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Tag: Akwa Ibom

  • Akwa Ibom has adopted Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno as sole candidates in 2027, says Senate President

    Akwa Ibom has adopted Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno as sole candidates in 2027, says Senate President

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio yesterday said that the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, and the entire people of Akwa Ibom State have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, himself and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno as sole candidates in the 2027 general elections.

    Akpabio disclosed this while speaking at the 2nd phase of his constituency empowerment programme for over 3,000 beneficiaries and projects commissioning in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District.

    “Let me thank Governor Umo Eno because he is a man of peace. He is a man of God both in attitude and actions. He has been able to bring us all together in Akwa Ibom and that is why we are enjoying peace in the state, because he acts his words.

    Read Also: PCN seals 489 pharmaceutical stores in Akwa Ibom

    “President Tinubu is very happy with Akwa Ibom State because of the peace in the state through collaborations of Governor Eno and the President of the Senate, which has brought development to the state,” Akpabio was quoted in a statement by his media office to have said.

    According to the statement, the decision to endorse the trio as sole candidates for the office of the President, Senator representing the people of Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, received a voice endorsement from the crowd when Akpabio put the decision to vote.

    At the event, Akpabio was said to have given out mini buses, cars, tricycles, fridges, sewing machines, cash grants of over N2billion and scholarships to the constituents and beneficiaries from the other two Senatorial Districts of Akwa Ibom State.

  • PCN seals 489 pharmaceutical stores in Akwa Ibom

    PCN seals 489 pharmaceutical stores in Akwa Ibom

    The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed a total of 489 pharmaceutical premises in Akwa Ibom State for failing to comply with regulatory standards.

    The affected premises include 122 pharmacies and 367 patent medicine stores, while six others were issued compliance directives.

    Disclosing this during a press conference in Uyo on Thursday, PCN’s Head of Enforcement, Dr. Suleiman Chiroma, said the enforcement followed a week-long inspection exercise aimed at ensuring adherence to professional standards in the pharmaceutical sector.

    Read Also: Football fans savour watch party in Akwa Ibom

    According to Chiroma, the move was necessary to rid the system of unqualified operators and guarantee safe access to quality medicines across the country.

    He noted that the affected outlets were located across 14 local government areas, including Uyo, Okobo, Oron, Ikot Ekpene, Ikot Abasi, Abak, and Essien Udim.

    Other council areas covered in the operation were Ibiono Ibom, Ikono, Ini, Eket, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, and Itu.

    According to Chiroma, “The National Drug Distribution Guidelines, which PCN is enforcing, are to ensure proper and effective channels of drug distribution, thereby addressing the chaotic drug distribution system that made it easy for untrained persons to be involved in handling medicine.

    “One of the serious misnomers and trends observed during the exercise was the uncontrolled and rampant training of apprentices by some premises, which is a blatant violation of the PCN Act.”

  • Football fans savour watch party in Akwa Ibom

    Football fans savour watch party in Akwa Ibom

    Football fans in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, have  praised Mobile Telecommunication Network (MTN) for hosting a watch party during which Chelsea and Liverpool clashed in a thrilling encounter in the English Premier League on Sunday.

    The event attracted hundreds of football enthusiasts especially supporters of both English clubs to Pyramid Lounge and Grill along Udo Udoma avenue who watched the match on a big branded MTN screen.

    Officials of MTN said the watch party was brought to Uyo to strengthen brand affinity, deepen on-ground activities as well as a broaden football engagement.

    The venue of the watch party beamed with pre-match activities as fans awaited the 4.30pm kick-off time fans for the showdown between the top teams in the EPL.

    While some fans  said that it was going to be an interesting game to watch since Liverpool have already gathered enough points to win  the league, others said Chelsea would be pushing for a place in European top flight football competition next season, thus making it more interesting.

    Before the match, fans  were given the opportunity to predict the outcome of the match both at the end of the first half and at full time which created more anxiety and ignited the passion among the fans.

    Other engagement activities included asking fans to name the team list for both clubs and giving the opportunity to show their football skills in front of the fans.

    Those who got the prediction correct smiled home with beautiful prizes like MTN branded gift items including umbrellas and fez caps.

    Read Also: NNPCL : NFF congratulates Kida on appointment as Chairman

    The gathering on  a cold Sunday evening came alive when the match started with fans cheering their teams, and though the rain came intermittently, it did not take away the shine of the game as fans savoured the moment with glee.

    And when Chelsea took the lead within the third minute of the first half, the arena erupted in jubilation.

    “Though I am a Liverpool fan, I want Chelsea to win the  match,’ an excited Liverpool fan who was donning their jersey said.

    Asked why he wanted Chelsea to win, he said his club (Liverpool) were sure  to win the English Premier League this season   as they were currently topping the table with less than four matches to go.

    “Though I want Chelsea to win, I also want Mo Salah, Liverpool’s top striker  to score today so that he would be in contention for the highest goal scorer award,”  he said.

    The  officials of the company  who were on hand to give the fans an impressive experience maintained that the watch party showed the company’s love for “supporting sports  and engaging with fans across the country, ”  as a way to show depend brand affinity.

    At the end of the game, Chelsea thrashed Liverpool by 3-1, as one of the fans had predicted and he was rewarded with prizes handsomely.

    Speaking in an interview, one of the fans who predicted that Chelsea would lead in the first half, Paul Ufot lauded the company for bringing the watch party to Uyo, as the city has known has huge football followers.

    “I am excited to have won a gift item based on my correct prediction, I have been using MTN for a long time, it is the best network and this watch party says it all,”  he said.

    Another fan, Ekpe James said bringing a life match to fans on a big screen was special in the sense that it made the match more exciting adding that it was as if they were at Stanford Bridge, Chelsea’s stadium in London.

    “This is the kind of experience that has been lacking here. We don’t  get to watch matches on the big screen, MTN has created an experience that we will cherish for a long time,’’ he said.

    At the end of day, Chelsea fans were the ones who made “some noise” as they beat Liverpool 3-1 with goals from E. Fernandez in the  third minute, Quansah (own goal) in the 56th minute and Cole Palmer, scoring from the spot while Liverpool pulled one back in the 85th  minute with a goal  by Van Dijk with Chelsea fans feeling on top of the game.

  • Football fans hail MTN for hosting watch party in Akwa Ibom

    Football fans hail MTN for hosting watch party in Akwa Ibom

    Football fans in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, have praised Mobile Telecommunication Network (MTN) for hosting a watch party during which Chelsea and Liverpool clashed in a thrilling encounter in the English Premier League on Sunday. 

    The event attracted hundreds of football enthusiasts especially supporters of both English clubs to Pyramid Lounge and Grill along Udo Udoma avenue who watched the match on a big branded MTN screen.

    Officials of MTN said the watch party was brought to Uyo to strengthen brand affinity, deepen on-ground activities as well as a broaden football engagement.

    The venue of the watch party beamed with pre-match activities as fans awaited the 4.30pm kick-off time fans for the showdown between the top teams in the EPL.

    While some fans  said that it was going to be an interesting game to watch since Liverpool have already gathered enough points to win  the league, others said Chelsea would be pushing for a place in European top flight football competition next season, thus making it more interesting.

    Before the match, fans  were given the opportunity to predict the outcome of the match both at the end of the first half and at full time which created more anxiety and ignited the passion among the fans.

    Other engagement activities included asking fans to name the team list for both clubs and giving the opportunity to show their football skills in front of the fans.

    Those who got the prediction correct smiled home with beautiful prizes like MTN branded gift items incuding umbrellas and fez caps.

    The gathering on  a cold Sunday evening came alive when the match started with fans cheering their teams, and though the rain came intermittently, it did not take away the shine of the game as fans savoured the moment with glee.

    And when Chelsea took the lead within the third minute of the first half, the arena erupted in jubilation.

    “Though I am a Liverpool fan, I want Cheleas to win  the  match,’ an excited Liverpool fan who was donning their jersey said.

    Asked why he wanted Chelsea to win, he said his club (Liverpool) were sure  to win the English Premier League this season   as they were currently topping the table with less than four matches to go. 

    “Though I want Chelsea to win, I also want Mo Salah, Liverpool’s top striker  to score today so that he would be in contention for the highest goal scorer award,,’  he said.

    The  officials of the company  who were on hand to give the fans an impressive experience maintained that the watch party showed the company’s love for “supporting sports  and engaging with fans across the country, ”  as a way to show depend brand affinity. 

    At the end of the game, Chelsea thrashed Liverpool by 3-1, as one of the fans had predicted and he was rewarded with prizes handsomely. 

    Speaking in an interview, one of the fans who predicted that Chelsea would lead in the first half, Paul Ufot lauded the company for bringing the watch party to Uyo, as the city has known has huge football followers.

    Read Also: MTN Nigeria spends N202.4b on infrastructure

    “I am excited to have won a gift item based on my correct prediction, I have been using MTN for a long time, it is the best network and this watch party says it all, ”  he said.

    Another fan, Ekpe James, said bringing a life match to fans on a big screen was special in the sense that it made the match more exciting adding that it was as if they were at Stanford Bridge, Chelsea’s stadium in London.

    “This is the kind of experience that has been lacking here. We don’t  get to watch matches on the big screen, MTN has created an experience that we will cherish for a long time,’’ he said.

    At the end of day, Chelsea fans were the ones who made “some noise” as they beat Liverpool 3-1 with goals from E. Fernandez in the  third minute, Quansah (own goal) in the 56th minute and Cole Palmer, scoring from the spot while Liverpool pulled one back in the 85th minute with a goal  by Van Dijk with Chelsea fans feeling on top of the game.

  • NSCC awards N6million grant to senior-led cooperatives in Akwa Ibom

    NSCC awards N6million grant to senior-led cooperatives in Akwa Ibom

    The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has disbursed a total of N6 million to six senior-led cooperative societies in Akwa Ibom State as part of its Income Security Initiative aimed at empowering older persons.

    The grants were presented during a workshop held in Uyo focused on Elder Abuse Awareness, Elder Justice Advocacy, and Economic Empowerment for Older Persons. Each cooperative received N1 million to enhance their activities in the arts, crafts, and agriculture value chains.

    The beneficiaries were selected following a comprehensive needs assessment, capacity-building sessions, and monitoring and evaluation exercises conducted across the state.

    The six cooperatives include Mbiabet Ikpe Rice Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society; Eyosung Community Multipurpose Cooperative Society; Etimbono Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society; Arise and Shine Pottery Multipurpose Cooperative Society; Associate Elderly Citizens Multipurpose Cooperative Society; Elderly Citizens Multipurpose Cooperative Society.

    Speaking at the event, NSCC Director General, Dr. Emem Omokaro, said the initiative is designed to acknowledge the value of older persons, promote income-generating ventures, and ensure that senior citizens remain active contributors to society.

    Dr. Emem said, “Although Nigerian culture traditionally values and respects citizens, migration and work-life pressures have led to increased neglect, abuse, and marginalisation of older persons.

    “NSCC is committed to addressing them not in isolation but in collaboration with other institutions like NAPTIP, National Human Rights Commission, National Orientation Agency, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, National Orientation Agency and the State governments to protect, empower, and support senior citizens across the country. 

    “The campaign emphasises that older persons are human beings with equal rights; they may have been born earlier, but they deserve the same level of respect and justice as anyone else”.

    She further said, ‘Therefore, any justice system for older persons must start from the family and community level, then extend to national systems like rehabilitation agencies.

    “There’s a strong commitment to working with older persons’ associations and translating policies and advocacy materials into local languages, making them accessible across diverse communities.

    “In many areas, existing traditional systems already support elder care, and the goal is not to replace them, but to strengthen and complement them. Religious institutions, local councils, and other grassroots networks are also part of this broader support ecosystem that ensures justice and inclusion for older adults.

    “NSCC messages highlight the role of religious institutions such as churches and mosques in protecting the rights and well-being of older persons. Since many Senior Citizens individually are more involved in religious communities later in life, faith-based organisations are key stakeholders in elder care. These institutions often hold greater influence and respect than government authorities within families and communities.

    “The idea is to build a community-based ecosystem that includes families, religious bodies, and healthcare facilities, all working together to uphold the dignity, rights, and care of older persons. When each part of the community plays its role, the entire system becomes stronger and more supportive for the elderly.

    Read Also: NSCC DG commissions Centre named after late Laniyonu in Ibadan

    “The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) is actively training and certifying caregivers (also known as Auxiliary Workers to help families better care for the elderly. This effort is part of a larger plan supported by His Excellency to build a skilled workforce and create inclusive elder care programs, including cooperatives and livelihood initiatives.”

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, represented by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, reiterated the state government’s commitment to the welfare of older persons in the state, citing several initiatives under his administration.

    “We have constructed 174 ARISE Compassionate Homes across the 31 LGAs and provided N50,000 each to 600 elderly persons across all wards. We’ve enrolled hundreds of seniors in the State Health Insurance Scheme and are currently building a senior citizens’ home in Ibiono Ibom,” he said.

    The governor also urged young people to show care and respect for older citizens in their communities.

  • PWDs protest alleged exclusion from EMOIMEE host community devt trust in Akwa Ibom

    PWDs protest alleged exclusion from EMOIMEE host community devt trust in Akwa Ibom

    People living with disabilities (PWDs) from Eket, Esit Eket, and Onna local government areas have staged a protest over their alleged exclusion from the EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).

    The protesters shut down the EMOIMEE HCDT office in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, accusing the Trust’s management of sidelining them in its empowerment and development initiatives.

    Mr. Benjamin Eyene, who spoke on behalf of the group, expressed disappointment over their continued neglect despite multiple appeals and formal letters.

    “We have not been carried along in the Trust’s programmes. Qualified members among us should benefit from the scholarship scheme, and we deserve representation on the Trust’s management committee,” Eyene said.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom strengthens ties with UN for economic diversification

    The group also demanded the establishment of special skill acquisition centres—three per local government area—to support persons with disabilities.

    They vowed to continue the peaceful protest until their grievances are addressed by the Trust’s management.

  • Group decries poor state of infrastructure in A’Ibom public schools

    Group decries poor state of infrastructure in A’Ibom public schools

    The Ukanafun-Oruk Anam Integrity Alliance, a socio-political organisation, has raised alarm over the deteriorating state of public schools in Ukanafun and Oruk Anam local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.

    In a communique signed by its director general, Twoweeks Umoh, and Secretary, Utip Etiebet, the group expressed concern over the lack of basic facilities in many schools, including missing roofs, desks, inadequate teachers, and a general lack of commitment from educators. 

    A copy of the communique was obtained by our correspondent over the weekend.

    The Alliance urged the state government to take immediate action, calling for the renovation of classrooms, provision of desks and learning materials, and deployment of qualified manpower, including an inspectorate team, to improve the quality of education in the region.

    Read Also: Governor declares state of emergency on Edo public schools

    The group also highlighted the health risks and negative impact on learning caused by the poor conditions of the schools, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the situation.

    Additionally, the Alliance called on the two legislators representing Ukanafun and Oruk Anam constituencies in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Emem Udom and Sampson Idiong, to present their scorecards. 

    They stressed that such an initiative would provide an organized platform for the legislators to showcase their contributions to lawmaking and development in their constituencies.

    “It is also reasoned that the constituency briefings will also serve as feedback avenues, as the people will have the opportunity of appraising their respective lawmakers, as well as offer their takes on how best the lawmakers should serve their interests.”

  • Monarch hails Tinubu over first private university in Ibibio land

    Monarch hails Tinubu over first private university in Ibibio land

    Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General Supreme Council of Ibibio Traditional Rulers, Akwa Ibom State,  His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk, has hailed President Bola Tinubu for approving the first private University in Ibibio land.

    Etuk expressed gratitude to Tinubu when the proprietor/founder of Southern Atlantic University Uyo, Pastor Bassey James paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Ikot Ukobo, Nsit Ubium local government area of the state  yesterday.

    It would recalled that Southern Atlantic University was among the 11 additional private universities in Nigeria granted approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following the Federal Executive Council Meeting of Wednesday, March 27, 2025. 

    The monarch commended Tinubu for granting a license to Southern Atlantic University, praising it as a significant milestone in expanding educational opportunities in Akwa Ibom State.

    He added that the development is a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting academic excellence and bridging the gap in access to quality education in the country.

    Etuk cited the numerous benefits private Universities bring, including increased access to tetiary education, reduced burden on public universities,stimulation of economic growth, employment opportunities and  culture of innovation and excellence.

    He said,:”You’re all welcome to your palace, esit amanem Owo oboho isitanha uwak iko. 

    “Pastor Bassey James, the founder of the institution, I’m so excited to be on this throne as the Oku Ibom Ibibio and witness that Akwa Ibom have another private university, and this time – from Ibibio extraction”.

    “I must commend President Bola Tinubu, for granting approval to Southern Atlantic University, Uyo. This will go a long way to ease our public universities and also ensure access to quality education.

    Read Also: How Tinubu supported me for Speaker, by Tajudeen

    “I’m super excited to be part of this achievement in educational sector in Akwa Ibom, may the good Lord be with you and your team to make this institute one of the best in the state and beyond.”

    James, founder of Southern Atlantic University, lauded Oku Ibom Ibibio as an education-friendly monarch, expressing admiration for his commitment to promoting academic excellence in the state. He explained that the purpose of their visit was to apprise His Eminence of the institution’s development.

    He also highlighted key milestones and future plans, and humbly appealed for his royal support and partnership in advancing the university’s mission to provide quality education to the people of Akwa Ibom State and Nigerians at large.

    Other attendees included Eteidung Sunday Matthew, Village Head of Ikot Ekpan, and Mr. Anietie Peters, Secretary of the Nsit Ubium Traditional Rulers Council.

    A delegation from Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, included notable academics and administrators such as Professor Peter Esoh, Professor Etete Peters, Barrister John Elijah, and Mr. Ubong Akpandem.

  • Akwa Ibom strengthens ties with UN for economic diversification

    Akwa Ibom strengthens ties with UN for economic diversification

    With the current challenges rocking oil production globally, the United Nations and Akwa Ibom State Government are collaborating on programmes to help diversify the State’s economy through tourism and deployment of technology in various sectors.

    This formed the focus of discussions at the meeting between Governor oUmo Eno and United Nations Assistant Secretary- General (UNDP),  Ahunna Eziakonwa on the flanks of the ongoing Exco retreat in Lagos. 

    The UN Envoy commended the state of developments in the State, noting, “Akwa Ibom State remains the favourite for many. 

    “You are leading well, especially in putting the resources of the State in investments that generate income. 

    “I came to Lagos on Ibom Air. They are doing well and their services are good.”

    She spoke of the global price fluctuations in the petroleum industry, maintaining that the situation warrants a new mindset on how to diversify the economy and look beyond oil. 

    She said her organisation is committed to assisting the state through accelerated development models, especially for those at the bottom. 

    This, she said, was in the area of technology, digitization and technology adoption to conquer the low standards of education, food security and more.

    “There is a technology that deploys drones for irrigation and other technologies to support farmers, the private sector cannot do it by itself hence the need for government to invest in technology infrastructure”, she said. 

    Eno congratulated her for being the first Nigerian to attain the position of the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General ( UNDP) and thanked her for the emerging partnership and collaboration between her organization and Akwa Ibom State. 

    The Governor said that the meeting was an indication that the earlier visit to the State by Ms. Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative, UNDP Nigeria, was yielding positive results. 

    He was excited that the UNDP is now focusing on sub-nationals in its quest for economic development. 

    He informed her that his economic blueprint, as encapsulated in the ARISE Agenda, aims to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), globally- driven and supported by the UN. 

    “For Akwa Ibom State, the SDGs can only be attained in a sustainable and durable manner through the diversification of the local economy.

    “We welcome the food security technology to enable us feed our people well,” Eno added. 

    He said Akwa Ibom is well positioned by virtue of its rich natural resources, peaceful nature, and a viable airline to take advantage of UNDP’s collaboration.

    He said the State is organising tourism, power and corporate submits later in the year to fine-tune ways of harnessing the potentials that abound.

    “We are prepared for a future without oil, that’s why we are investing in real estate business. 

    “We are building a high-rise tower and other estates as well as turning our moribund assets to commercial value.”

    He welcomed UNDP’s decision to support the State in tourism, economic transformation and other technical assistance which would ultimately lead to the socio-economic upliftment of the people.

  • Eno hails Eket council over N50m grant to SMEs, construction of city hall

    Eno hails Eket council over N50m grant to SMEs, construction of city hall

    Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has said that local governments in the State have no excuse not to execute projects that positively impact the socioeconomic well being of people at the grassroots.

    Eno said this at the weekend when he witnessed the disbursement of N50million Eket ARISE empowerment initiative small business grants to 500 beneficiaries by Eket local government.

    The Governor also commissioned the 5,000 capacity Eket city hall as well as performed the foundation stone laying for the ultra-modern Eket legislative complex.

    Excited by the three landmark achievements of the council, Eno, who was represented by the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Frank Archibong, said the projects were in line with the ARISE Agenda of his administration.

    He said: “I am excited to be in Eket. This one is a landmark project. Whenever you see this picture anywhere you will know that this is Eket. Speakers have said that this is the hall for the senatorial district. It is not just a hall for the senatorial district, the state can also use the hall.

    “His Excellency the Governor, who has sent me to represent him at this event, will be in this hall very soon and I am sure he will add to what has been done here.

    “This three-pronged event of the disbursement of N50 million, the first of it’s kind in any local government in Nigeria, foundation stone laying of the legislative chamber and of course the commissioning of this magnificent edifice is the one that will go down in the annals of the history of this land.

    “And I make bold to say that this is ARISE Agenda at work in the local government. His Excellency is desirous of seeing more life touching projects dot the landscape of every local government area in the state”.

    Read Also: 2026 budget: Gov. Eno pledges five new projects for Oron federal constituency

    Chairman of Eket local government area, Mr. Akaniyene Tommey, said that each of the projects reflected his determination to complement the transformative ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno.

    He said: “the edifice is more than just a building; it is a symbol of unity and progress. With seating capacity of 5,000, complemented by offices and mini conference Hall, the facility is designed to serve as a premier hub for major events, conferences and social gatherings.

    “Beyond it’s cultural and economic significance, it will be a key driver of our internally generated revenue and create numerous employment opportunities.

    “The Eket ARISE Empowerment Initiative SmallBiz Grant of N50million to 500 entrepreneurs is a clear demonstration of our resolve to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the backbone of our local economy just like His Excellency, Pst Umo Eno has prioritized empowering SMEs”.