Aniekan James Ekah

04/08/2026

The race has begun!

Urueoffong Oruko LGA is already in full rehearsal mode for the ARISE Peace Choir Competition, and they have their eyes on the ₦5 million grand prize.

Every practice brings them one step closer to the Eket Senatorial District Eliminations coming up this August in Eket.

The big question is…

What about your LGA?

Have rehearsals started?
Are your choristers ready?
Do you have what it takes to qualify for the next stage?

04/08/2026

04/08/2026

Don’t Pay for Any AI Tool Until You Watch This Video.

04/08/2026

ARISE Peace Choir Competition Team Inspects Eket Venue Ahead of Senatorial Eliminations

The Central Planning Committee of the ARISE Peace Choir Competition has inspected Eket City Hall ahead of the Eket Senatorial District eliminations, as preparations intensify for the statewide choral contest promoting peace and unity across Akwa Ibom State.

The inspection followed a strategic meeting with the Secretary of Eket Local Government Council, Pastor John Odungide, where officials reviewed logistics, security, venue readiness, and operational plans ahead of the competition.

During the visit, the committee commended the Chairman of Eket Local Government Council, Mr. Akaninyene Tommey, for his ongoing development efforts, describing the transformation of public infrastructure and the council’s support for initiatives that promote youth engagement, peace, and community development as commendable.

Eket Local Government will host choirs from across the senatorial district as they compete for qualification for the semi-finals in Uyo. The inspection team was led by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Creative Talents Development, Emmanuel Owuala. Also present were the Secretary of the Central Planning Committee, Rt. Hon. Justin Ekong; Entertainment Aides to the Governor, Joseph Festus, Mary Nyong, and Comfort Usoh; and the competition’s Brand Manager, Aniekan Ekah.

“We are committed to delivering a competition that promotes excellence, peace, and unity through music,” Owuala said. “From what we have seen, Eket is well prepared to host a successful senatorial elimination.”

Organised in collaboration with the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, Pastor Joe Linus, the ARISE Peace Choir Competition brings together choirs from all 31 Local Government Areas. Successful choirs will progress from the senatorial eliminations to the semi-finals in Uyo before competing for the ₦5 million grand prize at the grand finale.

The initiative is supported by ALGON Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Nester Multimedia, AKBC, and New Dawn Microfinance Bank.

04/08/2026

Happy birthday, Papa Uby Essien Onna. We wish you more happy years ahead!

03/08/2026

Dr. Iniobong Essien Endorses ARISE Peace Choir Competition, Backs Peace Initiative Ahead of Elections

Immediate past Chairman of the Board of Ibom Airport Development Company Limited, Dr. Iniobong Essien, has endorsed the ARISE Peace Choir Competition, describing it as a timely initiative that will promote peace, unity, and social cohesion across Akwa Ibom State ahead of the 2027 election season.

Essien gave the endorsement when members of the competition’s organising committee, led by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Creative Talents Development, Emmanuel Owuala, paid him a courtesy visit in Uyo.

He commended the organisers for using music as a tool for peacebuilding, noting that the initiative aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritises peaceful coexistence, inclusive governance, and sustainable development.

“Peace is the foundation of every progressive society. Without peace, there can be no meaningful development. The ARISE Peace Choir Competition is a commendable initiative because it unites people through music while promoting harmony across our communities,” Essien said.

He added that the competition comes at a critical time as political activities begin to gather momentum, urging young people and other stakeholders to embrace peace and reject violence.

Speaking on behalf of the organising team, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment, Minister Joseph Festus, said the competition was conceived as a statewide peace campaign aimed at uniting the people of Akwa Ibom through the universal language of music.

According to him, the project, organised in collaboration with the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, Pastor Joe Linus, is a faith-driven initiative designed to inspire peaceful coexistence, responsible citizenship, and violence-free elections across the state.

The ARISE Peace Choir Competition, themed “Peace Be Still,” draws inspiration from Mark 4:39 and will feature one classical choir from each of Akwa Ibom’s 31 local government areas. The competition will progress through senatorial district contests and semi-finals before culminating in a grand finale on September 18, 2026.

Organisers said the initiative is expected to strengthen unity, promote peaceful elections, celebrate Akwa Ibom’s rich choral heritage, and encourage responsible democratic participation.

03/08/2026

The Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) heartily congratulates the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, on the occasion of his first anniversary in office. The milestone provides an opportunity to celebrate a year of purposeful leadership, professional advancement and unwavering commitment to the growth, unity and welfare of journalists in Akwa Ibom State.

Since assuming office on August 2, 2025, the Comrade Nsibiet John-led administration has demonstrated vision, inclusiveness and a clear commitment to repositioning the NUJ for greater relevance and impact. COOPA particularly commends the administration’s efforts at strengthening unity among members, promoting professional development and capacity building, improving members’ welfare, and fostering productive relationships with government institutions, security agencies, corporate organisations and other critical stakeholders.

As a major stakeholder in the media industry, COOPA acknowledges the leadership’s commitment to accountability, regular engagement with members and the protection of the integrity, independence and professional standards of journalism. The achievements recorded within the first year have continued to inspire confidence and reflect a leadership that came into office with a clear vision and a deliberate resolve to advance the collective interests of journalists in the state.

As Comrade John marks this significant anniversary, COOPA wishes him greater wisdom, strength and success as he continues to lead the union. The Conference also pledges its continued support and cooperation towards building a stronger, more united, vibrant and professionally driven NUJ, while advancing the growth and sustainability of the media profession in Akwa Ibom State. Congratulations once again to Comrade Nsibiet John and his executive council on a successful first year in office, with the assurance of greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

Utitofon Morgan
Chancellor, COOPA

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot
Administrative Secretary

02/08/2026

Breaking News! 12 Students Found Dead in… See More

That’s how the headlines sound whenever something terrible happens in the neighborhood.

There is something many Nigerians have complained about for years.

A robbery is in progress. People call the police, but before the officers arrive, their sirens can already be heard from a distance.

The question is: Who are the sirens really helping?

If the robbers hear the sirens before the police arrive, they have enough time to run away, hide their weapons, or disappear. By the time the officers get there, the criminals are gone.

This is not the same as responding to a road accident or clearing traffic. A robbery is different. It requires surprise. In many countries, police responding to crimes like this switch off their sirens and emergency lights during the final approach so they can catch suspects off guard.

So why do we still do the opposite?

To be clear, this doesn’t mean every police officer is trying to help criminals. The problem could be poor training, outdated methods, or a lack of clear operational procedures. Some people believe corruption is involved, but that is a serious allegation that must be supported with evidence.

Whatever the reason, the result is often the same. Criminals escape. Victims lose hope. Public trust in the police continues to decline.

Nigeria needs a police force that is not only quick to respond but also smart in how it responds. Not every emergency should be handled the same way.

Maybe it’s time for those in charge to review how officers respond to crimes in progress. Sometimes, silence can achieve more than a loud siren.

What do you think? Should police vehicles responding to an armed robbery keep their sirens on until they reach the scene, or should they switch them off during the final approach to preserve the element of surprise?

02/08/2026

🎶 Can Your Choir Make Akwa Ibom Proud? 🕊️

The ARISE Peace Choir Competition 2026 is here!

This year’s competition will be in Classical Choir Format. Every choir will perform the official competition song, “Peace Be Still,” and will also be judged on their overall performance.

It is an opportunity to promote peace, unity, and hope across Akwa Ibom.

🎤 Do you think your LGA choir has what it takes? Which LGA are you from sef? 🙄