ABASI People Online

12/08/2026

IN ABASI NATION, ECONOMIC GROWTH SHOULD BE MEASURED BY JOB CREATION, EMPLOYMENT — VICTOR UDO

By Destiny Isong

Economic growth in Abasi Nation, comprising Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekid, Obolo and Ekoi, should not be judged solely by statistics, infrastructure or the volume of investments recorded.

It should also be measured by the extent to which economic activities translate into meaningful employment, sustainable livelihoods and improved living standards for Ndito Abasi across Abasi Nation.

This was the position made by Victor Udo, PhD, FNSE, CEO and Chairman of Abasi People Foundation, during an edition of the Abasi People Forum Podcast Series.

Victor Udo emphasised that a growing economy must ultimately create opportunities for Abasians or Ndito Abasi to participate productively in economic development.

According to him, when businesses expand, industries emerge and investments increase, job creation and employment opportunities should follow, with the benefits reflected in the number of people gaining access to sustainable employment.

For Abasi Nation, economic progress should therefore be assessed not only by what is built, but also by how many lives are positively transformed through productive work.

He noted that job creation is one of the clearest indicators of inclusive economic growth, because employment gives individuals the capacity to earn, provide for their families, develop skills and contribute meaningfully to society.

An economy that records impressive figures while a significant proportion of its young and working-age population remains unemployed or underemployed cannot be considered fully inclusive.

The CEO and Chairman of Abasi People Foundation further stressed the importance of creating an environment where indigenous entrepreneurship can thrive across Abasi Nation.

According to him, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, strengthening local industries, developing skills and attracting responsible investments can expand the employment base across the region.

Such an approach would enable economic growth to reach communities beyond major urban centres and create opportunities for Abasians - across the seven tribes.

He also pointed to the enormous economic potential within Abasi Nation, particularly in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, technology, tourism, the blue economy and other areas where indigenous resources and human capital can be strategically harnessed.

Developing these sectors, he argued, should go beyond resource extraction. It should focus on creating value chains that generate businesses, skilled employment and long-term economic opportunities for Abasians.

Victor Udo maintained that employment must remain central to development planning, especially as Abasi Nation seeks to prepare its young population for the future.

He advocated a development model in which government, the private sector, community leaders and other stakeholders work together to create an economy capable of absorbing talent, rewarding innovation and providing young Abasians with opportunities to build sustainable careers within their communities.

The message from the Abasi People Forum Podcast Series is therefore clear: economic growth should be measured by its human impact.

For Abasi Nation to achieve sustainable and inclusive prosperity, development must translate into jobs, productive enterprises, stronger local economies and improved livelihoods for Abasians across the seven tribes.

Growth becomes truly meaningful when the people are not merely spectators of economic progress, but active participants and beneficiaries of it.

11/08/2026

THE FUTURE OF ABASI NATION

The future of Abasi Nation depends on how intentionally we empower, mentor, and prepare our young people for leadership succession.

We must create opportunities that equip the next generation with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and values needed to lead responsibly while preserving our shared heritage.

Leadership succession should never be left to chance. Leaders of today must deliberately identify, guide, mentor, and support the leaders of tomorrow.

When we invest in our young people today, we build a stronger, more united, and prosperous Abasi Nation for generations to come.

— Destiny Isong
For APF Media

09/08/2026

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08/08/2026

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When Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekid, Obolo and Ekoi stand together as one Abasi Nation, our diversity becomes our strength and our shared heritage becomes a powerful foundation for collective progress.

Our unity gives us a stronger voice, creates greater opportunities for collaboration, and positions our people to harness our rich human and natural resources for the common good.

~Destiny Isong

07/08/2026

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GOV. ENO'S RURAL DEVELOPMENT AGENDA: EVIDENCE SPEAKS IN NSIT UBIUM

By Destiny Isong

Charity, it is often said, begins at home, and Nsit Ubium stands as compelling evidence of Governor Umo Eno's steadfast commitment to rural development in Akwa Ibom State.

The pace of rural transformation across the Local Government Area reflects Governor Umo Eno's deliberate vision for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Among the landmark infrastructure projects is the construction of the 2.4-kilometre Ofriyo Road, featuring a 120-metre-span bridge that will link Nsit Ubium and Eket Local Government Areas.

The project is expected to enhance connectivity, facilitate commerce, and strengthen socio-economic ties between the two neighbouring Local Government Areas.

The administration is also nearing completion of the internal road network in Ikot Ekpene Udo, providing improved access within the community and demonstrating the government's commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that directly benefits residents.

Equally significant is the ongoing construction of the Ikot Ekpene Udo–Edebom 11 Road, a strategic route linking Ikot Akpabin, Ntit Oton, Ikot Akpatu, and Ikot Ukobo. The project has also been extended to Ikot Adakop, thereby connecting the Ubium axis, alongside other road projects across the area.

Upon completion, the road will improve mobility, boost agricultural productivity, and stimulate economic growth across the benefiting communities.

Further reinforcing the state's infrastructure drive is the dualisation of the 11.6-kilometre Ikot Imoh–Okon Eket Road.

The project is expected to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and support increased commercial activities along the corridor.

Complementing the road project is the installation of solar-powered street lights along the Ikot Imoh–Okon Eket Road, enhancing security and creating a more serene environment for motorists and other road users at night.

Beyond improving nighttime visibility, the project has stimulated small-scale commercial activities, extended business hours, and increased investor confidence, making the corridor increasingly attractive for residential and commercial development.

Construction is also progressing on the Ikot Ede–Ikot Akpan Road and the dualisation of the Ikot Etobo–Afaha Offiong Road, both of which are designed to improve accessibility, reduce travel time, and open up more rural communities to greater economic opportunities and social development.

The extensive infrastructure projects across Nsit Ubium underscore Governor Umo Eno's unwavering commitment to rural transformation and inclusive development.

By implementing strategic infrastructural development, particularly through road construction, the administration is laying a solid foundation for sustained growth, stimulating economic activity, creating opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life for rural dwellers across the Local Government Area, while contributing significantly to the overall development of Akwa Ibom State.

05/08/2026

True Cultural Heritage Begins with the Worship of the Almighty God — Victor Udo Calls for a Return to Abasi Nation's Enduring Values
..APF Chairman Urges Governments, Traditional Institutions to Work Together to Preserve the Moral and Spiritual Foundations That Have Sustained Abasi Nation for Generations

By Destiny Isong

The Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Abasi People Foundation (APF), Victor Udo, PhD, FNSE, has called on governments and traditional institutions across Abasi Nation to collaborate in preserving the authentic cultural values and heritage that have shaped the identity of the people for generations.

Dr. Udo made the call during the Abasi People Forum Podcast Series while responding to the question: “How Can Governments and Traditional Institutions Work Together to Preserve the Cultural Values and Heritage of Abasi Nation?”

Abasi Nation, comprising the Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekid, Obolo, and Ekio ethnic nationalities, is rich in cultural heritage built on morality, spirituality, respect, and communal values.

According to Dr. Udo, true cultural preservation goes beyond festivals, masquerade performances, and traditional displays; it begins with protecting the moral and spiritual foundations that have sustained the people for generations.

He emphasized that the greatest cultural value governments and traditional institutions must preserve is the worship of Akwa Abasi Ibom—the Almighty God.

“The cultural values and heritage that can be preserved by the Government and Traditional Institution is the worship of the Almighty God—Akwa Abasi Ibom.”

Dr. Udo explained that a society founded on the worship of God naturally promotes peace, justice, love, unity, and respect for human dignity. He noted that these values discourage violence, hatred, dishonesty, and the violation of communal rights while encouraging peaceful coexistence and responsible living.

Reflecting on his upbringing, the APF leader recalled a time when respect for God and fellow human beings guided community life.

“I grew up in the village, and I know how we worshipped God, how we lived, and how we valued one another. What we did not want others to do to us, we never did to them. Those are cultural values.”

He explained that festivals, masquerades, and traditional ceremonies are important expressions of culture, but they do not represent the complete essence of culture.

According to him, the true measure of heritage lies in the character, values, and conduct of the people.

“The parading of masquerades is the celebration of our culture; it is not the culture itself. Our culture, even with Christian conviction, has nothing wrong with it.”

Dr. Udo urged governments, traditional institutions, religious leaders, families, and community stakeholders to work together in restoring moral values through education, responsible leadership, and community engagement.

He concluded that preserving these enduring spiritual and moral foundations will strengthen Abasi Nation’s identity, promote unity among its diverse ethnic nationalities, and secure a legacy of peace, justice, and mutual respect for future generations.

04/08/2026

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03/08/2026

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From Ecology Comes Economy—Abasi Nation Leaders Are Encouraged to Harness Our Indigenous Resources for Equitable and Sustainable Development

By Destiny Isong for APF Media

The Abasi People Foundation (APF) has called on leaders across Abasi Nation—comprising the Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekid, Obolo, and Ekoi ethnic nationalities—to embrace a development agenda that responsibly harnesses the region's indigenous resources for equitable and sustainable development.

In a public advocacy message released by APF Media, the Foundation stressed that "From Ecology Comes Economy," emphasizing that the sustainable management of the region's ecological wealth is fundamental to long-term economic prosperity, environmental resilience, and inclusive growth.

The Foundation noted that Abasi Nation—comprising the Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekid, Obolo, and Ekio ethnic nationalities—is richly endowed with vast agricultural land, forests, rivers, coastal resources, solid minerals, and a resilient population capable of driving sustainable economic transformation.

It observed that these natural endowments should serve as the foundation for long-term prosperity through responsible planning, strategic investments, value addition, and sustainable resource management.

The Foundation further emphasized that ecology and economy are inseparable, noting that the protection of forests, wetlands, rivers, coastal ecosystems, and farmlands is essential to sustaining agriculture, fisheries, commerce, and other productive sectors.

It maintained that preserving ecological assets today is the surest pathway to lasting economic prosperity tomorrow.

APF therefore encouraged leaders across Abasi Nation—from the ward, local government, state, and regional levels—to embrace forward-looking policies that prioritize the responsible harnessing of indigenous resources while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

It further stressed that visionary leadership, transparency, accountability, and strategic collaboration are indispensable to achieving equitable and sustainable development, emphasizing that the responsible management of indigenous resources remains essential to building a resilient and prosperous Abasi Nation.

The organization further reaffirmed that by placing ecology at the centre of economic planning, Abasi Nation can unlock its immense developmental potential, attract responsible investments, promote shared prosperity, strengthen economic resilience, and build a prosperous future for all its people.

In conclusion, APF reaffirmed that the future of Abasi Nation depends on its collective commitment to responsibly harnessing its indigenous resources, stressing that by placing ecology at the heart of development, the region can achieve lasting economic growth, environmental sustainability, and inclusive prosperity.

02/08/2026

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BREAKING NEWS

Nigerian Superstar Oba Femi Defeats Brock Lesnar in Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam 2026, as Lesnar Passes the Torch and Declares Him the Future of WWE

In a moment that will be remembered as one of the biggest in WWE history, Nigerian superstar Oba Femi defeated Brock Lesnar in a brutal Hell in a Cell match at SummerSlam 2026, sending shockwaves across the wrestling world.

Following the hard-fought contest, Brock Lesnar raised Oba Femi's hand before the WWE Universe in a powerful show of respect.

In an emotional and symbolic moment, Lesnar passed the torch to the Nigerian powerhouse, declaring that Oba Femi is the future of WWE.

The historic victory marks a defining milestone in Oba Femi's career and further cements his status as one of the fastest-rising stars in professional wrestling.

Fans around the world have hailed the Hell in a Cell classic as the beginning of a new era, with many celebrating the emergence of a Nigerian athlete at the forefront of WWE.

Oba Femi's triumph is not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for Nigeria and Africa, inspiring millions of young people who dream of reaching the highest level on the global stage.

History has been made. A new era has begun. The future of WWE is Nigerian superstar Oba Femi. 🇳🇬🏆🔥

01/08/2026

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APF Calls on ExxonMobil and Its Successors to Restore Abasi Nation's Ecology

By Destiny Isong

The Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Abasi People Foundation (APF), Victor Udo, PhD, FNSE, has called on ExxonMobil and its successors to demonstrate renewed corporate responsibility by investing in the restoration of Abasi Nation's ecology following decades of oil and gas exploration and production.

Speaking during an edition of the Abasi People Forum Podcast Series, he emphasized that the time has come to match decades of resource extraction with meaningful ecological restoration.

As the fourth-largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria, Abasi Nation comprises the Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekid, Obolo, and Ekoi ethnic nationalities.

For decades, the region has contributed significantly to Nigeria's economic development through its abundant petroleum and other indigenous natural resources, underscoring the need for sustained investment in ecological restoration and environmental sustainability.

Against this backdrop, Victor Udo stated that companies that have benefited from the resources of Abasi Nation have both a moral and corporate responsibility to reinvest in the environment and the communities that have sustained their operations.

In his view, ecological restoration should not be regarded as an act of charity but as a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship, responsible corporate citizenship, and sustainable development.

He further explained that restoring the region's ecology is an investment in long-term economic prosperity.

Healthy ecosystems, he observed, support agriculture, fisheries, biodiversity, climate resilience, and other productive sectors, creating employment opportunities, improving livelihoods, and strengthening local economies.

Furthermore, he urged ExxonMobil and its successors to work closely with governments in Abasi Nation, development partners, traditional institutions, and host communities to implement practical environmental restoration initiatives.

According to him, collective action is essential to restoring ecological balance and unlocking Abasi Nation's economic potential through the sustainable management of its indigenous resources.

He noted that ecological restoration and economic development must advance together as complementary pillars of sustainable progress.

In conclusion, Victor Udo urged ExxonMobil and its successors to leave a legacy defined not only by the resources extracted from Abasi Nation but also by their commitment to restoring its ecology.

He emphasized that the true measure of responsible resource development is not what is taken from the land, but what is returned to restore, preserve, and sustain it for the prosperity of present and future generations.