Oku Ibom Ibibio Extends Easter Greetings to Christian Faithful, Calls for Peace, Unity, Love, and Tolerance

 

... Commends Gov. Eno For Inclusive Governance And Development

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 extended Easter greetings to Christian faithful around the world on the occasion of the Easter celebration. 

In his 2025 Easter message, Ntenyin Etuk called for total dedication among the leaders and the citizenry towards building a society where peace, unity, love, tolerance and brotherhood reign supreme irrespective of religion, tribe or race. 

The Akwa Ibom Premier royal father stressed that Christians should abide by the worthy examples of Jesus Christ’s life by always exhibiting good virtues of godliness, discipline, honesty, and love for one another.

He noted that Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, which offers salvation to mankind, remains an outstanding sacrifice that must be greatly treasured by the Christian faithful.

The message reads, "On behalf of my family and Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, I heartily felicitate with His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Christian faithful in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and the world at large on this occasion of Easter celebration. 

"Easter is a very solemn event for Christians and the world in general. It re-enacts the messianic role of Jesus Christ, whose death and resurrection became the atonement for our sins and also renewed our place of sonship with the God Almighty as recorded in Galatians 4:4-7."

 

“We have to take into account that the primary thrust of Jesus Christ's mission on Earth was to demonstrate God's love and grace, offer salvation from sin and death, and establish a new relationship between humanity and God. We have to treasure this and live a life depicting that we appreciate that unique sacrifice,” he added.

According to the Patriarch of the Ibibios Worldwide, every society risks being engulfed in crises when there is a lack of love and unity as well as the pervasion of indiscipline and disobedience to God. He called on the government to ensure that institutions of learning deepen moral rectitude among students in their studies.

The Patriarch also tasks ecclesiastical bodies to focus their preaching on building men and women to be of good character and lively principles, faithful who will value integrity, honour, virtuousness and uprightness above filthy lucre and social vices that ruin a society. 

 “Let us see Easter as a period of sober reflection, a period to re-orientate our minds against greed, hatred, disunity, covetousness and economic sabotage. The Lord Jesus Christ serves as a worthy example we have to emulate.  

Speaking on Akwa Ibom State, the Supreme Monarch commended Governor Umo Eno for his inclusive governance and for the numerous projects his administration has implemented across the State as contained in the ARISE AGENDA. 

He, therefore, admonished everyone in Akwa Ibom to live in peace with one another, support the government and be obedient in carrying out God's command, as well as respect leaders and constituted authorities to ensure orderliness, peace and progress in the society.

Oku Ibom Ibibio reiterated that traditional rulers in the State, as the custodians of the people, will continue to partner with the governments, MDAs and security agencies to ensure the prevalence of peace, unity, tranquillity and progress at the grassroots.

IBOM 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗭𝗔 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗜𝗡 𝗨𝗬𝗢

 

 𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐰 𝐍𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐆

If you lived in Uyo in the 90s, you’ll remember “Circus.” That was the meeting point. From there, you could face Wellington Bassey Way, take off through Ikot Ekpene Road, head down to Abak Road, or connect to Aka Road and Oron Road. That junction carried the soul of Uyo. Another name you might remember is “Corridor.” If you truly know Uyo, those names will spark a memory.

circus in the early 90s

It was at that very spot, right in the heart of the city, that something special happened in 2001.

Arc. (Obong) Victor Bassey UdoAdiaha Attah, the then governor and a man we refer to as the father of modern Akwa Ibom, saw beyond the traffic and everyday hustle of that area. As an architect, he looked at that space and saw a blank canvas. He awarded the construction of Ibom Plaza to Jardin Company, and that was how the story of Ibom Plaza began.

Ibom Plaza was not just another project. It was a big dream turned reality. For many of us, it was our first time seeing a proper city centre. It had open space, flowers, wide paths, an amphitheatre, and even a giant screen where you could watch live football matches. That plaza quickly became a pride; a place to relax, a place to meet, and a place to show visitors that Uyo too had 'swag'.

But fast forward a few years later, the story began to change and not for the better.

The same Ibom Plaza gradually became a shadow of its original intention. What once symbolized order, taste and decency started becoming the centre of everything wrong with an urban space. Hawkers turned it into their personal market square. Self-proclaimed prophets screamed prophecies of doom through noisy megaphones. Street gamblers lured passersby into dubious ‘games.’ Pickpockets, area boys and petty criminals claimed it as their territory.

That's not all. Child beggars ran shifts while their mothers sat under shade, waiting for the day’s 'returns.’ Nobody needed to wait till nightfall to get robbed, it happened in broad daylight, right in the middle of the city.

It was clear that something had to give. And thankfully, something did.

ibom plaza 

In February this year, during the monthly sanitation, Governor Umo Eno made a brief but powerful stop at Ibom Plaza. What followed was not just a casual government remark, it was a call for change. The Governor, who was accompanied by other stakeholders including the Executive Chairman of Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), Hon. Anietie Eka, gave a firm instruction: return Ibom Plaza to what it was meant to be. Clear the street traders. Clean up the mess. Restore the pride.

But here’s what stood out - the approach.

Hon. Eka did not come in with bulldozers and police vans. No. He came in with dialogue, consultation and maturity. He sat with stakeholders: traders, community leaders, transport unions, et al. He organised awareness campaigns. He issued warnings, gave timelines, and appealed for understanding. Only after all of that, did enforcement begin. That’s not just leadership, that’s what we call leading with a human face.

And today, it shows. The Ibom Plaza many avoided is gradually becoming what it used to be; a clean, safe and beautiful space. The noise has reduced. The tension has dropped. The pride is returning.

So the question now is simple: why must residents support this effort?

Because the truth is, no sane society thrives in disorder.

Roadside trading might look convenient, but it comes with a heavy cost. It chokes traffic. It invites filth. It makes movement difficult. It gives criminals cover. It exposes people, especially women and children to dangers they may not even realise until it’s too late.

This intervention is not about politics. It is not against the poor. It is not to punish anyone. It is about structure. It is about giving Uyo a city centre we can all be proud of. A place where people can walk freely, sit peacefully, and interact safely.

Again, we must also learn to appreciate efforts like this. Hon. Anietie Eka could have taken the easy way out, ignore the problem, blame others, and move on. But he didn’t. He stepped up. So we must support his effort, just like we must support the Governor whose vision is clear, to create a safe, clean, working Akwa Ibom for all.

Therefore, the ball is now in our court as residents and citizens. We cannot fold our arms and watch the old ways creep back in. We must help sustain the progress. We must educate others. We must report violators. We must take ownership of the plaza and protect it.

Because when the heart of the city is clean, the whole body feels better.

Like one elder said recently, “If we cannot respect order in front of government house, then where else will we?”

So, let's support sanity by joining hands with the Eno-led administration to maintain security and order in Uyo.

Gov Eno Has Turned Akwa Ibom Into A National Reference Point - Johnson Attah

…says Governor’s strides have placed Akwa Ibom on the map of massive development

Public affairs analyst and maritime industry expert, Akparawa Johnson Attah has declared that Governor Umo Eno has elevated Akwa Ibom State into a national reference point for good governance, infrastructural renaissance, and people-focused leadership.

Attah made the remarks yesterday while fielding questions from journalists and online media professionals at the venue of the flag-off of Section 3 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway at Ikot Asua, Nsit Atai Local Government Area.

He said the nationwide commendations trailing the Governor’s leadership style are not driven by media hype or political propaganda but are grounded in verifiable performance and the growing impact of projects across the state.

“Akwa Ibom has become a construction ground and Governor Umo Eno is the reason. He came prepared. He came to work. And today, the State is attracting both federal attention and national applause,” Attah stated.

The former governorship candidate referenced the remarks of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who at the flag-off ceremony, openly praised Governor Eno for his outstanding commitment to infrastructure, describing him as “a true leader passionate about quality and people-oriented projects.”

According to Attah, “You do not earn such words from a member of another political party and Federal Minister unless your works are evident. Today, the Minister of Works has validated what Akwa Ibom people already know, that Governor Umo Eno is not just working, he is setting the pace.”

The Mkpat Enin-born politician said the Governor’s humility, quiet competence, and unshaken focus have become the defining factors of his administration, adding that the ongoing projects across the 31 local government areas are proof that leadership still works when anchored on vision and empathy.

“We are not just witnessing projects; we are witnessing priorities in motion; rural roads, urban regeneration, skills centres like DASAC, IbomLED etc, agricultural support, peace building, and human capital investment. These are the marks of a leader who understands development,” he said.

Attah maintained that the choice of Akwa Ibom as host to a strategic portion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is not coincidental, stressing that the federal government would only invest where there is stability, support, and serious leadership.

“What we saw today at the flag-off is symbolic. It is a clear message that Akwa Ibom has earned the confidence of the federal government. And this is because we have a Governor who does not play politics with development. He supports the centre when it matters, and now, the centre is rewarding that spirit of cooperation.”

He described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a game-changer for the State’s economy and commended Governor Eno for pledging full support for the project and ensuring that all enabling conditions are met to speed up its delivery.

Akparawa Attah used the occasion and urged Akwa Ibom people to continue rallying around the Governor to consolidate on the gains recorded so far, noting that the State is finally on a development path too visible to be ignored.

Gov. Umo Eno’s String of Awards Well-Deserved – Aniekan Uko

Former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative Matters, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Aniekan Uko, Ph.D, has applauded the recent wave of national recognition trailing Governor Umo Eno, Ph.D, describing the awards as a well-earned reward for leadership that is both people-focused and impact-driven.

Speaking with journalists and bloggers at his Uyo office on Friday, the former State Officer of the People’s Democratic Party said it was heartwarming to see a sitting Governor from Akwa Ibom consistently emerging as Nigeria’s Best Governor from some of the country’s most credible media institutions.

He recalled that the Governor had earlier received the Best Governor Award from ThisDay and Arise News, followed by another from Leadership Newspaper, and most recently, on Thursday, was again named Best Governor in Nigeria by the New Telegraph Newspaper, a media institution renowned for its balanced reporting and editorial credibility.

According to Uko, the awards are not just mere plaques, but affirmations of the Governor’s sincerity of purpose, deliberate focus on the grassroots, and visible projects that continue to transform lives across the state.

“These are not awards you buy or beg for. They are earned, and you earn them by working selflessly for the people. Pastor Umo Eno is not playing to the gallery. He is quietly fixing the foundation of our state, and the world is beginning to notice,” he said.

The former Speaker, who currently serves as the Governor’s Honorary Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, said he was particularly impressed that the recognitions cut across different spheres, governance, infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital development.

“Our Governor is leading with humility, results and sincerity. From the rural roads he is opening up, to the world-class model schools he is constructing, to the way he is touching the poor and downtrodden, elders, youth, women and artisans - you can feel his presence everywhere. These awards are just a reflection of what the people already know,” Uko added.

He also described Governor Umo Eno as a leader who understands legislative cooperation and consultative governance, noting that his inclusive approach has brought unprecedented peace and synergy between the executive, legislative and judiciary arms in the state.

“As a former legislator, I know the value of what we’re witnessing today. The Governor respects the institution of the legislature. He carries people along, he listens, and he delegates. That is the true mark of leadership,” he said.

The former parliamentarian used the opportunity to urge the people of Akwa Ibom to sincerely support the Christ-centric leader and his ARISE Agenda, thanking the Governor for trusting him with the responsibility of offering advisory support on legislative issues and promised to continue using his wealth of experience for the growth of the state.

Eteidung Asikpo Hails Gov. Umo Eno On Leadership Newspaper Award

 

Governor Umo Eno...

Village Head, Ekpri Nsukara Offot, Eteidung Asikpo...

The Village Head of Ekpri Nsukara Offot in Uyo Local Government Area, Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo, has congratulated the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno for the Governor of the Year award conferred on him by Leadership Newspaper.

Eteidung Asikpo said the special award, like other avalanches of accolades to Governor Eno by other media houses and notable organisations across Nigeria, are a clear acknowledgement of his outstanding performance in office. 

Speaking in an interview in his Palace in Ekpri Nsukara Offot, the Royal father said Governor Eno, through his insightful development blueprint, the ARISE AGENDA, has made the people in the State feel the unprecedented impact of his leadership. 

He said, "We, in Ekpri Nsukara Offot, feel very happy about this latest award of Governor of the Year by the Leadership Newspaper. The award like several others, already conferred on His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, means they have all seen that he is working very well to serve the people of Akwa Ibom State. 

"He focuses on governance without allowing any distraction to ensure that his administration implements the ARISE AGENDA. We love him for the life-touching projects he is doing across the State. He has indeed ensured peace and unity in the State. Governor Umo Eno is indeed a servant leader."

On the state of affairs in Ekpri Nsukara Offot, Eteidung Asikpo, who is a government-certificated village head, urged indigenes of Ekpri Nsukara Offot to shun mischief makers, who are in the habit of fabricating falsehood and unfounded allegations against the village leadership. 

He said recently that a certain Udeme Eyo Asuquo, who claims to be Secretary of Voice of Liberation Network, an unknown group in the village, had gone on TangSio FM on the 10th of March, 2025 to speak ill against him and the village leadership in a bit to cause disaffection in the village, but commended the indigenes for rebuffing him and his spurious antics. 

Eteidung Asikpo pointed out that the said Udeme Eyo Asuquo does not reside in Ekpri Nsukara Offot, describing his claims made during the TangSio FM Radio program, as utterly false, concocted and ridiculous. 

"Here in Ekpri Nsukara Offot, no one's right or possession is trampled upon or compromised. It is wrong therefore for anyone, who is not even residing in our village, to go to Radio and accuse someone falsely," he stated.

The Royal father reiterated that the village council under his leadership will always ensure peace, unity, security and progress in the community and advised indigenes and residents alike, to live in peace with one another and go about their normal businesses.

Goddafi Extols Gov Umo Eno for Promise Kept in Ikono

...Says Governor Will Leave Office in 2031 as Akwa Ibom’s Best Ever

A renowned tech-preneur and grassroots mobilizer, Akparawa Godwin Enang, popularly known as Goddafi, has described the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, as the "true messiah of the Ikono people," saying the governor’s performance has exceeded expectations barely two years into office.

Speaking during a live phone-in radio programme from Lagos at the weekend, the Ikono-born technocrat and Chief Executive Officer of Goddafi Computers and Communications said the governor’s string of ongoing projects in Ikono Local Government Area has clearly set him apart as a promise keeper and a servant-leader in touch with the people.

Goddafi, who hails from Nkwot Ikot Obok Idem in Ikono LGA, noted that his people made the right choice by standing with Pastor Umo Eno during the 2023 general elections, adding that the dividends of that support are already visible across the area.

He particularly cited the ongoing construction of the 7.9km Ring Road III, which cuts across Uyo, Ibiono Ibom and Ikono LGAs and is already nearing completion, as one of the landmark projects redefining the socio-economic landscape of the area.

Also highlighted was the flag-off of the 10.9km Nsai Use – Ikot Amama – Ibiaku Ikot Esifa – Iton Mmong – Nkwot Ikot Obok Edem, his village, Nkwot Edem Edet Road and Spur, with two bridges of 40-metre and 20-metre spans, as well as the 0.2km discharge drain linking key communities in Ibiono Ibom and Ikono LGAs.

The philanthropist further mentioned the ongoing construction of the 21.5km Ikot Anyan – Ediene – Ikot Ntia – Urua Naira – Ikot Nseyen – Nkwot – Nung Ukim Road, complete with a 60-metre span bridge, as another testimony to the governor’s commitment to rural development.

According to him, "What Governor Umo Eno has done in Ikono within this short period is unmatched. For us, he is not just a governor. He is the messiah God sent to wipe away our tears. And that is why we will continue to stand by him."

While reacting to Governor Eno’s recent recognition as Best Performing Governor in Nigeria by ThisDay Newspaper and other credible bodies, the businessman and former CPC member of the Umo Eno Campaign Organisation said the award is well deserved.

"His Christ-centric leadership style is inclusive, humane and practical. From road infrastructure to rural transformation, from empowerment to participatory governance, the ARISE Agenda is not theory, it is real and working," he said.

Goddafi particularly commended the governor’s ongoing Town Square meetings across federal constituencies, saying it was the first time in the history of the state that a governor would be so genuine and honest, so much that he sits with the people, listens to their needs, and promises to incorporate them into the 2026 budget.

"That singular initiative has earned him an A1. No governor has ever brought governance this close to the people genuinely. We are seeing deliberate and strategic inclusion, and it is yielding results."

The political heavyweight assured that he would continue to mobilise support for the governor, both at home and other areas where there are Akwa Ibomites, stressing that "when the righteous is in power, the people rejoice."

According to Akparawa Enang, "By the time Governor Umo Eno completes his tenure in 2031, he will go down as the best to have ever governed Akwa Ibom State. For us in Ikono, he is a blessing, and we will stand by him every step of the way."

NNPP FCT Judgment: INEMESIT AKPAN EXPOSES FALSE CLAIMS BY EXPELLED MEMBERS, REAFFIRMS PARTY’S AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP

 

Eld. Akpan

The Chairman of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) in Akwa Ibom State and Chairman of all State Chairmen of the party in Nigeria, Elder Inemesit Akpan, has set the record straight on the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court judgment.

Addressing a press conference on Friday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, Elder Akpan accused expelled members of the party of deliberately misinforming the public regarding the court’s ruling.

The Akwa Ibom-born heavyweight politician stated that it became crucial to set the record straight following a judgment delivered by Justice M.A. Hassan of the FCT High Court, which declined jurisdiction over a case filed by individuals previously expelled from the party. He divulged that the judge made no comment on the merits of the case, confirming that the matter was strictly an internal party affair.

“These recalcitrant individuals have continued to mislead the public, spreading falsehoods about the judgment," said Elder Akpan. "The court did not rule on the legitimacy of any group or confer authority on any so-called Board of Trustees as they have claimed. The judgment only established that the matter was beyond the jurisdiction of the court."

Elder Akpan also clarified that the expulsion of Boniface Aniebonam, Major Agbo, Olaposi Oginni, and their cohorts from the party was never reversed. The earlier judgment from the Federal High Court in Abuja, delivered on April 18, 2024, which affirmed their expulsion, remains valid.

He further emphasized that the true leadership of the NNPP continues under Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, the party’s National Chairman, as recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “According to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act of 2022, the official records of the NNPP are registered with INEC, and Dr. Ajuji Ahmed remains the authentic National Chairman of the party,” he said.

Our Correspondent gathered that the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, had earlier condemned the actions of the expelled members, noting that their attempts to twist the judgment represented a new low for the group.

Elder Akpan emphasized that INEC’s affidavit before the court had denied any knowledge of the activities of the expelled group, further discrediting their claims. "Their efforts to misguide Nigerians and disrupt the party’s progress will not succeed. The NNPP remains focused on its mission to provide effective leadership for the people of Nigeria," he concluded.

He used the occasion to pledge the party’s loyalty to its National Leader, Senator Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for his visionary and result-driven leadership.

Akpan with the National Leader of the NNPP, Senator Dr Kwankwaso...

“We stand solidly behind our leader, His Excellency Senator Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. He is not just leading; he is charting a new course for Nigeria’s political future. His leadership has given this party direction, strength, and purpose, and we remain committed to following his example as he continues to shape a better future for our country,” Elder Akpan added.