ARISE Agenda: 25 Akwa Ibom Youths Empowered by JLUX Decor with Decorative Painting Skills

 

As part of its effort to build a skilled and self-reliant generation in line with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, JLUX Decor Koncept has empowered 25 Akwa Ibom youths through a free masterclass in decorative painting applications.

The training, which took place on Wednesday at the company's head office, 202 Oron Road, Uyo, reflects the organization's firm commitment to giving back to society and aligns squarely with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda that prioritizes skills development, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance among young people.

Speaking at the end of the session, the Chief Executive Officer of JLUX Decor and SILKCOAT Technology, Mr. Jonathan Udoh, said the initiative was designed to equip participants with relevant skills that can help them build sustainable careers and become productive contributors to the state’s growing creative and construction sectors.

The Ibiono Ibom-born entrepreneur, explained that the masterclass provided practical training in modern painting techniques and decorative applications, while also exposing participants to industry standards and business ethics needed to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace.

He noted that the programme was part of his company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, driven by the belief that empowering one youth can influence an entire community.

His words: “At JLUX Decor, we believe that empowerment should go beyond giving. It is about transferring knowledge that sustains. When you give a young person a skill, you have automatically created a path for survival, dignity, and independence. That is our philosophy.”

Beneficiaries, male and female, described the training as both inspiring and transformative. One of them, Mr. Kingsley Friday, said the session opened his eyes to new opportunities in the painting industry and renewed his determination to start his own business.

Another participant, Glory Edoho, said: "I came here with no experience, but today I can confidently say I’ve gained practical skills that will change my life. What JLUX Decor has done is something the society truly needs, not just empowerment, but genuine mentorship.”

Over the years, JLUX Decor has distinguished itself as a leader in the interior finishing industry, providing bespoke services across 29 states in Nigeria. Its expertise in Italian decorative paints, artistic wall designs, and luxury finishing has earned it a reputation for excellence and innovation.

With initiatives like this, the company continues to stand out as one of the private sector partners complementing government efforts in youth development, enterprise growth, and sustainable wealth creation in Akwa Ibom State.

Fens Group Boss, Michael Udofia Bags 2025 Agribusiness Development Award

 

Fens Group CEO, Mr Udofia

The Chief Executive Officer of Fens Group, Mr. Michael Udofia, has been honoured with the 2025 Agribusiness Development and Enterprise Award (ADEA) for his remarkable contributions to agricultural growth and industrial advancement in Nigeria.

The prestigious recognition was presented to him by the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative (NAADI), an agency under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, during the 4th Agribusiness Roundtable International Conference (Uyo 2025) held at Watbridge Hotels and Suites, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The conference, which had as its theme “Resilient Agribusiness: A Sustainable Solution for a Changing World,” drew participants from across Nigeria and beyond.

Explaining the choice of the Fens Group boss, the Zonal Coordinator of NAADI, Mr. Howard Usen, said the award celebrates visionary individuals and institutions whose work in agribusiness and enterprise has advanced food security, job creation, and economic empowerment.

According to Usen, Mr. Udofia’s exceptional record of innovation and leadership has not only transformed agribusiness in Akwa Ibom but has also inspired sustainable enterprise development across West Africa.

 “You have distinguished yourself as a change agent who continues to impact lives through accelerated employment generation, enterprise growth, and rural development,” Usen said. “The award is in recognition of your outstanding leadership and commitment to sustainable industrial growth.”

Responding, Mr. Udofia expressed appreciation to the organizers for recognizing his commitment to the growth of Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.

Recounting his humble beginning, the Fens Group CEO revealed that he started business in 1993 with only ₦3,500, and through persistence, faith, and hard work, the company has grown into a diversified conglomerate with interests in petroleum marketing, construction, and large-scale farming.

 “I encourage every young Nigerian to start small and stay focused,” Udofia advised. “Even if you plant 20 stands of palm seedlings today, in a few years you will not only feed your family but also build wealth without borrowing.”

He disclosed that Fens Group currently runs the largest palm plantation in Ibiono Ibom, Akwa Ibom State—an investment he described as a demonstration of his belief that agriculture remains the foundation of sustainable prosperity.

The well-attended conference, declared open by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, featured presentations from ministers, legislators, members of the diplomatic community, and leading industry players.

Over 500 participants representing development partners, financial institutions, small and medium enterprises, and major stakeholders in the agribusiness and manufacturing sectors graced the event, which reaffirmed the growing momentum of Nigeria’s agro-industrial renaissance.

Alleged 'Satanic Conduct’: Family Excommunicates Pat Akpabio

 

The persistent warnings to Mrs. Patience Ibanga Akpabio may have reached their limit as the Greater Akpabio Family of Ukana Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim Local Government Area has finally excommunicated her, following what it described as her “satanic conduct, disparaging comments and unwholesome remarks” against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, and other members of the family.

The decision was announced during a press briefing held on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Afe Akuku Udo Akpabio, the family’s ancestral meeting ground in Ukana. The session was led by the Family Head, Chief Ekom Akpabio, who spoke on behalf of other senior family members present.

Addressing journalists, Chief Akpabio explained that the family was left with no choice but to take a firm stance after Mrs. Patience Ibanga Akpabio continued to “ridicule the family in public” despite an earlier traditional injunction warning her to desist from making further utterances about the Senate President, his wife, or any member of the Greater Akpabio Family.

He said: “Regrettably and most unfortunately, she has continued in her tirade, thus ignoring the injunction by the family.

 This in itself has brought the family to public ridicule, shame and is suggestive of a family unable to manage and control her members. This has never happened and should not have happened at the first instance.”

The family expressed disappointment that even after assurances from her husband, Barr. Ibanga Akpabio, that she would refrain from such actions, Mrs. Patience Akpabio persisted in what it termed “aspersions and insults” directed at the Senate President, his wife, and the entire Greater Akpabio Family.

According to them, “The Greater Akpabio Family has well-known norms of respect, unity, and age-long channels to address grievances. That these norms and channels were ignored is regrettable. Such acts are destructive and an affront to our collective survival and development, while also being repulsive to family and human dignity.”

Reaffirming its unity and commitment to discipline, the family declared that it would not tolerate any act capable of bringing its name into disrepute or public opprobrium.

“We strongly denounce the unwarranted and repeated attacks on our esteemed son and pride of our family, President of the Senate, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON. We are immensely proud of his exemplary representation of our family, senatorial district, and his remarkable achievements as the President of the Senate,” the family further stressed.

Consequently, the Greater Akpabio Family announced a public disclaimer on Mrs. Patience Ibanga Akpabio, declaring that she “no longer represents nor is recognized as a wife, representative, or member of the family,” and therefore stands excommunicated.

“The family hereby warns all members of the public to desist from any dealing with Mrs. Patience Ibanga Akpabio as a member of our Greater Akpabio Family. It is sad that she has pushed us to this line of action by her untoward and satanic actions.”

However, the family said it remained open to reconciliation if she showed genuine remorse.

“In the event that she has any genuine grievances, apologies or regrets, we request that she should report such to the family hierarchy for a review of our position in line with our customs and traditions.”

Attah Hails Youth-Friendly Centres as One of Gov Umo Eno's Best Investments for A'Ibom Youth

 

Akparawa Johnson Attah, a frontline maritime expert and Managing Director of Calakwa Integrated Services, has described Governor Umo Eno’s plan to construct Youth-Friendly Centres across the 31 Local Government Areas as one of the best gifts any government can offer the youth of Akwa Ibom at this time.

Speaking with Journalists and Bloggers in Uyo on Monday, Attah said the initiative reflects the Governor’s deep understanding of youth needs and his determination to secure the future through empowerment, innovation, and creativity.

The flag-off, which will hold simultaneously Tomorrow, Tuesday, at the headquarters of ten pilot LGAs, namely; Etinan, Mkpat Enin, Urue Offong/Oruko, Oron, Itu, Etim Ekpo, Nsit Atai, Nsit Ubium, Eastern Obolo, and Ikono, marks the beginning of a broader plan to establish similar centres in all 31 LGAs of the state.

Attah, who has over 25 years of experience in Nigeria’s maritime and logistics sector, commended Governor Eno’s foresight, noting that the centres will become vital hubs for digital innovation, skills development, and enterprise incubation. He added that by providing such infrastructure, the administration is giving young people across rural and urban areas the opportunity to explore their talents in a modern, secure, and resourceful environment.

The grassroots politician from Ukpum Minya Ward 4 in Mkpat Enin expressed delight that his Local Government is among the first beneficiaries of the pilot phase. He said the inclusion of creative development hubs, ICT and e-library units, coffee shops, recreation lounges, and solar-powered co-working spaces demonstrates the Governor’s holistic approach to youth engagement.

The huge project, according to Attah, underscores Governor Umo Eno’s leadership philosophy anchored on human capacity development under the ARISE Agenda. He stressed that such facilities will not only inspire creativity but also provide alternatives that can reduce youth restiveness and drive the state’s innovation economy.

He urged young Akwa Ibomites to take ownership of the initiative by embracing the opportunities that will emerge from the centres. 

Attah also called on the private sector and development partners to support the government’s drive, stating that Governor Umo Eno’s youth-focused projects deserve collective support to achieve sustainable impact.

𝗨k𝗼 𝗨𝗺𝗼𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗼𝘃 𝗘𝗻𝗼

 

••• 𝘓𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘔𝘢𝘫𝘰𝘳 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴, 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘵𝘴 12 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘉𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘌𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯 𝘔𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘬

In furtherance of the ARISE Agenda at the grassroots, the Executive Chairman of Etinan Local Government, Hon Uko Friday Umoh, has dedicated his first anniversary in office to Governor Umo Eno, describing his administration’s achievements as a direct outcome of the Governor’s visionary guidance and people-first leadership.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday to mark his one year in office, Hon Umoh said his administration had domesticated the ARISE Agenda and translated it into practical development steps that are improving lives across the 12 wards of Etinan.

The former Publisher of Nigerian Pulse Newspaper noted that his leadership philosophy, built on the conviction that 'A New Iman Is Possible,' is aimed at restoring the pride of Etinan and driving meaningful progress for all communities.

In his report, the Council Chairman said electricity supply had been restored to numerous villages including Ikot Nkang, Ikot Ibok, Ekpene Ukpa, and Etinan by the motor park; areas that had been in darkness for more than ten years. He explained that concrete poles were erected and faulty transformers replaced to ensure steady power supply.

He also disclosed that five water projects at Afaha Akpan Ekpo, Ikot Udo Otto, Ikot Eba, Iwor Etor, and Ayam Efa were revived, with new generating sets provided to enhance supply.

In education, Hon Umoh stated that his administration distributed over 20,000 branded exercise books to pupils in public primary schools, sewed 250 uniforms for pupils of the newly commissioned Government Model School, Ikot Isong, and procured UTME forms for 500 students with a scholarship promise to those who secure admission into public tertiary institutions.

He said health care delivery received attention through the renovation of a Primary Health Centre at Ndon Utim, in addition to supporting routine immunisation programmes of the Federal Government in collaboration with donor agencies.

The Council boss revealed that the Council grader, which had been grounded for more than seven years, was repaired and deployed to open up rural roads across the 12 wards, thereby improving access and boosting local trade.

He added that the Legislative Building was renovated, including installation of proper sanitary facilities, while construction began on a leisure park at Etinan Roundabout to enhance aesthetics of the town.

In the area of sports, Hon Umoh said the Etinan Sports Stadium was renovated and that the Council’s investment in sports paid off with the local government emerging fourth at the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival (Ibom 2025).

For humanitarian services, he said widows and wives of fallen heroes received welfare support, including a one-million-naira donation during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration. People with disabilities also benefited from mobility aids, including wheelchairs and crutches, while 50 others received Christmas and scholarship grants.

He further disclosed that official vehicles were purchased for the Leader of the Legislative Council and the Secretary of the Council to enhance productivity and efficiency in their offices.

On infrastructural development, Hon Umoh described the ongoing construction of the ultra-modern motor park along Etinan–Uyo Road as the signature project of his administration. He said the park, which will serve as a gateway to major destinations such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Onitsha, has lock-up stores, a warehouse, car wash, public conveniences, and other modern facilities.

He revealed that a total of 12 new buses, will soon arrive at the park for full operations to kickstart, projecting an annual revenue of between five and ten million naira for the Council when fully operational.

Hon Umoh attributed the success recorded in his first year to the unity and cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of the Council, stressing that members of his team had worked selflessly to advance development in Etinan.

He expressed deep appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for his guidance and massive support, assuring that his administration would remain committed to initiatives that improve living standards and sustain the development drive of the state government.

He assured that Etinan people who had since moved with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are ready to re-elect Gov Eno and all candidates of the APC in 2027.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, the SSA to the Governor on Local Media, Comrade Amos Etuk, and the SA on Print Media, Comrade Victor Ukpong, led a host of seasoned journalists and publishers; Pastor UduakAbasi Ikpat, Sir Unyime Ekwere, in showering encomia on the Etinan Council Chairman. They lauded Hon. Umoh for his sterling performance within one year in office, describing him as a man of vision whose leadership has redefined local media and governance. 

They assured of their continued support, noting that his humility, accessibility and results-driven approach have made him a model and mentor to many thriving media professionals in the state.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗺𝗼 𝗘𝗻𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀 - 𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙙𝙖𝙛𝙞

 

••• 𝘜𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘈'𝘐𝘣𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘎𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘰𝘳

 

Discussions about the people–centric leadership style of Governor Umo Eno and his awe–inspiring achievements have continued to dominate public discourse across Akwa Ibom.

 

Adding his voice to the growing commendations, Ikono-born tech entrepreneur and grassroots politician, Akparawa Godwin Enang, fondly known as Goddafi, has described the governor as the finest blessing to Akwa Ibom in recent times, insisting that such a leader only emerges once in two decades.

 

Enang, a former member of the Central Planning Committee of the Umo Eno Campaign Organisation, stated this while fielding questions from journalists on the governor’s recent activities, including the Ibom Ignite Conference and his reaffirmation of support for President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

 

On the Ibom Ignite Conference 2025, the CEO of Goddafi Computers and Communications said, the Governor's charge to youths to embrace creativity, entrepreneurship and self-reliance reflects the rare clarity of a leader who understands the times and is determined to raise a generation that can stand without dependence on government. 

He stressed that the governor’s investment in the Ibom-LED programme, which has already trained thousands of entrepreneurs, is a pathway to lasting empowerment.

According to Goddafi, “His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno is indeed practicalising policies that will outlive his tenure beyond 2031. When you pay rapt attention, you'd see he is leading with an uncommon sincerity, and such leaders only come once in 20 years. Therefore, Akwa Ibom must show him genuine love, because his type is rare.”

Enang, who hails from Nkwot Ikot Obok Idem in Ikono Local Government Area, further noted that the governor’s decision to align Akwa Ibom with President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio demonstrates political maturity and foresight. He explained that by moving to the ruling party, Akwa Ibom stands to gain greater stability, more investments and effective representation.

The performance-based politics advocate maintained that the infrastructural drive of the State Chief Executive, including the plan to expand the state’s road network to 1,000km this dry season and the restoration of full night operations at the Victor Attah International Airport, shows a methodical leader who is bent on leaving indelible footprints.

Calling for total support for the administration, Enang emphasised that “a governor who pays aides handsomely, empowers youths massively, and opens Akwa Ibom to national visibility, deserves nothing short of genuine love and solidarity from his people.”

He urged Akwa Ibomites to rally around Governor Eno with the same passion they have shown past leaders, stressing that continuity is vital. 

“Since 1999, governors of this state have been supported to complete two terms. Governor Umo Eno has started well, he has touched lives, and all of us in this State must stand behind him to finish strong,” Enang stated.