City Press Newspaper, Uyo (2026)

17/01/2024

NYSC member returns purse containing money misplaced by passenger

ANIEKAN UDONQUAK, City Press

A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Akwa Ibom State has proved that a good name is much better than riches and has shown that there are still many Nigerians with integrity and good character despite the challenging times.

Ojeleye Timilehin Joseph, a batch ‘C’ stream 2 corps member from Oyo State serving in Akwa Ibom State where he was posted to Fortune Polytechnic in Uyo, the state capital found a misplaced purse containing “some cash, three cash cards popularly known as Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) cards, my driving licence and my voter’s card,’’ and promptly took steps to locate its owner without looking back.

According Eno Ekong, a retired officer of the NYSC, Ojeleye who picked the misplaced purse searched for her on social media platforms but he did not get any favourable response after he called the phone number shown on the social media pages.

Checks showed that he did not step there, he contacted the owner of the purse’s friend after two of them had recently appealed on a post about correct pronunciation online and got the lady’s correct phone number.

“To cut a long story short, the corps member returned the purse to me with everything intact,’’ Ekong said, adding that she was delighted to have had her purse with all the documents back.

‘’You can imagine how glad I am for such kindness, honesty and integrity on the part of the corps member, adding, there are still good, selfless young people out there in the country,’’ she added.

In an interview, Ojeyele, a who studied applied physics at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo state said he needed to be a good ambassador of the NYSC and the country adding that though he lacked money on that day where he found the purse, he was particular about his integrity and name.

“I believe if the money was meant for me, there would not be any means of identifying the owner of the purse for me to reach out to the owner. I have to be a good ambassador of the NYSC and the country at large.

“That very day I picked the purse I was in need of money, but I believed God was going to use another way to provide for my up-keep, since I believed the money was not meant for you.

He advised the youths not to be selfish and greedy and not to feel "comfortable at the end of others."

(ENDS)

03/01/2024

Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing company ends operations, announces temporary redundancy

ANIEKAN UDONQUAK, City Press

Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing (JSM) company in Awa, Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has ended its operations attributing the decision to "unforeseen circumstances affecting our business operations."

The company which was reputed to be the largest syringe manufacturing venture in Africa was inaugurated in 2017 by former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.

Though it had since stopped production many months ago, it finally announced the end of operations on December 31, 2022 saying it had "to implement temporary measures to ensure the long term sustainability of the company."

In a memo addressed to all the workers , a copy of which was made available City Press, it stated that all positions including "yours have been placed on temporary redundancy effective January 1, 2024."

The statement titled “Temporary Redundancy - Service Not Needed Till Further Notice,’’ and addressed to all workers read in part, “We trust this message finds you in good health. It is with a heavy heart that we write to you today to communicate a challenging decision that Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing company limited has had to make due to unforeseen circumstances affecting our business operations.

“After careful consideration and a thorough evaluation of our current business situation, we regret to inform you that we must implement temporary measures to ensure the long term sustainability of the company.

“Unfortunately, this includes placing all positions including yours on temporary redundancy effective January 1, 2024.

“We want to emphasise that this decision is not a reflection of your individual performance or dedication to the company. The challenging business environment we find ourselves in has compelled us to take these difficult steps.

“Please return all company belongings in your custody.

“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during these challenging times.”

In an interview with the Managing Director, Akin Oyediran in April last year, he had said the company had secured a credit facility of $1 million adding that it was due to the enabling environment the state government has been able to provide for the growth of the manufacturing sector.

Not only have we come into this environment, we are also growing, we are doing other products. The company would in addition to syringes, manufacture gloves, masks and infusion sets.

Our investors are investing one million dollars in the company because of the level playing field and the advantages provided by the state government.’’

25/02/2023

Finally, we can give credit to Buhari, Emefiele

By Aniekan Udonquak, City Press Newspaper

Monitisation of the electoral processes in Nigeria, especially on the elections day, where vote buying was the order of the day, was our greatest undoing as far as Nigeria's quest to achieve free, fair and credible electioneering campaigns was concerned.

However, the tide seems to have changed today for the better. Accounts from the various polling units today during the presidential, senatorial and house of representatives elections point to successful elections without the malaise of inducing the voters with money.

As harsh as the new Naira policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) with the approval of President Mohammadu Buhari has been on Nigerians, there is no denying the fact that the blood-corrupt politicians have met their Waterloo.

There was no way possible for them to withdraw large amount of money for the hideous purpose of voter inducement. Polling units were conducive for Nigerians today. Everywhere was calm and orderly. There was no one with the capacity to buy the votes with cash. Glory!

Before today, Nigerians have described Buhari as clueless by approving the policy despite the clear and obvious suffering of his citizens. The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele was tagged insensitive and other unprintable names. And right so you could argue.

However and arguably, events today have proven them otherwise. They can hold themselves in prestige and glory. This is because, advertently or inadvertently, they have set Nigeria on a path to electoral sanity by the near or absolute demonitisation of the electoral system.

This might not be appreciated instantly. However, the benefits are latent and will soon manifest. But even while waiting for the full manifestation of the positives of the policy on Nigeria's electoral process, give all the credit to Buhari and Emefiele. Today was the dream Nigerians never thought would be possible.

22/02/2023

Christian Atsu: A Tribute

ANIEKAN UDONQUAK, CityPress Sports

Though an earthquake is a natural phenomenon that claims many lives when it occurs, the death of Christian Atsu, a Ghanaian football star in the Turkey quake is most devastating.

Atsu was found dead under the rubble of his home almost two weeks after the Turkey earthquake that has killed over 43,000 people in Turkey and Syria.

The 31 year old Ghanaian international was on the books of Turkish side, Hatayspor which he joined in September after a season with Saudi Arabian team Al-Raed and he scored the winning goal in a Super Lig match on 5 February.

Amidst the outpouring of tears and sorrows as well as the tributes and condolences from the Ghanaian government, his former clubs and colleagues and football fans across the world. this tragedy is a sad reminder of the gross underdevelopment of African football.

The poor management of African football is the singular reason African stars travel around the world in search of greener pastures in football.

Atsu unfortunately met his untimely death in the course of his search for a greener pasture and this is indirectly related to the inability of the African football administrators to develop the game that would attract viewership and would offer many footballers commensurate rewards that could keep them at home.

Atsu came to prominence in Portugal with FC Porto before moving to England where he joined Chelsea in 2013 and had several loan spells at clubs including Everton and Bournemouth.

An initial loan period at Newcastle in 2016, in which he helped the team win promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, was made permanent in 2017.

Arguably, Atsu could have still been alive today if African football was up to scratch and was able to provide him a viable platform to hone and show his skills in and around the continent.

This tragedy should be a wake-up call on African football administrators to improve on the management of the game; it is well documented that corruption, ethnicity and favouritism are the bane of African football. These issues need to be addressed pointedly.

Africa should develop this beautiful game so that it would not need to lose any of its talismen in the manner that Christian Atsu died. Adieu Christian.

09/01/2023

Bendel Insurance Shock Akwa United 2-0 in NPFL Opener

Newly promoted, Bendel Insurance of Benin, returned to top-flight league football in style by defeating Akwa United 2-0 in the opening fixture of the Nigeria Professional League played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

The lively Imade Osehenkhoe, put the Benin Arsenal ahead in the 37th minute to record the first goal of the new season of the abridge league. The hosts, the Promise Keepers, threw everything at their visitors to level score, but to no avail, as the Benin-based team frustrated their hosts’ attempt to equalise.

Insurance’s Ismael Seriki extended their lead to make it two from a close range in the 43 minute after Akwa United’s goalkeeper, Godgift Elkanah, failed to handle the ball.

With this result, Bendel Insurance now tops the Pool A of the 23 NPFL table, as other fixtures of the group are yet to be played.

Meanwhile, in the second round of matches of the NPFL will have, Insurance play host to Plateau United in Benin, while Akwa United will visit Enyimba Football Club of Aba in an away fixture.

Akwa United Fans Register Their Displeasure

Following the shock home defeat to Insurance, fans of Akwa United took to the official page of the football club to register their displeasure at the management and recruitment policy of the club.

What the fans said in the comment section of the football club page:

Aniehkan Edim Jnr: "This club after announcing about 16 players if not more, yet this is the rubbish of a performance. Thought sponsorship was gonna be a boost. I was bragging about you guys and what happened. The worst is that you can't even compete with the locals let alone in African major competitions this is devastating".

Folarin Adewale: "How can you sign 23 player in a season... How much per players will be? Meaning they ain't signing quality players"

Kubiato Boniface: "What a devastating beginning... After selling out all de good players and unveiling these so called new players who can't even tie their boot well. What a poor performance and you expect me to pay another #1000 to watch yourur next match".

Ibanga Nnamso: "From the very first time Ayeni was given the top job at Akwa, I have always made my position known. Akwa United is a big club already and you need a big coach with a big mentality to get the job done. I still maintain, Ayeni is a big doubt for the Akwa job"

09/12/2022

AKSG Denies Involvement in OBA's Prosecutions

28/10/2022

Umana visits flooded community in Rivers, assures them of Federal Govt intervention

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Umana Okon Umana, on Thursday, visited Ihuike community in Ahoada local government area of Rivers State and assured affected persons of Federal Government's readiness to assist them.

Umana, who was in Rivers State on a working visit to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), directed that the damaged section of the East-West Road be repaired immediately to bring back normal life to the traumatised community.

The minister informed residents of the Ahoada community that the Federal Government felt their pain, adding that President Muhammadu Buhari has directed relevant ministries and agencies to put up accelerated and concerted efforts by in order to bring succour to flooded communities in the region.

After a tour of the flooded community, the minister visited the head office of the NDDC where he addressed the management and staff of the commission on his vision for the region and the place of both the NDDC and the Ministry of the Niger Delta Affairs in achieving that vision.

He disclosed that his mission is to change the widely held perception of the NDDC as a failed agency into that of an institution that is pivotal to the development of the Niger Delta region, an institution that invests in the integration of the region through interstate transport infrastructure and other regional assets.

“It is in your hand to change that perception of failure.
The change is in your hand.”

The Minister charged staff of NDDC to act in a manner that will reinforce the new brand image of an upright organisation that respects due process.

Umana announced that the era of frivolous projects by which billions of naira were siphoned out of the commission was over, adding that that government has drawn a line against impunity in which one man could singlehandedly award a contract of N200 billion in the NDDC without following due process requirements.

He directed the acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Engr. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua, to properly brief him on all cases of contracts that did not follow due process, and equally carry out an earlier presidential directive that the commission should conduct a staff audit that would help to ascertain that it has the right caliber of staff properly deployed to ensure the achievement its mandate.

The minister warned that any attempt to undermine the conduct of the personnel audit would be sanctioned.

The minister also directed the acting managing director of the commission to prioritise staff welfare, deploying a situation in the past when non-essential expenditure on desilting was elevated above staff welfare.
He stressed that the era of impunity was over, and urged all staff in the commission to commit to a new day and a new era of professional work ethics and quality service delivery that truly adds value to the life of people in the Niger Delta.

25/10/2022

PRESS RELEASE

The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Education has declared Thursday 27th and Friday 28th October, 2022 as Mid-Term Break for first Term in the 2022/2023 School Session. All Public and Private Primary and Secondary Schools in the State are advised to adhere strictly to it.

This is in compliance with the Unified Academic Calendar for Schools.

To this end, Proprietors of Private Schools as well as Parents and Guardians are enjoined to take note and ensure their children and wards observe the break.

Academic activities shall resume on Monday 31st October, 2022 in continuation of first term.

Lady Rose N. Bassey
Permanent Secretary
For: Honourable Commissioner
Ministry of Education
25/10/22

06/10/2022

PHOTOS NEWS: The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 general elections, Bola Ahmed Tinubu this evening returned to Nigeria after spending 12 days in London

28/07/2020

A frontline grass roots politician and leading aspirant for the Chairmanship position of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area under the Peoples Democratic Party, Obot Ekanem has promised to run a “participatory and sensitive” government if elected into office. Ekanem said he is prepared to change...

City Press Newspaper

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09/01/2023

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28/10/2022

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