ThinkVerified Newspaper, 23 B line, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo (2026)

31/03/2026

Senate approves Tinubu’s $6bn loan request

The Senate has approved the request of President Bola Tinubu to go for external loans totalling $6 billion.

The approval came after the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, read the letter from the president, seeking the approval.

The Senate approved the loans following the presentation and consideration of the report by Senator Aliyu Wamakko, APC, Sokoto North, Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.

Earlier, President Tinubu’s request to borrow was contained in two separate letters addressed to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, that were read during plenary on Tuesday.

In the first letter read by Akpabio, President Tinubu requested the approval to establish a structured total return swap (TRS) external financing programme of up to $5 billion with First Abu Dhabi Bank of the United Arab Emirates.

In the letter, President Tinubu, who noted that the facility would be made available to Nigeria in tranches, said, “The purpose of this letter is to request the approval and resolution of the National Assembly pursuant to the provisions of section 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office Establishment Act 2003 to establish a structured total return swap (TRS) derivative external financing programme from First Abu Dhabi Bank of the United Arab Emirates of up to $5 billion, which will be made available to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in tranches.”

According to Tinubu, the proceeds would be used for budget implementation, development of priority infrastructure projects and repayment of relatively expensive domestic and external debts, adding that the facility would also help the federal government meet urgent financial obligations when necessary.

The president said that Nigeria’s total public debt currently stands at $110.3 billion, equivalent to about N159.2 trillion as of December 31, 2025.

According to him, the loan would be drawn in phases to reduce pressure on the country’s debt stock and servicing obligations.

In the second letter, Tinubu also asked the Senate to approve the issuance of naira-denominated federal government securities as collateral for the facility and the payment of margining obligations in US dollars.

In the letter, the president, who sought approval for a $1 billion UK export finance loan facility arranged by Citibank, London branch, said that the loan would be used for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.

31/03/2026

Breaking News: Senate Approves Tinubu’s $6bn Loan Request
Nigeria’s Senate has approved a $6 billion loan request by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, just hours after the proposal was formally presented.

The request was read on the Senate floor by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio with lawmakers giving their approval in less than three and a half hours.

The swift decision highlights the urgency attached to the funding, though further details on the loan’s specific allocation are yet to be fully disclosed.

13/03/2026

“No Third Term!” — Itu Youths Confront Deputy Speaker at ARISE with Renewed Hope Initiative Inauguration in ITU.

Meanwhile in Akwa Ibom State both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker are contesting for a THIRD TERM

゚viralシfypシ゚

28/02/2026

𝗥𝗘𝗣 𝗨𝗞𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗚-𝗨𝗗𝗢 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗦 ₦300𝗺 𝗧𝗢 𝗢𝗜𝗟 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗔𝗧 𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗠𝗘

•••𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙈𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙇𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙇𝙖𝙙𝙮, 𝙈𝙧𝙨 𝙋𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙐𝙢𝙤 𝙀𝙣𝙤

The Member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, PhD, on Thursday, 27th February 2026, attended the Akwa Ibom State Arise Women Sensitisation Programme held at the Ikono Local Government Council Hall. He was accompanied by his wife, Kuseme Ukpong-Udo.

The event, which had the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, among other dignitaries in attendance, focused on empowering women and strengthening grassroots participation in the state’s development agenda.

In his address, Rep. Ukpong-Udo reaffirmed his commitment to economic empowerment and inclusive growth. In a landmark announcement, he pledged ₦300 million for the construction of two Palm Oil Production and Processing Mills in Ikono and Ini Local Government Areas. The mills, to be commissioned before the end of 2026, are dedicated to the memory of the late former First Lady, Mrs Patience Umo Eno, in recognition of her passion for women’s empowerment and economic inclusion.

To further support the programme’s implementation at the grassroots, the lawmaker also handed over ₦21 million to both Ikono and Ini LGAs for logistics support. His intervention was widely applauded as a major boost to women-led agro-enterprises, rural industrialization and sustainable community development. Rep. Ukpong-Udo reaffirmed his commitment to advancing women-driven enterprise, strengthening local economies, and sustaining the legacy of compassionate and inclusive leadership.

03/01/2026

COMMISSIONER OF THE YEAR, UDOFIA DEDICATES AWARD TO GOV ENO, CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED TEAM

Dr Anieti Udofia, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism who recently bagged the award of Commissioner of the Year from Governor Umo Eno has dedicated the award to the Governor and the entire Christmas Unplugged team, in recognition of their collective commitment to cultural revival, tourism development, and grassroots inclusion during the festive season.

Speaking to reporters in Uyo on Friday, the Commissioner expressed deep gratitude to Governor Eno for his visionary leadership, which made the 2025 edition of Christmas Unplugged the most successful yet.

“This recognition is not mine alone,” the Commissioner said. “It belongs to a team that worked tirelessly and to a Governor who has redefined governance through culture, unity, and people-driven leadership.”

The Commissioner praised the Governor Eno’s unwavering support for tourism and community engagement, highlighting how Christmas Unplugged has evolved under his administration from an entertainment event into a strategic platform for economic activity, social harmony, and youth empowerment.

“We’ve seen culture become a tool for development, and it’s thanks to the trust and freedom His Excellency gave us to do things differently,” the Commissioner added.

The month-long festival, held at the Ibom Christmas Park in Uyo, featured daily performances by local government areas, traditional displays, food exhibitions, children’s programmes, gospel concerts, and business showcases. It attracted thousands of residents, visitors, and tourists, boosting the local economy and fostering a strong sense of belonging across communities.

The commissioner also acknowledged the dedication of volunteers, security agencies, media partners, and the state entertainment community, who contributed to the festival’s success.

02/01/2026

He brought friends to a country they trusted.
And now he must send them home… in silence.

Two lives came to Nigeria with laughter in their lungs and tomorrow in their pockets.

They did not come prepared to die.
They came as friends.
As brothers. As visitors who trusted the land beneath their feet.
But fate can be cruel without warning.
In one moment, breath was stolen.
Dreams were silenced.
And the road became a grave.

They did not die alone yet the loneliness they left behind is unbearable.

Today, Nigeria does not argue politics.
Nigeria does not defend itself.
Nigeria stands still… and bows.
At the airport, there is no noise, only the sound of boots on concrete and hearts breaking quietly.

Two coffins rest where smiles once stood.
Expensive wood cannot hide the weight inside.
Flags cannot warm the cold that death leaves behind.
Anthony Joshua stands not as a champion, not as a giant, but as a man whose world has cracked.
Strength means nothing when grief takes over.
Muscles cannot lift sorrow.
Fame cannot negotiate with death.

He brought friends to a country they trusted.
And now he must send them home… in silence.
This is the pain nobody trains for.
The pain that crawls into your bones and refuses to leave.
The pain of knowing that “if only” will never bring them back.
Two souls return to the UK not with stories — but in coffins.
And every step toward the aircraft feels like a farewell that should never have existed.
Today, Nigeria mourns with him.
Today, humanity speaks louder than borders.
Today, grief has no accent.
May the earth receive them gently.
May the skies open for their return.
And may those left behind find the strength to breathe again… one painful breath at a time.
Some losses do not heal.
They only teach us how fragile life truly is.

💔

30/12/2025

𝗜𝗞𝗢𝗡𝗢-𝗜𝗡𝗜 𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗢𝗥𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗕𝗨, 𝗔𝗞𝗣𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗢 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗨𝗠𝗢 𝗘𝗡𝗢 𝗙𝗢𝗥 2027 𝗔𝗦 𝗨𝗞𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗚-𝗨𝗗𝗢 𝗦𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗦 250𝗠 𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗛 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗨𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦

𝙐𝙉𝙑𝙀𝙄𝙇𝙎 𝙉1.5𝘽𝙣 𝙀𝙈𝙋𝙊𝙒𝙀𝙍𝙈𝙀𝙉𝙏 𝙋𝙇𝘼𝙉 𝙄𝙉 𝙁𝙀𝘽𝙍𝙐𝘼𝙍𝙔 2026

The people of Ikono–Ini Federal Constituency have unanimously adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, as their preferred candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The adoption was formally declared today, Monday 29th December 2025, at the constituency’s annual Yuletide Meeting, which also featured a massive 50,000-man solidarity march across Ikono and Ini Local Government Areas. The event attracted political leaders, party stakeholders, traditional rulers, community representatives and supporters from across the federal constituency.

Setting the tone for the gathering, Sir Victor Etefia commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as bold and necessary steps toward stabilising the economy and positioning the country for sustainable growth. He urged constituents to remain patient and supportive, expressing confidence in the long-term benefits of the reforms.

Also speaking, Obonganwan Lovina Umoefah emphasised the importance of unity and continuity in governance, noting that the endorsement reflected the people’s confidence in leaders who have shown capacity, consistency and commitment to development at the national and state levels.

Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikono and Ini LGAs declared the party’s full alignment with the adoption, assuring that grassroots party structures were firmly behind the decision. The council chairmen of both local governments also pledged sustained mobilisation and engagement in support of the endorsed leaders.

Addressing the gathering, the Member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo (PhD), described the endorsement as a reflection of the people’s appreciation of purposeful leadership.

“We are encouraging continuity because of visible results. From the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the stabilising leadership of the Senate President, to the inclusive and unifying governance of Pastor Umo Eno, our people have made it clear that performance matters,” Ukpong-Udo said.

The lawmaker also announced a N1.5 billion empowerment package scheduled for rollout in February 2026, aimed at boosting livelihoods, supporting small businesses, and empowering youths and women across the constituency. He disclosed plans for a ward-by-ward tour to personally identify beneficiaries, assuring that the process would be transparent and free from external influence.

In the spirit of the season, Rep. Ukpong-udo further gifted a total of N250 million Christmas support package for constituents, a declaration that was met with loud applause and appreciation from attendees.

29/04/2025

Celebrating 1 Year of Excellence at Ambassadors Place!

With hearts full of gratitude, prayers, and love, we joyfully celebrate Ambassadors Place 1st Year Anniversary!

365 days of unwavering consistency.
12 months of exceptional service.
1 incredible year of serving you with excellence.

From day one, our mission has been to provide the best—and your trust has fueled our passion every step of the way. Through every smile, every service, and every shared moment, we’ve grown into more than just a place—we’ve become a community.

As we mark this beautiful milestone, we say thank you! Thank you for believing in us, for standing by us, and for choosing Ambassadors Place as your preferred destination.

With even greater love and renewed passion, we step into the future—committed to serving you better than ever before.

Here’s to many more years of excellence!

With love,
The Ambassadors Place Team

27/04/2025

Join the Founder of Talent Bank Nigeria, Mr Nelson NseAbasi by 11pm as he speaks to Mighty George Mighty George on "Artiste Management Challenges and Opportunities" during the Guinness World Record Talk show Marathon!

18/04/2025

A'IBOM MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND TOURISM SET FOR WORLD HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATION TOMORROW

By Imó Etim

As the world marks World Heritage Day, the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Culture and Tourism is set to roll out drums, gongs, and xylophones in commemoration of this very important day.

World Heritage Day, also known as International Day for Monuments and Sites is celebrated annually on April 18th, to raise global awareness about the need to conserve and protect cultural heritage, of which Akwa Ibom is richly blessed.

The event, which is in its maiden outing in the State, holds the theme, “Cultural Heritage and Economic Development: Optimizing the Tourism component of the ARISE Agenda” is also well-packaged to contain Arts Exhibitions, Documentaries, Panel Discussions, Ballads, Cultural performances from the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture, amongst others.

The event is to be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Nelson Mandela Hall of Watbridge Hotels and Suites, IBB Avenue in Uyo by 10:00 am.

Dr. Anieti Udofia, the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism noted that the commemoration of World Heritage Day in the State is in line with Governor Umo Eno's ARISE Agenda drive to reawaken the consciousness of the Akwa Ibom people on the need for Culture preservation and tourism exploration for economic development.

He also hinted that the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Nkereuwem Edemekong, an Associate Professor from the Department of History and International Studies, was carefully selected to share his depth of knowledge on the theme at hand.

The WHD event is expected to have the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State—Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D as Special Guest of Honour, members of the State EXCO, tourism industry players, stakeholders, traditional rulers, business and political class, as well as well-spirited individuals in attendance.

22/01/2025

DGN AT 25:AKWA IBOM REMAINS HOST FOR THE HISTORIC CELEBRATION

Nelson NseAbasi

The Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) has reaffirmed its commitment to host its 25th Anniversary celebrations in Akwa Ibom this year, 2025. The association's Director of Socials, Ambassador Johnpaul Nwanganga confirmed in a chat with press men.

DGN is partnering with Akwa Ibom State government to ensure the event's success. This collaboration is a testament to the current administration's commitment to promoting the arts, talents and entertainment.

Initially, plans were made to hold the event in Akwa Ibom in 2024, but it was cancelled to honor the late First Lady, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, whose funeral took place the same year.

According to Mr Nwanganga,'there's no going back on our choice of Akwa Ibom State to host the 25th anniversary celebrations of our great guild'. To further pay tribute to the late First Lady, the DGN has decided to move forward with the event in Akwa Ibom this year. The celebration promises to be an epoch-making event, with top Nollywood veterans in attendance to pay homage to the late doyen.'

Akwa Ibom State, known for its vibrant cultural festivals, is an ideal location for this milestone celebration. The state is known for hosting exciting events throughout the year, showcasing its unique heritage and talents.

The DGN at 25 event, which is expected to attract top-notch directors, producers, and actors in the Nigerian film industry, will feature a range of activities, including film screenings, workshops, and award ceremonies. Akwa Ibom State has promised to bring its unique brand of hospitality to the event, ensuring that guests have an unforgettable experience.

As Amb. Nwanganga aptly put it, "Akwa Ibom, we're bringing the magic! the DGN @ 25 celebration in Akwa Ibom is expected to attract visitors from across the country, providing a platform for cultural exchange, networking, and celebration of Nollywood's achievements".

The event is expected to take place later this year, with the exact date and venue to be announced soon.

01/01/2025

REP. EMMANUEL UKPONG-UDO HOSTS END-OF-YEAR EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM..Doles Out N250 Million in Business Grants and Christmas Support to over 2,500 Constituents

In a historic display of commitment and generosity, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, (Ph.D), the member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, hosted a grand end-of-year empowerment event on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. This event marked the official commencement of his N600 million empowerment program for the fourth quarter of 2024, aimed at uplifting constituents and celebrating the yuletide season.
The event, held at Ikot Odu, Ndiya, attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, and over 2,500 beneficiaries from Ikono and Ini Local Government Areas. The centrepiece of the ceremony was the disbursement of N250 million in business grants and Christmas financial support, benefiting a broad spectrum of constituents.

In his opening remarks, Rep. Ukpong-Udo expressed heartfelt gratitude to his constituents for their unwavering support throughout his political journey. Rep. Ukpong-Udo outlined the categories of beneficiaries, with grants ranging from N300,000 to N2 million. A total of 392 beneficiaries received business grants amounting to N250 million, designed to empower small-scale entrepreneurs and support families during the festive season.

Looking ahead, the lawmaker unveiled plans for 2025 under initiatives such as "Macaire in His Presence" and "Macaire in Your Community," which are set to empower over 6,000 constituents with an estimated N1 billion in grants and various start-up kits. These programs further underline his commitment to delivering impactful and sustainable development to Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency.
He further praised the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for their dedication to fostering peace and development in the region.

The Director-General of the Mkpoikana-Abasi Campaign Organization, Barr. Edet Inyangidim, delivered a goodwill message, lauding Rep. Ukpong-Udo for his transparency and fulfilment of campaign promises. He expressed confidence in the lawmaker’s ability to sustain his developmental strides and endorsed him for future leadership roles. Other notable speakers included Mr. Wilson James, an indigene of Odoro Ikono in Ini LGA, who pledged his unwavering support for Rep. Ukpong-Udo, and Hon. Etetim Awatim, a former council helmsman of Ini LGA. Awatim commended the lawmaker's focus on human capacity development, youth empowerment, and infrastructure growth while urging constituents to pray for his continued success.

The event renewed trust between the lawmaker and his constituents, reinforcing his reputation for financial integrity and dedication to community development. Beneficiaries and supporters left the venue with renewed hope, inspired by Rep. Ukpong-Udo’s vision for a prosperous and empowered constituency. As the festive season comes to a close, the people of Ikono and Ini LGAs are poised for a brighter future under the impactful leadership of Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo.

ThinkVerified Newspaper

31/03/2026

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