Oruk-Anam Media Roundtable

30/07/2025

ENCOMIUMS ON SAMPSON IDIONG AS AKS COUNCIL ON CLIMATE CHANGE BILL SCALES SECOND READING

The Deputy Chief Whip of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Sampson Idiong, garnered widespread accolades from colleagues during Tuesday's plenary, as Akwa Ibom State council on climate change bill passes second reading.

The bill titled “Akwa Ibom State Council on Climate change bill” when passed into law, will help the state to achieve one of the key action plans highlighted during the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) which took place in June 2025 at Nice, France, with Governor Eno in full attendance.

Leading a debate on the bill, Hon Idiong described climate change as a burning global issue. He said the bill which has 8 Parts, 33 Sections and 1 Schedule, is to domesticate the National Climate Change Act which provides a framework for mainstreaming climate change actions and other related matters.

The Oruk Anam lawmaker who recalled how the Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Path-initiative, FEYReP, is actively engaged in addressing climate change issues in the areas of tree planting and climate action campaigns, stressed that there is also a provision for partnership with the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations, NGOs.

Noting that Akwa Ibom as a coastal state with the longest coastline of 129km is now a member of the UN on Ocean Rise Collaboration, Idiong warned that if the ocean is not properly taken care of, so many cities will be lost in the next couple of years.

“We have recorded severe flooding in many parts of Nigeria due to rising sea levels and heavy rain falls, with the recent ones in Lekki, Lagos and other cities located along the Atlantic coast.

“One of the strategic moves and action plans that sub-nationals like Akwa lbom State surrounded by the ocean have to make in order to checkmate any upsurge and adverse effects of the ocean and every other climate change concerns is captured in this bill.” Idiong stressed.

Lending their voices in support of the bill, the House Leader, Rt. Hon. Barr. Otobong Bob, Deputy Leader of the House, Dr. Nsidibe Akata, representing Eket, Hon. Moses Essien, representing Ibiono -Ibom, Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey, representing Okobo described the bill as apt and timely, considering the threat posed by Climate change which is altering the eco-system.

The lawmakers opined that Akwa Ibom should have the necessary machinery put in place to protect the ecosystem from the harmful effects of climate change, while agreeing that there was need for an enabling law to ensure that Akwa Ibom aligns nationally and globally as State in this regard.

Reacting, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong refered the bill to the House Committee on Environment for indepth -study, mandating the committee to conduct a public hearing on the bill and report back to the House in a month's time.

04/02/2025

GOV UMO ENO 5.1 BILLION EMPOWERMENT SCHEME FOR A'IBOM FARMERS, ENTREPRENEURS
..Another Excellent Approach to building local economy, sustainable food security

By Aniekan Akpan

It is no longer rumors that farmers, traders and entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom State will receive over N5.1 billion as grants and equipment support under the ongoing ARISE empowerment programme of Governor Umo Eno's administration.

Under the scheme, N2 billion is earmarked as grant to support individuals, corporate and commercial farmers, another N2 billion for validated traders across the 31 LGAs, while operators of Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) will receive support in terms of equipment to the tune of N800 million as well as special grant of N310 million to be won by two farmers in each of the 31 LGAs of the State.

The Governor's gesture to extend economic empowerment to citizens across various strata and enhancing the State's economy through investments in agriculture and MSMEs is a deliberate efforts geared at growing local economy and maintaining food sufficiency in the state.

It could be recalled that Pastor Umo Eno during one of his campaign trends, had made a bold statement of raising 5 millionaires per local government area of Akwa lbom. This approach of investing in Akwa lbom people and enhancing a conducive environment for the aforementioned aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, particularly his ambitious promise to create 5 millionaires per local government area.

The economic transformation of any nation, State hinges on the strategic empowerment of entrepreneurs, farmers, and local business owners. Which is what governor Umo Eno is trying to do, drawing lessons from developed economies, where economic prosperity is fueled by innovation, agro-business, and local enterprise development, Akwa Ibom can leverage its unique ecological and economic strengths to drive sustainable growth.

Gov Eno has said it severally that his administration is aimed at building functional systems in Akwa lbom, that which would bring multiplier effects on economic development of the Akwa lbom people and our Gross Domestic Product(GDP).

Within his 19 months in office as the governor of Akwa lbom State, Pastor Umo Eno has approved and disbursed over 15 billion towards human capital development, entrepreneurial studies, training and empowerment of Akwa lbom youths.

Approval and release of N400million (Four Hundred Million) for 1200 Ibom LED Trainees and each of the Trainee got N500,000 exit grant while 400 received N750,000 business grant each

Training of 200 youths across 31 local government areas at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center, with a monthly allowance of ₦20,000 and free accommodation and feeding. The program is ongoing

And just last year, N3billion was given to youth across the entire state to start micro businesses.

Governor Umo Eno’s investment in entrepreneurs, traders, and farmers is a game-changer for Akwa Ibom.

By providing financial support, training, and market access, ordinary people—farmers in rural villages, small shop owners, and young innovators—can turn their ideas into thriving businesses.

This will not only create millionaires in every local government but also put real money in people’s pockets, reducing poverty and boosting the local economy.

With the ARISE Agenda, agriculture will go beyond subsistence to agro-business, ensuring food security and economic growth.

With this grant, imagine a fisherman in Ibeno expanding into seafood processing, a rice hub in Ini or a cassava farmer in Ikot Ekpene supplying major markets. These opportunities will multiply, creating jobs and wealth while making Akwa Ibom a hub for food production and trade.

11/01/2025

PHOTO NEWS

Immediate past Honourable Commissioner for Education, Obonganwan Ifiok Annang, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet and Spouse, Engr. Iboro Etiebet with others at the Valedictory Dinner, held at Banquet Hall, Uyo, in honour of Immediate Past Commissioners & Special Advisers.

11/01/2025

The very best of her kind Oruk Anam LG has ever produced.

The reward for hard work is more work.

Congratulations

11/01/2025

Nigerian Tax Reform Bill 2024: AKWA IBOM CORE PROFESSIONALS INAUGURATE SPECIAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
..plans symposium to develop position paper for the Akwa Ibom State Caucus in the National Assembly.

In a bold move to ensure that the voices of Akwa Ibom corporate community, professionals and stakeholders are heard, the Akwa Ibom State Core Professionals (AKSCP) has inaugurated a special committee to review the Nigerian Tax Reform Bill 2024. This committee, chaired by Hon Nkereuwen James, will scrutinize the bill's impact on economic growth, social welfare, and infrastructure development in the state.

The AKSCP, a sociopolitical organization committed to supporting good governance in Akwa Ibom, has taken a proactive stance in shaping the future of taxation in Nigeria. With the inauguration of this special committee, the organization aims to develop a comprehensive position paper that represents the views of Akwa Ibom Core Professionals and the corporate community in the state.

The Nigerian Tax Reform Bill 2024, transmitted by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly on October 3, 2024, seeks to overhaul tax administration and revenue generation in Nigeria. The bill has attracted both criticism and commendation from various quarters, with some arguing that it will promote fiscal federalism and others expressing concerns about its potential impact on certain regions.

The special committee inaugurated by AKSCP comprises the following members:

- Hon Nkereuwen James - Chairman
- Barr Diamond Akpanika - Secretary
- Barr Peter Ekpo - Member
- Obongunwana (Engr) Unwana Ibokette - Member
- Hon Michael Ekpo - Member
- Mr Johnie Ndukeobong - Member
- Engr John Asanga - Member
- Hon Emmanuel Ebe - Member
- Sir Luke Udom PhD - Member

In his opening remarks, the State Coordinator of AKSCP, Mr McDonald Awakessien, noted that the organization came into existence in 2018 as a sociopolitical organization committed to supporting the continuity of good governance in Akwa Ibom. He emphasized that the group has always supported good governance while advocating on issues related to the state.

"The purpose of the committee is to review the contents of the tax bills, as related to the members of the society and to the state. As a group, we have taken the lead in the advocacy, as it relates to the state," Awakessien said.

In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Committee Chairman, Hon Nkereuwem James, expressed his honor and pledged the readiness of the special committee to make an impact and make the entire organization and the state proud.

"We will scrutinize the bill to assess its impact on economic growth, social welfare, and infrastructure development in the state. We will also make recommendations for government and the National Assembly," James said.

James announced plans by AKSCP to host a symposium on the bill for the Akwa Ibom State Caucus in the National Assembly. He noted that the symposium will further examine the bill and its implications for the state, provide a platform for AKSCP to share their expertise and perspective on the bill, and develop a comprehensive position paper on the bill to represent the views of Akwa Ibom Core Professionals and the corporate community in the state.

The symposium will feature a keynote address, panel discussions, expert analysis, and plenary sessions. James urged members of the committee to put all hands on deck to ensure they deliver the task handed over to them within the given time.

James extended the commendation of Senator Ekong Sampson, senator representing Eket senatorial district and Chairman Akwa Ibom State caucus in the national Assembly, to the group.

In his remarks, AKSCP Secretary, Hon Michael Ekpo, noted that those whose businesses directly and indirectly impact the economy of the state should be part of the symposium to ensure that everyone is heard on matters related to the bill.

Similarly, a scholar and member of the committee, Sir Luke Udom PhD, commended the organization and passed a vote of confidence on the newly inaugurated committee.

"Politics involves responding to issues related to the state, and taking up the concerns of the new bill is a right step at the right time," Dr Udom said.

The Secretary of the committee, Barr Diamond Akpanika, said the committee will review the Value Added Tax (VAT), regional concerns, and impact on Akwa Ibom, as well as bottlenecks that may impede the implementation and benefits of the bill.

"As an individual, I believe the bill will add towards decentralized fiscal responsibility and empower individual states," Akpanika said.

In a closing remark, Ace businessman and Treasurer of AKSCP, Obongunwana (Engr) Unwana Ibokette, commended the Chairman of the inaugurated Committee and stated his belief that the position paper should meet implementation to represent the heartbeat of the business and economic communities.

09/01/2025

GOV UMO ENO: CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME

~Aniekan Akpan

For few days now, we have read so many good suffixes, premise, rhetorics, and screeds following Governor Umo Eno's recognition and encouragement of class and intellectual reserved of Precious Bodunde, an Edo girl, first of its kind in Nigeria so far.

In light of this, a larger number took to various media platforms to commend, and others, in greater proportion condemn the show of such gesture. In the excuses made, Pastor Umo Eno was supposed to be the governor of Akwa lbom. Wow, is governor Eno not doing well for Akwa Ibom people?

I am surprised that this is actually coming from Akwa lbom people that Gov. Umo Eno has governed and led as his first family. Indeed, people are very hard to deal with and satisfy.

In numerous colossal ways, and approaches Umo Eno has demonstrated his true love and compassion for his people, the Akwa lbom people. The people he always say gave him the mandate to govern.

Well on the charity begins at home jibe, except there is a sadist meaning to the word charity (benevolence), but if its for the one defined and the one we all know, governor Umo Eno deserves accolades and applause. He is the best governor in Nigeria in that rating so far. That is why they called him Mr Compassion!

From his policies and people-centric programs, he has prioritized the welfare and wellbeing of Akwa lbom people - the youth, the women, and the elders and the records are very clear and glaring for all to see.

On Housing
Within the span of 18 months, the Governor has built and handed over 162 Compassionate Homes to less privileged - widows and widowers. These houses are well furnished, and have 24/7 lighting as it is powered by solar technology. I don't understand mathematics that much, but I can say for a fact that the cost of having and building a sophisticated apartment like that will amount to nothing less than 10 million and above each. 162 X 10,000,000. Roughly 1.62bn !

06/01/2025

GOV ENO'S PERSONAL PHYSICIAN INSTITUTES SCHOLARSHIPS, SPLASHES N10 MILLION EMPOWERMENT ON KINSMEN

…as Oruk Anam Stakeholders declare continuous support for Governor Eno

In a bid to complement the humanitarian drive of Governor Umo Eno, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Medicals, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John, over the weekend, hosted his kinsmen to a new year celebration in his country home at Ikot Akpan Udo 1, Oruk Anam local government area.

In his usual magnanimity, the personal physician to the Governor, accompanied by his associates and colleagues, instituted scholarships for 3 Students in tertiary institutions, doled out three hundred thousand naira (N300,000) business grants to 2 youths, two hundred thousand naira (N200,000) grant to 2 of his kinsmen as well as one million, five hundred thousand (N1,500,000) cooperative fund for the women.

At the event, Over 300 women from the 10 villages of ward 11 went home with at least ten thousand naira (N10,000) each and a bag of rice while 3 youths got barbing saloon starter packs each, comprising two clippers, barbing accessories and a generating set each.

Similarly, the PDP Executives of ward 14 and the PDP Chapter Exco in Oruk Anam were gifted bags of rice each, in addition to donations of two hundred (N200,000) and three hundred thousand naira (N300,000) respectively.

Not done with the youths, 50 youths selected from all the wards in Oruk Anam got fifty thousand naira (N50,000) each, totaling two million, five hundred thousand naira (N2,500,000).

In line with Governor Umo Eno's inclusivity approach to governance, 3 youths from the All Progressive Congress, APC also got at least fifty thousand naira (N50,000) each. The traditional rulers from the village council were also properly taking care of.

In his remarks, the Governor’s personal physician who described the gesture as complementary to Governor Umo Eno’s policy of rural welfarism, seized the opportunity to thank his kinsmen for the support accorded his boss since assumption of office.

Calling on continuous support for Governor Eno- led administration, Dr John listed the Governor’s achievements within 19 months in Oruk Anam to include a brand new model primary school in Ikot Ibritam, award of contract for a 12.5KM Ikot Ebak - Ibesit road, over 2KM road with a bridge in Ikot Ekpuk, completion of the 4.95KM Ekparakwa- Ibesit road, 22.75KM Ikot Ekaideh - Ikot Ibritam road and the ongoing 18.95KM Ikot Ibritam - Ikot Akpan Afaha road.

Describing the ARISE Model Primary Health Centre which the Governor has provided at Ikot Osute in ward 14, as a solution to the many years of suffering as a result of disease, Dr Ekem complemented the Governor’s efforts on free medical care for the elderly with an enrollment of 250 elderly citizens from ward 11 in the State Health insurance scheme also known as ARISE care.

Speaker after speaker, Stakeholders of the area including the PDP chapter chairman, Mr Ini Jumbo took turns to extol Governor Eno for prioritizing the development of Oruk Anam in his ARISE agenda.

Describing Dr Ekem as a great ambassador of the area who is renowned for his track record in academic excellence and undivided loyalty, all speakers including the youth leader, Mr Mkpoikana, thanked the Governor for finding their son worthy of appointment as his personal physician and promised unalloyed support to his administration till 2031.

Prominent dignitaries who graced the event include, the Board chairman, Akwa Ibom State Health insurance Agency, Dr Edikan Ekwere, a Consultant Anaesthesiologist at the UUTH, Dr Etiemana Jacob, CEO Valutrus Ltd, Pst David Umanah and MD, Ken Johnson Ltd, Mr Eduwem Johnson.Others include, immediate Past President, Association of Resident Doctors, UUTH, Dr Aniekpeno Eyo, Dr Samuel Ekpo of the State Ministry of Health and other Stakeholders of Oruk Anam extraction.

23/12/2024

PHOTO NEWS

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, Joined his Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late former First Lady of the erstwhile Cross River State, Obonganwan Nne Clement Isong.

The Governor who was Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, said that Nne Isong was a mother to the entire State hence her departure is a loss to Akwa Ibom people.

Obonganwan Nne Isong

17/12/2024

AKSG ANNOUNCES RESUMPTION DATE FOR 2ND TERM

By Peter Ekon

The Akwa Ibom State Government through the Ministry of Education has announced January 6th 2025 as official date for resumption of second term academic activities of public and private primary/secondary and technical colleges in the State.

This was contained in a press release signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Stella Etukakpan, on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, the new resumption date supersedes the earlier announced date of January 16th, 2025.

The change in resumption date is in line with the unified academic calendar in the State which aimed at ensuring the thirteen (13) weeks of 2nd term as stipulated in Akwa Ibom State school is complete.

Mrs. Etiebet advised Principals, Head Teachers, and Proprietors of private schools to comply with the new resumption date.

Parents and caregivers are to ensure their children and wards return to school on January 6th, 2025, with the required educational materials.

Meanwhile, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet and Indeed the Ministry of Education on behalf of the Akwa Ibom State Government wishes all school children and teachers a pleasant Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.

03/12/2024

Governor Umo Eno’s fatherly and labour-friendly disposition prevents Labour Strike in Akwa Ibom

28/11/2024

28/11/2024

AKSG INAUGURATES INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE ON BOARDING FACILITIES IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS

In a bid to ensure provision of conducive learning environments for students in public Secondary Schools, the Akwa Ibom State Government has set up a committee to investigate conditions of boarding facilities in public secondary and technical schools in Akwa Ibom State. The inauguration of the committee took place today at the conference hall of the Ministry of Education, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Obonganwan Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet said the Akwa Ibom state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno is committed to the free and compulsory education policy in the state , as well as providing a conducive learning environment as outlined in the ARISE Agenda of his administration.

She added, "The newly inaugurated committee which has until December 20, 2024 to submit its report, is to conduct a thorough investigation into the condition of boarding facilities in Public Secondary Schools across the State".

She noted that the committee is made up of notable personalities with integrity who are tasked with the duty of identifying areas of concern, deficiencies and potential risks to the health, safety and wellbeing of students.

In an acceptance speech, the committee Chairman, Mr. Ekanabasi Ubong thanked the Governor for his commitments to advance the education sector. He promised to work with committee members to bring out a comprehensive and admirable result across all the public Secondary Schools in the State.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Stella Etok Akpan, while praising the dynamic leadership of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, applauded the swift response of the Honourable Commissioner for education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet.

The Committee which is headed by a retired Permanent Secretary, Mr Ekanabasi Ubong, has the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs Stella Etukakpan as Secretary.

Members of the committee include Permanent Secretary State Secondary Education Board, Mr Okon Effiong Tom, Permanent Secretary State Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs Roseline Mfon, Permanent Secretary State Technical Schools Board, Dr Atim Okoko, Dr Essien Ndueso, SSA to the Governor on Research Documentation and Mr. Steve J. Akpabio, State President, All Nigeria Confederation of principals of Secondary Schools.

Other members are Dr Elijah Maples, Director School Services SSEB, Barr Clement Ebuk, Chairman National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) Akwa Ibom, Barr Henry Ekanem, Dr. Ime Ataide, Comarde Edet Emenyi, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) , Dr. Anietie S. Ikot, Director State Secondary & Higher Education, Michael Thompson Udofia, Nutritionist and Mr Udeme Udofia.