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Tag: Akwa Ibom

  • Ibom International Hospital: Akwa Ibom’s bold leap into global healthcare

    Ibom International Hospital: Akwa Ibom’s bold leap into global healthcare

    By Ubon Marcus 

    The Government of Akwa Ibom State, under the leadership of Pastor Umo Eno, has set plans in motion for the establishment of an international medical facility in the state, which will be known as Ibom International Hospital. 

    Already, a location—along the Ibom medical corridor—has been chosen, a blueprint drafted, and a Harvard-trained health systems specialist with expertise spanning over a decade, Dr. Teinye Isokariari, has been engaged to add value to the proposed project. 

    In addition, the government has gone a step further to create a buy-in for the international hospital project and other healthcare-related initiatives of the Umo Eno administration. This they did through the ARISE Health Sector Townhall Meeting, held on Saturday, July 12, 2025; an assemblage of medical stakeholders and policy makers, the press, civil societies, and critical stakeholders in the state’s health sector, organised by the State Government through the Ministry of Health to provide updates on ongoing health sector reforms and explore avenues of collaboration with respective stakeholders. 

    Through this landmark hospital project, Akwa Ibom is set to make a bold leap in healthcare delivery. The project, conceptualised to be a world-class, eight-storey medical facility, will, according to the consultant, be a high-tech medical complex complete with cutting-edge features such as robotic surgical theatres, state-of-the-art diagnostic centres, and a helipad for emergency airlifts. 

    While explaining that the hospital is being developed to meet international standards, Dr. Isokariari stated that it is aimed at attracting both local and international patients—a move expected to position Akwa Ibom as a premier destination for medical tourism in Nigeria and beyond.

    With completion slated for 18 months from commencement of construction work, the Ibom International Hospital Project will also include a strategic recruitment and training program for specialist medical personnel, to commence six months before the hospital becomes operational. The government intends that the facility hit the ground running with a team of skilled professionals ready to deliver top-tier healthcare services. 

    The foregoing notwithstanding, some members of the public, expectedly, have questioned the rationale behind the establishment of another world-class hospital when the Ibom Multi Specialty Hospital is already in existence. 

    The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, in his remarks at the ARISE Health Sector Townhall Meeting, addressed their concerns. 

    He explained that upon assumption of office as Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, worried by the shortcomings of the Ibom Multi Specialist Hospital over time, constituted a Technical Working Committee headed by the then Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Vincent Umoh, and comprising health professionals, including himself, to evaluate the state of affairs in that hospital and make recommendations for improvement. 

    “We did our evaluation, and we found out that there was so much work left undone in that hospital that needed to be done,” the Health Commissioner elucidated. 

    He stated that the committee went a step further to engage the services of professionals from other parts of the country to also assess the situation on the ground and offer professional advice to enable the state to revamp the hospital to optimal functionality as intended.

    “The cost was assessed, and we were scared as a committee that it was humongous, but when we presented it to the Governor, he wasn’t deterred.” 

    Encouraged by the Governor’s assurance, it became necessary for the committee to contact the original builders of the hospital, and they came from Europe to further ascertain the situation of things on the ground here. 

    “They came around, and the Governor commissioned a European team from Germany and Turkey to do an audit, and when they did an audit, the findings were damning,” says the health commissioner. 

    “It turned out that the cost of fixing that hospital will be more than the cost of building a new one.” 

    Further investigation, according to Dr. Ekem John, revealed other limitations that made the Ibom Multi Specialty Hospital fall short of the quaternary/international hospital standard it ought to have been, thereby making the facility unable to secure JCI accreditation (i.e., Joint Commission International accreditation for healthcare organisations). 

    Faced with these realities, the state government, in the words of the Health Commissioner, “took a wise decision to establish the Ibom International Hospital, which will conform to true international standards and serve the purposes mentioned earlier.” 

    “Ibom Multi Specialty Hospital is not abandoned. It is a different project from Ibom International Hospital, and so, both of them will coexist along the medical corridor to achieve the aim of the government to reverse outbound tourism and drive in inbound medical tourism.” 

    “Ibom Multi Specialty Hospital will continue to exist to serve specific purposes,” Ekem John assures. 

    The decision to establish the Ibom International Hospital reflects a bold and strategic shift in Akwa Ibom State’s healthcare agenda—one rooted in pragmatism, foresight, and a clear commitment to global best practices. 

    While the Ibom Multi Specialty Hospital will continue to function with targeted improvements, the new facility is envisioned to fill critical gaps in advanced healthcare delivery, attract international patients, and reposition the state as a hub for medical tourism. 

    With strong political will, expert guidance, and stakeholder engagement already in motion, the Ibom International Hospital stands not just as a project, but as a promise—a promise of world-class care, economic growth, and a healthier future for all. 

    Marcus writes from Uyo

  • I’ll serve all irrespective of political affiliations – Eno

    I’ll serve all irrespective of political affiliations – Eno

    Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has reiterated his commitment to the peace and unity of all residents in the state regardless of political affiliations.

    Eno gave the reassurance on Wednesday during the monthly covenant service at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo.

    “Although, I was elected on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, I am now in All Progressives Congress (APC), but I will continue to serve the people irrespective of political affiliations.

    “Let me take this opportunity to thank the people of Akwa Ibom for the support given to us so far, especially during our recent movement to the APC, without record of any sad occurrence.

    “We are very grateful to God and to you. We have moved from politics, and we are now back to governance.

    “Work has started again. Please, let us get back to work. Tomorrow, we are flagging off road constructions, and within the month, we will be inaugurating many others,” he said.

    The governor also said the sensitisation of women across the 31 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State would soon commence.

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    “We will sensitise our women across party lines, bringing them together through cooperatives and seminars.

    “We will be using the period to integrate the Nigerian-for-women projects, about 60 of them, spread across the 31 LGAs. The projects were co-funded by the state and the World Bank,” he said.

    He appreciated political parties in the state for supporting the state government in its activities.

    In her homily, Bishop Josephine Eggah of the New Birth Bible Church in Uyo, admonished Christians and people of the state to continue to serve God in spirit and in truth.

    Eggah spoke on the theme “And the shout of the King is among them,” culled from Numbers 23:21.

    According to her, God would continue to establish His influence and power to deliver good things to His people.

    (NAN)

  • APC media group knocks critics over location of SSDC office in A’Ibom

    APC media group knocks critics over location of SSDC office in A’Ibom

    The All Progressives Congress Media Network (APCMN) has knocked critics over the planned location of the Southsouth Development Commission (SSDC) headquarters in Akwa Ibom state.

    The group said the insinuation that the SSDC office would be sited in the private property of the Senate President Godswill Akpabio was not only malicious but intended to cause disunity in the region.

    The APCMN was responding to an open letter to Governor Umo Eno by one Emmanuel Sam, publisher of a state-based newspaper, who alleged that Akpabio plans to corner the SSDC office to his private residence instead of the 21-storey Dakkada Towers.

    In the letter, it was also alleged that former Governor Udom Emmanuel player a major role in the conception and establishment of the SSDC.

    But in a statement on Saturday, the Director General of APC Media Network, Otuekong Iniobong John said the letter  was capable of distorting facts and creating disunity.

    John maintained that the management of SSDC reserves the right to site it’s office anywhere it chooses, adding that  the most thing was for the commission to bring immense benefits to the people of the Southsouth.

    “The claims that the SSDC plans to use a private property owned by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as its head office instead of the 21-floor Dakkada Towers owned by the state government are baseless and unfounded.

    “It is essential to note that Senator Godswill Akpabio played a pivotal role in facilitating the choice of Akwa Ibom State as the headquarters of the SSDC and the appointment of an indigene of the state, Ms. Usoro Offiong Akpabio, as the pioneer Managing Director of the commission. 

    “These facts demonstrate his commitment to the development of the state and the South-South region. The APCMN commends Senator Akpabio for his efforts in facilitating the appointment and the choice of Akwa Ibom State as the commission’s headquarters. His contributions to the state’s development are undeniable.

    “The SSDC management has the liberty to choose any property as its head office, just like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) had its head office in a private property in Port Harcourt for over twenty years. The focus should be on the benefits the SSDC’s headquarters will bring to Akwa Ibom State”, John said.

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    The statement further said, “Contrary to Emmanuel Sam’s false claims, the immediate past governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, had no role in the conception or establishment of the SSDC, nor did he influence the choice of Akwa Ibom State as its headquarters. 

    ‘It is evident that some disgruntled politicians are trying to create tension between the Senate President and the governor.

    “The APCMN is optimistic that the collaborative relationship between Governor Pastor Umo Eno and Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio will yield significant benefits for Akwa Ibom State, driving progress and enhancing the state’s interests. This synergy will undoubtedly propel the state towards greater development and prosperity.

    “We warn the sponsors to desist from stoking embers of unnecessary disunity and tension in the state. Their actions are divisive and detrimental to Akwa Ibom State’s progress. We urge them to focus on constructive engagement and meaningful contributions to the state’s growth”.

  • APC now in control of Akwa Ibom, says party chairman

    APC now in control of Akwa Ibom, says party chairman

    The chairman of the Akwa Ibom chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Stephen Ntukekpo, has boasted that the ruling party has taken full political control of the state.

    Ntukekpo said this Wednesday in Uyo during a meeting between the State Working Committee (SWC) and all the 329 ward chairmen of the party across the state.

    He said the June 6 defections of Governor Umo Eno to the APC, along with two serving senators, eight House of Representatives members, 26 members of the State House of Assembly, 31 local government chairmen and councillors, have positioned the APC in control of the state.

    “It gives me joy to address you today at this important gathering. I can see that you are all smiling, and this gives me immense joy. Our prayers have been answered, and everything is turning around for our good. Today’s meeting is just to see our faces again and to bring all of us up to speed with happenings in the state,” he said.

    He went on to inform the gathering of a major political development in the state, the defection of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, to the APC.

    “On June 6th, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political shift in the state.

    “With this mass defection, the APC now holds complete political control in Akwa Ibom, solidifying its dominance across all levels of government in the state,” he added.

    Ntukekpo urged the ward chairmen to receive the new members warmly and to collaborate effectively, stressing that the influx of new members would add value and further strengthen the party.

    The meeting, aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots structures, served as a platform for direct interaction between the state leadership and ward executives, fostering unity, coordination, and a shared vision ahead of future political activities.

    Addressing the gathering, Obong Ntukekpo expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and enthusiasm of the ward chairmen.

    Read Also: Ondo APC denies rift among members, pledges loyalty to Aiyedatiwa

    In his remarks, the State Financial Secretary of the APC, Mr. Umoh Adamu, urged the ward chairmen to be worthy ambassadors of the party, stressing that they should eschew activities that are not in accordance with the spirit of the party’s constitution.

    Responding on behalf of the ward chairmen, Comrade Edidiong Charles thanked the State Chairman and the SWC for convening the meeting, which he described as timely and crucial. He pledged continued commitment and loyalty to the party’s ideals and objectives.

    “We assure you of our steadfast dedication to representing the APC with the seriousness and responsibility it deserves,” Charles stated.

  • APC elders pledge support for Eno’s re-election

    APC elders pledge support for Eno’s re-election

    Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom have pledged their support for the reelection of Governor Umo Eno on the platform of the ruling party.

    They elders including former Petroleum Minister Chief Don Etiebet, former Deputy Governor Nsima Ekere and former APC governorship aspirant Senator Ita Enang expressed excitement over Eno’s defection to the APC.

    In separate statements, they unanimously hailed the governor for his decision to connect Akwa Ibom to the centre, stressing that his movement to the APC will bring development to the state.

    Etiebet, while welcoming Eno to the APC, noted that the Governor has shown maximum capacity to transform the state through his ARISE Agenda and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    “I warmly welcome the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D and the PDP Family  into the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

    “Governor Eno has demonstrated uncommon leadership and commitment to the development of Akwa Ibom State. I particularly commend his bold steps in infrastructure development, which have had direct and positive impacts on the lives of ordinary Akwa Ibomites.

    “Governor Eno’s positive decisive action in the reconstruction of the long-abandoned road to my village in Oruk Anam is more than a blessing to our people. 

    “That road, which generations of leaders had promised to fix but abandoned is finally receiving the attention it deserves under his watch. The people of Oruk Anam LGA are happy and will not forget this as the road to development has finally come to them.

    “Since assuming office, Governor Eno has shown himself to be a listening leader—one who is genuinely attuned to the yearnings and aspirations of the people. 

    “This has been evident in his consultative approach to governance and his willingness to prioritize projects that directly affect the grassroots. His brand of inclusive leadership is what we in the APC welcome and embrace, as we work to build a stronger, more united and friendly Akwa Ibom,” he said.

    Enang also urged Akwa Ibom people to expect more developmental projects in the State with the movement of governor Eno into the APC as the party that controls the centre.

    Read Also: Delta Central APC adopts Tinubu, Oborevwori for 2027

    “All my struggles since 2015 was how to make Akwa Ibom linked up to the Federal Government, because if you are in the minority party like when Akwa Ibom was..

    “We saw progress during Governor Godswill Akpabio administration when it was PDP at the state and the federal.For me, i saw in advance that PDP was winding down in 2014/2015 and I moved because I did not want to be in the minority party. I left to APC freely.

    “Then I was a lone voice in APC and we tried to work together with Gov Udom Emmanuel then, but he was not cooperating.

    “This why am saying this the best time in all my struggles to make Akwa Ibom state linked up with the federal government.

    “Be in the same party that the President is and that is why I am happy that my dream seems fulfilled,” Enang said.

    The former presidential aide on Niger Delta Affairs added that APC is more solid and resolved to ensure victory of the party in 2027 both in the state and federal governments, stressing that the essence was to build a bigger, stronger party.

    Ekere said: “Governor Umo Eno has taken the right decision to connect Akwa Ibom to the centre and I want to assure him that the APC family in the beyond will ensure that he is reelected for a second term in 2027.”

  • Tension in A’Ibom community as suspected cultists threaten attack

    Tension in A’Ibom community as suspected cultists threaten attack

    There is palpable tension in Ifa Ikot Akpan village, Etoi clan, Uyo Local government Area of Akwa Ibom State following threats of attack on the community by suspected cultists.

    The village head of the community, Eteidung Aniedi Ebong claimed to have received a letter from a cult group which threatened to kill the villagers and destroy properties.

    Ebong said he had to gather villagers at the village hall on Thursday 5th June, 2025 inform them of the letter allegedly from the suspected cult leaders, Ubong Inyang, Roland Etim and James.

    The monarch said that the letter pasted on the doorpost of the village council hall reads thus: “We the members of KKK cult confraternity write to warn Ifa Ikot Akpan Village Council Members that we will not fold our hands and see the constant harassment of our members with the use of security agencies.

    “We want to state categorically that if anything happens to any of our members in this recent time, the following people will not go scot free for giving information about our members to security agencies in the state.

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    “The Youth Chairman, Ifa Ikot Akpan Village Council, Mr. Abasiama Etim Eyo, Mr. Itoro Offiong Essien, Mr. Itoro Etim Ben, the Chairman, Ifa Ikot Akpan Village Council, Mr. Edidiong Effiong Ubit, the Secretary Ifa Ikot Akpan Village Council, Mr. Victor Edet Asuquo.

    “Note: Get it in your back of mind that the leader of KKK confraternity is from Ifa and we will not allow anything to happen to any of our members in Ifa. A word is enough for the wise,” the letter reads in full.

    He added that the community had sent a Save Our Souls (SOS) appeal to the Akwa Ibom state government and the state Commissioner of police, Mohammed Azare through the media, demanding immediate action to forestall chaos.

    A village elder who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “We cannot sit back and watch our peace being destroyed. We have notified the authorities because this is not just a scare tactic—it’s a real danger.”

    The Akwa Ibom State Command Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Timfon John when contacted promised that action would be taken as soon as possible to prevent any regrettable outcome.

  • Tension in A’Ibom community as suspected cultists threaten attack

    Tension in A’Ibom community as suspected cultists threaten attack

    There is palpable tension in Ifa Ikot Akpan village, Etoi clan, Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State following threats of attack on the community by suspected cultists.

    The village head of the community, Eteidung Aniedi Ebong, claimed to have received a letter from a cult group which threatened to kill the villagers and destroy properties.

    Ebong said he had to gather villagers at the village hall on Thursday to inform them of the letter allegedly from the suspected cult leaders, Ubong Inyang,  Roland Etim and James.

    The monarch said that the letter pasted on the doorpost of the village council hall reads thus: “We the members of KKK cult confraternity write to warn ifa Ikot Akpan Village Council Members that we will not fold our hands and see the constant harassment of our members with the use of security agencies.

    “We want to state categorically that if anything happens to any  of our members in this recent time, the following people will not go scot free for giving information about our members to security agencies in the state.

    “The Youth Chairman, Ifa Ikot Akpan Village Council, Mr. Abasiama Etim Eyo, Mr. Itoro Offiong Essien, Mr. Itoro Etim Ben, the Chairman, Ifa Ikot Akpan Village Council, Mr. Edidiong Effiong Ubit, the Secretary Ifa Ikot Akpan Village Council, Mr. Victor Edet Asuquo.

    “Note: Get it at your back of mind that the leader of KKK confraternity is from Ifa and we will not allow anything to happen to any of our members in Ifa.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom Commissioner resigns after Gov Eno dumped PDP for APC

    A word is enough for the wise”, the letter reads in full.

    He added that the community had sent a Save Our Souls (SOS) appeal to the Akwa Ibom State Government and Commissioner of police, Mohammed Azare through the media,  demanding immediate action to forestall chaos.. 

    A village elder who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “We cannot sit back and watch our peace being destroyed. We have notified the authorities because this is not just a scare tactic—it’s a real danger.”

    The Akwa Ibom Command Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Timfon John when contacted promised that action would be taken as soon as possible to prevent any regrettable outcome.

  • Why I joined APC, by Akwa Ibom gov Eno

    Why I joined APC, by Akwa Ibom gov Eno

    • 31 LG chairmen, lawmakers also dump PDP •Eno: I was inspired by Tinubu’s achievements to join APC
    • Three commissioners quit in protest •APC to gov: We’ll do everything to accommodate you

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno yesterday completed his switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC), three months after he first dropped hint of  the move.

    Completing the switch with him was an overwhelming majority of State Executive Council members, members of the State House of Assembly, federal lawmakers from the state and local government chairmen.

    Their mass defection is the second of such by a governor, lawmakers, commissioners and local government chairmen after the April dumping of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by its rank and file in Delta State.

    Although three of Eno’s commissioners yesterday resigned their appointments, opting to remain in the PDP, the other cabinet members and officials pledged their total support for the governor, saying they were moving with him to the APC because of his visionary and exemplary leadership style.

    On hand to welcome Governor Eno and the others to the APC were nine governors led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma who doubles as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).

    Uzodimma said the event was not a defection but a movement.

    “The people of Akwa Ibom are shifting to the progressive fold, and we welcome you warmly as you connect to the centre,” Uzodinma said.

    Addressing the audience, Eno said: “It was Dalai Lama, one of the world’s most highly admired moral voices, who spoke so eloquently about change and the constancy of values.

    “Dalai had advised the world to ‘Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.’

    “Today, fellow Akwaibomites, we are gathered here to witness change while equally affirming the constancy of our collective values and defining ethos as a state.

    “For some time now, the political space, particularly in this state and the nation in general, has been awash with the news of my likely movement from the PDP, the platform that had provided the levers and ladder of my political ascendancy to the position of Governor of this State.

    “The discussions have elicited various layers of analysis in the process.

    “Today, I am here to answer some of those nagging questions. Like Dalai Lama had said, we should always be open to change but not let go of our shared values.

    “Earlier this morning, I submitted my formal Letter of Resignation from the PDP to my Ward Chairman. Same copy was sent to both the State Chairman as well as the National Chairman.

    “I have, therefore, decided to progressively move to the All Progressive Congress, the APC.

    “Standing before you today, I make bold to state categorically that though I have by today’s event changed my political affiliation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All-Progressives Congress (APC), my values, my moral fibre, the foundational principles I have nourished and lived by remain unchanged and sacrosanct.

    “Why am I in the APC, you may ask? The answer is short and simple: Enlightened State Interest predicated on the need to align our State with the Centre to attract more Federal presence.

    “Today, as I make this formal movement from the PDP to APC, I pledge to you again, my dear Akwaibomnites, that I will still run a bi-partisan and inclusive governance.

    “Akwa Ibom State, I promise you will be a model of how to work together, pray together, aspire together, dream together and achieve together without the polarising impulses of partisan politics.

    “Political parties remain vehicles for elections. I will continue to ensure that governance is done through the prism of bipartisanship.”

    Eno also said he was inspired to join the APC by President Bola Tinubu’s track record of achievements over the years.

    He added that as President Tinubu has displayed rare courage in confronting Nigeria’s daunting economic challenges and taking tough decisions to reset the country on the path of economic development.

    “President Tinubu, GCFR, has possibly, in recent history of this Nation, faced the most daunting economic challenges of any leader.

    “With boldness and deep convictions, he has faced these challenging moments head-on and come up with solutions that, though in the immediate aftermath are tough for Nigerians, but are beginning to bear long-lasting and sustainable effects.

    “The removal of petrol subsidy, though a hard decision, has brought more funds to sub-national entities to pursue audacious projects that are positively affecting the lives of their people.

    “Akwa Ibom State today is more of a construction site with many life-touching projects across the 31 local government areas.

    “The economic fog is becoming clearer, the confidence in our economy is growing and we need to support him to finish this huge task of national re-awakening and economic renewal.

    “It is a known fact that I have never hidden my admiration for the President and his patriotic devotion to national renewal which he is engendering today.

    “As a young professional working in Lagos while he was the governor, I was amazed and fascinated by the manner he ran Lagos, and had, with focus and vision, raised the profile of Lagos State to become a leading sub-national in the country, while facing daunting challenges.”

    He maintained that his defection to the APC was a gift to Tinubu, adding that he has absolute trust in the leadership of the APC-led federal government led by President Tinubu.

    “To those who may be concerned by this Progressive movement, I want to assure you that I have received enormous assurances of support and seamless integration from our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godwill Akpabio, GCON, and the Progressive Governors’ Forum.

    “Those who know our dear President will attest to the fact that his words are his bond. This movement, falling on a day that we mark Sallah, is our own gift to our President, and it has divine connotation.”

    The Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, on behalf of the members of the State Executive Council, pledged their unwavering support and alignment with Governor Eno following his defection to the APC.

    A prominent citizen of the state, Chief Assam Assam (SAN), described the defection of the Governor and his team as a new dawn in the political history of the state and presented a common front for the sustainable development of Akwa Ibom.

    The APC State Chairman Obong Stephen, Ntukekpo Local Government Chairs led by Dr. Uwemedimo Udo (Chairman of ALGON and Chairman of Uyo LGA), the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, the State House of Assembly led by Speaker Udeme Otong, and members of the National Assembly led by Senator Ekong Sampson—all reaffirmed their support for the governor’s decision.

    In a goodwill message on behalf of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, his wife Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio praised the governor’s courage and foresight:

    Read Also: BREAKING: Akwa Ibom Gov Eno dumps PDP for APC

    “Your Excellency, you mean well for your people. This decision will strengthen our state’s connection with the national leadership.”

    The symbolic presentation of the APC broom by Governor Uzodinma, was the highlight of the ceremony.

    He said: “You will not regret this decision to join the Progressives. We are willing, able and capable. We are happy to receive you.

    “It is a home coming for you. We will support you. The President, the leader of our party, will support you. The National Assembly under the leadership of your brother, the Senate President Goodwill Akpabio will support you.

    “We will support Akwa Ibom State,” Governor Uzodimma said.

    Governor Uzodimma said President Tinubu’s reforms have started yielding the desired results and explained that like minds are needed to join him to turn things around completely in the country.

    He said Governor Eno has proven to be one of like minds as the Progressives Governors.

    Governor Uzodimma explained that Akwa Ibom would never be the same again following the decision of the Governor and the leaders of the State to link up to the national political grid, noting that “rather than interpret what happened as defection, I see it as a movement, a progressive decision.”

    President Tinubu was seen in video as he watched the defection on television on his return from the Eid el Kabir prayers.

    APC: It’s a significant boost to Akwa Ibom

    The national leadership of the APC expressed joy at the coming of the governor and his team.

    National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said it was a significant boost to both the party and the people of Akwa Ibom.

    The governor’s move, Morka said, would advance the development of the state and align with the broader goals of the APC-led federal government.

    We are confident that his thoughtful decision will contribute to the greater progress of Akwa Ibom State and its people,” he said and assured the governor of its full support and cooperation as he integrates into the party.

    Morka pledged APC’s preparedness to work closely with the governor to ensure a smooth transition and to deliver dividends of democracy to the people of Akwa Ibom.

    At the event were Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Bassey Otu (Cross River), Budget and Economic Planning Minister Abubakar Atiku Bagudu

    APC Chairmen from neighbouring states, APC leaders including Group Capt Sam Ewang (rtd), former Deputy Governor Nsima Ekere, Sen Effiong Bob, former Minister of Petroleum and  former minister  Chief Don Etiebet.

    Three commissioners resign

    The three commissioners who resigned yesterday were Comrade Ini Ememobong, Emem Bob and Prof Emem Ibanga who manned the ministries of Special Duties/Ibom Deep Seaport, Finance, Works and Fire service respectively.

    They are loyalists of the immediate past governor of the state, Udom Emmanuel.

    Some lawmakers in the State House of Assembly like the member representing Onna State Constituency, Sunday Udofot Johnny, also declined to follow the governor to the APC.

    Ememobong, who served two years as commissioner for information in the Eno administration before his deployment to the ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep seaport, said his decision was “borne out of my belief in politics with principles and my long standing opposition to that political platform.”

    But he said his stance “does not affect my personal relationship with the Governor, who calls me his brother and reposed great confidence in me by saddling me with two very important ministries (Information and Special Duties & Ibom Deep Sea Port).”

    He added: “I have and will continue to have tremendous respect for HE Governor Umo Eno, even out of EXCO.”

    Delta State Governor Oborevwori, his immediate predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa and other heavyweights of PDP in the state had also dumped the party in April to join the APC.

    Vice President Kassim Shettima who received the defectors said on the occasion in Asaba that the APC, since its formation in 2013, has “been both the dream and the drama of Nigerian democracy.

    “So many predictions have been written about us as though we were an experiment doomed to fail.”

    He credited the party’s longevity to its collaborative approach, observing that “dialogue, not dictation, has been our shield against disintegration,” just as he said there was no way the party could have survived this long without listening to one another.

  • Over 300 golfers to grace Ibom Open in Uyo

    Over 300 golfers to grace Ibom Open in Uyo

    The city of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, is set to host an amateur golf tournament which will attract over 300 golfers from across the country and the African continent.

    The event slated to kick off on 5th  June, promises to be a thrilling display of golfing prowess and will take place at both the prestigious Ibom Golf Course and the ARISE Golf Course respectively.

    The event, expected to bring together golf enthusiasts vying for top honours is organised by Ibom Golf and Country Club and sponsored by Ship Africa, Hensek engineering, bulletin, e-transact among others.

    The Planning Committee Chairman of the tournament, Usenobong Akpabio, who disclosed this during a press conference in Uyo at the weekend, christened the tournament as Ibom Open.

    Akpabio expressed happiness over what he described as unprecedented zeal of golfers to participate in the tournament, adding that within 48hours of opening the registration portal, over 300 golfers had already registered.

    He maintained that the golf tournament remains a vehicle to promote tourism and equally boost the economy of the state.

    Akpabio stressed that the two-day tournament which will commence on 5th June will provide direct jobs to over 300 persons who will be acting as caddies during the event

    “In totality, this is what Akwa Ibom state needs. It encourages tourism and through golf, we can achieve this. Between January and now, the number of people that have thronged into the course to play golf is enormous”

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    “With the addition of ARISE golf course to Ibom Golf Course, Akwa Ibom is gradually becoming a golfing destination in West Africa and Ibom open has come for that purpose, ” Akpabio added.

    The Captain of Ibom Golf Club, Isua Archibong equally expressed hope that Ibom Open will boost the economic status of the State as the event will witness influx of reputable personalities.

    He said:  “We are  promoting tourism  and you need instruments like the golf course. January and May we had a lot of events. The first was the captain’s inaugural match which attracted crème-de-la-crème in the golfing world. We need tourism as major drivers of the economy and by so doing, the economy of the state will be better off”.

    The representative of Ibom Air, Mrs Aniekan Essienete said that the company  was ready to hand over return tickets to three  overall winners of the tournament.

  • 10 cheapest states to live in Nigeria in 2025

    10 cheapest states to live in Nigeria in 2025

    As the cost of living rises in many parts of Nigeria, especially in big cities like Lagos and Abuja, some states remain surprisingly affordable. From lower rent to cheaper food prices, these places offer a better chance to manage your budget, whether you’re a young professional, a retiree, or just want a break from high expenses.

    Based on the latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), here are the ten most affordable states in Nigeria right now. These states have lower inflation and better living conditions compared to others.

    Here’s a look at the 10 cheapest states, based on recent inflation numbers:

    1. Ondo State

    Ondo is the most affordable state in Nigeria this year. The overall inflation rate is just 13.4%, and food inflation is 20.6%. Prices even went down by 3.4% last month. Your money goes further here than anywhere else.

    2. Cross River State

    With 17.1% inflation, Cross River is another great option. Food prices are increasing slowly at 14.5% per year, and the monthly change is just 2.2%—better than many states.

    3. Kwara State

    Kwara combines city life and affordability. The state’s inflation is 17.3%, and food prices have only risen 15.8% this year. The 2.8% monthly rise is one of the most stable in Nigeria.

    4. Akwa Ibom State

    Even though it’s an oil-rich state, Akwa Ibom remains affordable. Inflation is 17.4%, and food prices have gone up just 16.4%. Uyo, the state capital, offers good infrastructure at fair prices.

    5. Katsina State

    In the North, Katsina stands out. Inflation is 17.6%, and food costs have gone up by 22.1%—still better than many other northern states. Monthly food price increases remain under control at 6.4%.

    6. Oyo State

    Ibadan shows you can enjoy city life without high prices. Inflation is 18.7%, and food prices actually went down by 7.0% last month—a rare and welcome change.

    7. Plateau State

    Jos, known for its cool weather, has 18.9% inflation. Food prices are higher here at 30.5%, but the monthly rise of 11.4% is still reasonable compared to many states.

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    8. Rivers State

    Though it’s a wealthy state, Rivers is not as pricey as expected. Inflation stands at 19.2%, and food prices are up 18%. Overall prices dropped by 0.7% last month.

    9. Taraba State

    Taraba has 19.9% inflation, and food prices are rising at 20.3% yearly. However, the month-on-month increase was only 1.4%, showing good signs for affordability.

    10. Ogun & Adamawa States

    Both states have 20.9% inflation. But food prices tell a better story—Ogun saw the biggest drop in food costs in the country, falling 7.06% in one month. Adamawa also saw food inflation stay low at 9.52%.