Easter: Oku Ibom Ibibio Advises Christians To Emulate The Exemplary Life Of Jesus Christ

...Urges Akwa Ibomites To Live Together In Unity, Love And Harmony

The Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Daniel Etuk, JP, CFR, has urged Christians to emulate the exemplary life of Jesus Christ as demonstrated during his mission of salvation on earth.

In his Easter message, Ntenyin Etuk, the Patriarch of the Ibibios Worldwide, said that as followers of Jesus Christ, faithful have to show good virtues of godliness, discipline, honesty and love for one another.

The premier royal father of Akwa Ibom State emphasized that believers must greatly treasure the exceptional sacrifice of Jesus Christ through his death and resurrection, which offered salvation to mankind.

He warned against greed, hatred, disunity, covetousness and economic sabotage, saying that such lifestyles, apart from not being in tandem with the expected virtues of a good Christian, are generally endemic to the well-being, peace, love and development of the society.

The message reads, "On behalf of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, I convey our best wishes to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and the entire people of the state on this occasion of Easter celebration. 

 

"Easter is a very solemn season for Christians and the world in general. It reminds us of the messianic role of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, whose death and resurrection became the atonement for our sins and also renewed our sonship with the Almighty God, as recorded in Galatians 4:4–7."

“The season further reminds us of the genuine love shown to us by our father in heaven by sending his only beloved son to us to sacrifice his precious life on our behalf. Love and sacrifice are therefore the essence of the season, hence the expectation that we show love to one another beyond the boundaries of families and friends.

"For emphasis, the life of Jesus Christ remains a great lesson for all faithful. We have to reflect on his life and follow in his footsteps. Leaders at all levels have to likewise be exemplary in their conduct. They have to be honest and committed to carrying out their entrusted responsibilities to the people, communities, states and nations, as Jesus Christ did without blemish. 

 

"We urge our people to be obedient in carrying out God's command and to respect leaders and constituted authorities to ensure orderliness, peace and progress in the society.

The patriarch admonished everyone in Akwa Ibom State to live in peace with one another, adding that with the harsh effects of the economic situation across the country, people have to show brotherly love and touch lives as much as possible, maintaining that through love and togetherness, the state can be built to greater heights.

"We cannot claim to be good Christians if we fail to practice God's ways and what Jesus Christ taught us. In our daily conduct, we have to show love and live in peace with one another so that the world can be a better place for us all," he added. 

The Oku Ibom Ibibio expressed happiness with the various policies and programmes initiated by the federal and state governments aimed at curbing the negative impact of the economy on society. 

He urged those responsible for implementing these schemes to carry them out diligently to achieve their intended purposes.

Ntenyin Etuk further called on political, religious and traditional leaders to set good examples so that followers could learn from them, and appealed to all stakeholders and the people to support Governor Umo Eno in his governance of the state. 

He noted that the impact of Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda programme was already being felt across the state through project execution covering roads, health, education, agriculture, and the payment of pensions and gratuities to retired workers and next-of-kin among others.

AKSEPWMA Resource Persons Forum Refutes False Publication, Pledges Support For Gov. Eno

 

Disheartened by the spread of false claims in the media by an anonymous group parading themselves as "Sub-Contractors for Sweeping and Evacuation," the Resource Persons Forum of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) has stepped forward to dispel their unfounded allegations. The Forum however, reiterated their maximum support for Governor Umo Eno and his ARISE Agenda.

In a press statement issued yesterday and endorsed by Pastor Robert Bob; Chairman, Chief Basyl Obo-Ayama; Secretary and Mr. Edikan Udott; PRO, the Resource Persons Forum emphasized their role as the recognized interface between the Agency and its workers, employed in accordance with the Akwa Ibom Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency Law. They distanced themselves from the false claims made in the publication, particularly regarding the employment and dismissal of workers, labeling such assertions as false and misleading.

The Forum reaffirmed their commitment to working with AKSEPWMA to uphold Akwa Ibom's reputation as Nigeria's cleanest state and to support the ARISE Agenda of Governor Eno for environmental sustainability. 

The official statement reads in part: "The attention of the Resource Persons Forum of Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) has been drawn to an open letter by certain individuals under the auspices of Forum of Sub-Contractors for Sweeping and Evacuation to our dear Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno published in some national dailies specifically The Guardian and Vanguard Newspapers of March 20, 2024 respectively.

"Ordinarily, we would have overlooked this piece of falsehood and cheap propaganda from these paid agents of destabilization to malign the integrity of the performing Chairman of the Agency, Obong Prince Akpan Ikim and the entire Board Members. But for the purpose of clarification and to guide the public, we wish to state categorically that: 

"Whereas, as Resource Persons, we were employed by the Agency pursuant to the extant law of the Akwa Ibom Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency Law Cap 47 of 2000.

"Whereas, we are the only known and recognized Resource Persons that interface between the Agency and our workers.

"Whereas, as contained in our various letters of appointment, the date of appointment and termination were clearly stated in our appointment letters which had since elapsed.

"Whereas, the claims of employing and sacking 5,000 road sweepers and evacuators by the Agency is totally false and shows a gross ignorance on the part of these peddlers of falsehood.

"Whereas, a critical analysis of the publication reveals a deliberate and unsuccessful attempt to weave falsehood and emotions to attract public sympathy, cause disaffection and embarrass the state government.

"Whereas, the signatories to the ill-motivated publication from our records do not exist at any level of the Forum and therefore, such publication should be totally disregarded.

"Whereas, we call on our workers to exercise patience as the Agency has finalized preparations to appoint Resource Persons for resumption of normal activities.

"Whereas, the leadership and members of this Forum completely disassociate themselves from the said publication and call on relevant agencies of government to investigate the source and sponsors of this blackmail and bring the perpetrators out to face the consequences of their ill-motivated actions.

"Whereas, we restate our commitment to work with the Agency toward sustaining the state's record as the cleanest state in Nigeria and achieving the ARISE Agenda in respect to environmental sustainability in the state.

"Whereas, we commend our dear Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno for his leadership style that has redefined governance in the state. The ongoing infrastructural and other strategic sectoral developments across the state have given a new lease of life to Akwa Ibom people.

"Whereas, we pledge our unalloyed loyalty to the Governor and reassure him of our commitment to support all his laudable programmes for the benefits of our people.

"Whereas, we pass a vote of confidence on the Chairman of the Agency, Obong Prince Akpan Ikim and his team for their effort to sustain the tempo of keeping our environment clean."

7.9km Ring Road III Project: IBIONO IBOM SECRETARY, HON. ASUAKAK UMOH SHOWS GRATITUDE TO GOV. ENO

 

The recent flag-off and commencement of the construction of the 7.9km Ring Road III by Governor Umo Eno, has garnered genuine appreciation from Hon. Asuakak Umoh, the Secretary of the Ibiono Ibom Local Government Transition Committee.

Our paper reliably gathered that, the expansive dual-carriage Ring Road-3 extension connects three Local Government Areas: Uyo, Ikono, and Ibiono Ibom. However, Hon. Umoh told our reporter that, Ibiono Ibom covers approximately 87% of the entire road project.

Speaking with journalists and bloggers on the sidelines of the flag-off ceremony last week, Umoh, a former Councillor representing Ibiono Ibom Ward 5, praised the Governor for his dedication to constructing a network of economically significant roads across the State.

He noted that the dual-carriage road, which will include side drains and streetlights, will benefit villages in Ibiono Ibom such as Ikot Idaha, Ikot Adaidem, Ikot Akpabio, Ikot Ekop, Ikpedip, Ibiaku Ikot Ukpong, among others.

Reflecting on the past, the Ibiono Ibom Council Secretary recalled how the entire stretch of the road was in a deplorable state for many decades, noting how it had isolated many villagers, including farmers, from their daily activities, leading to untold hardships and hindering economic activities in the area. Asuakak expressed profound gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for demonstrating immense love for his people by launching the road construction project within just nine months of assuming office.

He underscored the immense importance of the massive road project, saying upon completion, it would spark economic growth, facilitate easy access for residents of Ibiono Ibom, Uyo, and Ikono, as well promoting trade and development across the three local government areas. 

Describing his people as peace-loving and grateful, Hon. Umoh assured Hensek contractors, stringent security measures, expressing confidence that Ibiono Ibom would fully support the project until its successful completion.

Hon. Asuakak Umo used the occasion to eulogize Governor Eno for inaugurating the Board of the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency. He pointed out that the introduction of this interventionist initiative by the Governor would ensure food availability and price stability for essential food items in the State.

He expressed gratitude to Pastor Eno for appointing Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael, the SSA on Market Matters, an illustrious son of Ibiono Ibom, among members of the interventionist agency. Asuakak attested that he personally knows the appointee as a loyal and steadfast individual who will undoubtedly bring value to his new role.

Observing that the establishment of the new Agency was in line with the economic blueprint of the Pastor Eno as encapsulated in the ARISE agenda, the Ibiono Ibom Council scribe called for strong support across all LGAs for the Governor, affirming that the State Chief Executive has demonstrated through his actions and achievements that he will leave Akwa Ibom in a better state by 2031 than how he found it.

How artificial sweeteners fuel diabetes, damage kidney, say experts

 

Experts are worried that increased consumption of artificial sweeteners found in bread, pastries and biscuits, which are now being used by bakeries and food processing companies in place of sugar may pose serious health risks to Nigerians.

They also cautioned against using artificial sweeteners for weight loss or to reduce the ‘risk of noncommunicable diseases’, saying that long-term use may predispose to health risks that include diabetes, heart-related issues and kidney problems.

According to the recent guidelines on Non-Sugar Sweeteners, the World Health Organisation warned against the use of NSS to control body weight or reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases, insisting that NSS are not essential dietary factors and have no nutritional value.

The WHO urged people to reduce the sweetness of the diet altogether and should start early in life to improve their health.

It noted that the recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review which suggests that the use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children.

The WHO’s findings suggested that there may be potential undesirable effects from long-term use of NSS, such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality in adults.

The Director for Nutrition and Food Safety, WHO, Francesco Branca, said, “Replacing free sugars with NSS does not help with weight control in the long term. People need to consider other ways to reduce free sugar intake, such as consuming food with naturally occurring sugars, like fruit, or unsweetened food and beverages.

“NSS are not essential dietary factors and have no nutritional value. People should reduce the sweetness of the diet altogether, starting early in life, to improve their health.

“The recommendation applies to all people except individuals with pre-existing diabetes and includes all synthetic and naturally occurring or modified non-nutritive sweeteners that are not classified as sugars found in manufactured foods and beverages, or sold on their own to be added to foods and beverages by consumers.”

The WHO listed non-sugar sweeteners as acesulfame K, saccharin, aspartame, advantame, cyclamates, neotame, sucralose, stevia and stevia derivatives, saying that long-term consumption of these may be harmful to health.

“The recommendation does not apply to personal care and hygiene products containing NSS, such as toothpaste, skin cream, and medications, or to low-calorie sugars and sugar alcohols (polyols), which are sugars or sugar derivatives containing calories and are therefore not considered NSS,” it added.

Speaking exclusively with our source, experts said the use of artificial sweeteners instead of regular sugar due to the high cost of sugar in the country will have a negative impact on lives if consumption is not cut down.

A Nutritionist and Founder, Corlerns Foods Ltd, Awka, Anambra State, Obiora Chukwunulu said the reason many people now use NSS following the over 150 per cent increase in the cost of free sugar is because many sugar substitutes taste sweeter than sugar.

He explained, “So, a very little quantity of this is needed to sweeten foods and drinks, yet it is cheaper. The quantity of sugar you will need to sweeten a 50-litre of dough will cost you a fortune but just a little quantity of saccharin, which will cost you less, will do justice to it. What N500 saccharin will do, N1,000 sugar will not do.

“From the business point of view, food manufacturers and processing companies prefer it because it is going to maximise their profits but then, it is harmful to the body. There are safe quantities of these that can be used but when it goes beyond it, it becomes risky.

“This is why you experience those undesirable aftertastes that leave you looking for something to get rid of it from your mouth. Some research has shown that long-term, daily use of artificial sweeteners may be linked to a higher risk of stroke, heart disease and death.”

Corroborating his views, a Consultant Cardiologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Dr Akinsanya Olusegun-Joseph, said while more research is needed to understand in detail how NSS affects human cardiovascular health, there is a link between NSS, Diabetes and hearts.

He noted that researchers have studied over 4,000 people in the United States and Europe and found those with higher blood erythritol (one of the sweeteners) levels were at elevated risk of experiencing an adverse cardiovascular event such as heart attack, stroke, or death.

“Only what I will advise is a reduction in our sugar intake. Everything should be done in moderation. Diabetes affects other vascular health and is also a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases,” he added.

According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine by Kirtida Tandel and titled, ‘Sugar Substitutes: Health controversy over perceived benefits,’ it was affirmed that NSS are harmful to the body and many studies have convincingly proven so.

“Sugar is an inseparable part of the food we consume. But too much sugar is not ideal for our teeth and waistline. So artificial sweeteners or artificially sweetened products continue to attract consumers. A sugar substitute is a food additive that duplicates the effect of sugar in taste but usually has less food energy.

“Besides its benefits, animal studies have convincingly proven that artificial sweeteners cause weight gain, brain tumours, bladder cancer and many other health hazards. Some other health-related side effects, including carcinogenicity, are also noted in humans.” (PUNCH)

Federal Govt okays N1.3tr for 28 roads, bridges

 

The Federal Executive Council(FEC)  yesterday approved  N1.267 trillion for the construction of   28 roads and  bridges across the country

Also okayed by the council is the establishment of  Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF)  to tackle the nation’s $878 billion infrastructure gap.

Works Minister Dave Umahi and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman  Zacch Adedeji announced these to reporters after FEC’s meeting in Abuja yesterday.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presided over the meeting. 

Umahi revealed that apart from the 28 projects, FEC  agreed that   N144 billion be spent on Shaki-Okerete Road in Oyo State and  N 83. 779 billion on the Buruku BrIdge in Katsina Ala, Benue State.

One project —the N158 billion  Biu- Kanga-Kana- Gaya road to the Niger Republic border- was stepped down by the council based on the minister’s request.

He said, “Today(yesterday)  the Federal Executive Council considered and approved a total of 28 roads and bridges and stepped down one project. The project I requested that should be stepped down so that I can look at it again is the Biu, Kanga, Kana, Gaya to the border of Niger Republic costing about N158 billion.

“The other projects totalling 1.26 7 trillion, they were all approved by FEC having gone through the BPP(Bureau for Public Procurement)  and we got the certification, no objection.

“Council also approved the Buruku bridge that is going across Katsina Ala River in Benue state, the bridge is a twin bridge that marches the dualised road there, and each of the bridge is about 850 meters. So put the two together is 1.7 kilometres and costs about N83.799 billion.

“There was also approval by FEC  for a road- Shaki and Okerete- in Oyo. The road is 91.432 kilometres costing N144 billion.”

Adedeji, who is also President Tinubu’s special adviser on Revenue explained that the RHIDF   would be domiciled in the Presidency.

RHIDF is an upgrade of the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund initiated by the previous administration.

Adedeji explained that the  National Integrated Infrastructure Masterplan estimated Nigeria’s infrastructure expenditure from 2016 to 2040 at  878 $billion.

The amount, according to him, averages $35 billion annually.

LP dares NLC, insists on Wednesday convention

The leadership of the Labour Party said it won’t rescind the decision to hold its contentious national convention on Wednesday as planned.

The development comes two days after the party formally petitioned relevant government institutions requesting an urgent intervention to protect the party against further aggression from the Nigeria Labour Congress.

In the four separate letters written to the  Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Ministry of Labour and Employment and Registrar of Trade Unions, Falonipe Amos, the party also called for disciplinary action to be taken against the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and other union leaders who spearheaded the alleged vandalisation of its properties.

The ongoing conflict over the control of the party escalated last Wednesday when members of the union acting on the directive of NLC leadership picketed LP secretariats across the country.

The move was to press home their demand for Abure’s resignation.

The protesting workers had laid siege to LP national headquarters in Abuja chanting solidarity songs and demanding Abure’s resignation.

They were however prevented from gaining access to the party secretariat by security operatives posted to the area to maintain order.

But 24 hours after the invasion, the embattled chairman released a press statement claiming the union members broke into their offices, vandalised properties worth millions of naira and made away with some staff salaries.

On Saturday, news filtered in that the Presidential Candidate of LP, Peter Obi, had been frantically making efforts to broker peace between both camps

Obi was also said to have advised the party to shift the national convention to a later date until a lasting solution is sought.

But the party backtracked on Sunday and insisted there was no going back on its planned convention.

In an exclusive phone chat, the National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh, told our correspondent that Abure, the National Working Committee of the party and delegates would gather in Umuahia, Abia State capital.

He said, “Who told you we have cancelled the convention? That is not true. Anything that didn’t come from me or the chairman is not from the party. There is no going back.

“If not that,  tomorrow is the usual ‘sit-at-home’ exercise (in the East), delegates will start arriving from tomorrow. But from Tuesday, all of us will assemble in Umuahia for the convention.”

Reacting, the NLC spokesman, Benson Upah, fumed, saying Abure would not dare the congress by going ahead with the planned convention.

Upah also warned that any conference or convention held under the leadership of the embattled chairman would amount to a jamboree in futility.

He said, “What does not exist cannot be said to have held. It is an exercise in futility, no matter where, when or how it is done. As long as it is superintended by Abure, it is nullity.

“I can assure you that we have no deal. And I want to tell you whatever they do will amount to nothing more than a useless and hopeless jamboree. Please quote me. It is a nullity and has no recognition even before it is done.”

Hon Asuakak Umoh Scores Gov. Eno High On Performance, Lists Ukobot-led govt achievements in Ibiono Ibom

Hon. Umoh, Secretary, Ibiono Ibom Transition Committee...

As eulogies and commendations continue to pour in for the people-centric leadership and exceptional performance of Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, the Secretary of the Ibiono Ibom Local Government Transition Committee, Hon. Asuakak Umoh, after being satisfied with the awe-inspiring performance, stated that Eno deserves a second term.

The Ibiono Ibom Council Secretary dropped this hint on Friday at Okoita while answering questions from newsmen during an inspection tour of ongoing projects embarked upon by the Hon. Nsikakabasi Ukobot-led administration.

Giving his fair assessment of the Umo Eno-led government, nine months since assuming office, the Council Scribe observed that the gargantuan achievements, projects, and programmes in Ibiono Ibom, in particular, and the other 30 Local Government Areas of the State, show that the Governor came into office prepared.

Hon. Umoh lauded Pastor Eno for awarding a massive Ring Road construction from Julius Berger yard in Idoro Uyo to Ibiono Ibom, which cuts across many villages in Ibiono Ibom to Hensek Integrated Services. He said that the people of Ibiono Ibom were grateful that there is indeed a governor who understands their plight regarding bad roads and goes all out to solve them.

According to the Council Secretary, Pastor Eno has also mobilized the road construction giants, Westgate Global Trust, to the site, expressing happiness that the Cardinal Ekandem Road was ongoing at the fastest speed with quality job done as well.

He noted that the Umo Eno administration will soon provide the Ibiono Ibom people with a state-of-the-art General Hospital at Okoita, a massive Skill Acquisition Centre at Ikot Ada Idem, a Model Secondary School at Ikot Ekop, among several other projects. He stressed that Ibiono Ibom has never fared this well under any administration in the State since its creation, and for these reasons and more, the people, according to him, have assured to massively support the Umo Eno-led government to the end, and will be the first to contribute money for Pastor Umo Eno's re-election forms.

Answering a question from a reporter, Hon. Umoh opined that the Ibiono Ibom Local Council has achieved more than any other council since their swearing-in in December 2023. He thanked Gov. Umo Eno for the rare opportunity and the Hon. Nsikakabsi Ukoobot-led administration in Ibiono Ibom for championing superlative performance, to the admiration of all in Ibiono Ibom.

The Former Councillor observed that the Council Chairman, with the support of principal officers and the entire members of the Transition Committee in Ibiono Ibom, has recorded tremendous success in all important sectors, namely, Agriculture, Education, Human Capital Development, Infrastructure, Rural Development, amongst others.

In agriculture, Hon. Umoh mentioned that the council is distributing seedlings to farmers for free as the farming season kicks off, aiming to eradicate hunger from the local government.

He also listed achievements within the first 100 days in office of the Ukobot-led administration in Ibiono Ibom, including the flagging off of medical outreach for Ibiono Ibom people, opening of a Cooperative for women of Ibiono with seed fund, ongoing construction of a civic centre at Idoro Community in the Northern part of Ibiono Ibom, grading and provision of access road to the people of Ikpanya, whose roads are in deplorable condition, making it easier for them to use the road for farming and other engagements.

Other achievements include the renovation of the Council Secretariat, which was in a bad state after its construction more than two decades ago by the first administration in the area, equipping offices of principal officers, as well as completing the fence at the Council Secretariat.

In education, the Council Secretary said a large number of Ibiono Ibom students are currently being trained in ICT, while those seeking admissions into universities have been given free JAMB forms with all expenses paid for by the Council and a substantial amount given to the Ibiono Ibom Students Worldwide Association to help them focus on their studies.

Hon. Umoh mentioned that the current administration is also investing massively in environmental sanitation as it has embarked on massive desilting of drains at Okoita, even as over 200 youths who own SMEs are currently receiving substantial amounts from the local government to put into their businesses to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Ibiono Ibom Local Government Transition Committee, Hon. Asuakak Umoh, expressed gratitude to the Umo Eno-led administration in the State for the massive support given to all Local Government Councils in the State, which has enabled Ibiono Ibom to deliver massive dividends of democracy within 100 days in office to her people. He promised Ibiono Ibom people's support for his ARISE agenda at all times.

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By TheHILL Reporter & Atuekong Paul Bassey