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AKWA IBOM News Online, Uyo City (2025)

16/04/2025

PRESS RELEASE

GOVERNOR UMO ENO TO HOST ARISE TOWN SQUARE MEETING AND EMPOWERMENT SERIES AT IKOT EKPENE TOWNSHIP STADIUM ON THURSDAY, APRIL 17

The Government of Akwa Ibom State is pleased to announce that His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, will host the next edition of the ARISE Town Square Meeting and Empowerment Series on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium.

This significant event follows the successful town hall meeting held in the Oron Federal Constituency on Saturday, April 5, 2025, where constituents presented their Needs Document and unanimously endorsed Governor Umo Eno for a return to the Government House in 2027.

The Ikot Ekpene event is expected to attract stakeholders and residents from the Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency. The engagement will provide an interactive platform for dialogue and empowerment, reinforcing Governor Umo Eno’s commitment through the ARISE Agenda to addressing the people’s needs and gathering input toward the formulation of the 2026 People’s Budget.

A key highlight of the Town Square Meeting will be Governor Eno’s briefing on the accomplishments of his administration in the federal constituency, including the ex*****on of 42 projects over the past two years. This presentation underscores the Governor’s dedication to fulfilling his campaign promises and delivering impactful development across the state.

Additionally, the meeting will feature the disbursement of empowerment grants to beneficiaries who form part of the N2 billion Farmers Grant, N2 billion Traders Grant, and Small and Medium Scale Business grants of up to N5 million Naira, along with equipment support for local businesses, as previously approved for the entire State.

This series of engagements underscores Governor Umo Eno’s dedication to inclusive governance, a model that has gained significant traction across the country. The ARISE Town Square Meeting aims to strengthen the bonds between the people and the government while fostering a collaborative environment for the sustainable development of Akwa Ibom State.

Stakeholders, citizens, and residents in the Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency are cordially invited to attend.

Signed,
Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah
Commissioner for Information

15/04/2025

PHED power outage update! ✍️

12/04/2025

GOVERNMENT OF AKWA IBOM STATE

PRESS RELEASE

Disclaimer!!!

Our attention has been drawn to a scheme by scammers, obviously aimed at hoodwinking unsuspecting members of the public to the effect that His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, Governor, Akwa Ibom has “begun the payment of N50,000 Business Grant to all individuals in Akwa Ibom” State.

The scammers further stated that, “over 10,000 people have received N50,000 each from Governor Umo Eno’s Community Development Group.”

We wish to notify the general public that the link they provided is fake as the only authentic Business Grants and indeed other empowerment schemes currently being executed by the Pastor Umo Eno, PhD Administration are those that are being harvested, profiled and screened through this authentic and duly certified website https://employment.akwaibomstate.gov.ng.

The general public is hereby advised to discountenance and ignore this reprehensible work of scammers and con artists.

Ekerete Udoh
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
April 12, 2025

03/04/2025

The Akwa Ibom state Ministry of Education wishes to inform the General Public and Education Stakeholders that the closing date for 2nd term of 2024/2025 is Friday 4th April, 2025.

Consequently, the Easter Holidays will last between Monday 7th April and Friday 25th April, 2025.

Academic activities for 3rd Term 2024/2025 session will commence on Monday 28th April, 2025.

All Public and Private Primary, Secondary and Technical Schools are directed to comply accordingly.

02/04/2025

Celebrating 10th year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. We could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

02/04/2025

SKILLED LABOURERS FLOCK GOVERNMENT SITES, PRAISE GOV ENO FOR CONTRACT BOOM IN A’IBOM

…we now struggle to find skill labourers - private contractors

By Emma Akpabio

Pastor Umo Eno’s infrastructure development is creating a buzz in Akwa Ibom State, with workers praising the Governor for a contract boom across the 31 local government areas of the State

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Eno’s administration has been focused on implementing the ARISE Agenda which envisions a vibrant, inclusive, diversified, and highly industrialized economy with lifelong opportunities for the improvement of social welfare conditions and broadly-shared prosperity.

Some skilled labourers in Uyo who spoke with journalists yesterday, praised Governor Eno’s administration for its commitment to infrastructural development which has led to a surge in projects across the state.

Narrating the dividends of the Governor's infrastructural revolution in the state, Aniefiok Udoh, a skilled carpenter working at the site of the ongoing Ewet luxury estate in Uyo, said:

“Governor Eno’s administration has been a blessing to us. Before now, we used to stand at the labour market along four lanes without jobs, but since Governor Eno assumed office, we now move from one site to the other. We have never had it so good. The numerous construction projects have provided us with good paying jobs and steady income”.

Also speaking, Enobong Johnson, a skilled mason recounted his gains: “private contractors used to pay us between three and four thousand naira per day, but since we started working with Government contractors, we smile home with at least eight thousand naira every day. May God bless our dear Governor."

Meanwhile, facts-finding tours to some construction sites within Uyo metropolis revealed that over 500 skilled labourers are currently engaged by Western Legacy, contractors handling the Ewet luxury garden while over 600 workers often spotted at the different departments of the ongoing Arise park handled by Buletin construction Nigeria Limited.

Similarly, over 1,000 skilled labourers were also spotted at the sites of the ongoing dualization project of Uyo village road, dualization of the new Ring road from Idoro road to Ibiono Ibom and at the Elderly Citizens center handled by Amitec Construction Limited, Hensek Integrated services and U & K Nigeria limited, respectively.

On the flip side of this development, the contract boom has also had an unintended consequence on non-government contractors who are now struggling to find skilled labourers.

“Many of our skilled labourers have been lured away by government contracts.” Said Mr Ekpo, the MD of build box Nigeria, a private contractor.

“Government contractors seem to pay skilled labourers higher hence, we are finding it difficult to complete our projects on time, because of the shortage of skilled workers,” he added.

Without equivocation, there is no local government area in Akwa Ibom State today, that does not have at least one major road construction ongoing in addition to either a model primary school or a primary health center.

From the Arise Compassionate homes targeted at each of the 368 wards of the state, to other strategic housing development and aviation hub expansion, Akwa Ibom State can best be described as a construction site with Akwa Ibomites gainfully engaged as core professionals, skilled workers and suppliers of one building material or the other.

The contract boom in Akwa Ibom is a testament to Governor Eno’s commitment to infrastructural development and job creation.

As the state continues to experience growth and development, skilled labourers remain appreciative of the opportunities provided by Governor Eno’s administration, with several other projects still lined up for flag-off in view.

01/04/2025

Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, has approved the appointment of the following persons into the Akwa Ibom State Agriculture and Food Security Committee.

22/03/2025

FROM POLICE BARRACKS TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE: THE JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE, HUMILITY, SERVICE AND CLASS

This story tells of a young boy, who grew in the police barracks in Lagos, under a strict disciplinarian father. A young boy whose father was a Police Officer and raised him to always be accountable for his actions and inactions.

Baptized in Qua Iboe Church as a 10 year old boy and at 13, when his parents had moved to The Apostolic Church, he was made the church interpreter, who interpreted from the local language to English Language.

He rose from an Interpreter to a Deacon, Elder, and later Pastor. This story has Saint Francis Secondary School. Ikot Ataku, Eket, as a major contributor, that laid the foundation of the Ibibio language for him. This alma mater, till date, has not been forgotten, as it has been converted to a model school today, through the directive of their distinguished Alumnus.

The above describes Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, who journeyed in service to God through the Apostolic Church, and had at some point been an Assembly Pastor, before he founded the All Nations Christian Ministry, where he continued in God’s vineyard till he became Governor.

Though there were several account of prophecies in Lagos and Akwa Ibom that Pastor Umo Bassey Eno will lead his people when it is time, on the 30th of January, 2022, Former Governor Udom Emmanuel became a pivot on whose foundation the fulfilment of the prophecy begun, where the Governor has found himself in Government House as Chief Executive.

Since assumption of office in 2023, Governor Umo Eno has left doubters in a state of awe, as he has shown character in his administration, matching his words with actions, and taking governance deliberately to the door steps of the people of the state.

Despite being a Governor, with humongous power at his disposal to wield, he has steered the ship of the state, with leadership of unity, and has demonstrated the highest of humility others do not have to exhibit. Leadership under the Governor has been unifying, just as Elder States Man, Atuekong Don Etiebiet said, “Since 1978 I started playing politics, I have never seen this level of unity in the state.”

For everyone who comes in contact with the Governor, one of the first things you will notice about him, is how he responds to you and accept you, whether you are small or big, or he is older than you or not. This humility is what stands him out from the rest.

Governor Umo Eno has for the first time in the state, evenly distributed projects in the state on local government basis. The worst of his critics are the ones singing the Lord’s song. But thankfully, not in a strange land, but in the same land where they stood to criticize and oppose him.

Governor Eno belongs to his own class. With a PhD to his name, he has distinguished himself as a scholar, an Icon, a Leader and a man of the people. Moving step by step, projects executed under his watch, are spread across the different spheres of the state, from Agriculture, to Rural Development, Infrastructural renaissance, Security and Education, the imprints of Governor Umo Eno’s administration is everywhere, but without doubt, the journey to a better Akwa Ibom is a work in progress with the ARISE AGENDA in focus.

Dr. Eneh John is a Journalist, Associate Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and Member, African Council for Communication Education, writes from Ikot Uso Ekong, Eket, AKS.

21/03/2025

GOV ENO COMMENDS EAGLES’ HISTORIC VICTORY OVER RWANDA

Super Eagles’ chief host in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, Governor Umo Eno, has commended the superlative showing by the Nigerians against Rwanda today at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, in a goodwill message, said, “We know how crucial the match was, given our not-too-impressive showing in the past.

“We needed this victory to get our qualification back on track, and the boys responded positively. The task was daunting—a packed crowd of Rwandan supporters—yet the can-do spirit of the Nigerians prevailed, sending victory songs back home from Sokoto to Uyo.

“On Tuesday in Uyo against Zimbabwe, we will come out en masse to give them the necessary support to excel again,” he said.

The ThisDay Governor of the Year has asked Akwa Ibomites in particular, and Nigerians in general, to come out in their numbers, appropriately attired in the country’s colors of green and white, to support the Super Eagles of Nigeria with their vocal backing.

“The Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, is reputed to be a slaughterhouse for opponents of the Eagles, and Tuesday will not be an exception,” the sports-loving governor said.

Today’s victory has catapulted Nigeria to fourth position with six points, four points behind group leaders South Africa after five rounds of matches.

Victory on Tuesday in Uyo will further brighten their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

13/03/2025

GOV ENO FLAGS OFF ORON MARITIME HUB PROJECT, SETS SEPTEMBER 2025 DEADLINE FOR COMPLETION

The reconstruction of the Oron Marine Jetty, an aquatic produce commercial hub, ferry terminal and leisure resort, will be completed by September this year.

The project which is meant to rekindle sea line trade activities and reinvigorate the ease of marine transport services in the coastal area, was flagged off on Wednesday by Governor Umo Eno at the Oron.

Performing the ground breaking exercise, Governor Eno said the project currently provides daily jobs for over a thousand locals here and appealed for support to the initiative.

“You can be rest assured that we will fulfill our part of the bargain to the contractor. And we look forward to coming here between August and September, because we want to wait to receive the ferry, so that we can commission all on the same day. I'd like to take that ferry to Calabar that day, and also come back.”

“We will not have the financial muscle to construct railways without the support of the federal government, but we will construct our waterways, put ferries on the waterways, and that will be our pride and our joy.

Governor Eno lauded Rear Admiral Etop Ebe, Superintendent of the Naval Shipyard, Port Harcourt for his commitment to the realization of the first passenger cruise ferry for the Jetty, saying that contract for the second ferry will soon be awarded.

The Governor added that, “the Nigeria Navy is going to train about 15 engineers that will ensure that they man the workshop so that we can have proper maintenance.”

He said it was divinity that has brought Admiral Ebe to head the Nigerian Naval shipyard at this time.

“And you know that being a son of the soil, God has given you the opportunity to put your name and signature in gold, that you were part of this project.”

Governor Eno described the project as the turning around of the economic fortunes of the people of Oron Federal Constituency, in line with his campaign promises.

Recounting his other projects in the federal constituency to include the ongoing 14.5 kilometers Nsit Atai-Okopedi dual carriage road, handled by HENSEk, the 11 kilometer Oron-Uya Oro Road, handled by Amitec, the Unyenge Road, that leads to the seaport, the Effiong Esang and Ukpong Streets and the 2.9 kilometer Road in Urue Offong/Oroko Local Government Area, which was commissioned last year.

“With your support, we will do more, because we are determined to take development to every nook and crannies of our state. And we are determined to ensure that we end the rural - urban migration.

“That's why we're developing all of these rural communities. So please, I'd like to appeal to the youths, to please continue to cooperate with the contractor, so we can finish this project on time.”

“While we know that the federal government will come to our aid, and continue to support us in railways, in highways, and will also support us in our quest for the Ibom Deep seaport, and support us to also get money to work on our ecological site.”

The deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi who lauded the Governor for his love to her people recounted that in the past, Oron was known for being an economic nerve center in the country.

Mrs Eyakenyi maintained that the marine project will catapult the area back to its past glory.

The project contractor and Managing Director of JMK Construction Company Limited, Mr Faysal Harb thanked the Governor for the confidence in his ability and promised to complete the project in the next six months.

The Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, gave an overview of the project to have steel shore protections, four jetties, a terminal, cool room, and warehouse, a 5,500-square-meter car park that will accommodate at least 200 cars with internal road networks and a recreational center that will attract tourists, with 100% security guaranteed.

Prof. Ibanga thanked the Governor for initiating the project, assuring that he is working closely with the Delivery Advisor Mr. Orman Esin to ensure its timely completion.

Former Commissioner of Transport, Orman Esin, who is the delivery advisor for the project, and the clan head of Idua, Chief Asuquo, appreciated the Governor at the event while Rear Admiral Ebe who commended the Governor for deliberately setting out to develop the entire State, promised to deliver the passenger ferry as required.

Highpoint of the event was a vote of confidence unanimously adopted on the Governor, following a motion moved by House of Representatives Member for the federal Constituency, Hon. Martin Esin, and seconded by Hon. Kenim Onofiok, House of Assembly member for the area.

11/03/2025

GOV ENO FLAGS OFF EQUIPMENT SUPPORT SCHEME

All is now set for the Arise Entrepreneurial Equipment Support Scheme, a groundbreaking initiative by His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno,PhD, Governor, Akwa Ibom State, designed to empower small businesses with essential equipment to boost productivity and foster job creation.

The event comes up Tuesday, March 11, at the Uyo Township Stadium by 2pm.

09/03/2025

N700BN FRAUD ALLEGATIONS AGAINST EX- GOV EMMANUEL UNFOUNDED; THE MEDIA TRIAL MUST STOP - GOVERNOR ENO

…SAYS PREDECESSOR PERFORMED CREDITABLY WELL.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, has described as false, and spurious the rumours making the rounds that his predecessor in office, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, CON, has a case to answer over an allegation of fraud before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

He said the allegations of misappropriation of N700bn is not only false but totally unfounded.

Speaking during the just concluded Town Hall meeting with the people of Abak Federal Constituency at the Abak Township Stadium, Governor Eno said his successor, Udom Emmanuel, served the State meritoriously and deserves gratitude.

Mr. Udom Emmanuel had visited the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday evening to honour an invitation and despite being allowed to leave the same day and returning to his home in Lagos, a section of the media wrongly reported that he was being held by the anti- graft agency in relation to an alleged 700billion naira fraud under his watch.

Governor Eno, dismissed the rumours, saying such figures and allegations are unknown to his government.

Governor Eno said the attitude of people trying to drag down leaders who sacrificed for the common good of the people, tends to discourage people from committing to service.

“Because at the end of the day, the people don't show you that gratitude.

“When a man has served his state meritoriously like Deacon Udom Emmanuel did, honestly, he should be honoured, he should be respected.

“And so I don't see a place for this kind of information that is going on. It's not correct.

“I don't believe it should go on. I don't believe so. So, I don't know where they get the figures from. I don't know where they churn it out from, but I can tell you as a sitting Governor, that it is not correct.

“It is not true. The media trial must and should stop forthwith. And we need to dimiss this issue with a pinch of salt”, the Governor added.

AKWA IBOM News Online

16/04/2025

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