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The Gong Newspaper, 30 Umoren Street, Uyo (2026)

10/07/2026

A REBIRTH OF COSA: Dr. Nde’s Administration Surpasses Expectations

The COSA community proudly acknowledges the exceptional leadership of Dr. Nde, whose administration has surpassed expectations in every dimension. His vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment have set a new benchmark for excellence, igniting a renewed spirit of unity, progress, and purpose among COSArites.

Indeed, history will remember this administration as the dawn of a new COSA. Dr. Nde’s outstanding performance is evident not only in the milestones achieved but also in the renewed energy and dedication of our members. True leadership is not about meeting expectations; it is about exceeding them with courage, innovation, and steadfast dedication. In this regard, Dr. Nde has proven himself to be a beacon of hope, a model of transformational leadership, and a custodian of COSA’s destiny.

It is on this foundation that the current Dr. Nde–led Executive Council, during its last online meeting held on Sunday, 5th July 2026, unanimously passed a vote of confidence in his leadership, affirming their support for his second tenure. This decision reflects the trust, loyalty, and admiration he has earned through his exceptional service to COSA. It is a resounding declaration that the COSA family stands united behind him, confident in his ability to lead us into greater heights.

We are proud of you, Sir, and we remain confident that under your guidance, COSA will continue to achieve greater milestones, setting records and inspiring generations to come. The only area that requires further attention is the turnout at the COSA General Congress to break the COSA Guinness World Record. With your leadership, we are certain this challenge will be met and surpassed.

Signed:

Distinguished Senior Comr. Edward Umoeyop
Vice President, COSA
For and on behalf of the Executive Council

06/07/2026

UBA GROUPS: NNOROM TAKES OVER FROM ELUMELU AS CHAIRMAN

As Mr Tony Elumelu tenure espires on August, 2026, Mr Emmanuel NNorom takes over as group Chairman.

Mr Tony disclosed this on his social media handle on Monday 6th July, 2026.

Read his farewell message:

"Celebrating an African Institution: My Farewell from UBA

Why create an institution?

To ensure that an institution can live long, grow ever stronger and deliver a vision.

I have never been able to look at Africa and see only borders. Where many see fifty-four separate markets, I saw one continent, one destiny — waiting to be transformed, waiting to be believed in.

Africa does not have a shortage of brilliant women and men. Africa suffers a shortage of institutions that outlast brilliant women and men.

Today is a day of huge excitement – of potential delivered and continued opportunity.

Leadership is not about holding onto a position, but knowing when an institution is ready for the next chapter.

I conclude my tenure as Chairman of the Group Board of United Bank for Africa (UBA), on August 21, 2026, after twelve years and decades of association with this extraordinary institution, with profound gratitude, immense pride, and most importantly - great optimism for the future.

My objective was to build an institution that would outlive individuals, one capable of connecting Africa to itself and the world, creating opportunities for businesses, empowering entrepreneurs, supporting governments, rewarding shareholders, and transforming lives. Together, we pursued the belief that Africa deserved a world-class financial institution that remained proudly African at its core. We set out to do something that had not been done. We took a Nigerian bank and we made it an African one, Africa’s global bank. This has been my vision for UBA - the United Bank for Africa.

Today, that vision is reality. UBA Group serves over 50 million customers, operates across 20 African countries and four continents, supports trade and investment, and demonstrates that an African institution can compete globally, while being deeply committed to our continent's development.

This success belongs to generations of dedicated colleagues, exceptional management, visionary directors, loyal customers, supportive regulators, committed shareholders, and partners who believed in our shared purpose.

So, with great pride, I welcome Mr. Emmanuel N. Nnorom as the next Chairman of UBA. I have every confidence in his ability to lead the Bank. His experience, leadership, and deep understanding of our institution will provide the continuity and strategic direction needed to build on the strong foundation we have established. I ask our shareholders, customers, partners, and the entire UBA family to extend to him the same trust and support you have so generously given me over the years."

Read more on my blog https://tonyelumelu.com/celebrating-an-african-institution-my-farewell-from-uba/

30/06/2026

PHOTOS:

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, today, played host to the new leadership of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) where he applauded the union and its members for their collaborative role in the Akwa Ibom project and for promoting his administration's development blueprint, the ARISE Agenda.

25/06/2026

AKHA MOVES TO STANDARDISE BRIDE PRICE, CURB COSTLY MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS

Nsikak Akpan

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called for the regulation and standardisation of bride prices and marriage requirements across communities in the state to reduce the financial burden on intending couples and make marriage more accessible.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency, Hon. Mrs. Hon Selinah Ukpatu, who expressed concern over the increasing commercialization of traditional marriage practices. She noted that excessive bride prices and inflated marriage lists have made marriage unaffordable for many young people, contributing to delayed marriages and other social challenges.

Leading debate on the motion,the Ikot Abasi /Eastern Obolo lawmaker agreed that while cultural traditions should be preserved, prevailing economic realities demand reforms that would make marriage more affordable. She maintained that lowering the financial demands associated with traditional marriage rites would encourage family formation, strengthen societal values, and foster community development.

The House consequently urged the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council to review and standardise bride prices and marriage requirements across communities in the state. It also called on the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to work with traditional institutions and local government authorities to ensure compliance with approved guidelines.

In addition, the House Committee on Culture and Tourism was mandated to engage stakeholders and develop recommendations for affordable and culturally acceptable marriage practices.

The House further requested the Ministry of Information and the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) to embark on public enlightenment campaigns on the social and economic implications of excessive bride prices.

Ruling on the motion, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, praised the sponsor for drawing attention to an issue with significant social and economic implications and commended members for their robust contributions. He thereafter directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. NsikakAbasi Orok, to convey the resolutions of the Assembly to the relevant authorities for implementation and necessary follow-up actions.

17/06/2026

Breaking News!

Ntatam Donates Over ₦1.7 Million in Scholarship Funds to Nursery and Primary School Pupils in Akwa Ibom
..Reiterates Continued Commitment to Education Investment

The Founder of Heal The Needy Ikono Foundation, Akwa Obongunwana, Akparawa Emmanuel Ntatam, PhD, has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to educational development with the donation of over ₦1.7 million in scholarship funds to pupils across various nursery and primary schools in Akwa Ibom State.

The scholarship initiative, which targets young learners from different communities, is aimed at easing the financial burden on parents and guardians while encouraging academic excellence among pupils at the foundational level of education.

Speaking during the presentation of the scholarship support, Dr. Ntatam emphasized the importance of investing in education, describing it as the most effective tool for societal transformation and sustainable development.

According to him, every child deserves access to quality education regardless of their socio-economic background, stressing that the future of any society depends largely on the opportunities provided to its younger generation.

"Education remains one of the greatest investments anyone can make. When we support the education of our children today, we are securing a brighter future for our communities and our nation. This scholarship programme is our modest contribution towards ensuring that no child is denied the opportunity to learn because of financial challenges," he stated.

Parents of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the support, while school administrators commended the philanthropist for his consistent efforts in promoting educational advancement and human capital development.

Many community leaders described the gesture as a testament to Dr. Ntatam's passion for service and his commitment to improving the lives of the less privileged through meaningful interventions.

Over the years, Dr. Emmanuel Ntatam, through the Heal The Needy Ikono Foundation, has championed numerous humanitarian projects, including educational support programmes, healthcare interventions, empowerment schemes, and community development initiatives.

The latest scholarship donation further reinforces his reputation as a strong advocate for education and youth development, as he pledged to sustain efforts aimed at expanding educational opportunities for children across Akwa Ibom State.

Media Unit
Heal The Needy Ikono Foundation

14/06/2026

Hearty Cheers 💗💗💗

02/05/2026

AKHA 2027: GAINS OF NTATAM'S SCHOLARSHIP DRIVE AND MORE

Abasianyanga Akpan

In January 1955, one of Nigeria’s foremost leaders, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, made a profound statement that continues to resonate with truth, foresight, and patriotic zeal—a statement every leader must reflect upon when rethinking development for society and its people.

Awolowo declared solemnly: "The children of the poor we fail to train today will never allow our children to live in peace."

This declaration provided more than just words; it offered an instinct, a philosophy, and a simple yet powerful formula for addressing the future security architecture, healthcare services, religious tolerance, human capacity building, empowerment, and infrastructural development of any nation. Driven by this conviction, he declared the first free and fair education policy for all, irrespective of tribe, religion, or cultural affiliation.

Many decades later, Dr. Emmanuel Ntatam has resurrected this line of thoughtful leadership as a deliberate rethink to help harness sustainable development in Ikono Local Government Area. He has done this by granting scholarships to numerous Ikono sons and daughters enrolled in both private and public tertiary institutions across the nation.

As a leader on a mission, Dr. Ntatam has not relented in addressing the many tributaries of development. He continues to intervene through human capacity building, laudable empowerment initiatives, and several other humane deliverables that directly touch the lives of ordinary people.

At the College of Education, Afaha Nsit—now upgraded to the University of Education—Dr. Emmanuel Ntatam released over a million naira to offset tuition and other associated bills for students of Ikono extraction. This singular act lifted a heavy financial burden off parents and gave renewed hope to many young scholars.

At the University of Uyo, a significant number of Ikono students are currently on his payroll throughout their academic journey. This is the kind of commitment expected of a leader who understands that education is the bedrock of societal transformation.

Beyond undergraduate studies, many Ikono postgraduate students currently pursuing their Master’s degrees and other advanced programmes stand as living testaments to Dr. Ntatam’s unwavering trust in human development and his drive for an education-driven constituency. His investment is not in certificates alone, but in minds that will return to build Ikono.

Without mincing words, education forms a leading pillar in the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno. In alignment with that vision, Dr. Emmanuel Ntatam has performed creditably well—his impact is too significant to go unnoticed.

These interventions are among the many reasons the people of Ikono score Dr. Emmanuel Ntatam highly. His strides have become the driving force behind the growing calls for him to transition from being an effective private citizen to a lawmaker. The people see in him a man who understands duty and representation, with the dogged capacity to build a community that belongs to all—a community rooted in intellectual growth, financial empowerment, and face-to-face engagement with governance that has a human face.

On the whole, the aforementioned gains of Dr. Emmanuel Ntatam’s scholarship drive are the reason for the groundswell of support and the clarion call for him to contest the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly seat come 2027. Like Oliver Twist, the people of Ikono are asking for more—more of his quest for development, more of his tenacity, and more of his pact with the people.

19/04/2026

CAUGHT ON DUTY: STORYLINE OF A'IBOM SA TO GOVERNOR ON PUBLIC WORKS, HON BLESSED LAWRENCE

_Abasianyanga Akpan_

It was Sunday, and my journalistic instincts were stirred, prompting me to embark on an impromptu tour. One personality who immediately came to mind was the Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Works. In recent times, many have commended the Governor for his relentless efforts to restore the roads, streets, and lanes of Uyo to a zero-pothole status.

Even on a Sunday, I observed that work by Amitec Construction Company was proceeding at full speed. Inspired by this, I set out on my tour—drawing from my experience as a former news reporter, an editor with a local tabloid, and a public affairs analyst.

With this background, I consider myself equipped to distinguish fact from fiction, to commend excellence, and to critique what falls short. And what I witnessed deserves commendation. If this were in the East, Hon. Blessed would likely have been summoned by royal fathers—whose communities have directly benefited from government intervention—to be conferred with a chieftaincy title.

He clearly understands the intricacies of public works. He supervises, stands under the scorching sun, directs, guides, and monitors performance, all while motivating the construction team to deliver their best. As Ecclesiastes 9:10 admonishes, _“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”_ He embodies that scripture.

As I write, Umoren Street has been transformed into a motorist’s delight. Umoren Close off Udomana Street, once completely impassable, dilapidated, and seemingly abandoned, now boasts a new look.

At the same location, Ikot Abasi Street off Udomana
is experiencing a new dawn. I stopped by and found Hon. Blessed, as usual, caught at his duty post—diligence has become his lifestyle.

The provision of good roads, access points, and aesthetically pleasing environments is a fundamental responsibility of government. These alone stimulate economic growth and development by opening up corridors for business. Unsurprisingly, shop owners along these streets—whose contributions to the state’s internally generated revenue are invaluable—have been vocal in their commendation.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) require smooth routes and streets to create value, drive sales, and sustain livelihoods. When families can earn a living, unemployment is reduced and insecurity is curtailed. A community with motorable roads is, by design, less susceptible to crime. Proverbs 29:4 affirms this truth: _“By justice a king gives a country stability.”_ Infrastructure is justice made tangible.

Furthermore, as Akwa Ibom steadily positions itself as a tourism hub in West Africa, deliberate attention to accessible, passable routes that offer beautiful views of an enabling environment becomes non-negotiable.

It is often said that _“the reward for good work is more work.”_ This level of exemplary commitment, thoughtfulness, and hands-on supervision reflects a prepared and competent public servant—one for whom the office of SA to the Governor on Public Works is a perfect fit.

To Hon. Blessed Lawrence, who has transitioned seamlessly from a protocol aide to the Governor to his present role, this is more than duty; it is a covenant. This is a son etching his name in gold before his father, proving himself worthy of greater trust.

BRAVO 👏

The Gong Newspaper

10/07/2026

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30/06/2026

25/06/2026

17/06/2026

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