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Tag: Akwa Ibom

  • Eno celebrates Davido’s tour visit to Akwa Ibom

    Eno celebrates Davido’s tour visit to Akwa Ibom

    Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno has expressed pride in hosting music superstar Davido, who selected the state as the first Nigerian stop on his global 5ive Alive tour.

    Eno highlighted the significance of the visit, noting that Davido commended Akwa Ibom’s world-class facilities, peaceful environment and warm hospitality.

    Eno wrote on X: “Last night, we hosted music icon @davido here in Akwa Ibom, and he made history by choosing our State as the first stop in Nigeria for his global tour.

    “He said Akwa Ibom stood out because of our world-class facilities, peace, and hospitality, describing everything about our State as beautiful”.

    The Governor emphasised that Davido’s decision underscores Akwa Ibom’s growing reputation as a youth-friendly and tourism-driven destination.

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    He commended the artist for recognising the state’s efforts to create an enabling environment for young people.

    “I appreciate Davido for recognising our efforts to make Akwa Ibom a youth-friendly and tourism-driven State. His success story inspires our young people to believe that with commitment and consistency, their dreams are possible,” he added.

    Eno reiterated Akwa Ibom’s readiness to welcome not only entertainment events but also investment and economic opportunities, positioning the state as a hub for growth and development.

    “Akwa Ibom is open, peaceful, and ready, not just for entertainment, but for investment and growth,” he stated. 

  • From privileged to hunted

    From privileged to hunted

    For the love of greener pastures, two senior medical personnel were recently declared wanted by the Akwa Ibom State government. They were allegedly trained for eight years by the state and had not served to justify that investment before taking their services elsewhere.

    Commissioner for Health Ekem John, at a press conference in Uyo, named the two medical officers – one a consultant radiologist and the other a consultant haematologist with the state health ministry. He said the doctors abandoned their duty posts for greener pastures without first serving the state to cover the cost of their training by the state government. Worse, according to him, was that the two were yet receiving salary from the state. “The state government has repeatedly said that medical personnel it trains are bound to first serve the state to cover the cost of the training before they will be allowed to leave for greener pastures,” the commissioner said, adding: “The Ministry of Health has declared them wanted. We will stop their salaries, track them until we find them. Any country they go to, we will go to the medical and dental council of that country and we will stop them.”

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    John gave the indicted doctors two options: either to return to their duty posts in the state service or refund what was spent on their training. He warned that the government should not be blamed for whatever becomes of them once the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) begins to sit. MDCN regulates medical and dental practice in Nigeria and can stop a doctor from practising by withdrawing his licence. “Now that they have not been invited, we ask that their families reach out to them to immediately report to the Ministry of Health,” he added.

    The commissioner further stated that henceforth, medical officers trained by the state government must serve out the agreed number of years before being allowed to resign. He stressed that the government would not permit it’s best hands exiting the state service for “greener pastures” without first serving Akwa Ibom people whose resources were used in training them.

    Nigeria faces a dearth of medical personnel, and the dispute in Akwa Ibom illustrates the dilemma as to where doctors’ primary duty lie: their service obligation or their personal welfare. Sometime in 2023, the United Kingdom red-listed Nigeria among countries not to be targeted for “active” recruitment of medical workers to avert the collapse of local health systems owing to personnel flight. Also, the House of Representatives proposed a bill to bind Nigerian-trained medics to work in-country for five years before they can seek to export their skills. Neither of those measures, among others, has stemmed the flight of these essential workers for greener pastures. Doctors must cultivate a heart to give back to the society that trained them, but the society too must find a way to make it worth their while.

  • Eno declares health emergency in Akwa Ibom

    Eno declares health emergency in Akwa Ibom

    Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has declared a state of emergency on the health sector after reviewing his administration’s healthcare development roadmap.

    The move is to accelerate reforms and ensure efficient healthcare delivery in line with the administration’s ARISE agenda.

    The Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniekan Umanah, disclosed this after the State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Uyo, on Saturday.

    Umanah said key directives under the emergency include an expanded upgrade of medical facilities across the state.

    He added that the reopening of the healthcare recruitment portal to engage 2,000 workers was approved, with voters’ identity card requirement for applicants waived.

    According to him, the governor also directed the upgrading of health training institutions, fresh enrolment of professionals, and the engagement of retired but willing medical personnel on contract.

    The commissioner said government also announced the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee, comprising representatives of relevant ministries and agencies.

    He explained that the committee would ensure prompt and effective implementation of the emergency measures.

    The executive council also proposed a supplementary budget bill of ₦695 billion.

    Umanah said the budget comprised ₦125.66 billion for recurrent expenditure and ₦569.33 billion for capital expenditure.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom labour unions pull out of NLC’s planned protest, pledge loyalty to Gov Eno

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state’s main budget earlier stood at ₦995 billion. With the supplementary ₦695 billion, the 2025 budget rises to ₦1.65 trillion.

    “The supplementary budget will provide for the new minimum wage, personnel emoluments, and allowances for NYSC members serving within and outside Akwa Ibom.

    “It will also address flood and erosion control, complete inflation-affected projects, and fund new infrastructure construction across the state,” Umanah said.

    According to him, it will also fund Ibom CNG Mass Transit buses and support newly created Ministries of Sports, Digital Economy, and Humanitarian Services, among others.

    He said provisions were also made for the Tree Crop Revolution programme, construction of housing estates, and renovation of the House of Assembly complex.

    The commissioner added that capital allocations will also cover the acquisition of a new aircraft for Ibom Air and development of the ARISE Shopping City.

    (NAN)

  • Southern-Atlantic University set to honour A’Ibom leaders

    Southern-Atlantic University set to honour A’Ibom leaders

    Southern-Atlantic University, the first private university in Ibibioland, is set to honour past leaders for their contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom state particularly in the education subsector.

    Among leaders to be honoured as former governors Victor Attach(1999-2007), Senator Godswill Akpabio (2007-2015) and Udom Emmanuel (2015-2023).

    The founder thanked stakeholders and academicians for accepting to serve as members of the University’s Governor Council. They include Senator Ita Enang(Chairman), Professor Akpan H. Ekpo, former Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo and Professor Etete Peters, former medical director University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. 

    Founder of the university, Pastor Bassey James, made the disclosure at the weekend on the sidelines of the visit of the immediate past governor Udom Emmanuel to the university.

    He also commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of the university and creating the enabling environment for the growth and sustenance of private tertiary institutions in the country.

    Pastor James described the recent visit of former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, to the institution as a strong testament to the growing acceptance and recognition of the University.

     He noted that the visit signals the beginning of good things and urged Akwa Ibom to visit and patronize the university.

    He expressed delight at hosting the former Governor and his entourage, describing the occasion as a morale booster for the young institution. 

    He further disclosed that the University’s decision to name its library after Mr. Emmanuel was in appreciation of his contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom during his eight-year administration.

    “As Akwa Ibom prepares to mark 38 years of statehood on September 23, it is only fitting that we recognize the roles of respected Akwa Ibom leaders  in shaping the Akwa Ibom story,” Pastor James stated.

    The proprietor also announced that the University will name facilities after other notable leaders, including former Governor Obong Victor Attah and Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who also served as Governor of the State. 

    He also hinted that Plans are underway to honour the incumbent Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his ongoing development strides, with some structures in the University campus to be named after him.

    The University Proprietor also appreciated a former Governor of Abia State, Senator  Dr. Orji uzor kalu who is currently representing Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, saying he owes him a debt of gratitude, adding that a facility in the institution will also be named after him.

    He maintained that the University’s decision to honour these personalities who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavour would inspire students of the University to aim at excellence in leadership.

    He urged members of the public to take advantage of the 15 academic programmes already approved for the University, noting that admissions are ongoing, with the academic session commencing this September.

  • Akwa Ibom labour unions pull out of NLC’s planned protest, pledge loyalty to Gov Eno

    Akwa Ibom labour unions pull out of NLC’s planned protest, pledge loyalty to Gov Eno

    The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and several other labour unions in Akwa Ibom have withdrawn from the protest and strike action earlier declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for September 15, 2025.

    Among those distancing themselves from the action are some civil service unions, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), and the Forum of Retired Primary School Teachers.

    In a joint statement, NULGE State Chairman, Comrade Anestina Iweh, and State Secretary, Comrade Ofunne Christopher Chidi, described the NLC’s planned protest as a “personal vendetta.”

    They commended Governor Umo Eno for clearing gratuity arrears from 2014 to 2018, paying pensions promptly, settling leave grants, and paying promotion arrears, noting that “with these strides, NULGE sees no justification to participate in the protest.”

    The union reaffirmed its support, pledging “continued solidarity with the governor’s administration.”

    Similarly, NUP declared its withdrawal, explaining that the ₦32,000 pension increase being demanded by the NLC had already been discussed with the Head of Service on August 26, 2025. “The implementation date is not yet due. We therefore direct our members not to join the protest,” NUP stated.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom, Rural Electrification agency sign MOU on renewable energy

    Also distancing himself, Sir Jeremiah Efe, a senior accountant in the state service, issued a letter dissociating himself from the action, stressing his loyalty to the government as he prepares for retirement.

    The Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), after an emergency meeting on September 10, also opted out of the protest. In a communiqué signed by its chairman, Comrade Etido Udo, and secretary, Comrade Kingsley B. Ekong, JPSNC urged dialogue instead of confrontation, insisting “it’s better to jaw-jaw than war-war in resolving outstanding issues.”

    On Passion 94.5FM, the governor’s Special Adviser on Labour Relations, Sir Udo Kierian, insisted the matter had been resolved and said no union had reason to proceed with a protest.

    Efforts to reach the NLC State Chairman, Comrade Sunny James, were unsuccessful as his lines remained unavailable.

  • Akwa Ibom, Rural Electrification agency sign MOU on renewable energy

    Akwa Ibom, Rural Electrification agency sign MOU on renewable energy

    Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has declared that electricity remains the single most important driver of the State’s development agenda, stressing that the era of energy insecurity in the state is over.

    Speaking at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Akwa Ibom State Strategic Roundtable held in Abuja on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 before signing a Memorandum Of Understanding with the agency,

    Eno said Akwa Ibom is now pivoting from policy formulation to practical implementation and delivery of electricity solutions that will transform lives and power industries.

    “We have moved from aspiration to legal and institutional foundation. Today, we pivot to implementation and delivery,” the excited Governor said.

    He explained that the State has, within the past year, delivered the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Policy (2024), enacted the Electricity Law (2025), and established regulatory frameworks for the implementation of the new regime.

    Governor Eno stressed that electricity is central to his administration’s economic blueprint, the ARISE Agenda, which focuses on agriculture, industry, schools, hospitals, digital hubs, women-led enterprises, and job creation across the State.

    He assured investors that his administration will provide land, expedite permits, ensure regulatory clarity, and facilitate financing to guarantee project success.

    “Electricity is the key driver of our purpose to ensure that every Akwa Ibomite, in every corner of this State, can live with dignity and opportunity in the 21st century,” he said, urging RESCOs and private sector investors to move from ideas to concrete projects within 15–18 months.

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    The Governor added that Akwa Ibom will adopt measures that will leverage the rich natural gas and small hydro resources in the State while creating room for renewable energy, to achieve a sustainable energy transition.

    Deputy Governor, Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, in her welcome remarks, described the event as a “critical milestone” in the State’s journey to deliver universal electricity access, noting that off-grid deployment is vital to reaching unserved and underserved communities.

    Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, Aliyu Baba, commended Governor Eno’s commitment to rural development, stressing that the ARISE Agenda aligns with the national electrification initiative. He noted that REA will continue to partner with states to attract private sector investors and ensure affordable electricity for rural dwellers.

    Commissioner for Power, Rt. Hon. Iniobong Robson Etebe, in his presentation on Renewable Energy Opportunities in the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Market, highlighted investment prospects in solar, hydro, and gas-to-power solutions.

    He affirmed that the government has created a conducive environment for investors to thrive, with policies designed to make projects viable and sustainable.

    The roundtable also featured an overview of the REA Community Mapping Tool by the Technical Adviser of the Nigerian Electrification Program (NEP) and the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Akwa Ibom State Government and the REA to strengthen collaboration.

    Eno was accompanied to the roundtable by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; the Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; as well as the Commissioners for Power, Finance, and Information, and the Special Adviser on Rural Development and Cooperatives.

  • Collaborations for tech, jobs in Akwa Ibom

    Collaborations for tech, jobs in Akwa Ibom

    In a landmark move set to redefine Akwa Ibom State’s technology landscape, the Davidson Foundation, the Akwa Ibom State Association in The Netherlands (AKISAN), and Start Innovation Hub (SIH) have entered into a transformative partnership aimed at empowering young people through digital skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

    The official signing ceremony, held in Uyo  was charged with optimism and a shared determination to create new opportunities for the state’s youth.

    The collaboration brings together three organisations with distinct but complementary strengths. The Davidson Foundation, widely respected for its focus on education and community development, is joining hands with SIH, a recognised incubator for technological advancement and mentorship of future tech leaders.

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    Adding a global perspective, AKISAN—the umbrella body for Akwa Ibom indigenes in The Netherlands—brings the diaspora’s wealth of experience and networks to enrich the initiative.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive,  Davidson Foundation, Mr. David Ekpeyong, stressed the depth of the commitment: “This is not just a formal agreement; it’s a deliberate commitment to creating tangible solutions that bridge knowledge gaps and open doors for young people eager to thrive in the tech industry.”

    The partnership will roll out comprehensive training and mentorship programs centered on machine learning, entrepreneurship, and essential digital skills. The curriculum will be tailored to Akwa Ibom’s young population, with a focus on fostering creativity, building technical expertise, and equipping participants with the tools to succeed in the fast-changing digital economy.

    Chief Executive Officer, SIH, Hanson Johnson reinforced the long-term vision behind the collaboration, saying: “This signing is not just about today; it represents the future we are building together.”

    The mood at the signing captured both excitement and resolve, as partners outlined their shared mission to deliver measurable results in the months and years ahead. For Akwa Ibom’s youth, the agreement promises more than training; it offers pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership in technology.

    The Davidson Foundation, AKISAN, and SIH pledged to ensure that this partnership not only transforms individual lives but also contributes to the state’s broader economic growth and sustainability.

  • CVR: Akwa Ibom, Kano, Sokoto lead INEC in-person registration

    CVR: Akwa Ibom, Kano, Sokoto lead INEC in-person registration

    Akwa Ibom, Kano, Sokoto are leading in the in-person voter registration exercise which started on Monday, August 25, 2025, statistics released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday has revealed

    Out of the 72,274 that has concluded their registration exercise as eligible voters, 5470 are from Akwa Ibom state, 5019 from Kano, 4525 from Sokoto, 4396 from Katsina, 3966 from Kebbi while Niger has 3207.

    While Osun still leads the online pre-registration exercise with 474,372, only 548 have concluded their in person registration exercise, with Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia, FCT, Cross Rivers and Kwara has 230, 240, 333, 422, 509 and 676 eligible voters who have concluded their in person registration exercise. 

    A breakdown of those who concluded their in person registration revealed that the North West is leading with 24,238, followed by South South with 21,130, North East with 12,213, South West with 11,175, North Central and the FCT with 11,045, while the South East has 1473.

    A statement from the commission signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun said 35,622 (49.29%) of those that gave concluded the exercise are male and 36,652 (50.71%) are female.

     In terms of age and occupation, the statement majority of them – 54,718 (75.71%) – are between the ages of 18 and 34, while 30,953 (42.83%) are students.

    The statement read, “The Commission met in regular session today, Tuesday 2nd September 2025. Among other issues, it considered the report of the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) for both the online and in-person registration of voters.

    “The Online Pre-registration exercise which started on Monday 18th August 2025 is now in its second week. As at Sunday 31st August 2025, a total of 2,532,062 Nigerians pre-registered online.

    “Last week, the Commission published the detailed breakdown of the figure at the end of Week One of the exercise. The cumulative figure at the end of Week Two shows that 1,218,482 (48.12%) are male and 1,313,580 (51.88%) are female. In terms of age and occupation, the majority – 1,602,484 (63.29%) – are between the ages of 18 and 34, while 647,528 (25.57%) are students.

    “The Commission reiterates that these are pre-registration figures from our dedicated CVR portal. The introduction of the pre-registration option in 2021 has enabled Nigerians to commence the online process from anywhere in the world 24 hours a day including weekends. 

    “However, all online pre-registrants are required to appear physically to complete the process in our 811 State and Local Government offices nationwide where their fingerprints and facial biometric details will be captured. This instruction is clearly stated on the online portal. 

    “We urge all online pre-registrants to complete the process in-person at the INEC designated registration centres without which the online process alone is invalid.”

    On the In-person registration, the statement said, “The Commission is aware that there are Nigerians who have no access to online facilities or those who prefer to register in-person. Consequently, our staff have been deployed to attend to eligible citizens at the Commission’s 811 State and Local Government offices nationwide where they can simultaneously begin and complete their registration.

    “The centres are open from 9.00am – 3.00pm daily (Monday to Friday). The list and addresses of the centres have already been made public.

    “The in-person registration commenced on Monday 25th August 2025. Within five days as at Friday 29th August 2025, a total 72,274 citizens have either completed the pre-registration process or registered afresh out of which 35,622 (49.29%) are male and 36,652 (50.71%) are female. In terms of age and occupation, majority of them – 54,718 (75.71%) – are between the ages of 18 and 34, while 30,953 (42.83%) are students.

    “Graphic details of the distribution of registrants at the end of Week Two of the online and Week One of the in-person registrations by State, gender, age, occupation and disability have been uploaded to our website and other official platforms for public information.

    “The Commission appreciates the positive response of citizens and the efforts of the organisations that have mobilised civic participation in the exercise.”

  • Police rescue kidnap victim, arrest three suspects in Akwa Ibom, Nasarawa

    Police rescue kidnap victim, arrest three suspects in Akwa Ibom, Nasarawa

    …recover arms cache, N6m cash

    Police operatives from Eket Division, working in synergy with officers from Ikot Udota Division and youths of Afia Nsit in Akwa Ibom, alongside counterparts in Nasarawa State, have rescued a kidnap victim and arrested three suspects.

    According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday, operatives in Akwa Ibom swiftly responded to a distress call on August 16, 2025, regarding a suspected kidnapping attempt along Factory Road, Afia Nsit, Eket.

    The prompt intervention led to the rescue of a victim identified as Emerson and the arrest of two suspects, Okon Edem Okon and Emmanuel Bassey. Police also recovered ₦6 million and a cache of arms from the suspects.

    “The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has said that it has once again recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against violent crimes such as kidnapping across the country, with coordinated efforts leading to the rescue of a victim, arrest of suspected kidnappers, and the recovery of sophisticated firearms, ammunition, and millions of naira in cash in Akwa Ibom and Nasarawa States, respectively.

    “Further search conducted in an uncompleted building in a nearby bush led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one assault rifle, 67 rounds of ammunition, one pump-action shotgun with six live cartridges, six magazines, and a mobile phone, which are all suspected to belong to the hoodlums. Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend other fleeing gang members,” the NPF spokesman said.

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    He added that, similarly, in Nasarawa State, on August 18, 2025, operatives of Garaku Police Division responded to a lone motor crash involving an Opel Vectra vehicle near the VIO checkpoint at Angwan Mayo community and the two occupants fled the scene of crime immediately abandoning the vehicle.

    “A search conducted on the vehicle led to the recovery of a G3 rifle, which was handed over to the Police. Upon further search of the vehicle at the police station, police operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, one Type 06 rifle, one G3 rifle, three magazines, 57 rounds of live ammunition, and a total sum of ₦6,908,150 (Six Million, Nine Hundred and Eight Thousand, One Hundred and Fifty Naira only).

    “Following an intensive manhunt conducted in collaboration with the military, one of the fleeing suspects, Mohammed Tahir of Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, was arrested. He confessed to being part of a seven-man kidnap gang responsible for the kidnapping of a lawyer in Nyanya, Abuja, from whom ransom had been collected,” he said.

    DCP Adejobi further said that efforts were underway to ensure other fleeing members of the kidnapping gangs were apprehended, and upon conclusion of investigation, all arrested suspects would be charged to court accordingly.

    “These consecutive successes reinforce the renewed commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, to clamp down on criminal elements threatening public safety and security across the country.

    “The IGP therefore commended the swift action of the operatives, the synergy with community members, and the vigilance of patriotic citizens whose timely information proved crucial, as the Force will not relent in its efforts to ensure criminals have no safe haven in Nigeria,” DCP Adejobi stated.

  • EFCC arrests seven suspected internet fraudsters in Akwa Ibom

    EFCC arrests seven suspected internet fraudsters in Akwa Ibom

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, has arrested seven suspected internet fraudsters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    The suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Monday, August 25, 2025, during a sting operation carried out at Uyeh Heaven and Ayam Estates, along Ring Road 3 in Uyo.

    According to the EFCC, the arrests followed actionable intelligence linking the individuals to alleged involvement in internet-related crimes.

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    During the operation, items recovered from the suspects included five laptops, 10 mobile phones, and one iPad.

    The Commission disclosed that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.