The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Governor Eno

  • Eno charges youth to go beyond conventional employment

    Eno charges youth to go beyond conventional employment

    The Executive Governor of Akwa-Ibom state, has charged the youths not to limit themselves to conventional employment, but should look for unique services they can provide.

    Governor Eno also urged them to dream big, start something however small, be passionate and work twice as hard.

    He made this charge while delivering a Convocation Lecture at Mountain Top University’s seventh convocation ceremony and tenth anniversary, themed: “Dream Big. Start Small. Grow Fast.”

    He stressed that the school’s emphasis on critical thinking, resilience and responsibility, as well as vocational training through its Centre for Education and Development Services (CEDGS), aligns with the demands of contemporary society and the need for graduates to combine academic knowledge with practical skills.

    In his Speech, the Chancellor of the school and General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, urged the youths not to trade integrity for opportunity nor sacrifice destiny on the altar of impatience.

    “Do not join the crowd; be a standard. Be solution-minded, because Nigeria and the world reward value, not noise. Let your certificate become a tool, but let your character become your crown,” he charged them.

    Read Also: Nigeria, US seal $5b health pact to boost disease control, system resilience

    The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi, noted that the school’s first decade reflected “resilience, accelerated growth, divine provision and the building of a strong institutional foundation.”

    “From a handful of pioneering students in 2015, MTU has expanded into one of Nigeria’s most beautiful and academically vibrant campuses. Today, we celebrate sustained NUC full accreditation across all programmes and the expansion from 15 to over 37 academic programmes,” Ayolabi said.

    Prof Ayolabi also charged the graduates to carry with them, “integrity as your compass, innovation as your engine, diligence as your strategy, godliness as your foundation and excellence as your identity. You represent the fruit of a 10-year dream.”

    In her valedictory speech, the overall best graduating student for the 2024/2025 academic year with a CGPA of 4.94 in Mathematics, Omolola Faith Akinyemi said the graduating class arrived on campus in October 2021 as dreamers, faced challenges that tested their strength and faith, and emerged stronger in character and purpose.

  • Emadeb presents first oil from Ibom field to Governor Eno

    Emadeb presents first oil from Ibom field to Governor Eno

    The Emadeb Energy Group has presented the first oil from the Ibom Field, PPL 236, to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

    The presentation was made during a courtesy visit to Governor Eno at the Government House, Uyo.

    The visit was aimed at not only presenting the first oil from the Ibom Field but also discussing potential collaboration opportunities between the company and the state government.

    The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer [CEO] of Emadeb Group, Mr. Adebowale Olujimi expressed his gratitude to the governor and the state government for their support and commitment to creating a conducive business environment. 

    He noted that the success of the Ibom Field was a testament to the potential of the state and the country at large. 

    The GMD/CEO re-affirmed the company’s commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership with the state government and expressed his appreciation for the warm reception accorded to the delegation. 

    The Ibom Field, which produces sweet light crude with an assay of 33.8 API, is one of the region’s most promising marginal fields, with significant potential for state revenue, jobs, and economic growth.

    Read Also: Eno nominated for national excellence awards ‎

    The Emadeb Group delegation, comprising Mr Olujimi [GMD/CEOA], Mrs Olugbesoye Olujimi [Executive Director], Dr Segun Ogunsanya (Chief Operating Officer, Emadeb Exploration & Production), Mr Olawale Ayeni (General Manager, Technical Emadeb Exploration & Production), Mr Sheriff Adeeyo (Chief Operating Officer, Emadeb Energy), Mrs Uduak Ugbodagah (Head of HR, Emadeb Energy), and Mr Jeremiah Achonwa (Head of Legal, Emadeb Energy), also discussed potential partnership opportunities with the state government.

    The discussion included participation in the Akwa Ibom Gas Monetisation Hub, development of the Ibom Deep Sea Port, and collaboration on infrastructure development and job creation.

    The governor expressed his enthusiasm for the proposed partnerships and highlighted the state’s readiness to engage with the company on all ideas and proposals.

    The governor commended Emadeb Energy Group for its commitment to sustainable development and community welfare. 

    He assured the company of the state government’s support and cooperation, stating that the doors to the state were wide open for engagements across all ideas and proposals being contemplated by Emadeb Energy Group. 

    The governor also expressed interest in investing or partnering the operator in the development of the Ibom Field 

    The visit ended with the presentation of the first oil from the Ibom Field and a plaque to the Governor, as well as a group photograph.

    This historic visit marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration between Emadeb Energy Group and the Akwa Ibom State government, with potential benefits for the state’s economy and people.

  • Maritime experts back Governor Eno to deliver Ibom deep seaport, industrial city

    Maritime experts back Governor Eno to deliver Ibom deep seaport, industrial city

    Maritime experts and industry stakeholders have expressed confidence in Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to actualising the Ibom Deep Seaport and the broader Ibom Industrial City projects in Akwa Ibom State.

    They made this known over the weekend during a maritime trade and logistics sensitisation workshop held in Uyo. The event, themed “Harnessing the Economic Potentials of Blue Economy Value Chain in Akwa Ibom State for Productivity and Sustainable Growth,” brought together resource persons, industry leaders, and participants from across the maritime value chain.

    The stakeholders praised the energy and focus Governor Eno has brought to the projects, describing them as key drivers for Akwa Ibom’s socio-economic transformation.

    Speaking at the workshop, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Comrade Ini Ememobong, stressed the importance of preparing Akwa Ibom indigenes to take active roles in the emerging maritime economy.

    “Currently, Lagos and Rivers States dominate the maritime sector due to their operational seaports. With Governor Umo Eno’s unwavering commitment, Akwa Ibom is ready to join this league through the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport and Ibom Industrial City,” Ememobong said.

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

    He emphasised that as these strategic projects progress, the state must build a talent pipeline of skilled professionals to fill opportunities that will emerge from the seaport and the industrial ecosystem.

    “This sensitisation workshop is designed to equip participants with a better understanding of the maritime and blue economy, highlight its profitability and long-term potential, and encourage locals to position themselves for success in this sector,” he added.

    Participants commended the state government’s foresight and pledged their support for initiatives that will prepare the workforce and attract investments to the region’s maritime economy.

    “Success only happens when opportunity meets with preparation. Opportunities are always around, but only the prepared minds are those who see the opportunity when it happens; that is why the seminar is organised.

    “Ibom Deep Seaport and Ibom Industrial City will bring opportunities; we want our people to be prepared so that when this administration actualises these projects, our people can be at the forefront of reaping benefits.”

    Speaking on maritime logistics, the President of Brightflow Conglomerate, Dr.  (Mrs.) Aniefiok Iton noted that the maritime sector held immense potential and that if harnessed properly, its impact could surpass that of oil exploration.

    She added that the maritime industry is a vital component of global trade, in which shipping plays a critical role in the movement of people, commodities, cargo, materials, goods, and services across international borders.

    “Harnessing the economic potential in the maritime industry involves leveraging its diverse facets, including blue economy initiatives, infrastructure development and sustainable practices.

    “This includes maximising the benefits of maritime transport, fisheries and aquaculture, tourism and renewable energy. Countries, regions and communities can unlock substantial economic potential through leveraging this sector”, she said.

    On his part, the Rector, Marine and Oceans Academy, Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Ekwere, stressed that “There is a need for skills acquisition not just onshore but in the waterways.

    “There is no greater time to look into this than now that the Ibom Deep Seaport is about to emerge for West Africa. Whatever anybody can do, we can also do, and we should be very interested in skills acquisition to function once the Ibom Deep Seaport is built.”

  • Governor Eno approves additional N6.43 billion for payment of gratuities, other entitlements

    Governor Eno approves additional N6.43 billion for payment of gratuities, other entitlements

    In his commitment to fulfilling his campaign promise of allocating substantial funds for the payment of gratuities and other entitlements to retired workers in Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno, has approved the release of N6,432,924,257.62.

    The breakdown of this payment is as follows: N1,000,000,000 for gratuities for retired primary school teachers (SUBEB); N500,000,000 for retired local government workers; N2,220,524,257.62 for gratuities, pension arrears, and an en-bloc payment for state retired civil service workers; N597,400,000 for the 2014 leave grant for local government workers; and N2,115,000,000 for leave grants for State Civil Service workers. This brings the total amount disbursed by Governor Eno in July and August to N6,432,924,257.62.

    Overall, Governor Umo Eno has now allocated over twenty-eight billion Naira for the payment of gratuities and other entitlements since he took office a little over a year ago.

    Governor Eno has consistently emphasized that, with the robust infrastructure provided by previous administrations—which he aims to maintain and expand under the Arise Agenda—the primary focus should now be on enhancing the well-being of the people, boosting their material conditions, and accelerating development in rural areas.

    Read Also; Fuel crisis deepens in Lagos as prices soar, scarcity bites harder

    His passionate dedication to the welfare of the most vulnerable and the neediest in society has seen him construct, and hand over 36 fully -furnished and fitted 2-bedroom bungalows under the Arise Compassionate Homes Initiative to the poorest and the most vulnerable so far, with 164 currently under construction.

    His deep commitment to supporting the most vulnerable has led to the construction and handover of 36 fully furnished 2-bedroom bungalows through the Arise Compassionate Homes Initiative, with another 164 units currently under construction.

    He also plans to deliver 200 units in his second year and 400 by the end of his first term.

    Additionally, 150 out of 236 units at the Grace Homes Estate will be allocated to civil servants from grades 1-8, free of charge, via a raffle draw.

    The Arise Elderly Care Initiative provides N50,000 monthly to 600 elders across the state’s 368 wards. Bursaries are being awarded to students in public tertiary institutions, grants are available for students with disabilities, and WAEC fees for all students are covered, contributing to a significant increase in the state’s pass rate.

    Governor Eno is also actively addressing food security by distributing staple items to the most vulnerable through the Bulk Purchase Agency and is appreciative of the palliatives provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Apart from the above humanitarian interventions, Governor Eno is also undertaking audacious capital projects such as the completion of road infrastructure inherited from previous administrations and the ongoing construction of numerous other road projects he has initiated throughout the state, the flood control tunnel on Atiku Abubakar Way which he started and was commissioned last May, the audacious Arise Park which is a miracle to behold given the fact that the location was previously a desolate and erosion- ravaged ravine, the plan to acquire two brand new CRJ-900 series Bombardier jets to expand the fleet and routes for Ibom Air, to be purchased outright; these add to the planned 19- Storey Ibom Towers in Lagos and the 3- Star Ibom Hotel in Abuja among others.

    Governor Eno is leveraging state resources to positively impact lives, demonstrated by his consistent payment of gratuities and expansion of infrastructure. Akwa Ibom is indeed rising and thriving.