GlobalPilot Newspaper, Uyo (2025)

21/04/2024

UMO ENO, A GREAT ARCHIEVER & BLESSING TO A”IBOM---Umanah
..prays God for wisdom, good health & greater achievements ahead of his 60th Birthday

By Mfonobong Ukpong

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo has been described as a development strategist and deep political tactician who took the reigns of Akwa Ibom at the most appropriate time .

Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, Sunday at the nation's capital, the Media Consultant to the Governor and former Congressman, Aniekan Umanah who ahead of the Governor’s 60th birthday felicitated him and prayed for Gods wisdom, good health and greater achievements , said “Akwa Ibom State is blessed to have the Nsit-Ubium born Cleric and hospitality magnate as her Governor, given his detailed and intentional developmental strides, as well as focused detribalized governance approach since assumption of office about eleven months ago”.

Umanah, a former Commissioner for Information in the State pointed out that the Governor has been skillful at deploying the best methods in achieving the goals and objectives of his ARISE AGENDA which according to him, seeks to ensure a sustainable development in every sector of the State's economy.

He listed the feats so far attained by the governor to include; “ several items in soft and hard infrastructure slate , particularly that of compassion , human capital development, rural development and integration, roads infrastructure, agricultural revolution, ARISE Homes initiative for the poor, payment of backlog of pensions and gratuities entitlement due various categories of retirees, intervention in healthcare sector, support for entreprenurship development, small and medium scale enterprises through capacity building and access soft loan as well as intervention in the education sector, tourism amongst several others”.

The Media Consultant also commended the Governor for running an all-inclusive government, building bridges across political divides, and maintaining a harmonious working relationship with the President Tinubu led administration, noting that such synergy provides a convivial environment for development.

The Media Chieftain also acknowledged the harmonious working relationship existing between the State Governor and National Assembly members from the State and beyond, the President of the Federal Republic, Bola Tinubu, Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, and Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, noting that Akwa Ibom which is blessed with a huge gas deposit stands to benefit immensely from the synergy as could be seen during a the recent visit by the Governor to the Minister of State (Gas) in Abuja.

22/03/2024

May God have mercy on our livers and kidneys 🙏😳🤔🤨🥺😌🤐

News: Four Arrested As Police Raid Fake Drinks Factory In Lagos

Policemen attached to the Isokoko Division of the Lagos State Police Command have raided a house in Agege where fake drinks are being produced.

The command's Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a video shared on his X handle on Thursday.

According to Hundeyin, during the raid, four persons believed to be the masterminds behind the illegal distillery were arrested, and fake drinks were recovered among others.

His caption read, "Officers of Isokoko Division, acting on credible information, raided a house in Agege where fake alcoholic drinks were being produced.

Continue reading and watch video: https://punchng.com/four-arrested-as-police-raid-fake-drinks-factory-in-lagos/

06/03/2024

JOIN HANDS WITH PASTOR UMO ENO TO KEEP AKWA IBOM SAFE - IKONO CHAIRMAN TASKS ROYAL FATHERS

*Presents Certificate of Recognition to 9 Village Heads

The Transition Committee Chairman of Ikono Local Government, Hon. Kingsley Akpan, has tasked traditional rulers on joining hands with the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno to ensure Akwa Ibom State remains a safe haven for investment and development by maintaining peace and order in their various domains.

The Council boss gave the charge Monday, while presenting certificate of recognition to nine village heads from the area at the Council Hall, Ibiaku Ntok Okpo.

Akpan, who described traditional rulers as critical partners in the task of keeping the state safe and secure, urged them to always work in synergy with higher authorities to checkmate crime and other vices in their domains.

“As royal fathers, you have very important roles to play in building the community and you all must see your recognition by the State Government as a mark of honour, responsibility and call to service.

“It is expected of you to work in partnership with the government to keep your communities peaceful and free from criminality.

“If you see anything untoward or suspicious around you, always abide by the popular parlance ‘if you see something, say something’ and report same to appropriate authorities.

“Security is everyone’s business. Join hands with our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno to make Akwa Ibom safe because having peace in your different villages will translate to having peace in the state. Together we can build Ikono. Together we can build Akwa Ibom”, Hon. Kingsley Akpan posited.

Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Ikono, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Etim Nnana Itang congratulated the village heads on their being officially recognized by the State Government and warned them against seeing their elevation as an opportunity to oppress others.

“You're not given this certificate as a license to go and fight those you disagree with. See it as a means to serve your people not to oppress. Always do justice to all - both the poor and the rich”, Edidem Itang admonished.

Highpoints of the ceremony included official presentation of certificate of recognition and administration of oath of allegiance to all the nine village heads.

Those presented with certificate of recognition were: Eteidung Sunday John Ebre - Asanting Ikot Efredie, Ikono, Eteidung Okutakang Ikpeme - Ibiaku Ikot Ukana, Ikono, Eteidung Emmanuel Nya Okoibu - Nung Ukim Ikot Udom, Ikono, Eteidung John Udo Akwaowo - Okwe, Ikono Clan, Ikono, Eteidung MacPherson Okonna - Ukpom Ikot Akpakpan, Ikono, Eteidung Eyibio Ebong Udo - Atai Essien Ekpene Obom, Ikono, Eteidung Johnson Akpan - Ukpom Ikot Ekop, Ikono, Eteidung Matthew Nyong Itam -Ikot Obokidem,Nkwot, Ikono and Eteidung Ernest Udo Asanga - Aka Ekpeme Mbat Ediene, Ikono.

Among those that graced the ceremony include: the Vice Chairman of Ikono Transition Committee, Barr. John John Akpan, the Secretary Hon. Udeme Obot, members of Ikono Transition Committee, the Clan Head of Ikono Clan - HRH Etebom Okon Udo Ekpo, Clan Head of Ndiya - HRH Etebom Godswill Okon Udoisang, Clan Head of Ediene - HRH Etebom Okuku Udo Ben, Hon. Nyakno Okoibu, Elder Uduak Udiong and a host of other dignitaries.

Augustine Akpan
Media Aide to the Chairman, Ikono LGC Transition Committee
04032024

09/02/2024

*Prince Ukpong Akpabio's Oil and Gas Bill passes through second reading at AKHA*
..*Deputy Speaker, Deputy Leader, Hon Akata, hail Bill, list benefits to Akwa Ibom State economy*

A Bill for a Law to establish the *Ibom Oil and Gas Corporation and for other purposes connected thereto*, sponsored by Prince Ukpong Akpabio II, Member representing Essien Udim State Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges, have passed through second reading on the floor of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

Speaking while leading debate on the Bill at plenary on Thursday, February 8, 2024, the sponsor, Prince Akpabio, noted that it was pertinent for Akwa Ibom State, being a major oil and gas producing state to have a state owned company in the sector.

According to Prince Akpabio, the core essence of the Bill is to establish Akwa Ibom State as a visible and dominant player in the Nigerian oil and gas sector as the state ranks among one of the largest producer of oil and gas but regretted that despite that, the state remains only beneficiaries of federal monthly allocation as well as tokens from oil companies operating in the state.

"It is only commonsensical for Akwa Ibom State to actively participate in exploiting the full benefits of this resources by establishing a company to actively compete with foreign and indigenous oil and gas companies", he noted.

Prince Akpabio noted that the Bill is not without precedent in Nigeria because aside the fact that states have used legislations to create business entities to leverage any sector of interest for the overall good of their people, with Ibom Air as a case study, other states like Lagos in 2013 established their state owned Oil and Gas Corporation known as IBILE Oil and Gas Corporation.

"If Lagos state with minimal crude oil deposits can do this, then given our huge oil and gas resources , Akwa Ibom should not wait a day further. The moment and time is now. This Bill is the crucial channel through which we could enter into and participate in a market that promises huge return on investment", he submitted.

The Bill seeks to ensure Akwa Ibom State have a Corporation to be known as IBOM Oil and Gas Corporation, with powers to; engage in all oil and gas upstream activities, including Exploration, Drilling and Production; invest in a company or a consortium for the purpose of participating in oil and gas bid rounds and seeking marginal fields allocation; acquire old or new exploration and drilling prospects and prospecting abandoned wells anywhere in Nigeria or Overseas; optimise the benefits of the Petroleum Policies of the Federal Government; and acquire gas volumes and other supplies for the State as may be considered appropriate.

The Bill also seeks the Corporation to liaise with Federal Government agencies or private and multinational companies to deliver petroleum products to the State in the most effective and cost efficient manner; invest in downstream oil and gas activities including gas processing businesses, petroleum products retailing, gas retailing, gas pipelines deployment, acquisition of petroleum products tank farms and other distribution facilities; acquire all or part of the shares, assets, businesses, properties, privileges, contracts, rights, obligations and liabilities of any company, firm or person in furtherance of any business of the Corporation; enter into contracts or public private partnerships with any company, firm or person to facilitate the discharge of its powers under the provisions of this Law; invest in refineries, petrochemical processing or other production processes; and do all such things necessary to facilitate the discharge of its responsibilities, among others.

The Bill when passed into law and assented to by the Governor will empower the Corporation to have a Governing Board comprising of a Chairman; four members from the Public or Private Sector; a Managing Director; and the Permanent Secretary or a representative in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources not below Grade Level 15 to be nominated by the Commissioner.

The law seeks to ensure that members of the Board except the ex-officio members shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to the confirmation of the House of Assembly and the Board shall have powers to; set general policy guidelines for the management of the corporation; ensure that the corporation complies with the provisions of this Law; appoint, promote and discipline the management staff of the corporation; make recommendations to the Governor regarding the terms and conditions of employment and the remuneration of staff of the Corporation; approve the annual budget of the Corporation; approve or reject any proposal made to it by the Managing Director on matters affecting the Corporation; and approve administrative guidelines for the conditions and welfare of staff as may be proposed by the Managing Director.

Members who spoke at plenary gave their support to the Bill, submitting that when passed into law, the Bill will go a long way to ensure Akwa Ibom State benefits maximally from the many benefits of the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry.

They opined that Ibom Oil and Gas Corporation will also help in job creation, poverty reduction, stimulate economic growth, sustainable development of Akwa Ibom State and reposition the state to become a key player in the Upstream, Midstream and Downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

04/02/2024

GOV ENO, UDOM, OTHERS CELEBRATE CHIEF NDUESE ESSIEN AT 80

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has felicitated the Political Leader of Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District, Chief Nduese Essien, on his 80th birthday.

Speaking during a special thanksgiving service in honour of the elder statesman at Qua Iboe Church, Ikot Ibiok, Eket Local Government Area, Governor Eno lauded the sincerity of Chief Essien which, he said, has been exhibited in his commitment to providing responsible leadership for his people and honest advice to leadership.

The Governor described the roles played by the former Federal Legislator and Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, in successive administrations in the state as fatherly, and thanked him for supporting his governorship ambition through all the processes that led to his emergence as governor.

In his words, "we are here today to thank God for our father, a man who is very sincere. He will tell you his mind, whether you are right or wrong, he tells you how he feels. That's the part I like about our father. So I have great respect to our father, Chief Nduese Essien.

"When the announcement came, I declared my intention to run, he was there for me, he gave me all the support and so Sir, we are thanking God for you and pray that God will continue to keep you strong and available for this nation, this state and our community.

“Now that I am a Governor, please don't retire because we still need the wisdom of the elders," he said.

The immediate past governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, also praised the elder statesman while reflecting on his days as governor and described him as a dependable source of honest counsel, as well as a man worth celebrating in his lifetime.

In his thanksgiving speech, Chief Nduese Essien, in company of his wife, Ekaette, described his 80th birthday as significant being the first ever he has celebrated.

He thanked God for preserving him through the many hurdles of life, especially his miraculous survival of a heart surgery that almost took his life, and thanked the people for their show of love towards him.

Chief Nduese Essien particularly thanked Governor Umo Eno for making out time to be part of the celebration and for fulfilling his heart desire for a governor that will see his election to office as an opportunity to serve the people rather than to amass wealth and fight perceived political enemies.

He also thanked former governors Victor Attah, Godswill Akpabio and Udom Emmanuel for their indelible contributions to his political journey as representative of Eket Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, appointment as Minister of the Federal Republic and support through his period of health challenge.

In an exhortation titled "the Favour and Mercy of God," culled from Psalm 139:13-18, the General Superintendent and Chairman of Conference of Qua Iboe Church, Rev. Ekpedeme Effanga, said it was of utmost importance for men that are favoured with long life and success to take a cue from Chief Nduese Essien in acknowledging the mercy of God as the sustaining power for all their attainments.

04/02/2024

NUC TEAM VISITS PROPOSED SOUTHERN ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY, UYO

by Mfonobong Ukpong

The National Universities Commission (NUC) team over the weekend paid a second verification visit to the proposed Southern Atlantic University along airport road in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The team led by Barr. Adejo Samuel, had other members including Prof. Aisha Maikudi, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor(Academics), University of Abuja, Mr. Mustapha Rasheed, Barr. Umma Ama Giwa, Mr. Daniel Sanusi, Engr. Suleiman Adedayo and Engr. Valentine Egisimba.

Receiving the NUC team was the Project Implementation Committee led by the Promoter, Pastor Bassey James, Engr. Eddy Bassey, Member, Board of Trustees, Pastor Mrs. Victoria Bassey, Prof. Innocent Modo, Prof. Etete Peters, Prof. Ini Akpabio, Prof. Mrs. Usen G. Ikpe, Mr. Essien Bassey (a retired Director with the Nigeria University Commission, NUC) and Dr. Ebere Okorie

The promoter of the University, Pastor. Bassey James lauded the NUC team for the visit. He disclosed that more hectares of land have been acquired to accommodate more expansion of facilities on campus. He explained that the proposed Southern Atlantic University is situated at a serene and secured environment strategically positioned along the airport road, assuring the NUC team of the preparedness of the institution to offer quality education one's the institution takes off.

He commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for providing an enabling environment for private investment to thrive in the State.

01/02/2024

PRESS RELEASE

GOV ENO READS RIOT
ACT TO CRIMINAL ELEMENTS: SAYS AKWA IBOM REMAINS SAFE UNDER HIS WATCH

It was a night of conviviality, of the celebration of the binding elements of Esprit de corps and deep sense of camaraderie as Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, hosted a “Send-forth dinner and gala night” for Service Commanders who served the State meritoriously and had been transferred for higher national responsibilities following their promotions in their respective service areas.

The gala which took place at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Uyo, last night, was also to celebrate Akwa Ibom sons who, recently too, had been promoted to higher ranks in the various services of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The Governor stated that he has always celebrated the selfless service of our gallant men and officers in uniform, right from when he was the undershepherd of the All Nations Christian Ministries International.

Governor Eno in responding to a few isolated cases of reported security infractions in the state was forceful and resolute in his determination to ensure that the state remains one of the safest states in Nigeria. He warned the criminal elements not to “test our resolve” stating that, “in the few days of transition of Service Commanders, there have been attempts to test our resolve in the area of security. I want to assure Akwaibomite that this State is safe and secure.

“We will stop at nothing in ensuring the safety of our people. We are drawing up a new security architecture for the state and in the next few months, you will see the results and how serious we are.

“So if criminals believe that Akwa Ibom State is a place for them to hibernate, I am warning them now that they will find this state too hot for them to stay. We have credible intelligence that some in our society, those living among us, are giving support, aid and comfort to these criminal elements just to upturn the peace in our state and use it as a narrative.

“Let me say this emphatically and to assure our people that no matter how highly placed such an individual may be, such an individual will not be spared. We will mention your name and call you out. We will come after you. We will use every layer of intelligence available to track you, we are on top of this game, so be warned”

The Governor used the opportunity to thank the outgoing Service Commanders for their service to the state . “ I know this has been a season of transfers and promotions. I want to thank you for those long nights; thank you for allowing us to disturb your sleep. We thank you for your friendship, the synergy between the security services. We are deeply grateful and we will miss you, but we are assured in the belief that Akwa Ibom State will always hold a special place in your hearts.

“We thank the President and Commander - in- Chief for finding you worthy of elevation to the new ranks and added national responsibilities.”

In their separate remarks, the outgoing Commissioner of Police, AIG Olatoye Durosinmi, outgoing Commander of 2 Brigade, Major General Ken Chigbu and one of the newly promoted sons of Akwa Ibom State, Rear Admiral E. Ebe, appreciated the Governor and the State for the gesture of appreciation and assured the Governor, it will motivate them to do more for the state and the nation in general.

They solicited support for the Governor across all layers of the society and sued for unity and love for the state.

In attendance at the event among others were, the Immediate past Commander of the 2 Brigade, Major General Ken Chigbu, AIG Olatoye Durosinmi, immediate past State Director of the DSS, Mohammed Modibbo Kaumi, Air Commodore Okey Okpara, ACG Francisca Dakar and Navy Captain Yahu

Among the newly promoted Generals from Akwa Ibom State were: Major Generals W. B Etuk, V. Emah, E.E. Ekpenyong, Rear Admirals E. Ebe and A. Uko.
The event was also graced by the wife of the Governor, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the Deputy Governor, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi, former Deputy Governors, Noble Lady Valerie Ebe, whose son, was one of the newly promoted officers and Moses Ekpo, MFR.

Also in attendance were the SSG, Prince Enobong Uwah, who had earlier given a tone- setting speech, DG of the Governorship Campaign Organization, Chief Assam Assam, SAN, Distinguished Senator Effiong Bob, Royal Fathers and other critical stakeholders.

Ekerete Udoh
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
01/02/24

01/02/2024

SENATE NOMINATES ANIEKAN BASSEY TO THE ECOWAS PARLIAMENT

The Senator representing the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Senator Aniekan Bassey, has been nominated by the Godswill Akpabio-led 10th Senate to represent Nigeria at the 6th Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament, from 2024 to 2028.

This follows an official request by President Bola Tinubu, who doubles as the Chairman of ECOWAS, to the National Assembly during Tuesday's plenary, seeking the nomination of lawmakers to represent the country at the ECOWAS Parliament.

According to President Tinubu’s request, as read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, "the 5th Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament will end on March 8th, 2024."

The ECOWAS Supplementary Act requires the names and particulars of the elected representatives to be transmitted to the President of the ECOWAS Commission and the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament at least one month before the end of the legislature, which is the 7th of February.

Reacting to the new responsibility, Senator Bassey thanked the Senate President and the leadership of the Senate for the honour bestowed upon him and promised to live up to the enormous responsibility.

He pledged to leverage his wealth of experience at the ECOWAS Parliament, having served Akwa Ibom and Nigeria as the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Chairman of the South-South Speakers Forum, Vice Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislature in Nigeria, and an Executive Committee Member in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (Africa Region).

Senator Bassey, who will be representing Nigeria at Africa’s regional parliament, currently serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development.

Media Unit
Office of the Senator
Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District

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