AVIATION DEVT: Akparawa Iniobong Obot Lauds Gov. Umo Eno

 

…As Ibom Air Receives New Aircraft

The National Youth Coordinator of the Uyo Senatorial District People's Initiative (USPI), Akparawa (Elder) Iniobong Obot, has lauded Governor Umo Eno for his visionary leadership in advancing the aviation sector in Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Victor Attah International Airport during the reception and dedication ceremony for Ibom Air's newly acquired Airbus A220-300, Elder Obot eulogized the Governor's commitment to expanding the state's aviation infrastructure and positioning Ibom Air as a leading airline in Nigeria.

Obot, a financial professional who has garnered numerous awards in the banking and insurance industries, emphasized that the addition of this new aircraft to the fleet of Ibom Air is a significant milestone. He noted that it not only boosts the airline's capacity to meet the growing demand for its services but also underscores Governor Umo Eno's dedication to enhancing the economic development of Akwa Ibom through strategic investments in key sectors.

In the words of the Treasurer of the Uyo Federal Constituency chapter of the Ibom Consolidation Project (ICP): "By expanding Ibom Air's fleet, the Governor is not only creating more opportunities for connectivity and business but also reinforcing the position of our State as a hub of aviation excellence, not just in Nigeria, but across the entire African continent."

The recently installed Akparawa of MMI International, also commended the involvement of two Nigerian financial institutions in supporting the state's ambitions, pointing out that this collaboration is crucial for sustaining the airline's growth trajectory.

It will be recalled that just a few months ago, Pastor Umo Eno, along with key dignitaries including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah was present at the delivery event in Maastricht, Netherlands, where they officially received the new aircraft.

The new Airbus A220-300, which brings Ibom Air's fleet of A220s to 7, is expected to further enhance the airline's operational efficiency and service delivery. Its strategic expansion, according to the financial expert and politician, aligns favorably with Governor Eno's ARISE Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructural development and economic empowerment.

The Elder of the Apostolic Church of Nigeria, Ini Abasi Obot, used the occasion to urge Akwa Ibomites at home and in the diaspora to continue supporting the programs and projects of Governor Eno, stressing that the benefits of a robust aviation sector extend beyond transportation, impacting tourism, business, and the overall quality of life for the residents of the state.

LG Elections: Eunice Thomas doles Financial Support to 50 APC Candidates

…Urges them to Identify a Need in their Wards, LGA to Address when Elected

As the October 2024 Local Government elections in Akwa Ibom draw near, Dr. Eunice Thomas, has extended financial support to All Progressives Congress (APC) female candidates.

Eunice Thomas who sits as a Non-Executive Director on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) board, is a former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

The support, aimed at facilitating the candidates’ participation in the elections, covers the cost of nomination forms required by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC).

During a meeting held in Uyo on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Dr. Thomas disclosed that she was throwing her weight behind APC female Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates across the State, to help offset the nomination fees.

According to the AKISIEC directive, female Chairmanship candidates are to pay N250,000, while Councillorship candidates must pay N125,000.

Dr. Thomas’s intervention specifically targeted all candidates from Ibeno Local Government Area, her hometown, and other APC female candidates across the state.

Speaking to the candidates, Dr. Thomas stressed her commitment to empowering women in politics and fostering their financial independence.

She noted that women should play more active roles in governance and politics and encouraged the candidates to identify key needs within their communities that they can address when elected.

“I came here today to appreciate your courage in contesting for office. I am here to campaign for you, strengthen you, and stand by you. With the support I’ve offered, you will have the funds to cover your AKISIEC fees. I urge you to connect with your communities and make a real impact when elected,” she stated.

She also applauded the women for stepping forward to contest and urged them to pray for the success of the APC in the State, as well as for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other party leaders.

Dr. Thomas advised the candidates not to be intimidated by the ruling party in the State but to work hard in mobilizing grassroots support for the APC, adding that the era of expecting political miracles is over and that success now depends on direct engagement and convincing outreach to voters.

While expressing confidence in the Tinubu government’s ability to alleviate economic challenges through people-centered policies, she highlight the potential benefits of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project for Akwa Ibom communities.

APC State Chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, represented by his Deputy, Dr. David Umoessien, also addressed the gathering, urging party members to redouble their efforts ahead of the elections.

He noted that the APC’s current successes, including Akpabio’s emergence as Senate President and Dr. Thomas’s appointment to the NNPC board, were a result of strategic political alliances led by President Tinubu.

He further encouraged both male and female candidates to go into their communities and vigorously campaign for the party, ensuring that the APC remains a significant force in the State.

He warned that this election season would be different, with no party enjoying guaranteed dominance, and emphasized the need for focused local-level engagement.

Responding, some beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Thomas for her timely assistance.

They acknowledged that the support had come when they least expected it and expressed optimism that it would significantly enhance their chances in the elections.

The highlight of the meeting was the official presentation of financial support to all the candidates, who numbered over 50.

The meeting was attended by key APC figures, including the State Publicity Secretary, Barr. OtoAbasi Udo, Hon. Clement Awakessien, Mr. Samuel Thomas (Dr. Eunice’s husband), as well as other party executives and leaders.

Nationwide Protest: HON. CLEMENT JIMBO URGES NIGERIANS TO TRUST IN PRESIDENT TINUBU

 

...Assures A Season Of Abundance Ahead

Amidst the ongoing nationwide protests, the member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Clement Jimbo, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and trust in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's ability to deliver on his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking during a live broadcast on Channels TV's flagship programme, Sunrise Daily, on Friday morning, Jimbo, one of the youngest lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly, reassured Nigerians that the current economic turbulence, exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies, would soon be resolved through the strategic measures the President has initiated.

Commenting on the current protests, he noted, “The #EndSARS protest for instance, had a specific focus on police brutality and achieved its purpose. However, the #EndBadGovernance protest is more open-ended, making it challenging to address directly.”

While acknowledging that protests serve as a wake-up call for those in governance, signaling that all is not well, "the Youth Slot," as he is fondly called by his supporters and netizens, emphasized that the Tinubu administration is taking significant steps to address the concerns raised by the protesters.

Drawing an analogy, the 41-year-old lawmaker stated: "I look at the current scenario like a man who got married, and for whatever reason, his wife passed away, they divorced, or they separated. But before that happened, they had children, and the man had to bring in another wife. The new person coming into the house will obviously need to understand how the household operates; how the children are, and how things have been done. It's the same thing with government.”

The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on National Planning and Economic Development observed that this was the first administration in Nigeria's history operating without a fuel subsidy. He urged Nigerians to give President Tinubu the time needed to roll out his people-centric policies, assuring that they would lead the nation to prosperity.

Responding to a question, Hon. Jimbo argued that no policy in President Tinubu's 'Renewed Hope' Agenda could be labeled as "bad governance."

He pointed out that the budget inherited by the President, as passed by the National Assembly, did not include provisions for fuel subsidies, observing that it left the President with no choice but to act decisively upon taking office.

There are reports that the fuel subsidy primarily benefited a select few; however, the graduate of Quantity Survey hinted that the country was borrowing money to pay for the subsidies, comparing it to a father who borrows heavily to give his children a luxurious lifestyle without them knowing about the mounting debt, referring to it as a ticking time bomb.

Meanwhile, Hon. Jimbo has stated that Nigeria is on the brink of a season of abundance. He cited the President's massive investments in agriculture and other sectors, revealing that an agreement has been signed to produce over 10,000 tractors for mechanized farming across the country. He assured that these efforts would soon yield ample food and other essential items for all Nigerians.

As the nation navigates these challenging times, the Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Lawmaker urged citizens to be patient, remain patriotic, and continue to love one another, stressing that the Renewed Hope of President Bola Tinubu will soon lead to economic stability and growth.

Make Unity, Development Your Watchword - Oku Ibom Ibibio Urges Akwa Ibomites In Diaspora

....Seeks All Hands On Deck To Develop Akwa Ibom

The Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, JP, CFR has enjoined Akwa Ibomites to make unity and development their watchword wherever they may reside in Nigeria or abroad. 

Ntenyin Etuk gave the charge when the leadership  of Akwa Ibom Community in Adamawa and Taraba States of North Eastern Nigeria, paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Ikot Ukobo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

The Akwa Ibom supreme monarch, while appreciating the leadership and members of the delegation for the visit, emphasized that indigenes of the state must be conscious of their bond of togetherness by loving one another and being interested in the welfare and development of one another, their state of origin and the nation at large. 

He also urged them to cultivate friendship across boarders and utilize such to grow strong inter-state agricultural economy at home to boost food production. 

Of a particular note, Ntenyin Etuk also commended them for their steadfastness and determination to uphold Akwa Ibom's identity as ambassadors in the diaspora.

He reiterated that as the chief custodian of the culture and tradition of the people and the conscience of the people, he is always so concerned about the promotion of the unity and well-being of Akwa Ibom State and the people at home and in the diaspora. 

Oku Ibom Ibibio urged the delegation to support the administration of Governor Umo Eno, who has demonstrated immense commitment, through the ARISE Agenda, to develop the State as well as enhance the living standard of the people in the all areas.

"I wish to let you know that I appreciate your visit and solidarity. It is my charge to all Akwa Ibom indigenes, wherever you are to be united, love one another, be interested in your welfare and development as well as the progress of Akwa Ibom State and the country at large. 

"In my sacred position, I stand for all Akwa Ibomites, irrespective of ethnic backgrounds, religion or political affiliation. Together with all the traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom, we work to ensure the well-being of the citizens by promoting peaceful coexistence, stability and harmony in the polity. 

"I thank God specially for a day like this, and also the leaders and members of the Akwa Ibom community in Adamawa and Taraba States, and their entourage. For this initiative of building a united Akwa Ibom front in the northern part of the country, you have our goodwill. We will join hands with you to promote the unity of our state out there,".

"I want to categorically state that Akwa Ibom is one and shall remain so, by so doing, we should love one another, care for one another and live together as one, " he stated emphatically. 

Speaking earlier, the President of Akwa Ibom community in Adamawa and Taraba States, Chief Sunday Philip Okon and the Clan Head of Oku in Uyo L.G.A, His Highness, Etebom (Dr.) Enefiok Okon, who accompanied them, lauded Oku Ibom Ibibio for granting them the audience and for his fatherly reception.

They praised the revered monarch for his laudable leadership of Ifim Ibom Ibibio and the state's apex traditional stool, the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, describing the patriarch as-sent to the people and the state.

In another development, the National Association of Akwa Ibom, USA, NAAKIBOM, has lauded the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, JP, CFR, for his pragmatic leadership and commitment in steering the traditional institution for the development of Akwa Ibom State. 

The national president of NAAKIBOM, Mr Eyaema Anamndu, expressed the commendation when he led members of the association from USA to pay homage on the Akwa Ibom Supreme royal father at his Palace in Nsit Ubium LGA on Thursday, August 1, 2024. 

He said the association, which came to birth four years ago, has positive interest in contributing to the development of Akwa Ibom in many areas, particularly healthcare and education, disclosing that the association has been offering grants to students across the 31 local government areas of the state. 

"We were formed four years ago with the aim to help cultivate in our members love and interest in what goes on at home so as not to cut off completely with their roots. Areas of our investment in Akwa Ibom include healthcare programs and education. We offer medicare to people and grants to beneficiaries in the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom. 

"We are proud to have a partner in Oku Ibom Ibibio, as we have seen in him quality leadership in mobilizing our chiefs for development. Our association's home visit is further motivated by Governor Umo Eno's ARISE Agenda. We are happy for the pace of progress the governor is recording in the state," the president stated. 

In his response, the Oku Ibom Ibibio, Ntenyin Etuk commended the president and members of the association for their lofty objectives towards their roots - Akwa Ibom, emphazing that there is no place like home.

"I am happy that you have positive thoughts about home when you are still young and vibrant. It is not good to think about home only when one is old and incapable of being useful or being brought home at death. By coming home to contribute towards the progress of your state as members of NAAKIBOM, you done well, " he added... 

The monarch assured them that he will readily collaborate with the association in their healthcare and education programs and urged them not to relent in their efforts.

Protest: G4 Applauds Akwa Ibom People Over Peaceful Conduct

 

• Says When the Righteous Are in Power, the People Rejoice

• Calls for Continued Support for Gov. Umo Eno

A former ExxonMobil senior staff member, seasoned entrepreneur, and PDP chairmanship aspirant for the 2024 local government elections in Ibesikpo Asutan; Obong Nsikak Oku, has commended the people of Akwa Ibom for their peaceful disposition amid the nationwide protests.

Our reporter observed that on the first day of the protests, Akwa Ibomites and residents conducted their civic and economic activities with usual orderliness, without any security incidents in any part of the state.

In contrast, states such as Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT, Niger, and Jigawa experienced significant unrest, resulting in the alleged loss of 19 lives and destruction of properties worth hundreds of millions of naira.

Speaking with journalists and bloggers in Uyo, Oku, famously known as G4, emphasized that the peaceful situation in Akwa Ibom aligns with the Biblical statement, When the righteous are in power, the people rejoice. He observed that this development reinforces the reputation of Akwa Ibom as the most peaceful state in Nigeria.

Obong Oku emphatically thanked the residents for heeding Governor Umo Eno's pleas to remain peaceful and avoid violence. He specifically appreciated the students, youths, women, artisans, public servants, traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour leaders, and civil society organizations for their invaluable roles in maintaining peace.

G4 noted that the situation could have been different without the proactive measures put in place by the Governor to improve the lives of Akwa Ibomites. Oku praised Pastor Umo Eno for his numerous programmes and projects, including support for retirees and civil servants, the construction of ARISE homes for the poorest citizens, financial support for entrepreneurs through IbomLED, and investments in education, health, infrastructure, security, and agriculture.

While thanking the people for their peaceful conduct, Obong Nsikak Oku solicited continued support for the governor and his administration to ensure the ongoing progress in Akwa Ibom. 

CSO Applauds Akwa Ibom Governor for Effective Distribution of Palliatives

 

 

The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), a prominent civil rights organization in Nigeria, has commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for the fair distribution of palliatives throughout the state to mitigate the economic impact of the fuel subsidy withdrawal.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, by its Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, and Secretary, Barr. Christopher Ekpo, CHRAN expressed satisfaction with the distribution of palliative rice and garri provided by the Federal Government of Nigeria and supplemented by the Akwa Ibom State Government.

CHRAN highlighted that two weeks prior, the state had received 24,000 bags of 25-kilogram rice from the Federal Government, which the state government matched with an additional 24,000 bags, totaling 48,000 bags of rice.

The organization confirmed that these palliatives were distributed to 2,282 gazetted villages in Akwa Ibom State, with each village receiving 20 bags of rice and 2 bags of garri. The Transition Committee Chairmen of the 31 Local Government Councils oversaw the delivery and distribution of the palliatives to the villages within their jurisdictions.

CHRAN noted that the distribution process, which began on Friday, July 26, 2024, in Uyo Federal Constituency and concluded on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Oron Federal Constituency, was closely monitored by CHRAN and security agencies. 

The exercise was coordinated by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Offor, and proceeded without issues. CHRAN added that persons with disabilities, security agencies, non-indigenes, and various other groups also received the palliative items.