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  • Akpabio, Eno to grace centenary celebration of Oron Union

    Akpabio, Eno to grace centenary celebration of Oron Union

    The Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state are among dignitaries billed to grace the centenary celebration of Oron Union.

    While Akpabio will be the principal guest of honour, Eno is earmarked as the Special guest of honour.

    The event was put together to celebrate 100 years of the Union and its positive impacts on Oro people in various areas of human endeavour.

    The President-General of Oron Union, Essang Bassey stated this at the weekend during a press conference to herald activities marking the centenary celebration of Oron Union.

    Essang said that the Oro people are celebrating 100 years of the existence of the Union, a platform which has provided them the opportunity to grow educationally, politically and culturally.

    “The centenary of Oron Union will afford us the opportunity to celebrate our rich cultural heritage, our achievements in education, culture, human capacity and infrastructural development.

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

    “The event is a unifying factor for Oro people all over the world as well as our determination to foster peaceful coexistence with other ethnic groups in the state and beyond.

    “The Oron Union started scholarship schemes for our sons and daughters which has produced positive results as exemplified in the number of professionals and scholars in various areas of human endeavour”, he said.

    On the history of Oron Union, Essang said, “It was on the 26th of April, 1925, three patriotic Oronians who were colonial officers and agents, Ekpu Edubio Odoro, John Anwana Esin and Okon Eyokunyi Isong, gathered at AHTA Eyokunyi Isong’s house to concieve the idea of forming an association that can serve as a reservoir of Cultural identity and vehicle of development to meet up with the increasing civilization in the territory and it’s contiguous areas.

    “So, it was on exactly, the 23rd of May 1923, 88 people gathered at John Esin’s house to lay the seed to what has become one of the oldest Socio-Cultural Organizations in Nigeria, which has survived thick and thorns.

    “Their gathering provided a formidable platform for the nurturing and preservation of Oro identity and peoplehood.

    “The scholarship schemes the Union introduced in 1933 for the training of teachers within Nigeria and its overseas scholarship in 1942, has led to the emergence of top-class professionals in various fields of human endeavour.

    “This Celebration had commenced since the 26th of April, 2025, with the visitation and Declarations of heritage Sites which included the houses of the three progenitors and the second venue of the meeting at Abiakowo at Ebughu in Mbo Local Government Area.

    “The Centenary celebrations will continue on Monday, 20th May with visits of the eleven clans and non indigenous communities to the President General of Oron Union and a quiz and debate competition by school children across the five Local Governments of Oro Ethnic Nationality.

    “Same day in the evening, a novelty football competition will take place between the Oro unity Forum and Oro Youth Movement ( OYOM) by 4pm.

    “On Tuesday, the 21st of May, 2023, there will be a boat regatta, followed by traditional wrestling (mbok Oro).

    “On Wednesday, 21st May, 2025, there will be a special Concert Night at Oro stadium where both Oro best Artists locally, Nationally and Internationally, have been invited to showcase their talents to the celebration of Oron people and the audience.

    “On Thursday, 22nd May, 2025, a colloquium will be held with the Keynote Address to be presented by Ledum Metee, a nationally acclaimed Civil rights Activist.

    “The lead discussant will be Prof. Peter Esuh of the Faculty of Communication and Media studies University of Uyo and Prof. Emmanuel Onwidieokut of the Department of Economics, University of Uyo, under the Chairmanship of Professor Akpan H. Ekpo.

    “A conference of Oro- Obolo people will be held earlier that same day”, Essang stated.

  • ‘A’Ibom will benefit more if Eno defects to APC’

    ‘A’Ibom will benefit more if Eno defects to APC’

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Vincent Essien has said Akwa Ibom State will benefit more than ever before if Governor Umo Eno defects to the ruling party.

    Essien, a legal practitioner, has averred that apart from the fact that Akwa Ibom will be more connected to the state, the governor’s defection to APC will attract quantum human and infrastructural development to the state.

    “Knowing Governor Umo Eno, and watching his determined focus on elevating the status and development of the state, any  decision he makes will not be driven by mere political considerations,” he said.

    “Just within two years, the governor has in addition to infrastructure and human development, changed the political demographic status of the State into one big political entity devoid of party colouration, something that has never happened since the creation of Akwa Ibom State”. 

    “His open declaration of support for President Bola Tinubu is unprecedented and a clear political masterstroke that will attract massive Federal government presence and development to the State,” he maintained.

    He cited the passionate manner in which the Governor advocated and secured commitment for the reconstruction of the long stalled Calabar-Itu Federal Highway, the collaboration to secure the start of the Coastal High Way from Calabar through Oron in Akwa ibom and the renewed push for the actualization of the Ibom Deep Sea port and many other projects as accelerated benefits that will occur to the State. 

    Essien commended the Governor for his synergy with the Senate President Godswill Akpabio which has also created a unique political energy that can only benefit the state.

    Read Also: Uyo agog for Pastor Umo Eno Arise Cup grand finale

    “He should continue to upscale his emphasis on social responsibility of government through his care initiatives across health care,  social security and agricultural investment. 

    “We are all partners in the goal of elevating Akwa ibom state to the pinnacle of all verifiable indices of development,” Essien assured.

    The Eket-born politician called on the Governor to continue in his direction and focus, and prove those who were always confident that he would be more than equal to the enormous responsibility of his executive calling right.

    He further called on Eno to crown his performance by leaving an indelible mark in his adopted home city of Eket, by siting a major project in the city, before the end of his first term.

  • Emulate Eno, Okon tells politicians, urges government to tackle insecurity

    Emulate Eno, Okon tells politicians, urges government to tackle insecurity

    Politicians across the country have been asked to emulate the selflessness,  humility and the spirit of unity constantly displayed by Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno. 

    Eket Field Superintendent, Akwa Ibom State/Deputy Territorial Chairman of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Apostle Benjamin Okon made this known while speaking with newsmen in Eket during the 43rd  Eket Major Easter Convention with the theme “The Power of Christ’s Resurrection.”

    The cleric said the move of Eno in bringing all the political parties within the state together as well as fostering unity is worthy of emulation. 

    Okon described the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by Eno for a second term come 2027 as uncommon, insisting Eno is a man with a heart of gold. 

    Read Also: Eno’s endorsement excites Tinubu’s men

    Okon urged Nigerians to imbibe the Spirit of love and forgiveness for one another to bring solution to myriad of challenges bedevilling the country. 

    He called on the government to decisively tackle insecurity in  the country which makes it difficult for people to travel by roads. 

    The Apostle  said his plan in the new administration is to ensure that members of The Apostolic Church Nigeria (TACN) in Eket Field receive sound biblical teachings devoid of heresy and continue steadfastly in the Apostolic doctrine, practices, principles and prayers. 

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

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

    • …splashes N335M grants on farmers, entrepreneurs

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering impactful projects across all parts of the state, announcing plans to execute no fewer than five new projects in Oron Federal Constituency in 2026.

    The governor made the pledge during the Oron Federal Constituency Town Square Meeting and Empowerment Programme held at the Oron Township Stadium.

    While expressing gratitude to the people of Oron for their support during the last electioneering period, Governor Eno highlighted several completed and ongoing projects in the area, describing them as evidence of his inclusive governance style.

    He noted that the town square meeting serves as a vital platform for engaging constituents, unveiling government plans, and receiving their Needs Documents. 

    These inputs, he said, will be factored into the 2026 budget, which he revealed will be titled “The People’s Budget.”

    Governor Eno also emphasized the strategic importance of Oron Federal Constituency to the state’s economy, citing its contributions to infrastructure, tourism, and human capital development.

    “For the second time in four weeks, we are gathered again for our town square meeting in Oron Federal Constituency.

    “We promised to go round the Federal Constituencies to feel the pulses of the people, to tell you what we have done for you, and to listen to what you want us to do for you, and this is a campaign promise that is being fulfilled today.

    “We have just received a copy of the needs document for the Oro people, we have received the needs document just like we received in Abak, and we are going to look at it, local government area by local government area, and we trust God that this will form part of our 2026 budget where every need from each local Government will be assessed and used in forming our budget. 

    “I have seen that you have put in so much, but you must also understand that we will sit down, look at it, and I guarantee you that at least each of the local government areas will be considered in the 2026 budget.

    Read Also: Work starts on Ibom deep seaport soon, Eno assures

    “As we have tagged the 2026 budget, the “People’s Budget,” this is your Needs Document, we have received it, we will digest it, and work with it,” he said. 

    The Governor expressed gratitude to stakeholders of the constituency, emphasising his resolve to promote the ARISE Agenda across party lines to ensure that development penetrates every area of the state, adding that the needs document as presented by the stakeholders represents the collective will of the Federal Constituency.

    The State Deputy Governor, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi, appreciated the Governor for taking Oron Federal Constituency into consideration in his execution of live-touching projects, stressing that they have greatly benefitted in the allocation of meaningful projects.

    In his remark, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah appreciated the people of the Federal Constituency for the good organization and massive turn out which he described as unprecedented.

    He noted that the Governor has touched the lives of people, especially that of Oron Federal Constituency like never before, stressing that Governor Eno does not only embark on projects, but also empowerment.

    Earlier, the Chairman of Urue Offong Uruko Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Uno Etim Umo, speaking on behalf of the Chairmen of the five Local Government Areas in Oron Federal Constituency, pointed out that the Governor has brought developments that will stand the test of time to the area.

    Member representing Oron Federal Constituency, Rep. Martins Esin, who spoke on behalf of other legislators from the area, commended the Governor for his frequent visits, the impactful empowerments and the infrastructural development doting different corners of the Federal Constituency.

    Also, the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council and Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko Local Government Area, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, appreciated the Governor for carrying the Federal Constituency along in his developmental strides, and pledged their continuous support to his government.

    On his part, the President-General Oron Union, Essang Nsa Bassey, acknowledged the Governor’s truthful fulfillment of his electioneering campaign promises, describing his developmental accomplishment as unprecedented.

    High point of the event was the presentation of business grants to the tune of N335 million to small and medium scale farmers and entrepreneurs across the five local government areas that make up the Federal Constituency.

  • Work starts on Ibom deep seaport soon, Eno assures

    Work starts on Ibom deep seaport soon, Eno assures

    Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has stated all is now set for construction work to begin at the Ibom Deep Seaport

    Speaking to a packed-to-capacity arena during the Town Square meeting of Oron Federal Constituency, the Governor noted that he would flag-off the construction of the city gate and the sales office of the Deep Seaport as part of his second anniversary activities.

    According to Eno: ” We are done with talking. We are done with drawing. We are done with paper work, now is time for action. This is a step forward in our quest to deliver this important project”.

    This flag-off would coincide with the inauguration of the Uyenge- Deep Seaport Road.

    During the Town Square aimed at giving people from Oron Federal Constituency the chance to avail the Governor of their needs, grants totalling N335m were given to traders, farmers and business owners in the five Local Government Areas of the federal constituency: Oron, Okobo, Udung Uko, Urue Offong Oruko and Mbo.  

    Details of the amount are as follows: N51 million to 108 farmers from the N2billion farmers loan; 543 business men and women got N225 million while 10 entrepreneurs received N5million.

    On the grants, the Governor said they were done in line with his government’s policy of entrepreneurial and agricultural development.

    Speaking further he said: “We have received the Needs Document and we’re going to look at it local government by local government and work with it as it will form part of the 2026 budget christened ‘The People’s Budget. 

    “As you know, there are 31 Local Government Areas and even if we cannot execute all the projects on this document, we will make sure we execute at least one in each of the five local government areas. 

    “Because we swore to be fair to all, we will not leave any federal constituency in the state behind.”

    Eno, who expressed delight at the progress of the 14km Airport – Nsit Atai -Okobo Road, commended the contractor, Hensek Integrated Services, for the pace of work.

    “That road has seen three successful government and has been used for campaigns, but today with the finishers anointing that God has given us, that road will be commissioned soon.”

    Commending the massive turnout at the Stadium, Governor Eno urged people to keep faith with their representatives as the Needs Document would capture the priority needs and requests of people of the constituency.  

    The Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, an indigene of the Constituency, expressed appreciation for everything the Governor has done for her people and assured them that even more are on course under the ARISE Agenda.

    “The Governor is very passionate about Oro and he has promised to do more. Everything I ask him, he is always very willing to do it for us in Oro. Thank you for loving me and my people”, she said, while also thanking everyone who made the occasion a success.

    While setting the tone for the engagements, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Enobong Uwah, said: “We are here to listen to the Oro people, and get to know what their needs are, so that they can be captured in the 2026 budget.  

    Read Also: NNPC: Ojulari takes over from Kyari, seeks management, staff support to attain enormous targets 

    “You are going to have the ARISE traders’ grants, the ARISE Farmers’ Grants, and the ARISE MSMEs grants. 

    “For the love you have shown the Governor, I can assure you that he will show you more love in return from now till 2031.”

    The SSG who particularly expressed joy over the progress at the Airport – Nsit Atai – Okobo Road,stated that the road was among the 52 projects being delivered by the Governor in the area.

    In their presentation, the leaders of Oron Federal Constituency, who spoke through Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, eulogized the Governor for working hard to “depopulate the kingdom of the devil” by creating jobs for the youths in different ways. 

    “Our people shall stand by you in appreciation of your excellent performance across the entire State, and in Oron Federal Constituency in particular.”

    The stakeholders thereafter adorned the Governor in their traditional regalia of wrapper and cap in appreciation for his life-changing projects for their people.

    This was followed by a vote of confidence by the lawmakers from the federal constituency, following a motion by federal Lawmaker Hon.Martin Esin and seconded by Chief Effiong Johnson, the Chief Whip of the State Assembly.

    In his goodwill message, Sir Essang Nsa Bassey, President-General of Oron Union expressed appreciation to the Governor on the numerous completed and ongoing projects and assured the Governor of their continued support come 2027.

    Speaking for the royal fathers, the Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko and Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet expressed the support of royal fathers to the Governor for a second term in office, for ‘walking the talk’ in his development agenda for the people.

    The local government chairmen, led by Hon. Uno Etim Uno, Chairman of Urue Offong Oruko Local Government Area, also lent their voices in support of the government of Pastor Umo Eno and promised to stand by him for eight uninterrupted years. 

    Highpoint of the event was the presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, Senator Ekong Sampson and PDP State Chairman, Aniekan Akpan.

  • Eno dedicates ‘Governor of the Year’ Award to deputy, predecessors

    Eno dedicates ‘Governor of the Year’ Award to deputy, predecessors

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has dedicated the Governor of the Year Award—bestowed upon him by ThisDay Newspapers and Arise TV—to his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; all past Governors of the state; and specifically, his immediate predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, CON. 

    Speaking at the Victor Attah International Airport upon his return from the award ceremony, Governor Eno expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from stakeholders and the people of Akwa Ibom across party lines.

    He attributed the recognition to the contributions of these key figures. 

    He praised his deputy, Senator Eyakenyi, for her unwavering support and role in maintaining peace, which has allowed his administration to stay focused on development. 

    Governor Eno also acknowledged his predecessors, including Arc. Obong Victor Attah, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Mr. Udom Emmanuel, stated that their efforts laid the foundation upon which he continues to build. 

    In a special tribute, he dedicated the award to Mr. Udom Emmanuel, emphasizing that his steadfast support was instrumental in his emergence as Governor and the recognition he is receiving today.

    “This award, for me, is dedicated to three sets of people. The first person is our Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi, PhD. She has given me all the necessary support.

    “The second group comprises all former Governors of this State, from Obong Victor Attah to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and to the immediate past Governor, my political father, Deacon Udom Emmanuel. You know that in this State, God has blessed us with Governors who have continuously raised the bar.”

    He appreciated the people of the State for their support and for coming out en masse to receive him, saying he has been nominated for other awards, which, he noted, will also be dedicated to the people of the State.

    Recall that the Governor had dedicated the Leadership Newspaper award as Governor of the Year, 2024, to his wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Eno, who sadly passed away last year, and to the immediate past State Executive Council (EXCO) members.

    “As of today, we have about four groups recognizing us as Governor of the Year: Leadership Newspaper; the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), which recognized me as Tourism Governor of the Year; New Telegraph, which named us Governor of the Year, Human Capacity Development, 2024; and the Security Watch Africa Initiatives, which recognized us as Nigeria’s Most Consistent Security-Supporting Governor, 2024.

    Read Also: Governor Eno: My focus is good governance for A’Ibom, not political gamesmanship

    “This harvest of awards could not have been possible without your support. So, we thank all of you.”

    He appreciated the Founding Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of ThisDay and Arise News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, and the entire management team for identifying and recognizing the modest efforts of his administration towards delivering the dividends of democracy to the people and for their independent assessment.

    The governor said the award was a source of inspiration to him and assured that the government, under his leadership, will redouble its efforts towards the development of the State.

     “I thank all of those institutions that have recognized what we are doing. Particularly on this occasion, I want to thank ThisDay and Arise TV for their independent assessment. But I also understand that to whom much is given, much is expected.

     “I promise you that we will continue to put in our effort—double and redouble our efforts—towards the development of our State. We will not stop until we accomplish all of the things that God has put in our hearts through the ARISE Agenda,” he added.

  • Alia, Eno, Yusuf, Namadi, Uzodimma sign 2025 Appropriation Bills

    Alia, Eno, Yusuf, Namadi, Uzodimma sign 2025 Appropriation Bills

    • Imo raises budget from N756b to N807b, governor appends signature

    • Benue to spend N550.11b, Akwa Ibom N955b, Kano N719.7b, Jigawa N698.3b

    Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Abba Yusuf (Kano), and Umar Namadi (Jigawa) yesterday signed the 2025 Appropriation Bills of their states into law.

    Alia, a reverend father, signed Benue State’s N550,112,988,930.45 Appropriation Bill, named: Budget of Human Capital Development, Food Security, and the Digital Economy into law at the Government House in Makurdi.

    The signing ceremony was done in the presence of the principal officers of the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, and State Executive Council (Exco) members.

    The House of Assembly had passed the budget on Monday for the governor’s assent.

    The signing ceremony coincided with the launching of the state’s 10-year Development Plan, the Nutrition Policy, and the Social Protection Policy.

    Alia said: “The signing into law of the 2025 budget, the formal launch of the 10-Year Development Plan and these critical policies mark the beginning of a new chapter in our state’s story.

    “We are laying the groundwork for a future where every citizen has the opportunity to succeed, to live in dignity, and to contribute to the growth of our state.

    “Our work is not finished today; it is just the beginning. Together, we will build a brighter, more resilient future for ourselves and for generations to come.”

    In Akwa Ibom State, Governor Eno signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill of N955 billion into law at the Government House in Uyo, the state capital.

    The governor hailed the House of Assembly for the expeditious passage of the Appropriation Bill, called: Budget of Consolidation and Expansion.

    He said the thoroughness and speed in the passage of the budget exemplified the synergy between the Executive and the Legislature.

    Eno called for continued collaborations among all arms of government to ensure effective delivery of democracy dividends to the people.

    This year’s budget has a recurrent expenditure of N300 billion and a capital expenditure of N655 billion.

    Governor Uzodimma signed Imo State’s 2025 Appropriation Bill, named: Budget of Expanded Economic Opportunities, into law at the new Exco Chamber of the Government House in Owerri, the state capital, in the presence of House of Assembly members, led by Speaker Chike Olemgbe.

    The budget had been increased from N756 billion to N807 billion and passed by the House of Assembly.

    The governor promised to ensure full implementation of the budget.

    Read Also: ASUU and horrid pastime

    The budget has a capital expenditure of N694,786,041,220, or 86.09 per cent, and a recurrent expenditure of N112,302,000,000, or 13.91 per cent.

    A breakdown of the budget showed that the Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development got N297,509,312,778, or 42.8 per cent; the Ministry of Transport got N101,010,000,000, or 14.5 per cent; and the Ministry of Power and Electrification, N74,755,479,042, or 10.8 per cent.

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security was allocated N50,020,000,000, or 7.2 per cent; the Ministry of Education got N49,460,000,000, or 7.1 per cent; while the Ministry of Health got N31,933,234,000 or 4.65 per cent.

    Uzodimma promised to fully and faithfully implement the budget to achieve its goals.

    “We will create expanded economic opportunities through investment and job creation. Ndi Imo shall be the beneficiaries.

    “I urge everyone and all stakeholders to support this administration in our endeavor to set Imo State on a path of sustainable development,” he said.

    Kano State Governor Yusuf signed the state’s N719,755,417,663.00 2025 Appropriation Bill, called: Budget of Hope, Capital Development and Economic Growth into law yesterday at the Government House in Kano.

    A breakdown of the budget showed a recurrent expenditure of N262,670,660,562.68, representing 36 per cent, and a capital expenditure of N262,670,660,562.68, representing 64 per cent.

    The governor had proposed N549,160,417,663.00 with the recurrent and the capital expenditures getting 43 per cent and 57 per cent. But the House of Assembly had jacked it to N719,755,417,663.00, an increase of N170,595,000,000.00.

    Speaker Jibril Ismail Falgore said the Assembly engaged all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in the defence of their proposals and conducted a public hearing where public inputs were integrated into the budget.

    The government said the budget would be sourced from the recovery of the Unremitted Oil Revenue (Refund to State Government), Value Added Tax (VAT), internally generated revenue (IGR) and other grants from the Federal Government.

    Yusuf said his administration was determined to making Kano a better state through investment in infrastructure and poverty alleviation.

    The governor said the budget was focused on empowering communities to stimulate economic growth.

    He added that the budget prioritised education, health, and agriculture to create opportunities for all Kano residents.

    Also, Governor Namadi yesterday signed Jigawa State’s N698.3 billion and the 27 local governments’ N184.4 billion budgets into law at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Dutse.

    The House of Assembly had passed the Appropriation Bill, tagged: The Budget of Innovation and Transformation for Greater Jigawa, on Monday without any changes.

    The budget has N90.76 billion for personnel costs; N63.69 billion for recurrent expenses; and N534.76 billion for capital investment.

    The Healthcare sector got over N40 billion to improve healthcare services in the state.

    Speaking after signing the Appropriation Bill into law, Namadi said: “I am pleased that the budget has been passed without any changes, and I appreciate the efforts of the lawmakers in ensuring its speedy passage.”

    The governor hailed Speaker Haruna Dangyatim for his leadership and commitment to the development of the state.

  • Eno endorses Champion Breweries official beverage for Ibom Air

    Eno endorses Champion Breweries official beverage for Ibom Air

    Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has declared Champion Breweries Plc the official beverage for Ibom Air, Akwa Ibom’s flagship airline.

    Speaking at an event commemorating the launch of Champion Breweries’ new canned products, Eno described the brewery as a symbol of Akwa Ibom’s heritage and excellence.

    The Governor said: “This is the drink for our people and it comes in different brands – Champion Lager Beer and Champ Malta, Champion Lager with Ginger Extract, Champ Malt with Butter Cookies and Champ Malt with Tiger Nut. In fact, Champ Malta at some point in this country won an award for being outstanding and I’m glad we could take it to the world. Just as Ibom Air is for Akwa Ibom, Champion is for Akwa Ibom. Ibom Air can serve these drinks, going forward.”

    He emphasised the importance of promoting home-grown products, adding, “It is made in Akwa Ibom, recognized by Akwa Ibomites and the world. Let’s celebrate what God has given to us, and congratulations!”

    The endorsement comes at a pivotal time for Champion Breweries Plc, which has recently expanded its product line to include canned beverages. This development is set to enhance distribution and cater to a broader market.

    Pastor Imo Abasi Jacob, Chairman, Board of Directors of Champion Breweries Plc, reflected on the journey that led to this milestone. 

    He highlighted the widespread demand for Champion beverages across Nigeria, from Lagos to the northern regions  but also acknowledged the hitherto logistical hurdles.

    The Chairman said: “Champion is a lager beer that was launched in the ’70s, and it remains the toast of the market. However, our challenge has always been distribution. The problem was that this market favorite was only available in bottles, limiting its reach. Today we have launched our CAN formats so Akwa Ibomites and Nigerians as a whole can now enjoy champion brands which they have always loved in cans too.”

    “Therefore, this king was limited from influencing the market and bringing good returns to the good people of Akwa Ibom State. When I joined the board a little over a year ago, it was unthinkable that Champion Breweries products could be in cans. Technology had shifted, the market had shifted, but the capital to adapt wasn’t available. Today, our CAN formats are a dream come true,” Pastor Jacob explained.

    He went ahead and credited Governor Eno’s leadership and business-friendly policies for making the shift to cans possible.

    Read Also: A’Ibom: Eno signs 2025 budget of N955bn

    “Your Excellency, I can say that this means a lot to us. In the past, when we launched our products, the bottles rarely returned intact, affecting production. Our competitors took advantage, buying and breaking our bottles, starving us of resources and limiting our growth. Today, we are glad the God of the golden era has come to our aid, broken the jinx, and we now have both cans and bottles.”

    The Chairman lauded the management team at Champion Breweries for their resilience and innovation, which he believes will further solidify the brand’s standing in Nigeria’s competitive beverage market. 

    The event concluded with a resounding call to support local industries, with Governor Eno’s endorsement serving as a catalyst for Champion Breweries’ continued expansion and success.

  • 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)

  • Eno gets NULGE best governor award in council administration

    Eno gets NULGE best governor award in council administration

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has received 2024 National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) award for being the friendliest governor in local government administration.

    Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong, received the award on behalf of the governor.

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

    President-General of NULGE, Comrade Ambali Akeem, presented the award during the 8th Quadrennial State Delegate Conference of the union held at the weekend in Uyo.

    He said Eno had been consistent in the payment of benefits to local government workers.

    “The governor has paid leave grant arrears of 2013, 2014, 2020 and 2021 and also paid 2012, 2013 salary arrears to nine local governments. He has also paid gratuity to local government retirees from 2013,” he said.