Oku Ibom Ibibio Tasks Air Force, Other Security Agencies On Nigeria's Internal And Maritime Insecurities

 

 

Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR, has charged the Nigerian Air Force, Army, Navy and other Security agencies to find lasting solutions to lingering internal and maritime insecurities in the country.

Ntenyin Etuk, the Patriarch of the Ibibios worldwide, made the call during a courtesy visit by the Course 11 Participants, 2025 of the Air Force War College, Nigeria at his Palace in Ikot Ukobo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

He said with the advancement in technology, the country's establishment should not spare any effort in checkmating reoccurring incidents of insurgencies, kidnapping, and banditry in parts of Northern and Southern Nigeria, as well as maritime piracy and environmental pollutions in the South-South region.

The Akwa Ibom premier royal father, while acknowledging the enormous efforts put in by the Federal Government, through the military and other agencies, in stemming the tide of insecurity, said further deployment and utilization of surveillance devices associated with counter-terrorism would drastically thwart such crimes.

He appreciated the Air Force War College Course 11 Participants for the visit to the palace and for including Akwa Ibom State in their study tour so as to appraise our state’s environmental degradation and socio-economic development as well as its geography, history, culture and people.

He re-echoed the concerns made by some paramount rulers at the courtesy visit for the reinforcement of security surveillances in their coastal villages and waterways to stop activities of sea pirates, kidnappers, bandits and all sorts of criminal activities suffered by their people.

On Akwa Ibom State, the Oku Ibom Ibibio was full of praises for the State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno for engendering an atmosphere of tranquillity, love and togetherness in the state, through his people-centric approach to governance as encapsulated in his administration's ARISE AGENDA.

Ntenyin Etuk assured the military personnel of the continued cooperation and partnership of the traditional rulers in the maintenance of security, peace, unity and development in the grassroots of Akwa Ibom State.

The Team Lead of the delegation, Air Commodore S.A. Madaki, who is the Deputy Commandant of the Air Force War College, Nigeria, was thankful to Oku Ibom Ibibio and other royal fathers at the Palace for receiving the delegation.

Commodore Madaki said the tour is designed to equip participants with valuable knowledge of Akwa Ibom State’s physical environment and cultural heritage, thereby enriching their strategic understanding of the development dynamics of the State.

Air Commodore Madaki was accompanied on the courtesy visit by a Team from Air Force War College, Nigeria namely: Navy Captain SK Haruna, Group Capt UU Akeel - Directing Staff; Wing Commander MO Umar - Directing Staff; 15 participants of Air War Course 11/2025; Squadron Leader DI Dogo - Air Assistant to Commandant and 3 Support staff. Among them were three international participants drawn from Botswana, Cameron and the Kingdom of Morocco.

Earlier, the coordinator of the Study Tour  to Akwa Ibom State, Group Capt UU Akeel, who is also a directing staff, said the theme of the study tour is “Environmental Degradation and Socio-Economic Development: Akwa Ibom State in Perspective,” features a sub-theme focusing on “The Geography, History, and Culture of Akwa Ibom State and its People.”

He said participants of the Air Force War College were divided into two teams with one going to Cross River State while they were assigned to Akwa Ibom State.

Paramount rulers present at the courtesy visit were HRM Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, Paramount ruler of Udung Uko LGA and Chairman, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers; HRM Edidem E. C. D. Abia, Paramount ruler of Eket LGA; HRM Edidem Peter Okon Effiong, Paramount Ruler of Nsit Atai LGA and HRM Akuku (Engr.) Johnson Johnny Obosi IV, Paramount ruler of Oruk Anam LGA.

Others were HRM Ogwong Okon Abang, Paramount ruler of Mbo LGA; HRM Edidem Ita Edet Okokon (111), Paramount ruler of Okobo LGA; HRM Edidem Etim Nana Itang, Ikono LGA; HRM Edidem Raymond T. Inyang, Paramount ruler of ONNA LGA; HRM Akuku Sylvester Saviour Udofia, Paramount ruler of Abak LGA; HRM Akuku Okon Udo Ukut, Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene LGA; HRM Edidem Udoette Edon, Paramount ruler of Ini LGA;  and His Highness, Etebom Ukpong Udoewah, Clan Head of Ubium in Nsit Ubium LGA as well as the secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Emmanuel Umontuen, PhD.

Community Leaders, Stakeholders Commend Eteidung Asikpo's Leadership Of Ekpri Nsukara Offot

 

...Condemn Unwarranted Attacks To Discredit Him, Others

Ekpri Nsukara Offot Village Council, notable stakeholders and residents of the community have unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the village head, Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo. 

Rising from an enlarged meeting of the Community on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Palace of the Village head, the Village Council - comprising heads and representatives of the five families of Ekpri Nsukara Offot, Youth leaders, residents and members of the association of motorcyclists, unanimously affirmed that Eteidung Asikpo has performed excellently well since his ascension as the village head of Ekpri Nsukara Offot in May, 2023.

At the meeting were the Chairman of the Village Council, Comrade Morris Silas Bassey and Secretary, Elder Domingo Bassey Etim; heads and representatives of the five families namely: Obong Eniefiok Paul Peter - Nung Udo Akpakpan; Obong Effiong Henry – Nung Abasi-Imoh; Obong Francis Nyong – Nung Essang, and Obong Michael Jerome – Nung Ukpong; Matthias Asuquo Akpan – Nung Okpo and Emmanuel Pius Okon – the Village Youth President.  

Eteudung Asikpo

Also in attendance were members of the association of motorcyclists in Ekpri Nsukara Offot led by their Chairman, Comrade Ekemini Ekpe Jonah and Secretary, Comrade Christian Edmond, while among the residents was Elder Ekanem Akpan, who has lived in the community for over 30 years. 

The community leaders and stakeholders, therefore, roundly condemned a recent “spurious, concocted, perverse, and ill-intentioned” allegation levelled against Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo's leadership by one Mr. Udeme Eyo Asuquo, fronting as Secretary, Voice of Liberation Uyo (MPCS) Ltd., through a publication on page 10 of The Pioneer Newspaper of April 21 - April 22, 2025.

They clarified that the recent hostility which occurred among members of the association of motorcyclists in the village on Thursday April 17, 2025 was not a cult clash nor was it instigated or sponsored by Eteidung Asikpo's leadership as falsely and mischievously alleged by the said Mr. Asuquo in the said publication titled, “How the village head of Ekpri Nsukara Offot Village, Uyo L.G.A., Akwa Ibom State is using his “cult boys” to attack innocent indigenes: A call for serious action from the authorities.”

 

Contrary to that insinuation, the Chairman and Secretary of the association of motorcyclists, Comrade Jonah and Comrade Edmund pointed out that the squabble which occurred among them was caused by a disgruntled motorcyclist, Mr Okokon Okon Sampson, who invaded their park with his associates, seeking to illegally topple a duly constituted interim executive by ringing a bell and declaring the dissolution of the Exco, which was instantly rebuffed.

The officers said Sampson's strange actions triggered commotion in the park as other members quickly held him and seized the bell; resulting in a free-for-all fight and in the process, he (Mr Okokon Okon Sampson) and some members sustained injuries. They further disclosed that he is not a registered member of the association of motorcyclists and therefore lacked the legal right to seek to be an officer. 

When the offender, Mr. Okokon Okon Sampson, was thereafter taken to the Village Hall at Mission Road, where the Executives of the Village Council were holding a meeting at the time, the Village Head, Eteidung Asikpo moved with compassion, called for calm among the warring motorcyclists and graciously, provided funds for the injured persons to be taken immediately to hospital for treatment.

The community then wondered how such glaring incident which involved motorcyclists should be construed and used by the said Mr. Udeme Eyo Asuquo to cast unwarranted aspersions on the integrity of Eteidung Asikpo, by stating in his libellous publication that "the traditional stool of the village headship of Ekpri Nsukara Offot Village is a den of criminals." 

The village council and stakeholders therefore advised Mr. Udeme Eyo Asuquo and his cohorts, who still feel embittered that their aspirant lost out to be selected as the village head in May, 2023, to refrain from their nefarious activities, as it is the Lord that enthrones kings and not by man's power or might. 

They stated, "We know that at the bottom of this hatred, bias and misguided newspaper publication and the earlier live Radio programme by Mr. Udeme Eyo Asuquo and his cohorts, stems from their unsuccessful quest to produce a village head. One may desire to be a king but its God that crowns. The Kingmakers of Ekpri Nsukara Offot had rightly selected Otuekong Emem Denis Asikpo and the Government of Akwa Ibom State had upheld it and issued a certificate of recognition to him. So there is no vacancy in our village headship stool. Enough is enough!" 

The community recalled that the same Mr. Udeme Eyo Asuquo had raised a similar false alarm by sending a petition to the Police Authorities in Abuja, and when it was time to substantiate it, he failed to appear before the Panel constituted to handle it. "That shows that his intention is discredit Eteidung Asikpo and portray him in bad light before the public," the Village Council added. 

“We wish to advice them in their own interest to refrain from these spat of serial blackmails against the village head, Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo. They should toe the path of peace and unity by joining hands others in the development of the village as currently championed by the village head," the Village Council admonished.

Procurement, Heartbeat of Governance, Says Fens CEO

 

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fens Properties Nigeria Limited, Mr. Michael Udofia, has described procurement as the heartbeat of governance, calling for sweeping reforms to reposition the sector as a critical pillar of national development.

Udofia, who spoke over the weekend at the International Procurement Day 2025 organised by the University of Port Harcourt, said procurement has moved beyond administrative formalities to become a frontline battlefield for transparency, innovation, and economic progress.

Delivering his keynote address as Special Guest of Honour on the theme, "Unlocking National Value: The Power of a Good Procurement System," he emphasized that a well-structured procurement process serves as an engine room for sustainable development and public sector efficiency.

"A well-designed procurement process is a nation's engine for development, innovation, and integrity," Udofia stated, adding that ethical procurement practices foster public trust and drive national prosperity.

He cited the London 2012 Olympics and Estonia’s e-Procurement revolution as clear examples of how adherence to transparency and professionalism can transform national economies and governance structures.

"Nigeria’s own Due Process Mechanism, when effectively enforced, has saved billions of naira by eliminating inflated contracts and ghost projects," he noted.

Highlighting the broader benefits of a robust procurement system, Udofia listed trust-building, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, fair competition, risk mitigation, and legal compliance as key dividends.

Reflecting on the official theme of the event, "Flowchart of Procurement Processes: Unlawful Interference, Consequences and Punishment in the Eyes of the Nigerian Procurement Law," the Fens boss warned against illegal interference, stressing that compliance with procurement laws is a safeguard against systemic collapse.

"Compliance with the Public Procurement Act is not optional. It is the shield against systemic chaos and a safeguard for national stability," he warned.

Udofia maintained that effective procurement was critical to public service delivery, stressing that when procurement is ethical and swift, it leads to timely provision of life-saving equipment in hospitals, road infrastructure development, and improvements in education.

"Procurement is not just paperwork. It is the heartbeat of governance," he declared.

He further noted that globalization and digitalization had reshaped procurement operations, urging professionals in the sector to embrace continuous learning, innovation, and stronger collaboration with stakeholders to enhance transparency and accountability.

"Procurement professionals are not just administrators; we are architects of national destiny. Through strategic sourcing, ethical conduct, and sustainable practices, we build the economic backbone of nations," Udofia added.

He challenged procurement experts to uphold excellence, drive reforms, and demand the highest ethical standards at every stage of their practice.

Earlier, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, decried the erosion of opportunities for Nigerians to bid for public contracts, stressing the need to restore fairness and competitiveness to the system.

According to him, "Nigerians no longer have opportunities to bid for contractual opportunities. You must clearly define the basis upon which you judge bids before you commence. Every bidder must meet minimum eligibility standards or requirements," he said.

Adedokun commended the University of Port Harcourt for pioneering the celebration of International Procurement Day in the South-South region and urged other institutions to support ongoing reforms in the procurement sector.

Don't Appropriate Status Of Traditional Rulers - Ifim Ibom Ibibio Tells Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, Other Socio-cultural bodies

 

Ifim Ibom Ibibio, the apex traditional institution in Ibibio Land, Akwa Ibom State has admonished Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio and other socio-cultural bodies not to appropriate to themselves functions or roles strictly meant for the traditional institution. 

In a press release issued on Thursday, April 2025, Ifim Ibom Ibibio, otherwise known as the Supreme Council of Ibibio Traditional Rulers, frown at a news report captioned, "Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio: A Salute From The Ancestral Thrones - Celebrating The 61st Floor Of Divine Purpose" published by a local tabloid, the Ibom Nation Newspaper of Monday, April 21st - Sunday 27th, 2025.

The body in the release signed by its Chairman and Paramount Ruler of Ibiono Ibom LGA, HRM Okuku Ime Udousoro Inyang, JP and Secretary and Paramount ruler of ONNA, HRM Edidem Raymond T. Inyang, FCA said the news report was very misleading to ascribe to Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, a socio-cultural organization, the status of "Ancestral Thrones."

It said that it was also wrong to further allude divinity to officers of Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio by stating, "As the spiritual fathers of the Ibibio race, we pray that the gods of our land continue to guide your steps..." 

The press release stated, "The attention of Ifim Ibom Ibibio, the apex traditional institution in Ibibio Land has been drawn to a news report captioned, "Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio: A Salute From The Ancestral Thrones - Celebrating The 61st Floor Of Divine Purpose" published by a local tabloid, the Ibom Newspaper in its edition of Monday, April 21st - Sunday 27th, 2025.

"Our reaction to the news report is on its misleading assumptions, ascribing to Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, a socio-cultural organization, the status of "Ancestral Thrones."

"Another paragraph further alluded divinity to officers of Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, by stating, "As the spiritual fathers of the Ibibio race, we pray that the gods of our land continue to guide your steps..."

"We wish to state clearly that socio-cultural bodies are not traditional institutions under the customary laws as prevalent in our land and are appropriately recognized by the Government. As such, it is wrong, perverse and ill-intentioned, therefore, to allude to such organizations the status of "Ancestral Thrones" or their officials being addressed, called or classed as "spiritual fathers of the Ibibio race.

"For clarity, traditional rulers, as the custodians of the people's culture and traditions, are the gatekeepers and overseers of ancestral thrones as may be so classified. Accordingly, traditional rulers remain the spiritual fathers of the people." 

Ifim Ibom Ibibio, therefore, urged "socio-cultural bodies to employ an understanding of the prevalent sacred facts and accordingly toe the path of decorum in all their activities to avoid assumptions that may distort known customary laws, traditional norms and rules."

61st Birthday: GODDAFI CELEBRATES GOV UMO ENO

 

A renowned tech-preneur and grassroots mobilizer, Akparawa Godwin Enang, fondly known as Goddafi, has joined the good people of Akwa Ibom State and well-wishers across the country to celebrate Governor Umo Eno on the occasion of his 61st birthday.

Goddafi, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Goddafi Computers and Communications, described the Governor as a humble and visionary leader whose commitment to inclusive development continues to uplift lives across the state.

In a message of felicitations to the State Chief Executive, the Nkwot Ikot Obok Idem in Ikono LGA born tech expert commended Governor Eno for running a people-first administration and giving priority to rural development, youth empowerment, and economic expansion through the ARISE Agenda.

He noted that Governor Eno's leadership style has brought a new sense of hope to Ikono and other areas, especially at the grassroots, adding that the Governor’s genuine love for the people reflects in his approach to governance.

According to him, “This is a man who didn’t just come to occupy office but to touch lives. His birthday is not just a celebration of age but of impact and dedication to service.”

Goddafi prayed for God’s continued grace upon the Governor and urged Akwa Ibomites to continue to support the administration for the peace and progress of the state.

61st Birthday: ATTAH CELEBRATES GOV. ENO

 

Mkpat Enin-born shipping consultant and grassroots politician, Akparawa Johnson Attah, has joined the First Family of Akwa Ibom and other well-meaning Nigerians to celebrate Governor Umo Eno on the occasion of his 61st birthday.

In a goodwill message personally signed by him, the former Governorship candidate described the Governor as a calm, focused and deeply humane leader whose approach to governance has brought a fresh wave of hope across the State.

Attah noted that since assuming office, Pastor Umo Eno has shown clarity of purpose and sincerity in handling the affairs of the State, particularly in rural development, support for small businesses, and investment in young people.

He stated that the Governor's leadership style has struck a chord with the people due to its foundation in humility, compassion, and tangible results.

According to the Maritime expert, "Our leader, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, has proven that leadership is not about noise but about quiet impact. He has brought governance closer to the people and is building a legacy that will stand the test of time."

While praying for God’s continued guidance and strength upon the Governor, Akparawa Johnson Attah called on the people of the State to rally round him in his drive to consolidate the gains so far recorded.

Attah opined that Governor Eno’s birthday has offered another opportunity for reflection, thanksgiving and renewed support for a leader who has remained true to his word.

Eteidung Asikpo Congratulates Gov. Eno On His 61st Birthday Anniversary

 

...Says Governor Eno Has Given Akwa Ibomites A New Lease Of Life

The Village Head of Ekpri Nsukara Offot in Uyo Local Government Area, Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo, has extended a goodwill message to the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, as he marks his 61st birthday.

Eteidung Asikpo, in a message of felicitation, said the village council and the entire residents of Ekpri Nsukara Offot were quite happy to associate and celebrate with Governor Eno on his birthday in appreciation to God for his impactful life and good governance.

According to the royal father, Pastor Eno has had an impactful life as an accomplished businessman with a tremendous foothold in the hospitality industry, a sound cleric and founder of All Nations Christian Ministry International and a former Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources in Akwa Ibom State. 

He further noted that Pastor Eno has, since becoming the political leader of the State as Executive Governor of the state,  offered topnotch leadership with an admirable disposition to peace and unity, especially operating a pan-Akwa Ibom policy of inclusiveness among stakeholders across political parties. 

Eteidung Asikpo said his subjects join the entire people of the state in using the occasion of his birthday to appreciate the Governor for giving the State a new lease of life through his administration's ARISE Agenda, which has driven positive development in the state, covering the welfare and security of the people, education, roads, health, and infrastructural renaissance. 

He said it was based on the success story of Governor Eno that has made the people of Ekpri Nsukara Offot and other Akwa Ibomites rejoice and overwhelmingly express their love and support for his administration.

"We, in Ekpri Nsukara Offot, are quite happy to associate and celebrate with our amiable Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, on the occasion of his 61st birthday. 

"To his credit, he has had an impactful life as an accomplished businessman with a tremendous foothold in the hospitality industry in Eket, Uyo and elsewhere, a sound cleric and founder of All Nations Christian Ministry International and Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources in Akwa Ibom State. 

"The people of Ekpri Nsukara Offot and indeed Akwa Ibomites in general, have seen the good works of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and a new lease of life in the state, hence the outpouring of love and commendations for him and his administration across party lines in the state and beyond. 

"We therefore wish him a happy birthday and pray to the Almighty God to endow him with more wisdom, strengthen and give him more long years to serve the people," Eteidung Asikpo said.