, Ogun, and Kogi.

    States remitting employer and employee Pension Contributions under the CPS/CDBS are Lagos, Kaduna, Ondo, Benue, Ekiti, Delta, Jigawa (CDB), Osun, Edo, and Anambra. Also included in this list is the FCT.

    States remitting only employee pension contributions under the CPS are Kebbi and Rivers while states paying pension under CPS/CDBS are Lagos, Kaduna, Delta, FCT, Ekiti, Osun, Edo, and Jigawa which is operating the CDBS.

    Besides, states that have conducted Actuarial Valuation are Lagos, Kaduna, Delta, FCT, Ekiti, Rivers, Osun, Edo, and Benue.

    Similarly, states with Retirement Benefits Bond Redemption Fund Account (RBBRFA) are Lagos, Kaduna, Delta, Niger, Ekiti, Anambra (LG), Osun, Edo, and Rivers as well as the FCT while states funding accrued rights are Lagos, Kaduna, Anambra (LG), Osun, Edo, Rivers, and Delta as well as the FCT.

    The report read: “There were no changes in the status of the implementation of the CPS and other pension arrangements by states within the Fourth Quarter, 2023. The number of states, including the Federal Capital Territory, with laws on the CPS remained 25 and six states are at the Bill stage.

    “Six states have adopted the CDBS. Two out of the six like Jigawa and Kano are implementing the Scheme. Kano was yet to transfer pension assets for custody, while the four others, Gombe, Katsina, Zamfara and Adamawa were yet to commence implementation of the CDBS.’’

  • Navy impounds illicit drugs, arrests three suspects in Akwa Ibom

    Navy impounds illicit drugs, arrests three suspects in Akwa Ibom

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, has impounded some illicit drugs and arrested three suspected drug dealers.

    The Commanding Officer, Capt. Uche Aneke, while handing the suspects to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday, said they were tracked and arrested about 10am on Tuesday following reliable intelligence.

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    According to him, the suspects were caught on a fibre boat carrying about 4,320 ampoules of Pethidine 100mg/2ml injection solution, a controlled synthetic opioid substance with high addiction potential.

    He said: “The intended receiver is located in Nigeria. So they wanted to smuggle the substances from Cameroon to Nigeria. We shall continue to deploy advanced technologies to detect criminal activities along the waterways.” Chief Superintendent of Narcotics (NDLEA), Emmanuel Okon, who received the suspects, said a thorough investigation would carried out on the matter.

  • Boat Mishap: Late makeup artist, Abigail finally laid to rest in Akwa Ibom

    Boat Mishap: Late makeup artist, Abigail finally laid to rest in Akwa Ibom

    The late makeup artist, Abigail Frederick, who tragically lost her life in a boat mishap, has been finally laid to rest in her home state of Akwa-Ibom.

    The Nation reported that the 24-year-old lady and four others, including the popular Nollywood actor Pope Odonwodo, aka Junior Pope, drowned in the river in Anambra state on Wednesday, April 10.

    Her body was recovered and buried by the riverside the next day when her family was initially unable to meet the requirements to transport her body back home.

    Read Also: Junior Pope: Akwa Ibom requests makeup artiste’s body for proper burial

    However, with the help of her state governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, her body was exhumed on Sunday, April 14, and transported to her home state, where she was given a befitting burial.

  • Construction firm clears air on alleged flooding in Akwa Ibom road projects

    Construction firm clears air on alleged flooding in Akwa Ibom road projects

    A construction company, Gorrion Engineering Ltd, has clarified allegations of flooding in completed road projects in Awka Ibom.

    A statement by the General Manager, Engr Yusuf Abdula, copied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, among others, described the attacks on the company as fake and unwarranted. 

    It claimed to be a reputable civil construction company with a track record of quality service delivery adding that all roads projects it carried out have been duly completed and commissioned.

    The statement reads: “It has come to our notice, the unwarranted attack on our company by some sponsored and highly compromised Facebook urchins, parading themselves as indigenes of Akwa Ibom State.

    “We hereby state, unequivocally and with every sense of responsibility that is untrue, insinuations by a cross section of some misinformed public that it abandoned the Ikot Ebak Stadium/Ikot Esse Road located in Akwa State, which led to the flooding of the road after commissioning

    “It has come to our notice, the misinformation being sponsored against the company on the avoidable flooding of the Stadium road in Essien Udim LocalGovernment Area, few days after it was commissioned. 

    “We state here without any reservations that we never abandoned the road project as erroneously being peddled by some highly compromised social media urchins, rather we are happy to state that the road was duly completed and commissioned as expected.

    “Let it also be known that, if the appeal by the contractors to land-owners in the area to release a portion of their land, close to the road for the construction of culvert that would see to the diversion of flood into the river was acceded to, (with the readiness of the contractor to even pay for it), the flooding would have been avoided.

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    “We hereby reject in its entirety, a sponsored report and pictures of the flooded road by some highly compromised individuals in the social media that the project is sub- standard

    “Claims by some ill informed and biased commentators on the social media platforms that the job was substandard and that despite completion, it is still largely flooded and impassable by motorists, is far from the truth and a story meant only for the gods. 

    “All appeal to make available spaces to construct water channels that will give the project a befitting look were refused by the community members. Even in cases where few persons were ready to offer us their lands, others discouraged them from doing so. It was this back and forth that eventually left us with no option but to go ahead with the project. 

    “Having successfully completed it, the flood expectedly emerged. But our men and equipment are at the site, trying to make sure that in the coming days, Ikot Ebak Stadium/Ikot Esse Road will wear an uncommon look in line with the directive of  the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, Abdula stated.

    “We insist that the company under its founder, has maintained a track record of delivering excellent jobs across the country as and when due.”

  • Junior Pope: Akwa Ibom requests makeup artiste’s body for proper burial

    Junior Pope: Akwa Ibom requests makeup artiste’s body for proper burial

    Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has directed that makeup artist Abigael Frederick’s body be sent back to the State for a dignified burial after she and other crew members died in a boat accident.

    This directive was announced by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh, via his X page on Saturday

    Eno conveyed his profound grief over Frederick’s passing and praised her as a bright example of the state’s young people who rose to the occasion.

    The statement reads:“His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Governor, Akwa Ibom State, is aware of the tragic boat mishap, which occurred a few days ago, on River Niger, involving some Nollywood actors and other supporting crew members while on a trip to a movie location.

    “One of the victims of that accident, Ms Abigael Edith Frederick, was a quintessential example of our young people who have harkened to our clarion call for them to arise and shine.

    “She was a 24-year-old graduate of Theatre Arts, who had found her passion as a make-up artist.

    “We are deeply saddened by her painful passing and on behalf of the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, we sympathise with her family, the Nollywood community and her friends and colleagues over this sad loss.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom community to Fed Govt: arrest sponsors of conflict

    “We have also followed and read the reportage, especially on the social media platforms surrounding her burial and wish to state categorically that the government was not informed of the circumstances that led to her burial.

    “His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, has consequently directed that her body be brought back to her family for a proper and decent burial.

    “As the famous theme song of the Liverpool Football Club goes, the bereaved family will not ‘walk alone’. May her soul rest in peace.”

    Fredrick’s body was found on April 11 and reportedly buried at the riverbank.

  • Gov Eno hosts iftar with A’Ibom muslim community  

    Gov Eno hosts iftar with A’Ibom muslim community  

    In continuation of a tradition he has upheld long before he became the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, last night held an Iftar with the Muslim community in the State, at Government House, Uyo.

    Led by the leadership of the Akwa Ibom Council of Islamic Affairs (AKCIA) which comprises, the Chairman, League of Imams in the Stare, Imam Abubakar Sadiq, Alhaji Hassan Sadauki (Sarakin Hausawa, Uyo, Alhaji Maruf Olobode Sani, Imam Ibrahim Okesina, Imam Bello Dahiru, the Governor thanked the Muslim community for their support during last year’s election and for maintaining the harmonious relationship that has existed in the State.

    “Last year, when we had this same meeting in Eket, and I said that, if by the Grace of God, and with your support we win the elections, that this year’s Iftar, will be done in Government House. 

    “We thank God that He answered our prayers.

    “Let me use this opportunity to thank the Arewa Community for your support during the elections. It was a massive support. And so if someone did something profoundly significant for you, it’s always good to reach back and say ‘thank you’, which is what we are doing this evening. 

    “We hope to go round all the groups; the Yoruba community, the Igbos and Niger Delta to tell them” thank you”.

    “It was a tough election, but you stood your grounds and supported us. 

    “I remain eternally grateful and will always work to improve the living conditions of the poor, the vulnerable and those in the rural areas.

    “We have a long history of living together, doing business together and trusting each other, and I would like to appeal now that the rains are here, and people are going back to the farms,  that we continue to work together to ensure that the herders would  conduct their business without destroying people’s farms, because we want to grow more staple foods to feed everyone here. We are not saying, don’t do your business, but in business world, we always say: You must mind how your business affects my business so we can all live harmoniously in peace and brotherhood as we have always done.”

    The Governor thereafter, announced a 200 million interest-free loan to the Arewa Community, saying the same interest free loan would be extended to the Yoruba Community; the Igbo and the Niger-Delta communities. 

    The details of loans would be worked out shortly, the Governor had emphasized.

    Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the League of Imams, Akwa Ibom State, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq had thanked the Governor for the love and cordial relationship that has existed with the Muslim community in the State.

    “We are a people from diverse origins across Nigeria, all living here peacefully and securely in Akwa Ibom State under your leadership. 

    “We know some states are struggling with cases of insecurity. But here, we have enjoyed peace and Your Excellency, in continuing with the maintenance of peace had proactively come up with such vision as represented by the Community Watch and the setting up of the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, headed by a retired general of the Nigerian Army, Gen. Koko Essien rtd..

    “We are proud of your visionary approach to governance, especially as it concerns the rural dwellers and we pray Allah should grant you more wisdom to carry on. 

    “Our gathering here today with you is not the first, second or third. You have graciously been breaking fast with us as a private citizen, a community leader and a statesman, year in, year out. It is therefore not surprising that you extended same invitation for us to join you in Government House for this year’s Iftar.”

    The Imam prayed for the Governor and his family, the State, the Exco and the people of the State.

    The Governor, used the opportunity to appoint Mr. Emmanuel Ogbole as tte Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Non-Indigenes’ Affairs and Alhaji Ibrahim Iliya as the Special Assistant, Arewa Community. 

    The Governor also announced that he will soon appoint Special Assistants for the Yourba, Igbo and Niger Delta communities.

    The event was  attended by the Deputy Governor, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the SSG, the Speaker, State House of Assrmbky Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Prince Enobong Uwah, Chief Assam Assam, SAN,the Director General of the Campaign Organization and of Government Business, Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem SAN, the Chairman of the Maintain Peace Movement (MPM), Engr. Uwem Okoko of Hensek integrated Services.

    Others in attendance include: Ekder Aniekan  Akpan, the Chairman of the PDP in AKwa Ibom State, the Political Adviser to the Governor, Prince (Dr.) Godwin Ntukude, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Ayilara Waheed Adedamola, the head of NDLEA, Akwa Ibom State Command, several Commissioners led by the Dean of Commissioners, Sir Monday Ebong Uko among others.

  • Community blocks oil firm for ‘selling’ jobs to non-indigenes

    Community blocks oil firm for ‘selling’ jobs to non-indigenes

    Angry youths of the Edo community in the Esit Eket local government area of Akwa Ibom state have disrupted the operations of an oil firm, Savannah Energy Limited.

    In a protest that began on Monday, the youths of the community accused the company of denying them jobs and ‘selling’ the available job slots to non-indigenes.

    They displayed placards with various inscriptions and placed traditional injunctions while chanting war songs condemning the company’s management for shortchanging them.

    Among their grouses include job racketeering, the non-increase salary of workers, and refusal to employ graduates from the host community trained by the company’s graduate internship programmes.

    They said that the company through its Superintendent, Chukwudosiem Umuna, has flouted the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with the community.

    The youth leader of the community, Victor Charles Awai, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, said Savannah Enery was most unfair to its host community.

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    Awai accused a superintendent of the oil firm, Chukwudosiem Umunna of selling off jobs meant for indigenes of Edo to ‘foreigners.’

    He said: “It is quite annoying that jobs are sold out to foreigners while the community suffers the brunt from the oil drilling going on here.

    “The company has consistently refused to employ graduates from our community who have undergone the graduate internship programs but will retain outsiders at the same level.

    “Jobs meant for indigenous contractors have also been us because they bring in contractors outside when we have the manpower to do it;

    “Of course, you know that we are peace-loving but our calmness has become a curse to us. Savannah Energy can’t continue to violate the Local Content Law.

    “We demand the immediate increase of salary of persons from the community just as the management treats other staff on the same level/qualifications.”

    The State House member for Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency, Friday Udobia, who spoke with the youths showed solidarity and solicited patience while he sought counsel with the company to resolve their demands.

  • 170 Akwa Ibom rural women get a lift

    170 Akwa Ibom rural women get a lift

    One Hundred and seventy women from Ikot Ikwot and Ikot Okwo in Ikot Abasi Local Government of Akwa Ibom State have got a lift from Ibom Developers.

    The empowerment with the theme: ‘Virtuous Women,’ took place at Ikot Okwo Primary School.

    Women were trained in catering, packaging, hair making, wig making, ventilation, and styling for two weeks, from March 5 to 15.

    Udo Obong, village council secretary of Ikot Okwo, hailed everyone’s dedication, emphasising importance of empowering women in rural communities.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom community to Fed Govt: arrest sponsors of conflict

    “Seeing our women take charge of their journey towards self-sufficiency is inspiring’’ he added.

    Obong lauded Ibom Developers for the training aimed at advancing women’s entrepreneurship skill and ensuring they become independent to contribute to development of society. 

    He said empowerment and skill development are means to drive progress.

    Representative of Ibom Developers said it is committed women’s empowerment and contributing to the communities they serve.

  • Akwa Ibom community to Fed Govt: arrest sponsors of conflict

    Akwa Ibom community to Fed Govt: arrest sponsors of conflict

    Youths of Obolo ethnic nationality have urged the Federal Government to arrest suspected sponsors of the recent bloody communal clash in Akwa Ibom State.

    Ekid people in Eket and Esit Eket local governments last week clashed with residents of Ibeno Local Government over the ownership of the oil-rich Stubbs Creek Forest Reserves otherwise called Akoiyak.

    The conflict led to loss of lives and destruction of property, a situation which caused the state government to take control of the land, to avoid further bloodshed.

    But Obolo youth groups comprising Obolo Youth Coalition Worldwide (OYC) , Oro Youth Movement (OYOM), Ijaw Youth Council, Akwa Ibom State chapter, Ibeno Youth Leaders and Eastern Obolo Youth Leaders are demanding the arrest and prosecution of sponsors of the conflict.

    The groups made the demand in a statement yesterday signed by Comrades Emmanuel Essang and Animisa Mark, President General and Secretary General, OYC Worldwide.

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    Comrades Edet Eyo and Edet Iyahakwa, National President and National Secretary, OYOM, also signed among others.

    They condemned the attack on Ibeno, blaming the situation on the wrong remapping law of the state government, which is a subject of litigation that Eket, Esit Eket, Onna, Mkpat Enin and Ikot Abasi local governments are parties to.

    “We condemn in the strongest of terms, the unprovoked attack on Ibeno communities and hereby demand the arrest and prosecution of Dr. Samuel Udonsak, Mr. Frank Archibong, Mr. Iniobong Robson and others who are the sponsors of this unprovoked attack on our people.”

     “That the Akwa Ibom State Government were informed of several plans by the said architects of this attack, but the government did nothing about it, thereby giving the perpetrators opportunity to achieve their nefarious plans.

    “We hereby call on the Federal Government to caution soldiers and police officers sent to Ibeno to stop using live ammunition on our

    weaponless youths. They should be professional in their duties, as any act of further attack from soldiers and police officers on our youths shall no

    longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

    Spokesperson person for Ekid People’s Union, Mr. Nsudo Nsudo, has denied that the conflict was sponsored by the trio of Dr. Samuel Udonsak, Frank Archibong and Iniobong Robson.

  • Communal Clash: Gov Eno reads riot act

    Communal Clash: Gov Eno reads riot act

    Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has visited the centre of the communal clash between Ibeno, Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas to see the extent of damage that occurred in the area.

    The governor was flanked by Service Commanders of the various security agencies, stakeholders from the affected communities and other top government functionaries in the State.

    Gov Eno sounded both as a peacemaker in line with his calling as a Pastor and the Chief Security Officer of the State, where he talked tough and asked those responsible for the unnecessary wanton destruction to cease and desist as he had credible intelligence on their activities. 

    He said: “I have credible intelligence on those who are sponsoring our young people to go out and cause this mayhem. 

    “After this warning today, if this happens again, I can assure you that government will call you out, pick you up and you will face the penalty squarely.

    “So I want to appeal to our political gladiators to stop taking sides and fanning the embers of disunity. We are leaders and we cannot be sponsoring young people to take the laws into their hands. We will not allow it.”

    Playing the role of a peacemaker, Governor Eno, reminded the people of their filial and communal ties. 

    “The two communities are united in so many ways. There is high level of inter-marriages between yourselves, and I do not see any reason for these repeated clashes. By the grace of God, we are determined to put an end to this problem. 

    “I had to evacuate 16 people who were wounded in the course of this unfortunate clashes and once I leave here, I am going to visit them at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital”. 

    Governor Eno gave a strong note of warning to the Transition Chairmen of the affected three Local Government areas: Eket, Esit Eket and Ibeno. 

    “I want to say this to the chairmen of the three local government councils: You have the responsibility to maintain law and order in your respective domains. If any of this should happen again in your domains, you know you are transition chairmen; I will remove you immediately and I promise you, I will!”

    On the main cause of the conflict, Stubbs Creek Forest, Governor Eno, declared that “the land belongs to government.” 

    “Stubbs Creek, I want to state emphatically  belongs to neither Eket, Esit Eket or Ibeno. It is a forest reserve which belongs to government. 

    “Since 1930, I have seen all the gazettes, even that of 1966 till date. So those who have gone in there have essentially been encroaching on government’s land and this must stop today. 

    “I have directed the Ministry of Lands to come up with the entire plan and we will soon issue a proclamation on it. 

    “Government needs Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve as a source of carbon credits, which ultimately will provide jobs for the youths of these areas.”

    The Governor warned those who may try the resolve of government to have a rethink.

    ”Security agencies will continue to ensure there is law and order. They have the directive to confront any group that may want to start this problem again. 

    “They are going to be stationed here and they will not be lenient with any one one who breaks the law. The law will certainly take its course. We must have communities that are governed by law; so please be warned.”

    On the issue of the new Map for the State, Governor Eno pleaded for understanding noting that the case is in court. “While the matter is still in court, you have to wait. Please let us be calm and maintain peace. 

    “I came here today as a man of peace and I speak peace in this land, that the people of Eket, Esit Eket and Ibeno must accept peace and peace will return to these communities.”

    The Governor later visited victims of the communal clash at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where he went round the wards to comfort the wounded, an act that was well-received by the families of the victims and the entirety of the Teaching Hospital staff, who came out to cheer the Governor.