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Tag: Akwa Ibom

  • Student union honours Akwa Ibom philanthropist

    Student union honours Akwa Ibom philanthropist

    The National Association of Ikono Students (NAIS) Worldwide has appointed philanthropist, Isaac James, as its patron in recognition of his contributions to education in Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state.

    The honour was bestowed on James, during the NAIS Cultural Day Celebration, an event that also epitomises the heart of Ibibio nation.

    James is the driving force behind the Isaac James Child Creativity Revolution project, which has provides essential educational materials to primary schools throughout Ikono local government area of the state.

    The occasion featured a formal citation presentation, induction, and an award ceremony, highlighting the philanthropist’s relentless support for education in the area.

    Represented on the occasion by Rustom Alexander, Program Officer of Heal the Globe Corporation, James emphasised the transformative power of education.

    Read Also: Sacked Akwa Ibom teachers appeal to Akpabio for reinstatement

    He urged students to embrace their potential as agents of change while reaffirming commitment to uplifting young learners and fostering community progress, not only in Ikono but beyond.

    The ceremony was attended by NAIS executives, students, and local leaders.

    They celebrated the awardee’s dedication to education and his continued efforts to shape a brighter future for the next generation.

    According to them, his appointment as Patron is seen as a call to action for greater educational support and advancement in Ikono and surrounding communities.

  • Sacked Akwa Ibom teachers appeal to Akpabio for reinstatement

    Sacked Akwa Ibom teachers appeal to Akpabio for reinstatement

    Over 300 teachers dismissed in 2015 by former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel have called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to intervene on their behalf.

    The affected teachers were part of 5,000 individuals recruited in April 2015 during Akpabio’s tenure as governor to support his free and compulsory education initiative. 

    While over 4,000 were eventually reinstated under Emmanuel’s administration following prolonged legal battles, a significant number remain excluded from the state civil service.

    Speaking over the weekend, Edidiong Udi, coordinator of the dismissed teachers, urged Akpabio to leverage his political relationship with Governor Umo Eno to facilitate their reinstatement.

    Udi said, “The Senate President is a visionary leader, the man of the people. As a father and as a man who recruited the uncommon teachers in 2015, We would want him to prevail on the state governor to reinstate us.

    Read Also: Clean Nigeria: Akwa Ibom, Lagos, four other rated cleanest states in Nigeria

    “We are pleading with him to use his political relationship with the governor and as the political leader of the state, to reinstate the teachers he recruited. 

    “Let me also say this that the 5,000 are one of the legacies of the Senate President when he was the governor of the state. He recruited us and the recruitment was not politically done. 

    “It was based on the needs assessment of secondary schools in the state and that was in fulfilment of his promise to ensure that there are enough teachers in our public schools for our children.

    “His policy initiative in education actually brought people around the world to benefit from the free and compulsory education of his administration. So the state needed teachers to compliment that policy”, he said.

    Udi promised that the teachers when reinstated will help Governor Eno actualize the education component of his A.R.I.S.E Agenda.

    “We are Akwa Ibom people not foreigners and we are ready to serve and help raise the next generation of leaders that will pilot the affairs of the state. 

    “We are ready to help the governor actualize the education component of his ARISE Agenda. We were recruited after rigorous written and oral interviews and tests, medical examination and properly documented and issued employment to by February 2015”, he said.

  • A’Ibom: Eno signs 2025 budget of N955bn

    A’Ibom: Eno signs 2025 budget of N955bn

    Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, has signed the 2025 budget of N955 billion into law.

    Speaking shortly after the ceremony in Uyo, Eno commended the state House of Assembly for the expeditious passage of the appropriation bill.

    He said that the thoroughness and speed in the passage of the budget exemplified the synergy between the executive and the legislature.

    The governor called for continued collaborations between all arms of government to ensure effective delivery of democracy dividends to Akwa Ibom people.

    Read Also: Kemi Badenoch: It’s time for a rethink

    It would be recalled that the Akwa Ibom legislature passed the budget on Dec. 24, following the adoption of the report by the House Committee on Appropriation and Finance.

    The 2025 appropriation bill christened, “Budget of Consolidation and Expansion” has a recurrent expenditure of N300 billion and a capital expenditure of N655 billion.

    (NAN)

  • Clean Nigeria: Akwa Ibom, Lagos, four other rated cleanest states in Nigeria

    Clean Nigeria: Akwa Ibom, Lagos, four other rated cleanest states in Nigeria

    The seventh edition of the public presentation of the State of the Nigerian Environment (STONE) has rated Akwa Ibom State in the South-South, Enugu State in the Southeast, Lagos State in the South-West, Plateau State in the North-Central, Borno State in the North-East, and Kaduna State in the North-West as the cleanest states in Nigeria.

    The National Coordinator, Ene Baba Owoh, disclosed this at an event organised by Cleanup Nigeria in Abuja with the theme, “STONE 2024 Unplugged.” 

    The event announced the six zonal cleanest state champions in Nigeria, alongside the annual Cleanliness Performance Index Rating. 

    The study shows that 179 million people in Nigeria are living in an unclean environment, compared to 183 million in 2023. Life expectancy in Nigeria fell from 44 years in 2023 to 40 years in 2024.

    These six zonal cleanliness champions were awarded the prestigious STONE Green Crystal Award in 2024. 

    The organisation aims to highlight the importance of environmental cleanliness and sustainability in Nigeria, recognising the efforts of the six zonal cleanliness champions and encouraging others to follow suit.

    Nigeria’s sanitation situation is a mixed bag. On one hand, the country has seen a slight improvement in reducing open defecation, from 24% in 2023 to 20% in 2024. 

    This progress has pushed Nigeria from the top spot in open defecation worldwide to the second position, with India taking the lead. However, there are still significant challenges.

    “Twenty-eight out of thirty-seven states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) outside Abuja, are rated as unclean. This is a slight increase from thirty-one states in 2023. In terms of waste management, only four states – Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Abia, and Lagos – demonstrated a 4% improvement in the procurement of waste management equipment in 2024.

    Owoh noted that funding for sanitation initiatives has also decreased, and the health of sanitation workers has deteriorated, with a drop from 31% in 2023 to 28% in 2024. 

    “On a more positive note, nine states – Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Lagos, Kaduna, Plateau, Enugu, Cross River, Anambra, and Bauchi – scored above 40% in overall performance ratings and can be considered clean.”

    The coordinator added that overall, while there are some encouraging signs, Nigeria still faces significant challenges in improving its sanitation situation, with only seven states demonstrating good personal hygiene and sanitation practices among their citizens. 

    In terms of environmental cleanliness, nine states out of thirty-seven, including the FCT (outside Abuja city), were found to have unclean streets and roads. 

    However, eight states have successfully managed and sustained vegetation and drainage control.

  • Oil firm rehabilitates teacher’s quarter in A’Ibom coastal community

    Oil firm rehabilitates teacher’s quarter in A’Ibom coastal community

    An indigenous oil firm, Oriental Energy Resources LTD, has rehabilitated seven one-bedroom teachers’ quarters at the Governnment Primary school, Ibuot Utan, Effiat in Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom state.

    The teacher’s quarters are equipped with solar-powered lighting, water supply systems as well as other internal and external fittings.

    The Managing Director of the company, Mr. Mustafa Indimi, who handed over the refurbished teacher’s quarter yesterday at Ibout Utan, Effiat, said the gesture was in fulfilment of the company’s promise to the school in 2022.

    Indimi represented by the company’s head community relations, Dr. Uwem Ite, added that Oriental Energy Resources LTD was committed to the support of education and human capital development in Effiat community and Akwa Ibom state in general.

    “As many of you will recall, we gathered at this same venue on Thursday, 18th August, 2022, for the commissioning and handing over ceremony, after refurbishment of the building and classrooms, supply of furniture and provision of modern toilet facilities for this school.

    “During the event, we also announced our plans to embark on the rehabilitation of the adjoining teacher’s quarters. As at today, we have fulfilled that promise by completing the project.

    “In addition, the two projects we have completed at this school serve as evidence of our modest contribution towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 which focuses on ensuring inclusive and quality education for all and promotion of life-long learning”, he said.

    The chairman of Mbo local government area, Mr. Sunday Etim Okon commended Oriental Energy Resources LTD for rehabilitating the teachers quarter, saying it will enhance the productivity of teachers in the community.

    The Commissioner for education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet commended the oil firm for donating the facility, adding that the initiative was in line with the A.R.I.S.E Agenda of the Governor Umo Eno administration.

  • Shettima pays tribute to late Akwa Ibom First Lady at funeral

    Shettima pays tribute to late Akwa Ibom First Lady at funeral

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday joined other dignitaries to pay tribute to the late Mrs. Patience Eno, wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, at her funeral ceremony in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium local government area of Akwa Ibom State.

    In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima described the late First Lady Eno as a wonderful woman who lived a life of service to God and humanity in pastoral care, just like her husband. 

    Speaking during her funeral ceremony in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium local government area of Akwa Ibom State, the Vice President said the invaluable contributions of the late Mrs. Eno to society and her exemplary role as a silent yet profound leader in Nigeria will be an inspiration for generations.  

    He said, “We are here to celebrate life, the life of an Amazon who has contributed immensely and tremendously to the peace, stability, and progress of Akwa Ibom State, the South-South region, and the nation as a whole. She was a pillar of support to her husband, the family, and we are all going to surely miss her.”

    VP Shettima who attended the funeral at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prayed God to “grant His Excellency the Governor, the Senate President, the government, and the good people of Akwa Ibom State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

    According to the Vice President, the late “Mrs. Patience Eno embodied the essence of women’s unsung leadership in our society. 

    “Her actions spoke louder than words, through her service to the underprivileged, her pastoral commitment, and her tireless dedication to the well-being of others,” he added.

    VP Shettima lauded the late First Lady for her charitable initiative, the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), which provided essential resources such as food, shelter, and education to vulnerable members of the community.  

    “She was not just a wife or a mother; she was a leader who exemplified the strength and grace of Nigerian women. Through her work with GIFA and her unwavering faith, she touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on Akwa Ibom and beyond,” the Vice President stated. 

    Noting the broader significance of Mrs. Eno’s life as a reflection of women’s leadership in Nigeria, Senator Shettima said the nation owes much of its progress to women like her, “who led not with titles but with actions.”

    He continued: “They are the backbone of families, communities, and our nation’s moral compass. Her legacy of service, compassion, and faith is a beacon that will continue to inspire generations. She lived not just for herself but for others—for God, for Akwa Ibom, and humanity.

    Read Also: Shettima seeks China’s support to overcome insecurity

    “She showed us all that leadership is not always in the spotlight. It is in the quiet sacrifices, the selfless acts of giving, and the courage to care for others,” the Vice President added. 

    Dignitaries who attended the funeral service included President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau; Wife of the Vice President, Nana Kashim Shettima, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

    Others are a member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Hon. Unyime Idem; other members of the National Assembly; Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, and immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, among many others.

  • PHOTOS: Tributes as remains of late Akwa Ibom First Lady Patience Umo laid to rest

    PHOTOS: Tributes as remains of late Akwa Ibom First Lady Patience Umo laid to rest

    Tributes as remains of late Akwa Ibom first lady Patience Umo laid to rest

    Read Also: Akpabio mourns Governor Umo Eno’s wife

  • Reps member Jimbo bags community service award

    Reps member Jimbo bags community service award

    Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on National Planning & Economic Development, Clement Jimbo, has been honoured with a community service award in appreciation of  legislative representation and contribution to the development of Nigeria by the Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja.

    The community service award of excellence was bestowed on the Federal lawmaker during the 2024 Akwa Ibom Cultural Fiesta by Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja at Akwa Ibom House, Central Business District. 

    Presenting the award to Jimbo, on behalf of the A’Ibom Community, Abuja, Engr. Benedict Ukpong, Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission, lauded the sterling performance of the lawmaker at the National Assembly. 

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    Ukpong said Jimbo, has made the All Progressives Congress (APC) proud by always making positive contributions and impacts in the floor of the House and urged him to keep the fire burning. 

    Receiving the award, the member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency appreciated  the community for finding him worthy of the honour and pledged to create more impacts in the National Assembly to make life meaningful to Nigerians and Akwa Ibom people. 

    Jimbo, further lauded Abak Federal Constituency for supporting and voting him to represent them at the Green Chamber and dedicated the award to them.

  • Akwa Ibom Rep member seeks decentralisation of Ports

    Akwa Ibom Rep member seeks decentralisation of Ports

    Member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom Hon. Inemesit Clement Jimbo has called for decentralisation of seaports, saying that will go a long way to boost the economy of the country.

    He emphasised that concentration of the nation’s seaport in few geographical areas is capable of doing more harms than good to the economy of the country and people of other areas.

    Speaking  in his  National Assembly office in Abuja with reporters,  Hon Jimbo noted that the impact of non-concentration of Sea Port is glaring as it has negative consequences on our road and other infrastructures.

    According to him: “Decentralising our Port Authority is equally for the economic boom of this country. I have read and I have watched several documentations, documentaries and different analysis on the SeaPort in Lagos state, the congestion, the impacts on our roads and even on our economy. 

    “What many of our entrepreneurs and importers of goods and services into the country witness or pay as a price in terms of congestion of our seaports only calls for holistic decentralisation of our economy.”

    Jimbo said the need to have a seaport in Akwa Ibom state cannot be overemphasised, stating that from Akwa Ibom state, goods can be easily evacuated to Abia state and northern parts of the country.

    Read Also: BBNaija star Phyna decries restaurant entry denial over outfit choice 

    He explained: “But that is not to say the current state of the seaports or the port authority in Calabar, Cross River state and the road linking the communities from Cross River state to the other states of Nigeria should not be fixed. 

    “That is how in my own estimation, Nigeria can be holistically developed simultaneously without having to unnecessarily populate a state to the detriment of other states.

    “If in Akwa Ibom state, we have a seaport that will serve as a hub for whatever consumable that should be delivered to the So: uth South and South East, it will be better. If you look at the seaport in Calabar, Cross River state, it is not 100 percent operational to full capacity, and if you look at the road linking Cross River state to the Northern states in Nigeria, it is completely impassable. For example, the Calabar- Odupkani road that links to Akwa Ibom state, it takes days for you to access those communities. “

  • Tension in Akwa Ibom communities over BUA factory

    Tension in Akwa Ibom communities over BUA factory

    There is tension between Inua Eyet Ikot village and neighbouring communities in Esit Eket Local Government of Akwa Ibom State, over the siting of BUA petrochemical factory.

    The Nation gathered that hoodlums allegedly from Esit Eket reportedly launched a midnight attack on Inua Eyet Ikot village, damaging property worth millions of naira.

    Former Inua Eyen Ikot village council chairman, Chief Nta Edyang, lamented that the damaged buildings, farms and other facilities were valued at over N100 million.

    Read Also: Reps committee accuses contractors of sabotaging Renewed Hope Housing project

    He said: “A couple of days ago, we were woken up by the invasion from our Esit Eket neighbours at midnight, with massive attacks on our farms, clinic, schools and homes, which were all brought down to rubble.

    “The invaders came at midnight, well-armed and people fled to the bush, from where they heard them using sledge hammers and other destructive equipment to destroy properties we laboured to build.

    “The reason for the latest attack is not unconnected with ongoing petrochemical factory project, which is being built in our community by BUA group.

    “The hoodlums claimed our village is their land and even hoisted a flag after the destruction. They wrote: ‘Ibeno beware, we won’t tolerate your conspiracy with the state government to take our land.”’

    He added: “We have reported the matter to the police commissioner, who visited the area in company with other security agencies.’’