Community Witness Media Uyo

11/01/2025

Life Has Never Been Fair! Don't Expect 2025 To Throw You Cheese balls!

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19/09/2024

LIVING IS GIVING
I have fond memories of His Grace, Most Reverend Emmanuel Udofia.
Flashback to 2014. I was vested with the responsibility of organising the public presentation of The Nigerian Golden Book. I told the author that we needed a high-ranking, indigenous clergyman of the orthodox persuasion, to dedicate the book.

I sat with the ebullient preacher in the expansive Bishop’s Court in the Methodist Archdiocesan headquarters in Uyo, that morning in August. The encounter began an irreversible series of progressive events that have impacted my ministerial and professional life.
Archbishop Udofia is a hard working, forward -looking,tough as nails , diligent minister and administrator. By the grace of Jesus Christ,his service record has bolstered with many unusual evangelical calls of duty,beyond these parts. In the main, Archbishop Udofia remains a prayer warrior and valiant seeker of Calvary’s glories.
Udofia has supported my career quests on radio and print. I have teamed in with him during high and low moments. I cannot forget his compassion and counsel during my father’s passing in 2021.
Yesterday was the Archbishop’s birthday. All I can ask God is continued leading for this remarkable brother of mine and distinguished Member of My Personal Board of Directors.
Happy birthday,Your Grace!

11/09/2024

In 1896, Thomas Edison, the great inventor of the electric bulb, was working on a car design when he learned that a young man in his company had created an experimental car. Edison met this young man, Henry Ford, at a company party in New York and was thoroughly impressed by his gasoline-powered car idea. Edison, who had been considering electricity as a power source, enthusiastically encouraged Ford, saying, "Young man, that's the thing! You have it! I think you are on to something! I encourage you to continue your pursuits!"

Encouraged by the respected inventor, Henry Ford continued his work, eventually inventing a car that made him wealthy.

On December 9, 1914, Edison's laboratory and factory were destroyed by fire. At 67 years old, the damage was too extensive for insurance to cover. Before the ashes were cold, Henry Ford handed Edison a check for $750,000 with a note saying Edison could have more if needed.

In 1916, Ford relocated his home next to Edison's. When Edison was later confined to a wheelchair, Ford also got a wheelchair so they could race each other.

Thomas Edison made Henry Ford believe in himself, creating a friendship for life.

LESSON:
Don't ever be jealous of others' success. If you can't win a race, help the person in front of you break the record. Your candle doesn't lose its light by lighting another. Let us follow this example of supporting and uplifting each other!

03/09/2024

NSEOBONG, THE GREAT!
Nseobong has an biiiig place in my Personal Board of Directors. Our paths crossed in 1988 soon after I w
as appointed editor of the first privately-owned newspaper in Akwa Ibom State, THE BELL.
Together, we ran a great paper. We spent many nights working on articles and planning the pages.
From dawn to dusk,we hustled the newly created state for scoops and other materials. We got into trouble a few times. Nse got detained for covering court proceedings in Ikot Akpan Nkuk. A one-time council boss in the old Etinan LGC got physical on account of his reportage. His scoop on how the state government “ squandered” 400k on the first state anniversary threw Hilltop top brass into panic.
For a man whose pen bristles with gutsy professionalism, Nse is very lovable. He knows how to be close to family and friends. I was there for him with music legend,Aity during his father’s funeral in 2016. Six years later,Nse held me up at my father’s .
I have fond memories as LOC Chairman of Uwa Ekom,NseObong’s brilliant entertainment and tourism event that brought church leaders, choir groups, music stars, fashion icons and cuisine experts to his native Ikot Ibok at the dawn of last decade.
NseObong Okon-Ekong has acquitted himself as an upper-end Journalist (Politics Editor and recently, Gaming afficionado at ThisDay), exemplary community leader and politician. His bid to speak for the people of Etinan in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in the last general elections was punctuated at the PDP primaries. No matter, the future has already begun for this unputdownable man.
Nse-Baba, today is your birthday. My one prayer is that the God that you have served these past years shall continue to watch over you, your family and friends in the years to come!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Ebe Nma!

02/07/2024

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A'IBOM ISPON LAUDS STATE GOVERNMENT ON NEW SAFETY PROTOCOL

By UdemeAbasi Udofa

The Akwa Ibom State branch of the Institute for Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) has commended the state governor, Pastor Umoh Eno for incorporating fresh safety protocols in government business.

According to a press release issued by Mr Ita Benson, State Coordinator in Uyo at the weekend, Governor Eno's recent directive for the immediate recruitment of one hundred safety Officers into the State Civil Service is a remarkable step towards the realisation of the
ARISE Agenda.

"Safety consciousness is the driving force of development all over the world.It ensures seamless operations and productivity. ISPON, Akwa Ibom State branch commends the governor,Pastor Umoh Eno for establishing an institutional framework for risk management through the employment of safety officers in key government establishments, " the statement said.

ISPON, Akwa Ibom State noted that Akwa Ibom State has become the first ever state in Nigeria to put safety in the front burner of state policy,adding that with such move the state has become a global model in public responsibility.
The statement further reaffirmed ISPON's status as the only recognised origanisation vested with legal powers to train, regulate and certify safety professionals in Nigeria.

While saluting the state government's emphasis on professional competence over all considerations, the state ISPON leadership advised leaders of public institutions and members of the public to avoid being scammed by illegal organisations.

"As a responsible safety organisation,we are aware that the new safety regime of the state government is certain to cause a boom in the operation of fake safety training institutions offering training in all sorts of open spaces and private accomodations. ISPON has a comprehensive list of all safety professionals and we are ready to corporate with the state government in training support,staff and safety audit", the release stated.

In a related development, the institute has congratulated Professor Comfort Etok on her recent appointment into the board of the Infrastructure and Assets Management and Maintenance
Agency by the state governor, Pastor Umoh Eno.
State Coordinator of the Institute for Safety Professionals of Nigeria,Akwa Ibom Statebranch,Mr Ita Benson conveyed the institute's felicitations in a letter at the weekend. The ISPON leader expressed the hope that Prof. Etok would use her vast experience in safety management to realise the noble vision and mission of the agency.

02/07/2024

A'IBOM ISPON LAUDS STATE GOVERNMENT ON NEW SAFETY PROTOCOL

The Akwa Ibom State branch of the Institute for Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) has commended the state governor, Pastor Umoh Eno for incorporating fresh safety protocols in government business.

According to a press release issued by Mr Ita Benson, State Coordinator in Uyo at the weekend, Governor Eno's recent directive for the immediate recruitment of one hundred safety Officers into the State Civil Service is a remarkable step towards the realisation of the
ARISE Agenda.

"Safety consciousness is the driving force of development all over the world.It ensures seamless operations and productivity. ISPON, Akwa Ibom State branch commends the governor,Pastor Umoh Eno for establishing an institutional framework for risk management through the employment of safety officers in key government establishments, " the statement said.

ISPON, Akwa Ibom State noted that Akwa Ibom State has become the first ever state in Nigeria to put safety in the front burner of state policy,adding that with such move the state has become a global model in public responsibility.
The statement further reaffirmed ISPON's status as the only recognised origanisation vested with legal powers to train, regulate and certify safety professionals in Nigeria.

While saluting the state government's emphasis on professional competence over all considerations, the state ISPON leadership advised leaders of public institutions and members of the public to avoid being scammed by illegal organisations.

"As a responsible safety organisation,we are aware that the new safety regime of the state government is certain to cause a boom in the operation of fake safety training institutions offering training in all sorts of open spaces and private accomodations. ISPON has a comprehensive list of all safety professionals and we are ready to corporate with the state government in training support,staff and safety audit", the r

14/06/2024

Hospitality Body Holds Training

By Offiong Otu

Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Nigeria Hotels Association (NHA) has put its right foot forward with the recent hosting of its maiden Master-Class for hospitality professionals in the state.

The one-day event which had as its topic,Operational Efficiency and Guest Satisfaction held at Majesty Realm Hotels, Uyo. It featured practical training sessions ranging from from Front Office Efficiency to Facilities maintenance and Service Delivery.
The master -class is to hold monthly in an effort to enhance skills and improve service quality according to the lead facilitator, Elder Nkereuwem Onuk.

Onuk who is the President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria and Honourary Special Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Tourism charged participants to make full use of the master class to improve service delivery.

" Hospitality is a serious business. It needs to be learned. This is why we have come here. Nobody is beyond knowledge. These classes are certainly going to help to improve the state's hospitality sector," Onuk said.

Earlier,Obong Daniel Udoh, Chairman of the state chapter of the NHA while addressing participants emphasised that the NHA is the only valid voice of the hospitality sector. He pledged the association's continued commitment to the improvement of the practice.

The faculty was led by Mrs Justina Ovat, a highly sought- after hospitality professional trainer. Participants expressed satisfaction with the training sessions and commended the Nigeria Hotels Association, Akwa Ibom State Chapter for the successful organisation of the training programme.

11/06/2024

Uyo City Flooding : Safety Gaps to Consider
By UdemeAbasi Udofa
It was a sobering moment that Tuesday in the Akwa Ibom State Government House. The preceding Sunday, the precarious Reigners Church building collapsed, killing many people , back in 2016.
Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the governor at the time, was in attendance at the special service to enthrone Rev. Akan Weeks as Bishop. He escaped without a scratch. In the Deputy Governor’s wing,Mr Moses Ekpo shook his head slowly for several times. He'd been away on official duty,that Sunday. One of the collapsing pillars had crashed the left side of the governor’s chair where he would have sat!
Fast forward to 2022. Uyo, the state capital was again afflicted with the collapse of a four- storey building in construction behind Zenith Bank on Aka Road. One person was killed while many others sustained injuries. The year also witnessed fire outbreaks in a popular supermarket on Oron Road and two filling stations in other parts.
This week, the state capital was again clothed in black following the tragic death of a septuagenarian, Chief Anselem Etuk as a result of gushing flood water which grounded several houses in Ewet Housing Estate Extension.
On it’s west side,across the multi - lane highway,named after late Major- General Edet Akpan, the pre-dawn Sunday showers made nonsense of the state capital’s elite habitat. Many fences,gate houses and pillars gave way as rampaging flood water ravaged the exclusive confines of the Ewet Housing Estate neighbourhood.
Chief Akan Okon,an engineer and former auditor of the ruling People’s Democratic Party,South-south zone was away in Lagos when he received the watery news. The floods rammed a section of the fence and surged into the compound. Like many other victims, Chief Okon is counting his losses in millions of naira.
The above incidents are, for want of a better expression, unfortunate for an emerging state, like Akwa Ibom. Not only are these disasters caused by human factors,they reflect the insensitivity of institutions and leaders to the welfare of citizens. There can be no worse public relations triggers.
There is no better time for individuals, corporate organisations and governments to embrace global best safety practices and institute protocols to guarantee safety in private homes, estates and other public infrastructure. A safe place to begin is mobilisation of the public for safety through sensitisation campaigns in schools,religious organisaions and the media.
Our reporter spoke to a safety expert,Mr. Ita Benson at the sidelines of the Ewet Housing flood disaster. Ita who is the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator, Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) believes that that Chief Etuk’s unfortunate death and similar tragedies are avoidable. The interview gives further insight into prevention and mitigation of such disasters. Excerpts:
How were you informed about this incident?
The Safety Officer from Hensek Construction company called me. They donated the equipment that the Fire Service people used. They couldn’t launch into prompt action because of lack of pumping equipment. With the Hensek equipment,they were able to retrieve the co**se of the victim.
How can we prevent a recurrence of this kind of incident?
ISPON, Akwa Ibom State has been a member of the state Emergency Management Committee since 2021. The essence of that committee membership was drive proactive control measures on identified emergency areas which centre on fire, flood and related issues. However,we haven’t met for once since the committee was inaugurated. Therefore,we have not been able to advance our inputs and brainstorm with sister agencies on possible options for state interventions.
About the Ewet Housing flooding, what did we miss out?
We have reason to believe that the road elevation from construction has put all the houses at risk. Representations were made to all three levels of government but to no avail.
There has been leadership failure?
Definitely. Safety has not been given the priority it deserves in this state. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. We should stop dumping waste indiscriminately and desilt our gutters. Environmental sanitation exercises are no longer effective, nowadays because there is little enforcement.
Disasters are preventable?
Absolutely. In safety,we believe in protocol, procedures and processes. Accidents don’t just happen.