Ibom Express Reporters

16/09/2025

Akwa Ibom State Launches Security Trust Fund to Enhance Community Safety
By Kenneth Udoumeh

Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – The Akwa Ibom State Government has officially launched the Security Trust Fund, a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering security operations and supporting personnel in the state. This fund, now operational under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno, is designed to provide financial resources for security equipment, medical assistance for injured officers, and benefits for families of those who sacrifice their lives in the line of duty . The fund represents a proactive approach to maintaining peace and safety, leveraging contributions from both the government and private sector to ensure sustainable security management.

The Trust Fund’s board, inaugurated by Governor Eno, includes prominent figures such as Paul Usoro, SAN, as Chairman and Colonel Kingsley Umoh (Rtd.) as Executive Secretary, alongside representatives from key industries like oil, gas, banking, and construction . This diverse composition underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and collaborative governance. Colonel Umoh, in his recent appointment, emphasized the fund’s role in enhancing partnerships between law enforcement agencies, communities, and the private sector, ensuring efficient resource utilization to safeguard residents .

This initiative aligns with Governor Eno’s broader security mandate, which prioritizes industrialization and infrastructural development as pillars of economic growth—goals that are unattainable without a secure environment . The Security Trust Fund not addresses immediate security needs but also fosters long-term stability, reinforcing Akwa Ibom’s reputation as a peaceful state conducive to investment and community well-being.

© Ibom Express Reporters 2025

13/09/2025

Akwa Ibom Governor Declares Health Emergency as 2025 Budget Soars to N1.65 Trillion
by Kenneth Udoumeh

In a historic move, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has approved a N695 billion supplementary budget, elevating the state's total budget for the 2025 fiscal year to an unprecedented N1.65 trillion. This decision, ratified during the State Executive Council meeting on September 12, 2025, marks the largest fiscal plan in the state's history and signals a aggressive push toward addressing critical infrastructure gaps and public welfare priorities .

The supplementary budget represents a significant expansion from the initial N955 billion approved for 2025, which itself was a 3% increase from the 2024 revised budget. The original budget, signed into law on December 24, 2024, allocated N300 billion for recurrent expenditure and N655 billion for capital projects . With the new supplementary budget, the revised figures now stand at:

· Recurrent Expenditure: N125.66 billion
· Capital Expenditure: N569.34 billion .

The expansion is designed to cater to emerging priorities, including:

· Implementation of the new national minimum wage.
· Emergency flood and erosion control measures.
· Construction of new housing estates and infrastructure.
· Funding for newly created ministries, including Sports, Digital Economy, Humanitarian Services, and the Bureau of Rural Development and Cooperatives.
· Purchase of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mass transit buses.
· Development of the ARISE Shopping City and Tree Crop Revolution programme .

In a parallel decisive action, Governor Eno declared a state of emergency in the health sector, following a comprehensive review of the state's healthcare development roadmap. This declaration comes in the wake of a recent investigation into the death of a pregnant woman and her newborn at the General Hospital in Ikot Ekpene. The emergency measures include:

· Recruitment of 2,000 additional healthcare workers, with the Voter Identification Number (VIN) requirement waived for applicants.
· Upgrading of medical facilities and health training institutions across the state.
· Engagement of retired medical personnel on a contract basis.
· Establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee, chaired by Health Commissioner Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, to oversee the implementation of these reforms

The Eno administration has emphasized fiscal prudence and transparency in budget management. According to the Second Quarter Budget Implementation Report presented by Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning Dr. Linus Nkan, the state achieved a recurrent expenditure of N47.7 billion and a capital expenditure of N45.8 billion for the quarter, with year-to-date figures standing at N113.4 billion and N179.8 billion, respectively. Notably, the government has not resorted to borrowing to fund projects, relying instead on robust revenue projections and careful fiscal planning .

The state's revenue framework for 2025 is predicated on an oil benchmark of $75 per barrel and an exchange rate of N1,400/US$. Projected recurrent revenue is estimated at N830 billion, with N80 billion expected from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)—a 28% increase from 2024 figures .

The 2025 budget, dubbed the "Budget for Consolidation and Expansion," reflects Governor Eno's commitment to his ARISE Agenda, which prioritizes agricultural development, rural infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The initial budget of N955 billion was already the largest in the state's history, but the supplementary allocation underscores the administration's responsiveness to evolving economic needs and inflationary pressures .

The approval process for the supplementary budget included an amendment to the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which was raised from N980 billion to N1.7 trillion in line with the state's Fiscal Responsibility Law .

The unprecedented budget size positions Akwa Ibom as one of the highest-spending states in Nigeria, with a clear focus on capital-intensive projects and social welfare initiatives. The declaration of a health emergency aligns with broader efforts to improve public service delivery and address systemic gaps in healthcare infrastructure.

However, the implementation of such a large budget will require meticulous oversight. The government has announced the upcoming launch of a Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Akwa Ibom Geographic Information System (AKWAGIS) on October 15, 2025, aimed at improving revenue collection, blocking leakages, and enhancing land management efficiency .

As Akwa Ibom embarks on this ambitious fiscal journey, the focus will remain on translating budgetary allocations into tangible outcomes for its citizens, particularly in health, infrastructure, and rural development.

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© Ibom Express Reporters 2025

For further details, refer to the official statements from the Akwa Ibom State Government

05/06/2025

IGBO WOMAN LEADER MRS GLORIA AFUJUE APPLAUD SENATOR AKPABIO'S EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

By Kenneth Udoumeh

In an exclusive interview with Ibom Express Reporters, Mrs. Gloria Samuel Afujue, the esteemed Women Leader of the Igbo Community in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, provided valuable perspectives on women's empowerment and community development. The conversation highlighted both the progress made and the work still needed to fully support Igbo women in the region.

Mrs. Afujue began by outlining her leadership role: "As Women Leader, I serve as a voice for our women, ensuring their concerns are heard in community affairs while promoting unity and economic empowerment among our members." She described her work mediating disputes and organizing women for collective development projects.

When discussing challenges, She was candid: "Access to capital remains our biggest obstacle. Many talented businesswomen among us struggle to grow due to limited funding." She also noted cultural barriers that sometimes restrict women's participation in decision-making processes. Her proposed solutions included establishing women's cooperatives and advocating for more accessible loan programs.
The Women Leader spoke enthusiastically about empowerment initiatives supported by the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio GCON: "Through programs championed by Dr. Mrs. Unoma Akpabio and supported by our distinguished Senate President, over 500 women in our senatorial district, including many Igbo women, as grinding machines, deep freezers, and gas cookers. These tools, she said, have significantly improved their livelihoods and have received life-changing business equipment." She shared inspiring stories of women who transformed small enterprises into thriving businesses with these tools.

Mrs. Afujue specifically commended Senator Akpabio's inclusive leadership: "We deeply appreciate the Senate President's support for all ethnic groups in Akwa Ibom, including the Igbo community. His empowerment programs have been truly inclusive, benefiting women across all communities." She noted how this approach has fostered greater unity and economic growth in the region.

While celebrating these achievements, she acknowledged more could be done: "We're working to increase participation through better communication in local dialects and closer collaboration with community leaders." She emphasized the importance of continuing and expanding these successful programs.
The Women Leader proudly detailed Igbo women's economic contributions: "From palm oil production to textile trading, our women are driving commerce in Ikot Ekpene." She highlighted their role in preserving cultural traditions while adapting to modern business practices.
Looking to the future, she expressed strong support for Senator Akpabio's leadership: "Given his outstanding performance and inclusive approach, we wholeheartedly endorse Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio GCON for a second term as Senate President. His continued leadership will ensure the completion of ongoing projects and the initiation of new empowerment programs for our women."
She concluded with a powerful vision: "With sustained support from leaders like Senator Akpabio, Igbo women in Ikot Ekpene will continue to break barriers and contribute even more significantly to our community's development.

Ibom Express Reporters © 2025,

05/06/2025

Big shout-out to my newest top fans! Kenneth Udoumeh

29/05/2025

21 people killed, 10 others missing as flood disaster hits Niger State

Niger State Emergency Management Agency says 21 people have lost their lives following a severe rainfall that resulted into a flood disaster in Mokwa Local Government of Niger.

The Director General of the agency, Dr Ibrahim Hussaini, disclosed this to newsmen in Minna on Thursday.

He said the incident occurred during a torrential downpour on Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction.

Mr Hussaini said three people were rescued alive, a woman and her two children and were receiving treatment for wounds and shock at Mokwa General Hospital.

He said 21 bodies have so far been recovered in the incidence while over 10 persons were still missing as search and rescue operation continued.

He said the affected communities were Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities in Mokwa town.

He added that over 50 residential houses were submerged and washed away with their occupants.

He said NSEMA in collaboration with Mokwa Local Government, local divers, and volunteers were conducting search and rescue operations to rescue survivors and recover corpses.
NAN

30/04/2025

Recruitment Opportunities

24/04/2025

BIRTHDAY FELICITATIONS TO HIS EXCELLENCY, PASTOR UMO ENO, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, AKWA IBOM STATE

On this momentous occasion of your 61st birthday, we the management of Ibom Express Reporters extend our heartfelt congratulations to you, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno!

Your inspiring leadership and unwavering commitment to the people of Akwa Ibom State have been nothing short of remarkable. As a seasoned pastor and dedicated public servant, you have shown us the true meaning of integrity, compassion, and vision. Your efforts in advancing our state, fostering unity, and improving the welfare of our citizens are deeply appreciated.

In celebrating this special day, we reflect on your many achievements: the strides made in infrastructure, education, health care, and youth empowerment. Your passion for uplifting the lives of the people has not gone unnoticed, and the positive impact of your governance continues to resonate across our communities.

As you celebrate this new year of life, may it be filled with joy, good health, and renewed strength. May your days be brightened with love from family, friends, and the people you serve.

We are confident that under your wise leadership, Akwa Ibom State will continue to flourish and reach new heights. On behalf of all gathered here and those who wish you well from afar, we celebrate you today as a leader, a mentor, and an inspiration.

Happy 61st Birthday, Your Excellency! May the years ahead be filled with success, fulfillment, and divine favor.

Ibom Express Reporters ©2025

21/04/2025

21/04/2025

2025 EASTER BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PASTOR UMO ENO,PhD, GOVERNOR,AKWA IBOM STATE

Fellow Akwaibomites:

1. May the peace of the Risen Christ abide with us all! Today, we join others in the Body of Christ to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and His triumph over death as well as the assurance of hope for eternal life.

2. Easter is a season of sacrifice, hope, and redemption. It represents love that is unconditional.

3. This season also exemplifies the concept of selfless service, as captured in Matthew 20:28: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

4. Let me again thank you for the love you have shown us since you entrusted us with the mandate to serve you. Though the economic outlook has been somewhat uncertain, and we’ve experienced pain and anguish due to global economic challenges, just as our Lord Jesus Christ endured suffering on the Cross and rose triumphantly, we too are optimistic and assured that, collectively, we will Arise and overcome these economic challenges.

5. Thankfully, through prudent management of our resources, the fog is lifting, and the horizon is becoming clearer and more predictable.

6. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you, my dear people, for the understanding you have displayed, the prayers you have offered, and the unwavering faith you continue to place in our capacity to work and expand opportunities for growth, aiming to realize our shared dreams and aspirations.

7. We promised to run a Christ-centric and people-oriented administration—one that places the welfare and well-being of our people at the center of our engagements. I am glad to report that we are faithfully implementing this commitment.

8. While we have embarked on numerous ambitious capital projects spanning infrastructure, healthcare delivery services, education, aviation, tourism, housing, and transport, among other key sectors; we have also, over the past 23 months, intentionally devoted ourselves to reaching out to the poorest and most vulnerable among us, giving them a reason to be hopeful, which is the essence of this season.

9. We have built over 205 Arise Compassionate Homes for the most vulnerable, provided ₦50,000 monthly, through our Arise Elderly Care Initiative to 600 elders drawn from all 369 wards in the state, and construction is ongoing at our ARISE Senior Citizens Centre.

We have enrolled over 15,000 vulnerable individuals in our Arise Care Insurance Scheme, which recently earned us a prize as a leading State in this regard. We have paid over ₦60 billion out of the ₦98 billion inherited as backlog in gratuities, enabling our retirees to enjoy peace and comfort in retirement. We have provided free food vouchers to the neediest and poorest, with the next phase set to commence soon, as well as our several youth support programmes. Additionally, we are consciously positioning our state as a destination of choice by deploying turnkey facilities such as Ibom Model Farms, the 766 Kilometers of roads being constructed across the State. Our Model Health Centres, Model Primary Schools, the composite ARISE Resort, the International Convention Centre, and Ibom Hotels amongst others are strategically undertaken to position us as the tourism hub of our nation.

10. As we mark this season of love, sacrifice, and hope, I urge you, my dear people, to be rest assured that we are working diligently to elevate our state to higher levels of growth and development by prioritizing you, our people in all our endeavors.

11. We thank God that our efforts have been recognized nationally, leading to a series of awards as Governor of the Year, by Thisday Newspaper and Arise News; Leadership Newspaper and the New Telegraph.

12. We have received accolades from the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce and Security Watch Africa, among others.

13. Let us remain hopeful, support us with your prayers, and together, we shall arise and shine, just as our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, rose three days after enduring excruciating pains and suffering for our sake.

14. Akwa Ibom is rising; our fundamentals for growth are rock-solid, and we are firmly on course for comprehensive growth and expansion.

15. As part of the celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ’s resurrection, I invite you all to join us for an Easter Evening of Hymns, scheduled to hold on Monday, 21st April 2025, at the International Christian Worship Center, Uyo (ICWC).

16. May the blessings of His death and resurrection keep you in great joy this season. Amen.

17. May this season instill in us hope, faith, love for one another, unity, and peace. Happy Easter to us all.2025 EASTER BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PASTOR UMO ENO,PhD, GOVERNOR,AKWA IBOM STATE

Fellow Akwaibomites:

1. May the peace of the Risen Christ abide with us all! Today, we join others in the Body of Christ to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and His triumph over death as well as the assurance of hope for eternal life.

2. Easter is a season of sacrifice, hope, and redemption. It represents love that is unconditional.

3. This season also exemplifies the concept of selfless service, as captured in Matthew 20:28: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

4. Let me again thank you for the love you have shown us since you entrusted us with the mandate to serve you. Though the economic outlook has been somewhat uncertain, and we’ve experienced pain and anguish due to global economic challenges, just as our Lord Jesus Christ endured suffering on the Cross and rose triumphantly, we too are optimistic and assured that, collectively, we will Arise and overcome these economic challenges.

5. Thankfully, through prudent management of our resources, the fog is lifting, and the horizon is becoming clearer and more predictable.

6. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you, my dear people, for the understanding you have displayed, the prayers you have offered, and the unwavering faith you continue to place in our capacity to work and expand opportunities for growth, aiming to realize our shared dreams and aspirations.

7. We promised to run a Christ-centric and people-oriented administration—one that places the welfare and well-being of our people at the center of our engagements. I am glad to report that we are faithfully implementing this commitment.

8. While we have embarked on numerous ambitious capital projects spanning infrastructure, healthcare delivery services, education, aviation, tourism, housing, and transport, among other key sectors; we have also, over the past 23 months, intentionally devoted ourselves to reaching out to the poorest and most vulnerable among us, giving them a reason to be hopeful, which is the essence of this season.

9. We have built over 205 Arise Compassionate Homes for the most vulnerable, provided ₦50,000 monthly, through our Arise Elderly Care Initiative to 600 elders drawn from all 369 wards in the state, and construction is ongoing at our ARISE Senior Citizens Centre.

We have enrolled over 15,000 vulnerable individuals in our Arise Care Insurance Scheme, which recently earned us a prize as a leading State in this regard. We have paid over ₦60 billion out of the ₦98 billion inherited as backlog in gratuities, enabling our retirees to enjoy peace and comfort in retirement. We have provided free food vouchers to the neediest and poorest, with the next phase set to commence soon, as well as our several youth support programmes. Additionally, we are consciously positioning our state as a destination of choice by deploying turnkey facilities such as Ibom Model Farms, the 766 Kilometers of roads being constructed across the State. Our Model Health Centres, Model Primary Schools, the composite ARISE Resort, the International Convention Centre, and Ibom Hotels amongst others are strategically undertaken to position us as the tourism hub of our nation.

10. As we mark this season of love, sacrifice, and hope, I urge you, my dear people, to be rest assured that we are working diligently to elevate our state to higher levels of growth and development by prioritizing you, our people in all our endeavors.

11. We thank God that our efforts have been recognized nationally, leading to a series of awards as Governor of the Year, by Thisday Newspaper and Arise News; Leadership Newspaper and the New Telegraph.

12. We have received accolades from the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce and Security Watch Africa, among others.

13. Let us remain hopeful, support us with your prayers, and together, we shall arise and shine, just as our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, rose three days after enduring excruciating pains and suffering for our sake.

14. Akwa Ibom is rising; our fundamentals for growth are rock-solid, and we are firmly on course for comprehensive growth and expansion.

15. As part of the celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ’s resurrection, I invite you all to join us for an Easter Evening of Hymns, scheduled to hold on Monday, 21st April 2025, at the International Christian Worship Center, Uyo (ICWC).

16. May the blessings of His death and resurrection keep you in great joy this season. Amen.

17. May this season instill in us hope, faith, love for one another, unity, and peace. Happy Easter to us all.

21/04/2025

GOV ENO APPLAUDS APOSTOLIC CHURCH OVER SEAMLESS TRANSITION

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has applauded The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Akwa Ibom Territorial Council over its recent peaceful and seamless transition from the old to new Field leadership.

The Governor gave the commendation at the 12th Ikot Ekpene Udo Zonal Easter major convention tagged: "The Triumph of the Cross," held at the church Auditorium in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.

He noted that leadership transitions are sometimes marred by crises, stressing that the peaceful transition in the Apostolic Church, Nigeria was indicative of God's presence in the Church.

"I particularly celebrate with the Church for a peaceful transition of the leadership of the church at the Field level. Thank you for making this leadership transition very simple and smooth because I know how difficult and troublesome this exercise could be.

"Your successful transition of the church leadership is indeed a strong pointer to the fact that the Holy Spirit is truly leading the church in all its activities and I specifically appreciate the Church Council members for their unity and doing everything to the glory of God."

Preaching on the theme: "The Triumph of the Cross", Pastor Daniel Bassey Udofia who took his text from Matthew 27:57, enjoined the congregation to fully embrace the Cross as it is the source of power for the transformation of lives.

The clergy called on people to understand the sacrifices made by Jesus Christ for the redemption of all and they should therefore, accept Him for His blessings.

The Easter convention which was attended by Exco members and top dignitaries from all walks of life, featured choir rendition, exhortation, praises and worship session.

03/01/2025

The ARISE Agenda of Pastor Umo Eno is a comprehensive development blueprint for Akwa Ibom State. The agenda focuses on five key pillars: Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructural Maintenance, Security and Social Welfare, and Economic and Industrial Development

In terms of executive bills, the agenda has led to the drafting and submission of several bills to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. Some of these bills are aimed at promoting agricultural development, improving rural infrastructure, and enhancing security and social welfare in the state.

Recently, the administration of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, assented to the 2025 Budget, which is expected to drive the implementation of the ARISE Agenda . The budget proposal was presented to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on November 27, 2024 .

Kenneth Udoumeh ©2025