The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Akwa Ibom

  • ExxonMobil operations disrupted in Akwa Ibom

    ExxonMobil operations disrupted in Akwa Ibom

    Some angry youths from Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom on Wednesday disrupted operations in ExxonMobil overr the sacking of some contract staff who are natives of the area.

    The protesters, numbering over 1,000, barricaded all entry points to the company with boats, coffins, palm fronts and placards with different inscriptions.

    Their placards had inscriptions like “ExxonMobil, pay us our terminal benefits’’; “ExxonMobil, this is the last warning,’’ “ExxonMobil should re-instate sacked contract staff from Ibeno’’ and“Gross negligence and insensitivity of ExxonMobil to the people of Ibeno”.

    The angry workers, under the aegis of Amalgamation of Ibeno Youth Presidents’ Forum, Ulok Ulok people Assembly and Ijaw Youth Council, Ibeno, decried alleged marginalisation of the host communities by the company.

     

    Mr Harry Moses, the National President of Ulok Ulok People Assembly, told NAN that ExxonMobil had failed in its Social Corporate Responsibility to the host communities.

    Moses said that the sacked 48 contract staff should be reinstated or else the protest would be continued.

    Also, Mr Samuel Otokere, coordinator of the groups, said the protest was peaceful, and in reaction to the injustice of ExxonMobil to the host communities.

    “The reason for the protest is the recent retrenchment by ExxonMobil of indigenes of Ibeno Local Government Area of the state.

     

    He said that the MOU signed by the host communities, ExxonMobil and the state government had not been implemented for 25 years and that the community needed a new MoU with the company.

    “We are protesting so that the world can see that we are not fairly treated as the landlord and host community,’’ Otokere said.

    Efforts to reach the Manager, Media and Communication of ExxonMobil, Mr Ogechukwu Udeagha, proved abortive as calls to his phone, as well as text messages, were not attended to.

  • Ayade, others condole with Akwa Ibom

    Ayade, others condole with Akwa Ibom

    •Akpabio distributes materials to victims •Bayelsa govt commiserates with Akwa Ibom
    •Udoma, ex-SGF Ekaette condole with governor, state

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade has expressed deep sadness over the collapse of the worship centre at Reigners’ Bible Church in Uyo,the  Akwa Ibom State apital.
    Many worshippers and guests died in the incident.
    In a condolence message by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, the governor said he was grief-stricken by the tragedy.
    But the governor thanked God for sparing the life of Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel, who he called his brother.
    The message reads: “My dear brother, I am shocked by the news of the horrific death of some of our brothers and sisters at Reigners’ Bible Church, especially those who went to commune with Almighty God.
    “Even as my heart goes out to the bereaved families and my sympathy to the survivors of the unfortunate incident, I want to especially thank the Almighty God for Your Excellency’s miraculous escape from the jaws of death.”
    Ayade, who prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed in the tragedy, conveyed the sorrows and sympathies of his government and people to Emmanuel.
    He said: “Our hearts and prayers are with you and the people of Akwa Ibom State in this moment of grief. May the Good Lord bring about a quick recovery to the injured and grant the families of the deceased the courage to bear the painful loss of their loved ones.”
    Senate Minority Leader Godswill Akpabio at the weekend visited victims of the building collapse in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
    Akpabio, who was accompanied by some officials of the state government, visited the Ibom Specialist Hospital, where most of the victims were receiving treatment.
    At the Emergency Ward, the senator told some of the victims that with the facilities and expertise at the hospital, they would soon complete their treatment and discharged.
    He pledged the support of National Assembly members from the state to provide materials for the victims.
    Akpabio was conducted round the scene of the accident by Police Commissioner Murtala Mani.
    The senator joined other sympathisers on the scene to commiserate with the bereaved families and the state government.
    He urged them to pray for the repose of the souls of the dead and the quick recovery for those on treatment.
    Akpabio hailed Emmanuel for joining the rescue on the church premises.
    The Bayelsa State Government also commiserated with its Akwa Ibom counterpart on the incident.
    A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Jonathan R. Obuebite, reads: “The Government of Bayelsa State received with shock and sadness the unfortunate incident of the collapse of Reigners Bible Church in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
    “The monumental tragedy, which claimed several lives and injured many, came at a time when Christians are preparing to celebrate another Christmas.
    “As sad as the incident was, we cannot question the Almighty but to obey His word, which says in all things, we should give Him thanks.
    “Deeply touched by the sad event, in which Governor Udom Emmanuel and some members of the State Executive Council (Exco) narrowly escaped death alongside others who attended the ordination of the founder of Reigners Bible Church, Bishop Akan Weeks.
    “(Bayelsa State Governor) Henry Seriake Dickson, commiserates with the Government and people of Akwa Ibom, especially the Christian community. Thank God for sparing the life of Governor Emmanuel.
    “Our prayer is that such a tragedy should not happen again.
    “Rest assured that the Almighty knows your current pain and He will comfort you and the families of those who have lost their loved ones as well as those who may have sustained one form of injury or the other. We pray for their quick recovery.”
    Also, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Ufot Ekaette, as well as the  Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, yesterday commiserated with Governor Emmanuel on church building collapse.
    In a statement, Ekaette sympathised with the governor and the people of the state over the tragedy.
    Ekaette said: “My deepest sympathy to the families of the victims, the governor and the people of our dear State, Akwa Ibom, over the tragic loss of lives.
    “Our family extends its heartfelt sympathy and prays for the souls of the departed.
    “We also thank God for sparing the governor’s life and many others who escaped unhurt when the building caved in.”
    The former SGF hailed Emmanuel for supervising the rescue and evacuation of the victims, adding that his efforts saved many lives that could have been lost if time had been wasted.
    He said: “I note with delight your personal involvement in the rescue and exhibition of true servant leadership in saving your people when it mattered most.”
    Udoma expressed sadness at the news of the collapsed church building.
    In a message to the governor and the people of the state, the minister said: “I am greatly saddened by the news of the collapse of a church building in Uyo, on Saturday morning, where scores of worshippers and guests were killed and tens of others injured.
    “My thoughts and prayers go to Governor Emmanuel, whom providence has spared in the disaster, the families of the victims of the disaster, and all the people of the state.
    “My sympathy also goes to the pastorate and members of the Reigners Bible Church on Uyo Village Road.
    “It is my fervent prayer that the Almighty comforts all those affected and helps to soothe their pains and heal their wounds.”
    The Chairman of the Governing Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN) has commiserated with Governor Emmanuel and the people of the state on the tragedy.
    A statement yesterday by his Special Assistant on Communication, C. Clara Braide, said Ndoma-Egba prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and peaceful repose of the souls of the dead.
    He also prayed Almighty God to grant their families “the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”.

  • Uyo collapsed building: FG medical experts arrive Akwa Ibom 

    Uyo collapsed building: FG medical experts arrive Akwa Ibom 

    The Federal Government has sent a 10 member team of experts who are majored in neuro surgeon to Akwa Ibom to compliment the efforts of medical personnel already on the ground.

    The team arrived University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, Monday.

    Speaking with reporters on arrival at UUTH, the leader of the team and a consultant orthopedic Surgeon from University of Lagos, Prof. Suleiman Giwa, said that the team was put together on the instruction of the Minister for Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole to come and render helping hands.

    The special team of experts, he said, consists of two Neuro Surgeon, three Orthopaedic Surgeons, three plastic surgeon and two specially trained Operating room Nurses.

    He explained that they were in the state to offer necessary assistance and support needed for the victims of the collapsed church building.

    His words: “The unfortunate incident as you are aware did not affect only the people of Akwa Ibom but all Nigerians and the Health Minister in his wisdom decided that we should raise a team of experts to come to Uyo and render a helping hands and bring succor to the weak, the sick and those who are in dare need of complicated surgery.”

    Prof. Giwa said that team will visit all the hospitals where the victims of the tragedy were admitted and also examine them and offer useful medical suggestions where necessary to ensure that those who are sick get back to their normal life.

    Prof. Giwa said: “As we are here in Akwa Ibom, we did not come empty handed we came with drugs and other medical supports to make our coming easier, and we are prepared for the task ahead.

    “We have visited the University Teaching Hospital and we are now at the Ibom specialist Hospital, so far most of the patients we saw are responding to treatment which is gladdening ”.

    On his part, UUTH’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Etete Peters Peters thanked the Federal Government delegation for coming to Akwa Ibom at the most appropriate time and not leaving the state alone in time of sorrow.

     

  • Uyo building collapse: We are reaching out to victims – Church

    Uyo building collapse: We are reaching out to victims – Church

     Reigners Bible Church International, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has released a statement following the tragedy that struck the church last Saturday when the roof of the church building collapsed killing many and injured several others.

    As at Monday the Police said 27 people died when the uncompleted Reigners Bible Church building collapsed while 34 worshippers were injured.

    The church in a statement issued by its Area Pastor, Anietie Daniel, said it is reaching out to the afflicted in various hospitals to hold hands, pray and identify with them in this painful and sorrowful moment in the Body of Christ.

    The church said God will wipe away every tear from their eyes-Revelation 21:4.

    The statement reads: “On behalf of the entire family of Reigners Bible Church International, we share in the agony, pain and anguish of the injured, traumatized and deceased worshippers and guests as a result of the unfortunate collapse of the roof structure during the aborted Bishopric Enthronement Service of our General Overseer; Apostle Akan Weeks on Saturday 10th December at about 1130hours

    “Following the mishap, the Apostle was Not Consecrated at any location as widely reported. The Bishopric Enthronement was never held at the church or anywhere else.

    “The Church is reaching out to the afflicted in various hospitals to hold hands, pray and identify with them in this painful and sorrowful moment in the Body of Christ. God will wipe away every tear from their eyes-Revelation 21:4

    “We Bless God for the demonstration of leadership and love by His Excellency, Our Governor, Government Officials, Medical Practitioners and Law Enforcement Officers. Also various individuals who have donated blood and relief materials, the Churches and brethren who are praying for and with us at this period of tribulation…Isaiah 43:2

    “Our hearts go out to the families of the afflicted even as we pray for the repose of lost souls, divine direction and comfort. Isaiah 40:1″Comfort, yes, Comfort my people, says your God”

    “God will Comfort us all and keep this City, State and Nation from danger and destruction in Jesus Mighty name.”

    The Akwa Ibom State Police Commissioner, Murtala Mani, in a telephone interview with The Nation said investigation into the matter is ongoing.

    When asked if the police have arrested the contractors and engineers that handled the church building, Mani said: “The investigation is ongoing. Investigations are not done on the telephone. That is why I don’t want to comment on that for now.”

     

  • Akwa Ibom govt declares two days’ mourning

    Akwa Ibom State has declared yesterday and today as mourning to honour those who died in a collapsed building, belonging to Reigners Bible Church International in Uyo, the state capital.

    Several worshippers died in the incident while many were injured.

    Governor Udom Emmanuel, who was the special guest of honour at the special service, was not injured.

    The incident occurred during a special service, called: Bishopric Enthronement, to mark the ordination of its resident pastor, Akan Weeks.

    But one of the governor’s aides, Ernest Inem, died in the accident.

    Also, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, had a fractured leg when he attempted to escape.

    A lecturer in the Department of Economics at the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Dr. Chris Ekong, confirmed to our correspondent that his brother, Dr. Cyril Ekong, also died.

    Many students of Uyo City Polytechnic, who worshipped at the church, died when the roof of the building collapsed.

    Some of them died instantly while others were rushed to hospital.

    A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, said: “To this end, all flags will fly at half-mast within the state.

    “The two-day mourning will be rounded off with a Solemn Assembly at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Uyo, on Monday, December 12 at 4 pm.”

    As the death toll rises, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) Prof. Etete Peter yesterday said it will be difficult to ascertain the number of casualty.

    The CMD said so many people were dead when they were brought to the hospital.

    Prof. Peters said the hospital attended to and treated over 50 patients.

    He said: “It will be difficult for now to know the figures of those who died. Some are brought in here while others are taken to Anua Hospital and Ibom Specialist hospital.

    “We treated over 50 patients. They brought so many people dead. We did an emergency operation for so many people.”

    A source at UUTH, who pleaded anonymity, said he counted over 27 bodies before they were transferred to the morgue.

  • Bello condoles with Akwa Ibom

    Bello condoles with Akwa Ibom

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has expressed his condolences to the government and people of Akwa Ibom State on the church collapse in which scores of people died at the weekend.

    A statement by the Director-General on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Kingsley Fanwo, noted that the “church auditorium collapse in Akwa Ibom was a sad occurrence that has left a dark scar on the minds of Nigerians”.

    The statement said the nation stood with the Akwa Ibom residents in their hour of bereavement.

    It said: “I wish to condole with my brother, Governor Udom Emmanuel, and the people of Akwa Ibom State on the church auditorium collapse in which many died.

    “Our hearts go to the families that lost their loved ones and those still recovering from injuries. We sympathise with you and will continue to support you through this trying period.”

    Bello urged the church to continue to pray for the greatness of the nation.

    The governor called for better regulation of structures to curb what he called “needless and painful loss of lives”.

  • 27 died in Akwa Ibom Church collapse, says Police

    The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has said that 27 people lost their lives in Saturday’s building collapse in Uyo, the state capital.

    The building of Reigners Bible Church International had collapsed during service, killing scores and leaving several others wounded.

    One of the survivors was the state governor, Udom Emmanuel, who was the special guest of honour at the special service.

    Speaking on behalf of the command, the State’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Cordelia Nwawe, said: “27 people have been confirmed dead.”

    Sympathisers have besieged the scene of the collapsed Church building as at the time The Nation visited on Sunday morning.

    There was heavy security presence at the Church gate under lock.

    While residents believe that the actual number of the casualties of may be more, the Nigeria Medical Association Chairman in the State, Dr. Aniekeme Uwah in a statement said reports from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) indicated that 21 people were brought in dead, while two out of the 23 that were undergoing treatment died due mainly to severe bleeding.

  • Akwa Ibom to probe collapse of Church building

    Akwa Ibom to probe collapse of Church building

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has said he would set up a high power commission of inquiry into the circumstance leading to the Saturday’s collapse of the Reigners church building in Uyo where many worshipers lost their lives.

    Addressing the people in a state wide broadcast, Governor Emmanuel said he was in the church when the incident occurred and personally supervised the rescue operations and evacuation of the injured to the hospital.

    “A high-powered panel of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the immediate and remote factors leading to the collapse of the church building with a view to forestall the re-occurrence of any such incident and bring to book any persons found to have compromised professional standards in the construction of the building’’

    He commiserated with the families of the victim of the disaster and announced that the state Government will bear the medical cost of those injured in the disaster

    He appealed to the citizens to remain calm and pray for those in critical condition in hospital.

    While urging the Christian community in the state to show their support love and understanding in prayers, Governor Udom called on people to avoid undue speculation as the situation is being given the best possible attention.

    He said: “I personally supervised the rescue operation and evacuation of of the injured to the hospital; I directed all emergency organization agencies of Government and corporate organization especially the construction companies to be involved in the exercise, they acted promptly and I commend them.”

  • Collapse Church building: Akwa Ibom declares two days mourning

    Collapse Church building: Akwa Ibom declares two days mourning

    The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared Sunday and Monday, as days of mourning to honour victims that died on Saturday when a church building belonging to Reigners Bible Church International, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, collapsed during church service, killing scores and leaving several others wounded.

    One of the survivors was the state governor, Udom Emmanuel, who was the special guest of honour at the special service.

    The incident occurred during a special service: “Bishopric Enthronement”, to mark the ordination of its resident pastor, Akan Weeks.

    While the governor escaped unhurt, luck however ran against one of his aides, Ernest Inem, he died in the process. Also the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh had a broken leg while trying to escape.

    A lecturer in the Department of Economics, University of Uyo, Dr. Chris Ekong, confirmed to our correspondent on the phone that his brother, Dr. Cyril Ekong, died during the collapse church building.

    A lot of students of Uyo City Polytechnic who worshipped with the church were also consumed when the roof of the building collapsed. Some of them died instantly while others were rushed to hospital.

    A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh, said: “To this end, all flags will fly at half-mast within the state.

    “The 2-day mourning period will be rounded off with a Solemn Assembly at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Uyo on Monday December 12, 2016 by 4.pm prompt.”

    As the death toll rises, the Chief Medical Director, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, Prof. Etete Peters yesterday said it would be difficult for now to ascertained the number of people that died, saying so many people were brought to the hospital dead.

    Prof. Peters said the hospital attended to and treated more than 50 patients.

    His words: “It will be difficult for now to know the figures of those that died. Some are brought in here while others are taken to Anua Hospital and Ibom Specialist hospital.

    “We treated more than 50 patients. They brought so many people dead. We did an emergency operation for so many people.”

    A source, who pleaded anonymity at UUTH, said he counted over 27 dead bodies on the ground before they were transferred to the morgue.

  • 10 years after, NDPHC opens 330kv station in Akwa Ibom

    The Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) which  superintends the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) has inaugurated the 330kV switching station located in Essien Udim / Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Awka Ibom State.

    Its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Chiedu Ugbo, said the projects started in 2006, but disrupted by poor funding and communal problems, which led to protracted court cases. He added that with the  support of the Federal Government, the projct saw the light of day.

    He listed the components of the facilities to include the 35KM 330kv Alaoji Substation to Ikot-Ekpene substation double circuit line to evacuate power from NIPP Alaoji Power Plant; the 70.3km 330kv double circuit line from Calabar to Ikot Ekpene to evacuate power from NIPP Calabar power plant.

    Others are the 162km 330kV double circuit line which evacuates all power from Ikot Ekpene switching station to the grid at Ugwuaji; and the 12-circuit Ikot Ekpene 330kv switching station that will serve as the central switching hub for receiving generated power from four generating locations at Alaoji, Afam, Calabar and Ikot-Abasi.

    At the event were Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor Mr. Moses Frank Ekpo, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Finance and Administration, NDPHC, Mallam Babayo Shehu, among others.

    According to a statement by NDPHC’s Communications and Public Relations General Manager, Mr. Yakubu Lawal, Ugbo said the switching station has boosted transmission capacity of the country, adding that it will wheel all the power to the grid via the 330kv double circuit lines to Ugwuaji, New Haven and to Makurdi and Jos in the northcentral zone.

    He said: ‘’The robust interventions of NDPHC management with strong support and assistance from both our Board Chairman, the Vice President and the Minister of Power, Works and Housing are reasons we have successfully tackled those issues to make the projects available now for inauguration and use by the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.’’

    When completed, Ikot-Ekpene 330kV switching station and these lines will become a 2,400Mw evacuation facility addition to the grid, he said, adding that the completion level at the switching station has a 1,200Mw capability in place. The NIPP generating stations of Calabar and Alaoji with a combined installed capacity of over 1,100Mw are connected through this corridor to the grid, he added.

    Ugbo said the switching station and the interconnecting lines have three benefits to the transmission networks in the country.These include increased reliability as other heavily loaded lines will be relieved and made more stable as more paths will be available for power in the face of contingencies; more exchanges between parties in the energy market will become possible due to availability of new transmission paths; and the lack of generation in the north will now be alleviated leading to a more equitable distribution of energy for the Nigerians.

    NDPHC under the management recently signed Partial Risk Guarantee Pact between the Federal Government, World Bank and Seven Energy in Abuja to facilitate operation at its Calabar Power Station.

    Fashola said all the power plants in the Eastern region have combined capacity of 1,846Mw comprising 561Mw Calabar, 450Mw in Alaoji, 185Mw Ibom power and 650Mw Afam VI, which were producing 100Mw each for the first three power plants mentioned and 300Mw for the Afam VI, all totalling 600Mw. With the inauguration of Ikot Ekpene Switching Station, there will be incremental output until full capacity is available to add an extra 1,246MW to the grid.

    The minister commended the management of NDPHC who midwifed the project and the focused dedication of Ugbo and his team for this great success.