Remains Of A Beheaded Woman Not Found In Ekpri Nsukara Offot - Eteidung Emem Asikpo Clarifies

Eteidung Asikpo 

The Village Head of Ekpri Nsukara Offot in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo has clarified  that the remains of a beheaded woman with missing parts reported few days ago, was found in a neighbouring village and not Ekpri Nsukara Offot.

Eteidung Asikpo made the clarification shortly after a crucial meeting of Ekpri Nsukara Offot Village Council held at his Palace on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. 

While debunking the news report which allegedly mentioned Ekpri Nsukara Offot as the scene of the crime, Eteidung Asikpo advised newsmen and social media influencers to always crosscheck and be sure of locations of incidents before going public with their stories.

"It is quite unfortunate that a woman lost her life in the hands of unknown murderers. As was reported, her remains were found without her head and other vital parts of her body. This is heinous and condemnable.  

"We are however piqued that most reports on the sad incident mentioned Ekpri Nsukara Offot as where her remains were found. This is not correct. The exact location where her remains were found was the refuse dump by the fence of the Holy Child Convent School, Anua, Uyo, which is a neighbouring community," he said.

Eteidung Asikpo said refuting the news report has become necessary following numerous calls he and members of Ekpri Nsukara Offot Village Council have received on the sad and pathetic incident.

He acknowledged that the Police and other security agencies have since swung into action to unmask the perpetrators of the heinous crime. 

According to him, Ekpri Nsukara Offot Village had since last year, September 2023 set in motion various measures to curb crimes, which include the restriction on the hours of operation of motorcyclists from 9pm to 6am, which is still in force. 

"We don't like this reference to Ekpri Nsukara each crime occurs along Nwaniba Road. It tends to portray our community in bad light. We're peace loving and one of most organized villages in the State. 

"As a security conscious community, we have initiated several measures to curb crime and restiveness. Part of these, was the introduction and enforcement of restrictions on the hours of operation of motorcyclists in the community from 9pm to 6am since September 2023," he explained.

Emem And Sons Ltd Applauds A'Ibom First Lady for Transformative Initiatives

For her steadfast commitment to the ARISE agenda and commendable initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people of Akwa Ibom, a reputable indigenous contracting firm, Emem and Sons Nigeria Limited, has extended heartfelt commendation to the wife of the State Governor; Her Excellency, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.

In a press release issued in Uyo, the State capital, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Engr. Sylvanus Ukpong, expressed profound admiration for the First Lady's exceptional spirit of goodwill.

Referring to her as a virtuous woman and caring mother of Akwa Ibom, Engr Ukpong highlighted her pivotal role in championing transformative projects in line with her husband's ARISE agenda.

MD/CEO, Emem & Sons Nig. Ltd.

According to Ukpong, the visionary initiatives include: plans to establish a cutting-edge cancer screening center, provision of monthly stipends to families with multiple birth children, offer of free medical checks, and provision of financial support to the elderly in the state, among others.

Emphasizing the impact of these people-centric programmes, Engr Sylvanus Ukpong pointed out that the First Lady's genuine kindness and compassion are worthy of emulation by all. 

The construction firm, known for delivering quality and standard jobs in line with international best practices, used the occasion to solicit support and cooperation for the Umo Eno-led administration, predicting a brighter future for Akwa Ibom under Pastor Umo Eno.

INT'L EDUCATION DAY: ETIEBET APPLAUDS GOV. UMO ENO'S EDUCATION BOOST

As the world observed International Education Day on January 24, 2024, the Commissioner for Education in Akwa Ibom, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, has commended His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, for his significant investment in the state's education sector.

Speaking to reporters, Commissioner Etiebet highlighted Governor Umo Eno's achievements in the past eight months, including the remodeling of key primary schools in Uyo and Eket.

She stated, "His Excellency the Governor has given priority attention to Education in line with the ARISE agenda, and the fruits of his massive investment in just eight months are enormous. Akwa Ibom people feel proud to celebrate these tangible strides."

She listed accomplishments such as the remodeling of Ewet Model Primary School, Uyo, while the remodeling of Primary Schools in other Federal Constituencies is in progress.

Others include the procurement of educational materials for pupils in Public Primary Schools in the State, the launch of a N100 million Education Trust Fund for students with disabilities in tertiary institutions, payment of bursaries to students in tertiary institutions, the continuation of free and compulsory education, as well as upcoming initiatives like educational items for pupils in public primary schools and The Akwa Ibom-United Kingdom Education Exchange Programme, among others.

Etiebet used the occasion to urge our pupils and students to strive for excellence in both learning and character, embodying the spirit of Akwa Ibom children known globally.

Meanwhile, International Education Day, celebrated worldwide, carried the theme "Learning for Lasting Peace."

According to the Education Commissioner, Akwa Ibom's commitment to education aligns with this global emphasis on fostering enduring peace through learning.

Just In: Ogun Assembly Speaker, Oluomo impeached

 

The Speaker of the Ogun House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo has been impeached by 18  lawmakers out of 26 member assembly, during plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mrs Bolanle Ajayi.

The Assembly equally elected Mr. Oludaisi Elemide, who is currently representing Odeda State Constituency at the Assembly, as the new Speaker.

Our source; Vanguard reported that Adegoke Adeyanju, an APC lawmaker, representing Yewa North 1 State Constituency moved the motion for Oluomo’s impeachment, while it was seconded by another APC lawmaker, Ademola Adeniran, who is representing Sagamu II State Constituency.

It was also gathered that Adeyanju had entered the Assembly chamber with the Maze in company of other lawmakers.

Speaking to newsmen after his election as the new Speaker, Elemide explained that the people of the state should expect the best from him.

He said, “we are law abiding legislators. We want the world to know that there has been changed in leadership.

“18 members signed for me to be the Speaker. People should remain calm. We are in custody of all the authority of the House. We are saying that the new leadership will support the governor.

He clarified that Governor Dapo Abiodun knows nothing about the impeachment.

Also speaking, Mr Damilola Soneye, who is representing Obafemi Owode State Constituency, noted that the office of the Speaker is to be first among equals.

“The Speaker was impeached due to gross misconduct which bothers on high handedness, lack of focus and transparency, arrogance and poor leadership style, financial misappropriation and inciting members against themselves,” he said.

The Clerk and the Deputy Clerk, Mr Deji Adeyemo and Mrs Funmilayo Adeyemi were also at the plenary.

Security personnel, including the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were in large numbers at the Assembly complex.

Edeobom, Afaha Abia, Ikot Obio Asanga, Ikot Odiong, Ikot Ekang Roads Now Death Traps

 ..Village Heads, Residents Cry For Help

The once-functional link road spanning Edeobom, Afaha Abia, Ikot Obio Asanga, Ikot Odiong, and Ikot Ekang in Nsit Ibom and Etinan Local Government Areas, apart from dangerously worsening, is now akin to a death trap, this paper can reliably inform.

This over 5km road, which connects rural agrarian communities in Nsit Ibom to Ikot Ekang in Etinan Local Government Area, according to our reporter, suffer from abandonment and neglect, resulting in severe setbacks for economic and social activities of inhabitants of the area.

To worsen the issue for these rural dwellers, the ancient bridge connecting Ikot Odiong and Ikot Ekang, crossing Nsit Ibom and Etinan Local Government Areas, has become a hazardous obstacle, negatively affecting farming and all economic pursuits between the two Local Government Areas.

When a team of journalists and netizens visited the area on an on-the-spot assessment last Friday, our reporter who was part of the team witnessed the dire condition of these roads, the untold hardship, and excruciating pains it has caused residents and the road users.

Speaking with the Village Head of Afaha Abia, Eteidung Monday Johnny Ekpo, at his palace, the monarch, in an emotion-laden tone, lamented the absence of a reliable access road to the community.

He regretted that the deplorable state of this road not only deprived residents of his community of convenience in commuting from one village to the other especially at critical moments and emergency situations, but also hampers their ability to engage in businesses sustaining their families.

While acknowledging that indigenes of the affected areas have been campaigning, supporting, and voting en masse for the ruling party in the State, PDP, since 1999, the Village Head appealed to the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, whom he referred to as "a caring and listening leader" for compassionate intervention, urging for the construction of the link road to revitalize beleaguered communities in the area.

In the same vein, Eteidung Emmanuel Usoro, the Village Head of Ikot Obio Asanga, during interaction with our reporter at his palace, had expressed deep displeasure at the deteriorating state of the road traversing his village.

The Village Head pointed out that resolving challenges faced by Ikot Obio Asanga and its environs hinges on constructing a viable road in the area. Eteidung Usoro expressed hope that the Governor, being a responsive and altruistic leader, will kindly respond to their plea.

In their separate reactions, indigenes of the affected communities including Mr. Emmanuel Godwin Umoh of Ikot Odiong and Mr. Ubong Etim from Ikot Ekang in Etinan, decried the terrible condition of the colonial bridge connecting the two villages.

They urgently called on the state government to provide them with a good road so as to enable them to resume their businesses and restore normalcy to their daily lives to enable them contribute their quota to the GDP of the state through agro-allied activities.

As a beacon of hope, the residents earnestly called on the Christ-centric administration of Pastor Eno to dispatch trusted government officials to the aforementioned areas for a firsthand assessment of the deplorable state of the road, the bridge and it's commutative effects on the people of the area.

This impassioned plea, according to them, aims at drawing attention to the urgent need for intervention of the State Government in other to alleviate the suffering of the people and restore vitality to their communities that have been totally cut off from civilization.

Those who spoke to newsmen stressed that they are longstanding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and have been actively contributing to the party's victories in the state since 1999.

They strongly hope that when the matter is brought to the notice of the Governor, he will address their concerns and improve their lives in line with his administration's ARISE agenda.

Environmental Degradation: ROYAL PALM VILLA Adopts RRR Philosophy in Real Estate Design

 

Akwa Ibom State is gearing up to join the class of states around the world  that is Sustainable Development Goal complaint as it is set to adopt Resource Recovery and Reuse (RRR) philosophy in its real estate business..

Royal Palm Villa, a Real Estate Developer made the disclosure while giving insight into its ongoing  green compliant, affordable,  energy-efficient and tech-driven estate in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. 

Explaining features of the estate which is said to be first of its kind in Uyo on Friday, the developers led by the Chief Executive Officer of Jofame Integrated Limited, Mr. Gideon MfonAbasi said the estate is designed to manage its sewage and organic waste without the need for heavy electromechanical components.

The anaerobic central sewage treatment plant said to be handled by the Engr Fadipe Oladele- led  ELFAD CONCEPT LIMITED will, according to the developers TREAT DIGEST & CONVERT BIOMASS, SLUDGE and BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS into biogas and nitrogen rich liquid fertilizers.

The eco-friendly and Green Technology housing system, according to MfonAbasi will reduce carbon foots in the state in response to SDG Goal 6 which aims to ensure availability of sustainable management of water and sanitation 

The Villa which is strategically located on a prime 3.67-hectare land, merely a minute away from Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort,  Nwaniba, Uyo, is also designed  to be equipped with fiber-to-home connectivity, and state-of-the-art energy-efficient homes.

The unique value proposition of Royal Palm Estate is, according to Mr MfonAbasi, to democratize real estate and make it available to more people. 

Flanked by one of his lead partners, Mr Fortunate Lucky Ototakovie of  Sublinktech Nigeria Limited,  the CEO pointed out that the Estate draws strength from the company's successful track record, having implemented similar projects along Lekki-Epe Expressway, Igbeju-Lekki, Ajah, and other locations in Lagos Nigeria. 

Providing further insight on the estate, the Chief Executive Officer who also listed Utopia Bath and Kitchen Nigeria Ltd as one of its partners added; 

"Royal Palm Villa provide a unique blend of safe and secure community living that wel- comes its residents to feel "at home". The beautifully landscaped garden behind the living areas will provide a unique, healthy and natural environment for recreation and equally usable by children to play with their friends. It is designed within 3.6 Hectares of land, comprising series of Studio flats, bedroom flats, 1 bedroom terrace apartments, 2 bedroom terrace apartments, 3 bedroom detached apartments, 4 bedroom detached apartments,  5 bedroom detached apartments, Club house, Gate house/ utilities, recreational areas/sports field, It contains spacious living areas, kitchen /store, home office. The terraces offers variety of views to the green lush and offers spots for relaxation and leisure.

"Convenient luxury is the guiding principle for Royal Palm Villa as It represents a luxury approach that suits varying tastes". 

He explained that construction is already underway for a range of apartments, including studio apartments to five-bedroom detached units. Power lines currently being installed, with plans for over 150 mixed apartments.

In his words "It's a first of its kind in Akwa Ibom State  we are building a green compliant residential estate and we intend to work with International Finance Corporation to own a green compliant technological earth certification. 

"We are working on a residential estate project that is going to be tech-driven, energy efficient and fully serviced and gated. 

"In the last few years we have looked at the state and see that the real estate business is non-existent or primarily for the billionaires to benefit from, but in reality, real estate is meant to be something for everyone and what our company is seeking at doing is  to democratize real estate and make it available to more people. 

"Our company is committed to open up more space and challenge the statue-quo and be able to bring wealth to a greater number of Akwa Ibom people. 

"We also believe that creativity and innovation is birthed in a serene environment and our commitment is to bring that kind of environment to Akwa Ibom State, where services work, where you are not bothered on how to get power. 

"We have been doing it in the last ten years, we have two developments in Lagos State, one of it is a 3.3 hectare development and the other one that is ongoing is a 30 hectare development and right in Lekki Express Way. 

"We felt that it was time to do it in Akwa Ibom State and we got a location that is exciting, a location that connects with our brand value, that is; live, work and play. Of course you know that the Golf Course is a rallying point in Akwa Ibom State".

Enumerating other key features  of the estate MfonAbasi listed; drainage, security, paved roads, CCTV, play areas, greenery, streetlights. He also listed recreational amenities to include a lawn tennis court, a 5-a-side football court, and various sporting facilities, scheduled for  completion  before the second quarter of 2024.

Source: Idongesit Ashameri, Uyo.

Revenue Crisis: MKPAT ENIN COUNCIL EXONERATES ITSELF FROM DEATH OVER TAX COLLECTION

 

The leadership of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area has distanced itself from the death of tax collector Samuel Monday Toby.

Toby was reportedly attacked in his home for assisting in enforcing the suspension of revenue collection in Ikot Akpaobong market, leading to his demise.

The wife of the deceased, Mrs. Gift Samuel Monday, petitioned the Commissioner of Police, attributing her husband's death to his involvement in the market's revenue collection suspension.

"His assassination is not far-fetched from his December 21, 2023, participation in enforcing the Ikot Akpaobong Market revenue collection suspension directive of the Mkpat Enin Local Government Council, having been appointed to aid in its implementation," she said.

Reacting to the death, Secretary of the Transition Committee, Mkpat Enin LGA, Pastor Amos Afia, stated that December 2023 was declared a tax-free month for traders, leading to the dissolution of the revenue collection committee.

In a release provided to our correspondent in Uyo, the State Capital, Afia explained that some youths, led by Akanimo Bob Ikpe, a Personal Assistant to Governor Umo Eno, and Village Head of Ikot Akpaobong Village, Eteidung Aniefiok Cyril Udom, defied the order by selling unauthorized tickets in Akpaudo and Ukam markets.

He revealed that the council officially informed Eteidung Udom about the tax-free excise in all the village markets. Additionally, members of the newly constituted Markets/Motor Parks Committee were introduced to the Commissioner of Police as authorized persons to collect revenue from January 1, 2024.

Afia clarified that the local government council never engaged the services of Akanimo Bob Ikpe as a revenue officer but employed Samruf Technical Services Limited, whose contract concluded in December 2023. He noted that any claim by Akanimo Bob Ikpe was illegal.

"On December 11, 2023, after due consultation with the Transition Committee, the Local Government Council's leadership, through a press release signed by Pastor Afia Amos, declared December 2023 a tax-free month for traders in Mkpat Enin.

"We also announced the dissolution of all standing committees, including the revenue collection committee.

"Despite the release and announcements on radio and social media for the smooth implementation of the tax-free exercise, some youths, led by Akanimo Bob Ikpe and Eteidung Aniefiok Cyril Udom, flouted the order by forcefully selling unauthorized tickets to traders in Akpaudo and Ukam markets.

"On December 20, 2023, Eteidung Aniefiok Cyril Udom, the village head of Ikot Akpaobong, was officially written to, introducing the enforcement team on the tax-free excise in all village markets. Additionally, on December 29, 2023, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, received a letter introducing members of the newly constituted Markets/Motor Parks Committee as authorized persons for revenue collection from January 1, 2024.

"On December 22, 2023, an unfortunate report emerged that an indigene of Mkpat Enin named Samuel Monday Toby was attacked at his home for assisting in enforcing the revenue collection suspension in Ikot Akpaobong Market.

"From all the records available in the Local Government Council, there is no evidence indicating that the council engaged the services of Akanimo Bob Ikpe as a revenue officer.

"Rather, the council employed Samruf Technical Services Limited for the revenue business, and details of the engagement show that the contract ended in December 2023. Therefore, Akanimo Bob Ikpe's claim to be a revenue collection officer in the Local Government is illegitimate.

"Finally, the Transition Committee is working closely with the Nigeria Police and all relevant security agencies to ensure that all culprits in the current crisis are brought to book. We are fully committed to restoring and ensuring lasting peace in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area," the release stated.