SSDC: Ikono-Born Philanthropist, Dr. Abasiono Okon Eulogizes President Tinubu, Sen. Akpabio

 

••• Makes Case for Akwa Ibom as Commission’s Headquarters

Philanthropist, politician, and Managing Director/CEO of Abaringo Nigeria Limited, Dr. Abasiono Okon, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing into law the bill establishing the South-South Development Commission (SSDC).

Speaking with reporters from his Abuja base, the Ikono-born businessman described the move as a "good omen and a welcome development," noting that it would ensure balanced development across the region.

The former House of Assembly aspirant for Ikono State Constituency particularly commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his strategic role in making the SSDC a reality, stating that Akpabio’s tenure has ushered in a new era of legislative-executive harmony that is yielding tangible benefits for all parts of the country.

Dr. Okon emphasized that with the SSDC now in place, all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria have dedicated development agencies to address their regional infrastructural and economic challenges. 

He dismissed concerns raised by some quarters over the existence of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), arguing that both interventionist bodies have distinct mandates.

"The South-South region is the economic heartbeat of the nation, producing the oil wealth that sustains Nigeria. There is nothing wrong with having both SSDC and NDDC working in synergy to fast-track development. While the NDDC covers nine states, SSDC is specifically for the six South-South states, ensuring a more focused approach to development," he said.

Addressing the debate over the location of the SSDC headquarters, Dr. Okon strongly advocated for Akwa Ibom State. According to him, beyond political considerations, Akwa Ibom stands out as the most suitable host state due to its security stability, clean environment, and infrastructural readiness.

"In all fairness, Rivers State already hosts the NDDC headquarters. Akwa Ibom, with its zero-security concerns, serene environment, and excellent infrastructure, is the most strategic and deserving choice for the SSDC headquarters," he submitted.

Meanwhile, the signing of the SSDC Bill by President Tinubu has been widely applauded across the South-South, with many stakeholders optimistic that the commission will drive rapid infrastructural and human capital development in the region.

At 21, HGA Counts Gains as Apostle Nyeneime Andy Declares End to Untimely Deaths in Akwa Ibom

 

The General Overseer of HolyGhost Ambassadors Ministry International, Apostle Nyeneime Andy, arrived at Victor Attah International Airport on Wednesday to a rousing reception from jubilant members of the church, ahead of the ministry’s 21st-anniversary celebration scheduled for Friday, March 28, to Sunday, March 30.

Speaking on arrival, Apostle Andy, flanked by other clerics of the ministry, described the church’s 21-year journey as phenomenal, attributing its growth to divine consistency.

His words: “If you keep striking a rock, at first it may seem like nothing is happening, but if you persist, one day water will flow.”

The Abuja-based man of God, expressed joy that the ministry, which started as a seed in Uyo, has flourished with dedicated spiritual leaders and a growing congregation committed to serving God in truth and spirit.

Apostle Andy urged the people of Akwa Ibom to focus on Jesus and embrace peace, stressing that unity attracts divine blessings. He declared that his visit to the state would mark the end of untimely deaths of prominent Akwa Ibom sons and daughters, as fervent prayers would be made to break the cycle of misfortune.

According to the Senior Pastor, the 21st-anniversary celebration, themed “Wonders of Grace,” will feature prophetic ministrations, worship, praise, and a special intercessory session for the land.

Meanwhile, the celebrations begin on Friday at 5:30 p.m. at 8 Ekpanya Street, Uyo, continues on Saturday at the same time, and culminates in a grand thanksgiving service on Sunday. Apostle Andy extended an open invitation to the Akwa Ibom State Government and the general public, urging everyone to partake in the blessings of the event.

NEW MMI INDUCTEE JOHNSON ATTAH CHARGES IBIBIOS ON GENUINE LOVE, UNITY

 

… Calls for support for Gov. Eno

A renowned shipping consultant and politician, Johnson Attah, has been inducted as a full Akparawa of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, the foremost socio-cultural organization in Akwa Ibom State.

The induction, which took place yesterday at the Emerald Events Centre, Uyo, coincided with the inauguration of the 70th chapter of the group—the Uyo Metropolitan Chapter.

Speaking at the event, the International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa James Edet, stated that Attah’s induction was in recognition of his contributions to youth development and the advancement of the Ibibio nation.

In his remarks, Attah, a former governorship aspirant, expressed gratitude for the honor, noting that he was humbled that his efforts toward societal development were recognized. He commended the leadership of the group for deeming him worthy of full membership.

Attah seized the occasion to call on Ibibios at home and in the diaspora to embrace genuine love and unity, which he described as core values of the ethnic group. He recalled that the Ibibio Union, a key socio-cultural movement, was founded in Uyo in 1928 and had played a crucial role in shaping the identity of the people.

Gov. Eno

The Mkpat Enin-born politician further urged the Ibibio people to rally behind their son, Governor Umo Eno, to ensure he completes his eight-year tenure, emphasizing that such support was vital for the continuous growth of the state.

Meanwhile, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, established on August 1, 1987, traces its roots to the historic Ibibio Union. The organization, which originated from Cross River State, has since remained a formidable platform for fostering Ibibio unity and development.

Oku Ibom Ibibio Charges Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, Others On Unity And Development of Ibibio, Akwa Ibom

 

Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General, Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, JP, CFR, has charged Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio and other socio-cultural organisations to remain committed to the promotion of unity, development and to engender goodwill for Ibibio and Akwa Ibom State in general.  

The Akwa Ibom premier royal father maintains that no one else will take the interests of Ibibio and Akwa Ibom State more seriously or build our land better than we should do and therefore urged all hands to be on deck.

Ntenyin Etuk gave the advice in his speech at the three-fold celebration by Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio – the installation of Ntisong IV, Obong Pius James Okon; send-forth ceremony of Ntisong III, Obong Engr. Essien Ekidem and its 44th anniversary of existence at Asan Ibibio, Ikot Oku Ikono, Uyo Local Government Area on Friday, March 7, 2025.

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

He said, “Today’s event is therefore a call to duty for Ntisong IV and his Executives – vis-à-vis the Mkpisong Council and the entire members. The slogan of Ima, Mboho ye Eduek which resonates with the vision and mission of Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio at its formation must be vigorously pursued under the new dispensation. In essence, Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, likewise Ibibio Elders Forum (Adaha Ibibio); Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio; Ibibio Academic Roundtable; Ibibio National Union; Ekid People's Union and others, must continue to remain steadfast, uphold the values of our society and be a source of unity and pride for all Ibibio sons and daughters worldwide. 

While congratulating the leadership and members of Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio for its success story in its over four decades of existence, the premier monarch paid glowing tributes to the pioneer leaders of Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio such as Chief (Barr.) Vincent Uwemedimo, Ntisong 1 and Chief Sebastian James Umoren, Ntisong II and others, for their foresights and teamwork for the growth of Ibibio people.

He stated, “As we gather, memories of pioneer leaders of Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio such as Chief (Barr.) Vincent Uwemedimo, Ntisong 1 and Chief Sebastian James Umoren, Ntisong II and others, re-echo in our minds. Without equivocation, the birth of Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio as a socio-cultural organisation was borne out of the passionate desire to have a unifying platform for Ibibio people in line with the ideals of the legendary Ibibio Union and Ibibio State Union respectively. 

We must therefore continue to pay tribute to our legendary forebears for their deep foresights and rewarding endeavours which laid the solid foundation for who we are today within the Nigerian polity and the globe, generally.” 

He assured that Ifim Ibom Ibibio as the apex traditional institution in Ibibio land and the conclave for all traditional rulers – the Paramount rulers, Clan heads, Village heads and the Chieftaincy title holders; will always oversights on the activities of socio-cultural organisations in Ibibio land to ensure unity of purpose, love, progress and harmonious co-existence in our polity.

 

“As the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of Ifim Ibom Ibibio, I encourage you all to take the interests of Ibibio and Akwa Ibom State very seriously. No one else will build our land better than we should do. Remember the Ibibio saying, Edioñg sé eyené.

Ntenyin Etuk therefore called on all Akwa Ibomites to support our State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD and his administration in the implementation of the ARISE AGENDA, expressing delight with the performance record so far accomplished by the governor within his twenty two months in office. 

“We can all attest that Governor Umo Eno, PhD has done well since he assumed the mantle of leadership of our State. He has governed inclusively without political discrimination. After politics comes governance and our son, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno has clearly exhibited so. 

“A proof of this is his close working relationship with the Senate President, His Excellency, Obong Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON and His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President/Commander-in-Chief of Nigerian Armed Forces. This synergy accounted for the recent all-inclusive 104-member Akwa Ibom delegation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where we conferred on him the highest Chieftaincy title of Otuekong Akwa Ibom State,” he added.  

Oku Ibom Ibibio further appealed to all sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State to live in harmony and love one another, and rally to collectively detest the recent trend where the Media, particularly social media is employed to castigate and run down one another under the guise of media trial. 

“The ‘pull-down-syndrome’ is an ill-wind that blows nobody good. Our sons and daughters in the Media should refrain from being used in this wild political tirade. Let us rally around and protect our sons and daughters. Where and when there is need for criticism, it should be sound and objective towards building a virile society,” he stressed.

What You Probably Didn't Know About Senator Aniekan Bassey (Part 1)

By Henshaw Nyong 

I recently found myself in a conversation about a gentleman I only knew from a distance. The people in that discussion spoke highly of him; how much he is loved, how deeply respected he is, and how he has done so much without making noise about it. Normally, I don’t get easily swayed by such praises. Not because I am skeptical, but because I believe true greatness should stand the test of independent scrutiny.

However, I have a friend, Atuekong Paul Bassey, who always tells me that I am positively stubborn. His reason? I don’t just go with the flow. I don’t jump on bandwagons. I don’t let sentiments dictate my judgment. Instead, I take my time, do my research, and form my own conclusions. And that is exactly what I decided to do - dig deeper and find out for myself what many people probably don’t know about Senator Aniekan Etim Bassey, who was sworn into the 10th Senate in June 2023 to represent Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.

In that conversation I stumbled upon, one question kept coming up: What has he really done since he went to the National Assembly? Before putting this piece together, I had to understand the reality of the legislature. I realized that some lawmakers have been in the Senate for five, four, three, or two terms. These are the ranking Senators; the first-choice names for major positions and committee chairmanships. Meanwhile, first-time Senators are often viewed like the youngest child in a typical Nigerian home. When something is being shared, the firstborn takes first, the second follows, and the youngest either waits or gets forgotten. 

For a first-time Senator, breaking through that system is not a walk in the park. You have to fight for relevance, work twice as hard, and push through the barriers of seniority. But has that stopped Senator Aniekan Bassey?

I had to do my own findings, talk to people who would rather not be quoted, visit places, and ensure that whatever I put out was factual. And what I discovered? Quite revealing.

I found out that even before becoming a Senator, Aniekan Bassey was already changing lives through his RHAB-YESS Foundation - the Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey Youth Entrepreneurship Support Scheme. Through this initiative, he lifted young people out of poverty, offering grants ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦1 million to support their businesses. Some politicians in our state thrive on past glory, but he isn’t one of them. As a strong disciple of the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D., his projects and programmes are in line with the ARISE Agenda.

I found out that within his first three months in office, he had furnished at least one school per Local Government in the nine LGAs (Uyo, Nsit Ubium, Uruan, Ibiono Ibom, Itu, Etinan, Ibesikpo Asutan, Nsit Ibom and Nsit Atai) of his district with modern classroom tables, chairs, books, school bags, and at least five computer sets per school. I discovered that roads had been tarred and fitted with streetlights in several communities across the senatorial district. I spoke with some people who confirmed that sound and clean cars had been donated to constituents to aid their movement. I verified that at least one health centre per Local Government was set to receive essential drugs and supplements, because to him, the health of the people is non-negotiable.

I traced details of an ₦800 million RHAB-YESS Mega Empowerment between August and December 2024, which has provided quarterly training for beneficiaries in all nine LGAs. Each beneficiary received between ₦200,000 and ₦500,000 to support their businesses. I confirmed that over 32 people have already gained Federal employment through his facilitation. I visited some locations and saw firsthand the solar-powered streetlights installed in Akpan Etuk Street, Udosen Uko Street, Itiam Etuk Ekpat by Nesman Filling Station, a greater part of Shelter Afrique, Uyo Club, Osongama, and several other locations across the Senatorial District.

I found out that 500 youths have been trained and empowered with digital skills. Free medical outreaches have been carried out across the district. Over 10,000 educational kits have been donated to schools in all nine LGAs. More than 100 desktop and laptop computers have been distributed to schools. 100 rural women have been empowered with agro-inputs. 100 businesses have received development grants. Community roads have been constructed. Boreholes have been provided in rural areas and communities. 2,000 JAMB forms have been given already to students. Overseas scholarships have been awarded to brilliant but indigent students.

However, unlike some politicians who thrive on media noise, Senator Bassey allows his work to speak for him. He doesn’t crave attention or make a fuss about his achievements. Perhaps that’s why many don’t even realize the weight of what he has done within a short time in office. But as someone who, according to my friend Atuekong, doesn’t follow bandwagons, I had to dig deep to uncover these facts. And the more I searched, the clearer it became - Senator Aniekan Bassey, Ph.D, isn’t just another name in the Senate; he is a force and is shaping the reality of representation.

But this is just the beginning.

In the next part, we’ll look beyond his direct interventions and focus on his core legislative responsibilities - bills, motions, and advocacy shaping national policies. Because if you think you already know everything about Senator Aniekan Bassey, then you probably don’t know enough...!