Voice of Abak Newspaper - VOA

03/12/2024

PDP JOINT ELDERS FORUM, MIDIM CLAN CONDOLES HON. BENEDICT THOMPSON EBONG OVER WIFE’S DEATH

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Joint Elders Forum, Midim Clan in Abak Local Government Area has sympathized with the immediate past Chapter Chairman of the Party in Abak, Hon. Benedict Thompson Ebong on the passing away of his beloved wife, Mrs. Rita Ben Ebong.

In a condolence message signed by the Chairman, Hon. Ifiok Ibanga and Secretary, Hon. (Prince) Uduak Etukudoh, the PDP Joint Elders Forum, Midim Clan, described the death of Mrs. Rita Ben Ebong as sad, painful and a great loss, not only to the family, Ikot Imo Village, Midim Clan, but Abak Local Government Area in general.

“On behalf of the PDP Joint Elders Forum, Midim Clan, we convey our heartfelt condolences to our brother, the immediate past Chapter Chairman of our great party, Hon. Benedict Thompson Ebong on the demise of his dear wife, Mrs. Rita Ben Ebong.

“We received the news of her passing with great shock and grave sadness. We quite understand and can imagine what the family is going through in this dark moment.

“The late Mrs. Rita Ben Ebong was a mother indeed. She was a caring mother and a kind-hearted woman. She was affable, a jewel of inestimable value, with an easy-going demeanour.

“She was a devout Christian, a philanthropist and a mother of all, especially women and the less privileged. Sir, losing someone one loves, especially a strong pillar of the family, the church and the community, such as your wife was, is never easy, but must be thankful for the beautiful moments and memories you shared together”, the condolence message read in part.

The PDP Joint Elders Forum, Midim Clan prayed God to grant Hon. Ben Ebong and the entire members of the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“It is our collective prayer that God Almighty will fortify and comfort you and the entire members of the family at this sad time”, the condolence message read.

Meanwhile, a former Councilor who represented Midim Ward 1 in Abak Legislative Council, Hon. Prince Uduak Etukudoh has sympathized with the family of Hon. Benedict Ebong on the passing away of their beloved wife and mother, Mrs. Rita Ben Ebong.

In a condolence message to the family, Hon. (Prince) Uduak Etukudoh, described the death of Mrs. Rita Ben Ebong as painful and unfortunate and prayed God console the family at this sad moment.

The remains of late Mrs. Rita Ben Ebong shall be committed to mother earth on Saturday, 7th December, 2024 after a funeral service to be conducted by St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ikot Imo, Midim, Abak Local Government Area by 9am.

She is survived by her husband, children and a host of other relations to mourn her death.

24/07/2024

LATE MADAM ARIT TOMMY UDOH LAID TO REST

The remains of a devout Christian and Woman Activist, Late Madam Arit Tommy Udoh of Ikot Ndobo, Atai Otoro in Abak Local Government Area were on Saturday committed to mother earth.

The interment was preceded by a funeral service which was conducted at the deceased compound by The Church of Jesus Christ National Headquarters, Atai Otoro.

In his homily, the Officiating Minister, Pastor Otoabasi Akpan Odut admonished the congregation to repent from doing evil, but should live a righteous life so as to inherit the kingdom of God.

The Officiating Minister extolled the exemplary qualities of Late Madam Arit Tommy Udo, describing her as a devout Christian who was steadfast in serving the Lord.

In a biography read by one of the deceased grand children, the Late Madam Arit Tommy Udoh while alive was said to have contributed immensely to the growth of the church and the development of her community.

According to the biography, the late Madam Arit Tommy was described as a philanthropist and a caring mother who taught her children how to grow in the way of the Lord.

Aged 82, the Late Madam Arit Tommy popularly called “Mba Udofa”, while alive engaged herself in farming and trading.

In his appreciation, one of the deceased children, Mr. Idongesit Tommy Udoh expressed gratitude to God for making the funeral ceremony peaceful and successful.

He specifically thanked the church, family members, in-laws and all those who contributed in one way or the other towards the success of the funeral ceremony, praying God to bless and reward them.

Meanwhile, the Otoro Clan Young Women Association (OCYWA) has sympathized with one of her members, Mrs. Grace Tommy over the demise of her mother-in-law.

In a condolence message signed by the President, Mrs. Ndifreke Akaninyene and Secretary, Mrs. Immaculata Ubong, the Otoro Clan Young Women Association prayed God to grant Mrs. Grace Tommy and the entire members of the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and the soul of the departed eternal rest in the bosom of Abraham.

13/09/2022

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE MOST OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIST,AKWA IBOM PILLAR OF SPORTS,ETI UFAN NDITO UBUENE,OBONG UNWAM ANNANG,DR. NKEREUWEM ETUKUDOH

03/07/2022

THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF OF VOA NEWSPAPER SALUTE THEIR CHIEF CONSULTANT, MR. ISONGUYO INIODU ON HIS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION TODAY, 3RD JULY, 2022

22/06/2022

ENGR. E. E. UDO BIRTHDAY FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT:
…SEMI FINAL MATCHES HOLD, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22
…FINAL HOLDS, FRIDAY, JUNE, 24, 2022

The maiden edition of Engr. E. E. Udo birthday football tournament kicked off on Sunday at The Church of Jesus Christ Comprehensive Secondary School, Atai Otoro in Abak Local Government Area.

The kick-off of the opening match which was between Image FC of Abak and Villa Park FC also of Abak, was performed by the Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Emmanuel Udosen.

In his speech, Dr. Udosen congratulated the Celebrator, Engr. E. E. Udo on his 90th birthday celebration and lauded his contribution to the development of his community in particular and humanity at large.

Dr. Udosen who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) Candidate for Abak State Constituency, commended the organizers for their inventiveness and organizational savy.

The former Transition Committee Chairman for Abak called on the youths to engage themselves in meaningful venture such as sports and education so as to become useful and responsible citizens in future.

He promised to continue to support and encourage sports development so that hidden talents abound in the area could be discovered and exposed to national and international lime-light.

At the end of the highly entertaining encounter, Image FC defeated Villa Park FC by 3-2 on penalty shoot-out after a goalless full time score time.

Some of the dignitaries that witnessed the colourful opening ceremony included, the Councilor representing Otoro Ward 1, Mr. Udeme Abraham, Chief Fabian Joseph, Bishop Jeremiah Kpongkong, Supol Ime Ubom (Rtd), Dr. Emaitoro Nseyo, Chief Ubokutom Thompson, Akuku Aniekan Safro, Pastor Enobong Ekpo, Comrade Effiong Bassey Moffat among others.

In other matches, Young Stars FC of Abak defeated Young Pillars of Afaha Obong by 2-1, Mark Academy, Afaha Obong defeated BBC FC of Uruk Uso by 3-1 on penalty shoot-out after a goalless regulation time, Otoro All Stars defeated Dynamite FC of Ikot Ekong by a lone goal.

The semi-final matches is scheduled to take place today, Wednesday while third place and the final matches are expected to hold on Friday, 24th June, 2022 at the same venue from 2pm.

Speaking with journalists at the venue of the tournament, the Coordinator, Mr. Isonguyo Iniodu expressed satisfaction with the standard of play exhibited by the participating teams.

The Tournament Coordinator has accordingly invited the friends of the family, COMPSECO Alumni, sports lovers and the general public to watch the ongoing matches of the tournament.

Meanwhile, history will be made on Friday, 24th June, 2022 at The Church of Jesus Christ Comprehensive Secondary School sports-field, Atai Otoro when a 90-year old man, Engr. E. E. Udo will become the oldest man in the history of football to perform a kick-off in a football competition final.

15/06/2022

15/06/2022

EMMANUEL UDOSEN MAKES CASE FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF SKILL ACQUISITION CENTRE IN MIDIM

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Candidate for Abak State Constituency in the 2023 general election, Dr. Emmanuel Udosen has made a case for the establishment of skill acquisition centre in Midim Clan.

Dr. Udosen who made the call while addressing Midim Clan Democracy Day Stakeholders Meeting at St. Michael’s Primary School, Midim, pointed out that many graduates are today making reasonable money through skill acquisition.

The former Transition Committee Chairman for Abak noted that if the centre is established, it would provide opportunity for some youths and unemployed indigenes of the area to learn various trades which on completion is expected to put food on the tables for their families.

The House of Assembly hopeful thanked the traditional rulers, stakeholders, women and the youths for coming together to chart a new course for Midim Clan, describing the meeting as a welcome development.

He specifically lauded the convener of the meeting and Provost, Federal School of Medical Laboratory Science, Jos, Plateau State, Dr. Nkereuwem Etukudoh for his well-thought initiative, stressing that over the years, Dr. Etukudoh has been consistent in rendering selfless services to humanity.

Dr. Udosen stated that the Provost has facilitated the employment of many indigenes of the area, thereby putting food on the tables for their respective families and prayed God to continue to bless him.

It would be recalled that the people of Midim have decided to support any indigene of the area that is contesting to represent Abak State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly come 2023 in any other party other than PDP.

15/06/2022

EMMANUEL UDOSEN VISITS ATAI OTORO FOR ENGR. E. E. UDO

A former Transition Committee Chairman for Abak Local Government Area, Dr. Emmanuel Udosen will on Sunday, 19th June, 2022 visits The Church of Jesus Christ Comprehensive Secondary School, Atai Otoro to perform the kick-off of the opening match of the maiden edition of Engr. E. E. Udo Birthday Football Tournament.

Dr. Udosen who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) Candidate for Abak State Constituency, is expected to be accompanied by Chapter and Ward Executives of the All Progressives Congress as well as the Ward and Chapter Coordinators/Officials of the Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum (ADF).

It would be recalled that while serving as the Transition Committee Chairman for Abak, Dr. Udosen was honoured on two occasions by the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) as the Best Sports Performing Chairman in the state.

15/06/2022

ENGR. E. E. UDO BIRTHDAY
FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF, SUNDAY

The maiden edition of Engr. E. E. Udo Birthday Football Tournament will kick off on Sunday, 19th June, 2022 at The Church of Jesus Christ Comprehensive Secondary School, Atai Otoro in Abak Local Government Area.

A statement by the Tournament Coordinator, Mr. Isonguyo Iniodu indicates that the tournament is organized as part of activities marking the 90th birthday celebration of a renowned Community Leader and Elder statesman, Engr. E. E. Udo.

Mr. Iniodu hinted that eight teams drawn from the five Clans of Abak Local Government Area are taking part in the tournament, which final is scheduled to hold on Friday, 24th June, 2022 at the same venue.

The teams participating in the tournament are; Otoro All Stars Football Club, Great Dynamite FC of Ikot Ekang, BBC Football Club of Uruk Uso, Mark FC of Afaha Esang, Young Stars of Abak, Image FC of Abak, Young Pillars of Afaha Obong and Villa Park of Abak.

According to the draws conducted by the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Mr. Innocent Ezekiel and Secretary, Mr. Ukpono Isonguyo, the opening match will be between Image FC of Abak and Village Park FC also of Abak by 4pm.

The Local Organizing Committee hinted that the kick off of the opening match shall be performed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Candidate for Abak State Constituency, Dr. Emmanuel Udosen who is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour while the Councilor representing Otoro Ward 1 in Abak Legislative Council, Hon. Udeme Abraham is expected as the Guest of Honour.

The Local Organizing Committee hinted that popular music star, Mr. Akaninyene Monday alias “De-Major Interval” shall thrill the guests with his latest album, Happy Birthday to Engr. E. E. Udo.

The Local Organizing Committee has accordingly invited friends of the family, sports lovers and the general public to turn up en-masse to witness the opening ceremony.

Meanwhile, Engr. E. E. Udo has continued to receive congratulatory messages on his 90th birthday celebration. The latest came from the Akwa Ibom Pillar of Sports, Dr. Nkereuwem Etukudoh, the Itai Afe Annang, Chief Blaise Awakama, Chief Fabian Joseph Sampson, Elder Nkereuwem Nseyo, Mr. Monday Essien, Comrade Effiong Bassey Moffat, Pastor Nsikan Ibanga among others.

09/06/2022

PDP IS A DEAD PARTY IN AKWA IBOM STATE
…ELDER NSEYO

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abak Local Government Area, Elder Nkereuwem Nseyo has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a dead party in Akwa Ibom State.

Elder Nseyo who spoke with journalists at Abak, lamented the poor treatment of retirees and pensioners by the Udom Emmanuel’s administration, wondering why the Governor should go around spending Akwa Ibom money in other states in the name of campaigning for the Presidential seat and returned to the state with 38 votes. “It is shameful that while the pensioners and retirees are suffering in the state, the Governor went around spending our state money in other states in the name of campaigning for Presidency. PDP is already a dead party in the state”, said the retired civil servant.

On the just concluded Presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) where Chief Godwill Akpabio stepped down for Sen. Bola Tinubu, Elder Nseyo described it as a wise decision taken by the immediate past Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

The APC Chieftain pointed out that the decision has brought Akwa Ibom State into the main-stream of national politics and congratulated Chief Godswill Akpabio for his decision and Senator Bola Tinubu on his emergence as the APC Presidential Candidate.

He described the former Governor of Lagos State as a detribalized Nigerian who has a big heart to accommodate others irrespective of tribe or religion. “Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a very nice man who has a big heart to accommodate others. He has developed many people including the Vice President and many Governors. The decision to step down for him by Chief Godswill Akpabio was a decision taken in good faith. So, I congratulate him and wish him well”, said the APC Chieftain.

Elder Nseyo called on members of the party in the state to bury their differences and come together so as to achieve good result during the 2023 general election. “We should put our house in order, work on all the shortcoming and come as a strong force. If we come together as a body, we can root out PDP in the state”, the APC Chieftain reasoned.

09/06/2022

AKPABIO IS NOT A SELFISH POLITICIAN
…ADEDE EFFIONG

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abak Local Government Area, Adede Patrick Effiong has reacted to the recently concluded Presidential Primary of the party where Chief Godswill Akpabio stepped down for the eventual winner, Senator Bola Tinubu, describing his action as a welcome development and commendable.

Adede Effiong who spoke with our reporter at Abak, explained that Chief Akpabio is not a selfish politician that his decision to step down was for the interest of his supporters, followers, South-South region and for the unity of Nigeria as a Country. “Anybody who blames His Excellency, Chief Godswill Akpabio is not a right-thinking politician. Chief Akpabio knew why he stepped down and to me, the reason is for the best interest of his supporters, followers, South-South and the unity of Nigeria as a country. There are many aspirants who knew that they would not win, but they still went ahead to contest because of their selfish interest.

But in the case of Chief Akpabio, since we were all talking about a Southern President, he decided to step down to ensure that a Southerner emerges instead of wasting votes for somebody from other region to emerge”, said the APC Chieftain.

Adede Effiong who is the APC Political Leader for Afaha Obong Ward 1, commended Chief Akpabio for his courage, stressing that his decision to step down for another Southerner was an indication that he wants Nigeria to remain as one indivisible entity.

He advised members of the party to remain calm, assuring that whatever would have come to them if Akpabio was the President would still come. “All we should do is to remain calm, support him and continue to pray for him. We should continue to remain steadfast in supporting our party because the Leader of our party in the State, Chief Godswill Akpabio is our messiah. He is reliable, tested and trusted”, the Party Chieftain stated.

Adede Effiong used the occasion to shower praises on the former Transition Committee Chairman for Abak, Dr. Emmanuel Udosen, pointing out that he has used his position to attract the much-needed dividends of democracy to the people of Abak.

He congratulated Dr. Udosen on his emergence as the APC Standard-bearer for Abak State Constituency, assuring that he will continue to mobilize the people of his Ward and beyond to vote for him during the 2023 general election.

The APC Chieftain called on the people of Abak to support Dr. Emmanuel Udosen recalling that while serving as the Transition Committee Chairman, he performed excellently well.

09/06/2022

EMMANUEL ENOIDEM IS A BLESSING
TO OUR GENERATION
…ELDER USOROH

A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Elder Ime Usoroh has described the National Chairman of the Maintain Peace Movement, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem as a blessing to the present generation.

Elder Usoroh who spoke with our reporter at Abak, expressed gratitude to God for making it possible for Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem to emerge as the PDP Candidate for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District in a free, fair and transparent atmosphere.

The PDP Chieftain was full of hope that with his experience and excellent track-record, Barr. Enoidem will make positive impact in the Red Chambers of the National Assembly if given the opportunity.

He pointed out that the former National Legal Adviser of the party has used his position to impact positively in the lives of many people including the poor and the needy. “Hon. Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem has been a giver right from his youthful day. His things are always different and exceptional. He has bought cars to countless number of youths, he has assisted many in their educational pursuit and has also provided scholarship to many students. So, to me, Hon. Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem is a God-sent, a messiah and above all a blessing to our generation”, he stated.

Elder Usoro thanked the delegates and party faithful in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District for the mandate given to the former Commissioner and appealed to them not to relent, but should continue to mobilize support to enable Barr. Enoidem wins the 2023 general election.

While congratulating Barr. Enoidem on his victory at the PDP Primaries, Elder Usoroh wished him many more successes ahead.