Aniekan Bassey: SERVING UYO SENATORIAL DISTRICT A TRUE ‘ATAMA’ REPRESENTATION

By Henshaw NYONG.

Last Saturday, my wife asked what she should prepare for the family. We had exhausted the usual options. I mentioned Afang or Atama. Within seconds, she was already reading out untold health benefits of Atama soup, starting from the richness of the palm fruit, the potency of the leaves, and everything that makes it stand out.

At that same moment, I was reading a news report on the endorsement of Senator Aniekan Bassey, Ph.D by the Uyo is Ripe organisation. As she reeled out those benefits, something clicked, I said to myself, so, my Senator is giving us an Atama representation in Uyo Senatorial District. Allow me explain.

Aniekan Bassey arrived in the 10th Senate after serving as Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. For many of us who followed his trajectory, his emergence at the National Assembly came with clear expectations. With his impressive record at the state level, it was easy to project that he would stand out. 

Two and a half years down the line, that expectation has not only come true, it has gone far beyond what people imagined. And, his scorecard, much like the benefits of Atama soup, is rich and thick.

On his primary duty, which is LAWMAKING, the Uruan-born politician has sponsored more than eight bills. These include the Price Control Amendment Bill, a bill seeking the establishment of a National Centre for Renewable Energy Research in Uruan, and another aimed at establishing a Federal College of Fishery and Aquatic Studies within the district. He has also moved over six key motions, including interventions on the Calabar–Itu–Ikot Ekpene Road and the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity around Efiat.

However, we understand some people in this part of the world. Dem no wan hear those bills and motions talk. What they want to see is direct impact.

On that note, here we go; In education, Senator Bassey has delivered modern school equipment and ICT centres valued at ₦222 million across 11 schools, cutting across all local government areas in the district, from Salvation Army Primary School in Etinan to Migrant Secondary School in Nsit Atai. Over 4,000 students have had their UTME registration fees paid between 2024 and 2026. More than 100 students are currently on scholarship under the RHABYESS Foundation. Some youths have even travelled to China on fully funded capacity-building programmes. In addition, classroom blocks of three units each are under construction across the district, with work already ongoing at Methodist College, Afaha Atai.

In healthcare, interventions have been equally direct. Free medical and surgical outreaches have been conducted in five major hospitals, including Methodist General Hospital Ituk Mbang, General Hospital Etinan, and St. Theresa Hospital Use-Abat. Essential drugs and consumables have been supplied to 24 health centres across the district. Twenty-four, not a hear say, but a verifiable spread across communities.

On empowerment, take a look; over 12 vehicles have been given to constituents. ₦50 million was disbursed to 110 agro-business beneficiaries. ₦100 million went to 500 youths trained in leadership and policy. ₦50 million supported 500 women and youths in agro-processing. ₦80 million was released to 200 petty traders. ₦200 million worth of fertilizers was distributed to over 500 farmers and 16 cooperatives.

Another ₦200 million went into oil palm development, alongside seedlings. ₦50 million was disbursed to 250 youths trained under the Supernumerary Police scheme. By any fair assessment, that is over 2,500 direct financial beneficiaries, excluding scholarships, UTME support, and other interventions.

Employment facilitation has also cut across key institutions, including the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Army, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, National Hospital Abuja, Nigerian Television Authority, Nigerian Quarantine Service, Border Communities Development Agency, and the National Assembly Commission, among others.

Infrastructure is not left out. Over Thirty-one communities now benefit from solar street lighting. Solar-powered boreholes have been installed in several communities across the District. Many road projects he facilitated are either completed or ongoing, including the 17km Nung Udoe–Adadia Road under the World Bank and African Development Bank-supported RAAMP initiative, alongside other key link roads across the Senatorial district.

So, just like you would hear good testimonies after tasting a deliciously rich Atama soup, the people of Uyo Senatorial District are not shutting their mouths.

Across the nine LGAs, the response has been massive. One of the clearest examples came a few days ago during the inauguration of Uyo is Ripe, a socio-political movement coordinated by a media professional, Elder Ndanti Ekuh, who, like over 100 other groups in the district, has unanimously endorsed this good chef for another sumptuous meal.

And anyone who has ever tasted Atama knows this truth, the soup, though delicious, hardly thickens on the first day. Atama becomes far more delicious when you give it more time. That is when the ingredients fully settle and the flavour deepens. What was already delicious becomes difficult to walk away from.

That is exactly the sentiment from Uyo to Ibesikpo Asutan, Uruan, Itu, Ibiono Ibom, Nsit Ibom, Nsit Ubium, Nsit Atai, and Etinan. The people want the effective representation of Senator Bassey to continue. Let the gains consolidate. Let the representation mature fully.

Now, with Governor Umo Eno driving unprecedented development in the state through the ARISE Agenda, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pushing national reforms, and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio providing strategic leadership at the centre, Senator Aniekan Bassey, Ph.D, already fits into a structure that is working.

Therefore, we unanimously say: this Atama is deliciously rich on the first day. Please, let us leave it in the pot to give us the RANKING taste.

Oku Ibom Ibibio Tasks Governing Council Of AKSU To Sustain the Pace of Taking the Varsity to Greater Heights

... Commends Gov. Eno's Interest In the growth and development of the University

Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Etuk, CFR, has charged members of the newly inaugurated Governing Council of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) to work assiduously in taking the varsity to greater heights of academic excellence and societal development.

Ntenyin Etuk, who is the Chancellor of AKSU, stated this when he hosted members of the 4th Governing Council, led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Distinguished Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, CON and the University's management team led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Otoabasi E. Akpan to a luncheon in his palace recently. 

His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR

The Chancellor noted that their recent appointments by the State government was an expression of faith in their "capacities to serve the interests of the university effectively, and to take the university to greater heights."

Describing their appointments as "a call to responsibility", he said members of the governing council have to rise to the occasion to meet expectations, adding, "We have to foster a cohesive team environment to drive the university's growth through quality leadership, innovation and adaptability, and to ensure accountability and transparency in all that we do."

"We must collaborate with stakeholders to actualise the vision and mission of the institution. We must also build on the university's strengths and address challenges proactively, ensuring that Akwa Ibom State University becomes a hub for academic excellence and societal development."

The Supreme monarch reiterated his profound gratitude to the Visitor to the University, the State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, for his kindness in reappointing him as the Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University. 

He also congratulated the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, CON, on his well-deserved reappointment, and Professor Otoabasi E. Akpan on his appointment as the substantive Vice Chancellor. In the same vein, he rejoiced with all members of the Governing Council on their appointments. 

Ntenyin Etuk used the occasion to "acknowledge and commend the efforts of the Visitor to the University, Governor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, in supporting the university's growth, achievements and general development."

He also called on donor agencies, development partners, well-meaning individuals, socio-cultural groups, the institution's alumni and indigenes of Akwa Ibom State, both at home and in the Diaspora, to contribute to the growth of AKSU. 

"On our part, we are ever ready to effectively utilise investments made to ensure that AKSU is truly a citadel of knowledge," he added. 

His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Etuk in a group photograph with a cross section of members of the Governing council of AKSU in his Palace.

Earlier in his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, CON, noted that the Chancellor's interest, presence and commitment to the growth and development of AKSU continue to serve as a powerful source of inspiration to us all. 

"Beyond the ceremonial significance of your exalted office, you have consistently shown a genuine interest in the progress, stability, and global positioning of the institution. 

"As the Chairman of the immediate past Governing Council (the Third Governing Council), I can personally attest to the strong support you have always shown to the University. 

"We look forward to continuing to enjoy this support as we, the members of this Fourth Council, assume our responsibilities at this critical stage in the University's evolution," Sen. Udoma added. 

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Otoabasi E. Akpan, said his management team was poised to build a formidable university in line with the mission and vision of its establishment. 

Prof. Akpan expressed happiness with the quality of members of the Governing Council and assured that together with the management team, the university will attain greater heights. 

In the delegation were Commissioner for Education, Akwa Ibom State, Prof. Ubong Essien Umoh; Dr Enefiok Edem - Member, Governing Council; Lady (Dr) Barr. Stella Udoh - Member, Governing Council; Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem - Member, Governing Council; Sury. Mfoniso Essien - Member, Governing Council; Prof. Iniobong Umotong DVC (Academic); Prof. Nkanikpo Ibok Ibok DVC (Admin); Dr Jacob Eseneyen - Bursar; Prof. Nse Akwang - University Librarian. 

Others included Dr Ema S. Inyang- Congregation Representative; Engr. Uwakmfon Michael - Alumni President and Convocation Representative; Dr Aniebiet Etuk - Senate representative; Dr Ekaette G. Edelduok - Congregation Representative; Prof. Sunday M. Sam - Senate Representative and Mrs Immaculata C.  Effiong - Representative of the Registrar.

Int'l Flights, Deep Seaport push: Gov Eno Positioning A’Ibom For Major Economic Expansion - Former Etim Ekpo Chairman Obongemem Imeh Afia

 

•••“This is the kind of leadership that deserves support”

Former Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government, Rt. Hon. (Obongemem) Imeh Paul Afia, has said Akwa Ibom is on the threshold of a major economic leap, citing the imminent takeoff of international flights at the Victor Attah International Airport and ongoing efforts to attract investors to the Ibom Deep Seaport project.

Afia spoke Friday at the Victor Attah International Airport while exchanging views with newsmen shortly after Governor Umo Eno returned from an official trip to the United Kingdom, where the State Chief Executive joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in engagements aimed at drawing investment interest into key projects in the state.

According to Afia, the convergence of aviation expansion and seaport development by Governor Eno signals a deliberate and well-coordinated economic strategy by the present administration.

His words: “With the airport going international soon and efforts to bring in investors for the deep seaport, Akwa Ibom is being positioned for serious economic expansion. This is the kind of leadership that deserves support."

He noted that the planned commencement of international flight operations would open up the state to global traffic, ease the movement of investors and goods, and significantly boost tourism, commerce and service industries.

Obongemem Afia added that the development would have a direct impact on the state’s Gross Domestic Product, increase internally generated revenue and stimulate job creation across multiple sectors.

“The moment you activate international routes, you change the economic equation. You attract business, you expand hospitality, you deepen trade and you create new value chains. That is what is about to happen here,” he stated.

The former Etim Ekpo council boss commended Governor Eno for what he described as a clear economic vision, stressing that the ongoing transformation of the airport into a full international hub is not just about infrastructure, but about long-term value creation.

He said the Governor’s move to complement the airport with renewed push for the Ibom Deep Seaport places Akwa Ibom in a strategic position within the Country and across the Gulf of Guinea corridor.

According to him, no state in the South South currently combines both an emerging international aviation hub and a deep seaport vision at this scale, noting that such alignment would naturally attract foreign direct investment.

Afia further observed that Governor Eno’s engagement with international partners with President Tinubu signals seriousness of purpose, adding that investors are more inclined to commit where leadership demonstrates clarity and consistency.

He urged stakeholders and residents of the state to rally support for the administration, maintaining that continuity of such policies would consolidate the gains already recorded.

The former council boss used the opportunity to commend the entire leaders of Etim Ekpo, for rallying the people in unity and strengthening grassroots mobilisation in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno.

Birthday: Uyo Lawmaker CAPO Gifts Loyal Supporter New Car, Business Support to others

••• Rallies Support for Tinubu, Akpabio, Gov Eno

It was a different kind of celebration in Uyo on Wednesday as the member representing Uyo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon Uwemedimo Asuquo, turned his birthday into a moment of appreciation by gifting a new Toyota car to a long standing supporter. 

The beneficiary, Comrade Daniel Dominic Okon from Eniong Offot Village in Offot Clan, is said to have stood firmly with the lawmaker for over eight years, mobilising support for the party and its leaders across Uyo Local Government Area.

In the same vein, Mr Sabbath Inyang Udoh and Mr Anthony Charles Akpan received Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira each as Business Support.

Presenting the car keys and documents at their residence, on behalf of the lawmaker, his wife, Mrs Idongesit Uwemedimo, described Comrade Okon as a loyal and committed supporter who is very brilliant and has remained consistent, committed, faithful and honest in promoting the political ideals of her husband and the ruling party, APC.

She noted that Okon, a student of Guidance and Counselling at the University of Uyo, has also played a key role in rallying support among students for Governor Umo Eno and the All Progressives Congress, adding that his dedication deserved recognition.

Mrs Uwemedimo noted that her husband had, over time, extended similar support to other constituents who have since turned such gestures into means of livelihood, using the vehicles for commercial purposes to sustain their families, and assured that the lawmaker will continue to reward loyalty and dedication to the APC and the leadership of Uyo under Prince Enobong Uwah, stressing that the mandate entrusted to him will always be matched with tangible and people oriented impact.

Earlier, Hon Asuquo, popularly known as Capo, thanked the people of Uyo for turning out in large numbers to celebrate with him, commending their steady support for the leadership of the State capital under Prince Enobong Uwah.

He used the occasion to highlight achievements of the APC-led government and called for sustained support for the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, as well as Governor Umo Eno.

The lawmaker urged his constituents to remain united and committed, noting that continued support would attract more development to the state.

In their separate remarks, leaders from across the clans in Uyo Local Government Area praised the lawmaker’s performance in lawmaking, representation and oversight, saying he has raised the standard of representation in the constituency.

They declared their support for the second term ambitions of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno and Hon Uwemedimo Asuquo, while also backing the return of Senate President Akpabio.

The event ended on a celebratory note as friends, associates and supporters offered prayers for the lawmaker, Uyo and State leadership and joined in marking the occasion.

Ifim Ibom Ibibio Advisory Council Hails Gov Eno On Appointment of Chancellor and Vice Chancellor For AKSU

 

The Ifim Ibom Ibibio Advisory Council has hailed Governor Umo Bassey Eno for the reappointment of His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, JP, CFR, the President General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, and Oku Ibom Ibibio, as the Pro-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU).

The Advisory Council, composed of critical elders and leaders of major socio-cultural bodies in Ibibioland, also commended the governor for appointing Professor Otoabasi Akpan as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University. 

The body, in a congratulatory message signed by Dr Asikpo Essienibok, Chairman, Ifim Ibom Ibibio Advisory Council, while thanking Pastor Umo Eno for his wise decision, said emphatically that "the caps fit the heads" so chosen for the appointments. 

The Council congratulated Oku Ibom Ibibio on his reappointment, stressing that the impact of his outstanding leadership and services to the university, the traditional institution and society in general has been well felt. 

The Advisory Council further wished Professor Otoabasi Akpan an impactful tenure as Vice Chancellor of the state-owned university.

The congratulatory message read:  IFIM IBOM IBIBIO ADVISORY COUNCIL, made up of the critical Elders of Ibibio nationality of Akwa Ibom State and the core leaders of the following known socio-cultural organisations: Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, Ibibio Elders Forum (Adaha Ibibio), Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Ekid Peoples Union, Afid Iwaad Ekid, Ibibio National Union, Mboho Ndito Nsit, Mboho Ndito Ikono/Ini, and Ibibio Academic Roundtable wants to recognise, commend, thank and congratulate our thoughtful Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, for reappointing Oku Ibom Ibibio as the Pro-Chancellor and Professor Otoabasi Akpan as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University. 

"Thank you, our Governor, the caps fit the heads you wear them."

USPI Takes Blessing Ossom to the Cleaners Over Deceptive Facebook Video

 UYO SENATORIAL DISTRICT PEOPLES' INITIATIVE (YOUTH WING) USPI

PRESS RELEASE

Enough of your Fabricated Ranting: Blessing Ossom Must Stop Exploiting Akwa Ibom Leaders for Desperate Self-Promotion

The attention of the Uyo Senatorial District Peoples' Initiative (Youth Wing) has been drawn to a recent Facebook live video by one Blessing Ossom from Nsit Atai, wherein she made reckless and unsubstantiated claims against the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah.

Ordinarily, we would have ignored what clearly amounts to social media ranting. However, when an individual begins to drag the name of a dedicated public servant into imaginary conversations in a bid to whip up sentiment and manufacture crisis where none exists, silence becomes irresponsible.

We state clearly as follows:

1. The claims attributed to Prince Enobong Uwah regarding alterations to party structure, reduction of names, or manipulation of APC leadership in Uyo Federal Constituency are entirely fictitious. No such conversation, directive, or instruction exists to our knowledge.

2. It is mischievous and dangerous to randomly mention the Governor and the SSG in a manner calculated to suggest division within the APC or a breakdown of trust between the Governor and the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio. Such insinuations are false and deliberately provocative.

3. Prince Enobong Uwah remains focused on his statutory responsibilities, which is, translating the Governor’s ARISE Agenda into practical results for the people of Akwa Ibom State. 

4. He is not involved in petty factional politics nor in the sponsorship of disunity within any federal constituency.

5. The attempt to paint the SSG as selfish, divisive, or disloyal is a tired and desperate strategy. It is unfortunate that personal ambition or the quest for political relevance would drive anyone to deploy blackmail and psychological manipulation as tools. We caution Blessing Ossom to immediately desist from this pattern of conduct. Manufacturing imaginary conversations and invoking the names of respected leaders to create controversy is not activism; it is satanic behaviour.

6. Akwa Ibom State has moved beyond the era of bitterness and unnecessary political drama. The Governor, members of his cabinet and stakeholders are working in synergy with His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D and Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, to strengthen the party and ensure the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while consolidating gains that position Senator Akpabio favourably for remain his position as the President of the Senate.

7. The peace and unity currently enjoyed within the party and across the 31 LGAs must not be undermined by attention-seeking theatrics. If Blessing Ossom has any grievance, there are established party channels to address concerns. Social media sensationalism is not one of them.

8. We therefore advise her, in her own interest, to stop dragging the name of Prince Enobong Uwah or any other leader into ill-conceived narratives. Prince Uwah should be allowed to concentrate on delivering on the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno without distraction.

9. Any further attempt to blackmail or malign any dedicated public servant in pursuit of personal relevance will not be condoned. Those engaging in such conduct are advised to desist immediately in the interest of peace, unity, and responsible political engagement.

e-Signed:

Comrade Henshaw Nyong

Publicity Secretary

Uyo Senatorial District Peoples Initiative (Youth Wing)

February 23, 2026.

Avoid Being Used as Instruments of Political Distraction, Youth Leader Advises Etim Ekpo Youths

••• Says Enoidem Too Refined for Brick-Throwing, Assures of SAN’s Renewed Vigour for Tinubu, Akpabio, Gov Eno

Former State Youth Leader II of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akwa Ibom State chapter, Comrade Usenmfon Uduak Ibanga, has advised youths in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area to resist attempts to drag them into political distractions by individuals who do not mean well for the area, insisting that political relevance is built on genuine achievements, not media noise.

Ibanga, now a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), gave the advice during an enlarged meeting of Etim Ekpo youths. He said the gathering became necessary to remind young people that, as leaders of tomorrow, they must shun acts capable of portraying them as insolent and instead channel their strength and energy toward meaningful developmental pursuits.

He cautioned that allowing youths to be used for divisive political ends could undermine the unity Governor Umo Eno has fostered across the state, as well as weaken the collective resolve to stand firmly in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.

Speaking on recent narratives questioning the political relevance of Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, Ibanga described the former Senior Law Lecturer as too seasoned and refined to engage in political brick-throwing.

According to the former Chapter Secretary of the Akwa Ibom Youth Caucus and former Dakkada Ambassador, leadership credibility cannot be reduced to social media ranting or sponsored publications, but must be anchored on verifiable service, established structure, and long-standing contributions to society.

The former State Auditor II and member, Caretaker Committee of the PDP, Akwa Ibom State chapter, further described the Senior Advocate of Nigeria as a refined statesman whose pedigree in law, governance, and party administration places him above partisan mudslinging.

Tracing Enoidem’s public service record, Ibanga noted that the legal luminary first served as Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government at a relatively young age, later became State Treasurer of the PDP, Commissioner in key ministries, and subsequently National Legal Adviser of the party, where he handled critical legal matters across the country.

He added that Enoidem’s elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) further attests to his professional depth and intellectual standing.

Beyond public office, Ibanga highlighted what he described as Enoidem’s enduring grassroots footprint, including the construction of a world-class hospital with state-of-the-art facilities serving multiple local government areas, provision of scholarships to both indigenous and non-indigenous students across the state, sustained support for youths who now occupy prominent positions in politics, law, and other fields, as well as empowerment initiatives for entrepreneurs, including vehicle donations. He noted that such empowerment efforts continue to date and argued that a leader with such a track record deserves respect.

On the SAN’s recent political alignment, Ibanga said the decision was driven by enlightened state interest and the need for unity rather than personal ambition.

He assured that Enoidem remains undistracted and committed to mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno, stressing that the current political climate calls for consolidation, not division.

“It is unfortunate that some individuals with little to show in terms of tangible achievements are attempting to disrupt the peace established by His Excellency the Governor and the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio,” Ibanga said. “As youths, we must resist any attempt, regardless of who is involved, to use us to insult, demean, or attack respected elders. This is not the time to fuel political tension. It is a time for unity, stability, and strategic support for leaders driving development at both the state and national levels.”

He therefore, urged youths in Etim Ekpo to remain focused, refuse manipulation by detractors, and align themselves with mature and responsible political engagement in the interest of the area and the state at large.