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Tag: uyo

  • TCN upgrades transformers in Uyo, Calabar

    Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has energised and inaugurated into service, two new 132/33kV transformers.

    Two 60MVA transformers were inaugurated in Calabar, Cross River State and Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    The capacities of Calabar and Uyo 132/33kV substations prior to the inauguration were 180MVA and 120MVA. The two substations have been upgraded to 240MVA and 180MVA.

    The General Manager (Public Affairs), Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, said in a statement that the 60MVA transformer in Calabar was inaugurated by Head of the Service of the Federation Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita.

    She said the upgraded substation in Calabar would improve the quality of power supply to customers of Port Harcourt Distribution Company in Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, Odukpani, Bakassi, Ogoja, Ikom, Yakuur, Itighidi, Ugep, Obudu and their environs.

    Mbah said the 60MVA transformer in Uyo was inaugurated by Akwa Ibom State Governor Emmanuel Udom.

    “The upgraded substation is expected to improve electricity supply to customers in the following communities of Port Harcourt Distribution Company: Uyo, Oron, Ikot-Ekpene, Abak, Ethan, Airport and their environs,” she added.

  • Police kill suspected gang leader in Akwa Ibom

    The Police Command in Akwa Ibom has confirmed the killing of Isaac, alias `Stainless’, suspected to be the leader of a notorious gang, who have been terrorising residents of the state.

    The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, made the fact known when he briefed newsmen in Uyo on the security situation in Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo Local Government Areas (LGAs) on Thursday.

    Ogunjemilusi explained that Stainless was killed after an   exchange of fire between the gang and the police at 10.30p.m. on Tuesday.

    “A joint operation of security agencies in the state led to the death of Iso Akpafid on Jan. 15.

    “The peoples’ jubilation was, however, cut short by the emergence of a wicked and brutal self-crowned successor, who adopted the title of Stainless.

    “Stainless led other hoodlums on a revenge mission and unleashed terror on the area by killing, maiming, raping, kidnapping, issuing threat letters and burning houses indiscriminately.

    “Our efforts received a boost at about 22:30 hours of April 18, 2018, with the death of the current and most brutal gang leader, known as Stainless by his victims but whose real name is Isaac.

    “He died after serious exchange of gunfire, thus effectively bringing an end to his reign of terror and that of his lieutenants in Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun LGAs,” he said.

    Ogunjemilusi urged criminals to stay away from the state to avoid the consequences of their activities in the hands of security operatives.

    He also advised parents to monitor their children and wards, especially those in higher institutions, to prevent them from engaging in cult activities.

    Read Also: Police arrest 10 ‘cultists’, recover weapons

  • Uyo residents hail Emmanuel

    Uyo residents hail Emmanuel

    Residents of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, have praised Governor Udom Emmanuel for building roads in the metropolis to address flooding and ease movement of people and goods.

    The people expressed their appreciation  shortly after the Commissioner for Works  Ephraim Inyang-Eyen led his team of engineers and reporters to inspect road projects financed by the state in Uyo and Ibesikpo Asutan local government areas at the weekend.

    Linus Udoh, a resident of Afaha Ikot Obio Nkang Road, said the area had been neglected for over three decades and had since lost hope of getting attention despite its closeness to the city centre.

    Mercy Udosen, a civil servant, said  the road project would ease her movement through Udo Udoma Avenue to the state secretariat.

    The team inspected  Akpa Ube Crescent, off IBB Way, Aka Community School Road with spur to Aka Road, Atlantic FM Road, Ediye Street, Stallion Hotel Road, Udotung Ubo Lane, Ntiedo Udosen Street, Youth Avenue, All Grace School Road, Prof Offiong Street in Shelter Afrique Estate, 5.1km internal roads with Ewet Housing Extension and others.

    The commissioner said the over 45 roads completed and under construction in Uyo would be inaugurated by the governor in May to mark his third anniversary.

    “His Excellency, the governor is very passionate about opening up the state capital, tackling the challenges of flooding and providing alternative routes for the people. These new road projects are in addition to the old roads we had done in Uyo like the Information Drive and the Nsikak Eduok-Ibesikpo drainage project. In May, the governor shall inaugurate these road projects and continue to change the lives of Akwa Ibom people positively,” the commissioner added.

  • A’Ibom police nab 56 suspected kidnappers’ cultists within two weeks

    A’Ibom police nab 56 suspected kidnappers’ cultists within two weeks

    The Akwa Ibom Police Command has arrested no fewer than 56 suspected kidnappers and cultists within the last two weeks of its operations aimed at ridding the state of violent crimes.

    Parading the suspects yesterday at the state police headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, the State Police Commissioner (CP), Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi said the arrest of the suspects was part of his war against criminals in the state.

    CP Ogunjemilusi, who said some of suspects include armed robbers, cultists and kidnappers, disclosed that some of them have already been charged to court while others are still being investigated.

    He said seven locally made pistols and two cut-to-size guns with six cartridges recovered. Also two cut-to-size locally made pump action with four rounds of cartridges recovered.

    The Commissioner further said that two locally made single-barrel and two locally double barrel pistols with eleven cartridges have also been recovered.

    “Six vehicles including Toyota 4 runner jeep, Toyota Matrix, three Toyota Camry, Hyundai Kia, Highlander (2003) model and assorted items used by cultists have also been recovered”, he said.

    Ogunjemilusi said since assumption of office on January 3, 2018, he studied the security architecture of the state and reposition it for effective service delivery.

    He disclosed that the State Police Command has commenced a full implementation of community based policing in the state.

    This, he said, aimed at strengthening the confidence in the Police for a better working relationship with members of the public “in a more friendly and accountable manner”.

    With the number of suspected criminals arrested so far, the Police boss noted that “strategies put in place in ensuring that crime rates in the State are brought to the barest minimum are yielding results.

    He lauded the government and people of the State for the support to the Police and security agencies towards reducing crime to barest minimum.

  • Motorist kills masquerade in A’Ibom

    Motorist kills masquerade in A’Ibom

    Tragedy struck Thursday evening when an unknown motorist knocked down a masquerade along and-run along Nwaniba Road, by Use Offot, Uyo.

    The masquerade known as ‘ekpo’ in local parlance is reportedly died instantly while his lifeless body laid on the tarred road.

    The Nation gathered that the unidentified driver was on high speed making it difficult for him to avoid another vehicle when he suddenly hit the masquerade.

    A resident of the area, Ukpe Eno, said he would have been hit by the vehicle safe for the lift to the other side of the road.

    He said it was unfortunate that the masquerade was taken by surprise as he could not make such a lift owing to the mask on his face.

    “If not God, I too would have been a dead man by now. The vehicle was on terrific speed. The road is barely two lanes and cramping; and if you look at it well, it is not where somebody is supposed to drive at 60 kilometres per hour, but here you see people driving at 100 and 120kph.

    “I think it is high time government started marking roads in the state with appropriate speed limits,” he said.

    The remains of the masquerader, whose identity has yet to be ascertain, was found lying on Nwaniba Road, Uyo.

    However, the Commissioner for Communications and Strategy, Mr. Charles Udoh, expressed sadness over the incident.

    According to him, he had sent people to the place, where his corpse had been removed. He noted that they were still on the trail of the identity of the masquerader and his relatives.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Bala Elkana, said though he saw the masquerade lying on the ground through social media, the matter has not been formally reported

  • Arik Air resumes flights from Abuja to Calabar, Uyo

    Arik Air resumes flights from Abuja to Calabar, Uyo

    Arik Air on Tuesday announced that it was resuming flight operations on the Abuja-Calabar and Abuja-Uyo routes from December 15.

    Its Communications Manager, Mr Ola Adebanji, disclosed this in Lagos in a statement.

    Adebanji said the airline was increasing its capacity ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations to enable customers celebrate the season with their families and friends.

    He said: “The capacity increase which will boost our key domestic routes, especially in the South East and South-South zones, takes effect from December 15 to run through January 14, 2018.

    “The main highlights of the new schedule are the resumption of Abuja to Calabar and Abuja to Uyo routes which were suspended earlier in the year.

    Read also: Arik air resumes Abuja-Accra flights July 17, says CEO

    “Arik Air will be flying daily from Abuja to Uyo and five times a week from Abuja to Calabar.

    “Similarly, the airline has increased its frequencies between Lagos to Calabar, Lagos to Uyo, Lagos to Enugu, Lagos to Owerri, Abuja to Enugu to daily flights.

    “It will operate the Lagos to Asaba route five times weekly during the period.”

    According to him, customers that want to fly Arik Air on the Lagos-Port Harcourt route now have an early morning ( 7 a.m. ) departure from Port Harcourt and late evening ( 5 p.m. ) flight from Lagos.

    Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Roy Ilegbodu,  said the airline came up with the new schedules because of its love for its intending passengers.

    He said that Arik Air was aware that many Nigerians would like to seize the opportunity it offered to celebrate the Yuletide with their loved ones across the country.

    “As a caring airline, we have put measures in place to fly customers to their respective destinations during this festive season,” he said.

    NAN

  • Governors urge FG to increase allocation to states

    Governors urge FG to increase allocation to states

    The South-East and South-South Governors’ Forum on Monday called on the Federal Government to increase allocation to the states from the Federation Account.

    The governors made the call in a communiqué at the end of the forum’s meeting in Uyo.

    In the communiqué signed by its Chairman, Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, the forum expressed concern that in spite of increase in oil price and production level, revenue accruing to states had not reflected such realities.

    “The forum therefore urges the Federal Government to ensure improved revenue allocation to the states to reflect the current realities to enable the states meet the yearnings and expectations of their people.

    “The forum also proposed that the Federal Government should relinquish all federal roads to states, where such roads are located, facilitate legislation that would ease concession of the roads,” the communiqué said.

    The governors appealed to the Federal Government to intervene urgently to improve the current state of some critical infrastructure located in the South-South and South-East.

    According to the communiqué, the forum mentioned some of the infrastructural facilities to include airports in Calabar, Enugu, Imo and Port Harcourt as well as roads located in the zones.

    The forum expressed concern over alleged shoddy approach to infrastructural development by some intervention agencies of the Federal Government operating in the regions.

    It, therefore, appealed to the Federal Government to direct the agencies to liaise with state governments in the identification and execution of projects.

    It expressed belief that the approach would ensure that projects carried out by intervention agencies were in synergy with the developmental agenda of the states.

    The meeting was attended by Udom Emmanuel, Rochas Okorocha of Imo, Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu.

    Others were Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Ivara Esu and Dr Nkem Okeke, both Deputy Governors of Cross River and Anambra.

    NAN

  • REC advises INEC staff to earn public trust ahead of 2019 elections

    REC advises INEC staff to earn public trust ahead of 2019 elections

    Mr Mike Igini, the Resident Electoral Commissioner ( REC ) in Akwa Ibom, has advised staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) to work hard to earn public trust ahead of 2019 elections.

    Igini gave the advice in Uyo at the end of a tour of INEC local government offices in the state.

    The REC, who reported for duty in the state in September, noted it had been observed all over the country that the electorate do not trust INEC staff, adding that this situation was worrisome.

    “Before my posting to this state, the commission has been doing so much in the course of preparing for the 2019 elections.

    “I have now come to join all of you to help make that preparation. There is need for change or re-orientation of mindset of staff as it will no longer be business as usual.

    “No election can be credible where people believe that votes are sold and bought and election outcomes do not reflect the wishes of the people as expressed at the polling units.

    “INEC staff must earn public trust and confidence, as these are bedrock principles that underpin a credible electoral process.”

    Igini advised urged all staff members to create and sustain an environment of trust, openness and inclusiveness.

    “The perception of impartiality on the part of INEC staff lends credibility to the commission and the electoral process.”

    He said that his tour of the 31 local government area offices of INEC had helped to acquaint him with the staff and their working environment.

    The REC stressed that staff members were the most critical asset of the commission and emphasised the need for them to demonstrate competence, impartiality and neutrality in the elections.

    “I have toured the entire local government areas and today, Uyo, which is the state capital and the biggest with 175 polling units is the grand finale of the tour.

    “And having gone round the 31 local government areas, I have been impressed by what I have seen since Oct. 30 that the tour commenced.”

    He observed that though some areas had challenges in terms of physical infrastructure, the state was blessed with good road networks.

    Receiving the INEC Commissioner, the Uyo local government Electoral Officer, Mr Onyemaeze Mba, complained of poor facilities in the office and appealed for urgent repairs or replacement.

    Mba, who was represented by the assistant Electoral Officer, Mr Sebastian Etefia, explained that the office had no electricity for over eight years, following disconnection due to unpaid bills.

    The electoral officer further said that poor work environment had resulted in truancy as staff members had no desks to enable them to settle down and perform their duties responsibly.

    “The office has remained without electricity since 2009 when the Power Holding Company cut the light because of outstanding unpaid bills.

    “There are no furniture for staff to use and no borehole for water supply. The office has an uncompleted fence, the doors to the offices are all in a deplorable condition.

    “The office building needs a facelift. As INEC office in the state metropolitan town, it should ordinarily serve as an annex to the commission’s state Headquarters office,” the electoral 0fficer said.

    NAN

  • Niger Tornadoes receive N10m gift

    Niger Tornadoes receive N10m gift

    Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna on Thursday received N10 million gift from its sponsors, the Niger State Government, for coming second in the maiden AITEO Cup competition.

    The state Governor, Abubakar Bello, who made the announcement when he hosted the club at the Government House, said the team had done well in spite of the 3-2 penalties loss to Akwa United of Uyo on Oct. 15 in Lagos.

    “In every game, there is always a winner and a loser, to us here, you are the winners and you should know that you have moved the state football industry forward.

    “The strength of Niger Tornadoes is now known all over the world and we will continue to support you in areas that will move the club forward.

    “Niger Tornadoes is a brand name and all of you have turned out to be good ambassadors of the state,” Bello said.

    The governor advised the team to work hard so as to make serious impact in the West Africa Football Union Cup.

    To further encourage the team, the governor announced a raise in the monthly grant to the club from N7 million to N10 million, provision of a new bus and a pledge to tackle other challenges including modern facilities.

    According to him, the government is also making investments in other areas to develop potentials and encourage more youth to participate in sports.

    Bello said work on the Bako Kontagora Stadium would be completed in 2018, and the government had given approval for the development of a new football facility at Bahago roundabout, Minna.

    Earlier, Adamu Aliyu, Chairman, Niger Tornadoes FC, said the support they received from the government made it easier for the team  to excel.

    He told the governor that apart from coming second in the competition, the team supporters also emerged as the Best Supporters Club in Nigeria.

    NAN

  • Uyo:  Bright prospects for Nigerian football, great economic growth

    When the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium was inaugurated on November , 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan, he boldly stated in his remarks that warm evening where history unfolded to the world that the edifice will be home to future world champions.

    It was built and designed as a concept that will propagate sports development in Akwa Ibom State and with the state of the art facilities and a well structured maintenance programme, the sustained aesthetic content and maintenance culture, the first of its kind in the country on any edifice across the country has positioned Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State in becoming the new hub for football in Nigeria.

    Since the administration of Mr.Udom Emmanuel, Executive Governor, Akwa Ibom State started on May 29, 2015 the landmarks of the success story in making Uyo the new destination for football in Nigeria remains legendary with many milestones so far achieved in the state.

    Akwa United Football Club, the only well managed State Government Football team in the country at the moment  holds sway in Nigerian football today and proudly belongs to the elite league of teams to be reckoned with  having as early as 2016 hosted a CAF Confederations cup fixture in Uyo.

    The success story of Akwa United Football Club in the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League where the team finished fourth, the best ever since the formation of the team is a milestone. At the moment, the team has qualified for the final of the 2017, Aiteo Cup final with great prospects of winning the trophy for a second time on Sunday, October 15, 2017 at the Agege Stadium.

    Despite being a Government sponsored team, Akwa United has  been able to broker some sponsorship deals in the production of her jerseys, the first of its kind since the club’s inception, the structure of the club has been re-structured to ensure that the welfare of players are not backlogged with prompt payment of allowances and salaries and the stadium which has enhanced the play pattern of the team making them obviously the team of the future with their exciting football and strong technical content.

    On the national scene, Uyo has become the new fortress for the nation’s senior national football team, the Super Eagles who last weekend in this same city became the first African country to qualify for the World Cup next year in Russia with a game to spare.

    For the records, the Super Eagles, the road to Russia 2018 did not record any loss as the team won four matches and drew one to seal qualification for the mundial with very bright prospects with a young team expected to surpass Africa’s present record at the tournament.

    When Governor Udom Emmanuel accepted to host the Super Eagles matches in Uyo, in taking that very bold and visionary decision, he saw the long term benefits and opportunities that will abound on his state with the multiplier effects that will boost the economy of the people as well increase business content and enhance the social benefits of the life style of the people.

    Coming from a background in the private sector that has successfully transformed the economic growth of the state and the sports sector where Akwa United Football Club a State Government owned team has a re-defined administrative structure that has enhanced professionalism even in the midst of the recession, Governor Udom Emmanuel has laid the template to motivate small entrepreneurs to excel with given opportunities.

    The emerging status of Uyo as Nigeria’s football capital has boosted sports tourism in the state with the influx of visitors from across the country and even the international community to watch football matches, transact businesses and also expand new horizons of friendships with other nationals and the citizens.

    As a first timer coming into the state from the Ibom International Airport, every visitor is greeted with the serene green environment, the peaceful and conducive atmosphere of a city which has made Uyo the safest city in the Niger Delta Region and an investors delight and a very good road network well connected into the city to the closest hotels within minutes and the stadium.

    The state is also accessible by road from neighbouring states bordering it within minutes especially from the South South and south east regions.

    The hospitality sector in the state has continued to expand with the attendant influx of tourists to the state as hotels and other guest houses of repute have been filed up days before and even after such epic football clashes in Uyo. This has created more revenue for operators in the industry, added more employment opportunities and a platform for tourist and guests to have a firsthand feel of the renowned hospitality of the Akwa Ibom People including the widely acknowledged  taste of over 200 cuisines that abound in the state.

    The revenue base within these periods of activities in the state remains astronomical and has also increased the Gross Domestic Products of the state which remains a key indices of a growing economy.

    Uyo as the emerging football capital of Nigeria has also promoted new entrepreneurs who have taken advantage of the limitless business opportunities to become creative and promote items including souvenirs, the transportation sector including taxis from airports, hotels and other places, enhanced activities of other services of relaxation within the stadium premises and other spots in the city.

    The new template of infrastructural development in Uyo gives any visitor the mileage to explore a city offering prosperous foundations to excel and the benefits of the city being the new hub for Nigeria’s football Cathedral is enormous each day.

    The new advantage of this growing city to the sporting world is that new football academies are springing up daily, young talents are being discovered, motivated by the presence of the state of the art facilities and the opportunities given to watch their heroes excel is further positioning Akwa Ibom State as the home where future champions are made.

    The social benefits have seen an increased tempo in activities on the circuit with milestone turnovers in businesses that have prospered families even beyond any football activity. These opportunities have also given the people of the state a new platform of self belief in their daily pursuits to excel as driven and motivated by the Dakkada philosophy of a determination to achieve greatness, a concept propelled by Governor Udom Emmanuel.