IBOM WATCH Newspaper (2025)

02/09/2024

COUNTDOWN TO THE GRAND RECEPTION OF RT. HON. (DR.) FRIDAY IWOK, JP, FCAI, FCIL, PHF, NOBLE AMBASSADOR, TRAILBLAZER, UJO ANNANG

Elder Iwok is a former two term Member of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, fmr Commissioner I, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Service Commission and fmr Board Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Rural Water and Sanitation Agency.

He is a veteran Labour leader, Elder of Qua Iboe Church, Community and political leader of Otoro Clan.

During his days in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and as a Labour Leader, he was able to facilitate pensionable jobs to numerous Abak and Akwa Ibom State citizens, empowered them after human capacity trainings. He also built a befitting Civic Centre at Eastern Annang Development Centre which was later renamed after him by his people, built Classrooms in the five clans of Abak LGA, drilled solar powered borehole within the 5 clans of Abak and as well facilitated the construction of Abak 10 miles - Manta road.

He is an award winning personality and several chieftaincy title holder which some include; Eti Alad Usung Ke Abuda, Eti Ufan Ufok Abasi, Asian Abasi Abak, Unwana Abak, Ujo Abak and Obongifiok 1 of Abia Okpo.

The people of Otoro Ward I, thought it wise to roll their drums to celebrate their son, leader and brother.

The event is just 5 Days to go and is billed to take place on Saturday 7th September, 2024.

Venue: Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Friday Iwok Civic Centre, Abiaokpo, Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.

Time: 10:00am

Iwok Grand Reception
#5 days to go

20/02/2024

RETIREES PLIGHT: REP. JIMBO CALLS FOR AMENDMENT OF PENSION ACT

Worried by the level of injustice meted on public and private retirees by their former employers, the Honourable Member Representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency in Nigerian House of Representatives, Rep. Clement Jimbo has called for the amendment of the 2004 Pension Act to address inhuman treatment of senior citizens of Nigeria who have paid their dues through diligent services to the government and private sectors of the Nation.

Presenting the motion on Tuesday, at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, the Deputy Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, frowned at the agony bedevilling our elderly citizens in the course of collecting what they saved for their olden days while in active service.

Rep. Jimbo, further expressed displeasure on how Managers of their Contributory Pension Scheme denied them of having greater share of their lump sum after retirement as a paltry sum (25% of the total amount credited to their Retirement Saving Accounts) is usually dispensed to them across board under the scheme; whereas the balance of 75% is usually retained by the Pensions Fund Administrators for investment in capital market with high returns, which is never added to the retirees’ monthly payments.

He further reiterated that the rising value of dollar against the naira, the recent removal of fuel subsidy and increase in price of goods and services has made such paltry monthly payments, which remain the same for several years grossly insufficient to sustain the retirees who had served the country honourably for 35 years and called on the National Assembly to amend the 2004 Pension Act which deals with retirement benefits, to make it optional and to bring it in conformity with the current economic realities.

The motion which was widely supported by the Parliamentarians, was referred to the House Committee on Pension to interface with relevant stakeholders to address the yearnings of the retirees.

Media Unit,
Office of the Honourable Member Representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency,
Deputy Chairman, House Committee on National Planning and Economic Development.

20/02/2024

OFFICE OF THE WIFE OF THE SENATE PRESIDENT SHOULD NOT BE ABUSED

In recent days, the wife of the senate president has been the target of a vicious and unwarranted social media attack.

This attack has been fueled by baseless rumors and false accusations, causing harm to both the individual and her family. It is disheartening to see the level of hatred and vitriol being spread online, and it is a sad reflection of the toxic culture that exists on social media platforms. This attack on the wife of our number 3 citizen is not just an attack on her, but on all of us in Akwa Ibom state, This type of behavior is unacceptable and must be condemned.

We must strive to create a society where women are respected and treated equally, both in the public eye and behind closed doors. Let us stand in solidarity with the wife of the senate president and work towards building a more inclusive and respectful society for all.

The wife of the Senate president has the right to attend any event with a private jet or private bicycle if she so wishes, any ill write-up seen on social media space about the wife of the Senate President should be questioned, and the poster should be asked if he/she is the SSA on special duty to the senate president or the wife that he knows what is happening in the Senate President house.

The wife of the Senate president should not in any way be compared to the wife of any other politician because she is Uloma Akpabio and not the wife of other politicians.

Signed
SSA to the senate president on youth

26/06/2023

GOODWILL MESSAGE BY RT. HON. (ELDER) UDEME J. OTONG, SPEAKER OF AKWA IBOM STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY DURING A-TWO-DAY INDUCTION TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR MEMBERS OF AKWA IBOM STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY AND PARLIAMENTARY STAFF OF EBONYI STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY AT FOUR POINTS BY SHARATON, IKOT EKPENE, AKWA IBOM STATE, DATED MONDAY JUNE 26, 2023.

PROTOCOL:

Permit me to first, acknowledge the Supremacy of God, who magnanimously placed all of us where we are in the Nigerian society today, which automatically qualifies us to be participants of this life-shaping workshop. I want to thank God also for the journey mercies granted us to arrive here safely.

It gladdens my heart to welcome our trusted Organizers, revered Resource Persons and other distinguished guests to Akwa Ibom State, which unarguably is the safest State in Nigeria.

I wish to also welcome my colleagues in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, the Clerk and all participants to the Rafia City of Ikot Ekpene - the cradle of Local Government administration in Nigeria.

I want to sincerely appreciate organizers of this induction workshop; the Konrad Anenauer Stiftung (KAS) and the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), for timely putting up the training exercise.
I am fully optimistic that this workshop will be beneficial to all of us as stakeholders in legislative business, and ultimately set the machinery in motion for effective and efficient engagements in our respective Assemblies.

Dear Honourable Colleagues and distinguished participants, I want to implore you to take full advantage of the workshop by being actively involved in every session as would be anchored by seasoned resource persons.
As opined by B.B. King, "the beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you."

Once again, I wish you fruitful engagements and a happy stay in Akwa Ibom State - The Land of Promise.

God bless Akwa Ibom State!

God bless Ebonyi State!!

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!

25/06/2023

AKHA SPEAKER HONOURS RT. REV. ANTAI & WIFE ON RETIREMENT

The Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme J. Otong, today, June 25, 2023 attended the Episcopal Thanksgiving Service in honour of His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Prince Asukwo Edet Antai and wife, Dame Victoria Antai.

The Rt. Rev. Antai until his retirement was the Bishop of Uyo Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) while his wife, Dame Victoria Antai was the President of Women Ministries of the Church.

The retirement thanksgiving service which held at the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, had in attendance the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, his Deputy, Her Excellency, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Members of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Chairmen of Local Government Councils and other top government functionaries.

Press Unit
Office of the Speaker,
Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

06/06/2023

UDEME OTONG: A PERFECT NEXUS BETWEEN THE 8TH ASSEMBLY WITH GOV. UMO ENO'S ARISE AGENDA

By: Ubong Akpan

Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, the five-star lawmaker who speaks for the people of Abak State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Health is a brand that the Eighth Assembly must not miss at the helm of affairs following his track records over the years as an astute administrator of no mean repute whose experience traverses from Health, Public, Private and Business World. He is a successful and down-to-earth leader with a heart of gold who has never been found wanting in any responsibility and task assigned to him.

Born into the great family of Otong at Abak Itenge Village, Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Elder Udeme Otong after foreseeing what the future holds for him, began his academic pursuit at Qua Iboe Church Primary School, Abak Itenge, Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State where he studied and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) and thereafter proceeded to the prestigious Holy Family College, Oku Abak, where bagged his West African Examination Certificate (WAEC).

In order to fulfill his dream as a career Nurse, he advanced to study at the School of Nursing, Eket for a National Diploma in General Nursing. Thereafter, he proceeded to the School of Psychiatric Nursing, Calabar, Cross River State, for National Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing and later enrolled at the University of Uyo, for his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Anthropology and is currently studying for a higher degree.

As a veteran labour leader/professional nurse who has held the following positions: National President, Initiatives of Health Workers in Community Medicine, President and Trustee of Health Workers Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Two Term State Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives(NANNM), Immediate Past State Chairman, Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council, Immediate Past State Chairman, Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Chairman, EDIMED Global Health Care Foundation and Director, EDIMED Hospitals/Pharmacy, he was able to use his positions to transform the health sector in Akwa Ibom State and also established an excellent working relationship between Nurses and the Government of Akwa Ibom State.

His indelible legacies have continue to speak volume and cannot be sacrificed on peoples' sentiment who sees no good in what others do.

As the mouthpiece of Abak in Akwa Ibom State House Of Assembly from 2019 to date, he was appointed the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State House Of Assembly Committee on Health by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, following his indelible footprints in the health sector, he is also the Deputy Chairman, AKHA Committee on Rural Development and Public Utilities and is also a member of the following House Standing Committees: Committee on Appropriation and Finance, Committee on Education, Committee on Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Committee on Women Affairs and Social Welfare/Cooperative, Committee on Environment and Committee onInter-Governmentall, Political and Social Matters.

Hon. Udeme Otong as a trailblazer has contributed immensely on the floor of the House on matters that have positively transformed the lives of the citizens and has achieved so much within his first term in office in the areas of lawmaking, oversight and representation as Member of Parliament in the Seventh Assembly.

His achievements in the past four years in office in terms of private member bills and motion on matters of urgent public importance is topnotch and unprecedented. His private member bills include;

1. A Bill for A Law To Establish Akwa Ibom State College Of Nursing Sciences & Midwifery to enable the institution award ND/HND certificates to graduates at completion of their studies in place of the regular RN certificate that School of Nursing used to award to their graduates. This important bill was assented by the Immediate Past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel after considering its prominence.

2. A Bill for A Law To Establish Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme. This is another great feat of the Abak lawmaker. The bill provides for free treatment of Akwa Ibom State citizens in public and private hospitals. It was also assented by the Immediate Past Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.

Other bills sponsored by the noble legislator which are not yet assented by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State are:

3. A bill for a Law to prohibit stigmatization of people living with Hiv and Aids in Akwa Ibom State.

4. A bill for a law to establish the Akwa Ibom State Private Healthcare Management Agency.

5. A Bill for a Law to establish Akwa Ibom State Maternal And Perinatal Death Surveillance And Response Agency.

In the area of Motions on matters of Urgent Public Importance, his imprints include:

1. Motion calling on relevant Government Agencies as a Matter of Urgent Public Importance to intervene in the gully erosion encroachment imposing a serious threat to Abak Independent Hall Building, Abak Local Government Council Secretariat and its environs.

2. Motion calling on the State Government to upgrade Model Girls Junior Secondary School to a senior level and also erect new infrastructures for the students'as well as employ new teaching and non-teaching staff to boost manpower for effective service delivery.

3. Motion calling on Government relevant Agencies to undertake remedial work on the failed portion of ABAK - UKPOM - IKONO - IDORO ROADS by PEPSI JUNCTION to save the souls of Abak and Akwa Ibom State citizens from accident that claimed many lives and also mandated them to provide alternative routes to curb more lost of lives.

4. Motion calling on the State government and relevant authorities to intervene in the collapsed Obiobom bridge in Abak Local Government Area.

5. Motion calling on the Government of Akwa Ibom State to eradicate unprofessionalism in the health sector.

6. Motion calling on the State Government to rekindle Covid-19 safety protocols to prevent the deadly Covid-19 Delta variant and also sensitize the people about the disease.

On representation, Elder Udeme Otong was the first Seventh Assembly Member to held a Constituency Briefing and Empowerment in which afforded him the opportunity to present cars, mini-buses, tricycles, motor bikes, gas cookers, Washing machines, wrappers, food items, and lots more to his Constituents.

The five star lawmaker aside from sponsorship of bills, motions and empowerment of his people has transformed some dilapidated schools in his Constituency through his Constituency projects which are construction of nine classroom blocks at CJC Comprehensive Secondary School, Atai Otoro, renovation of 5 classroom blocks at QIC Primary School, Abak Itenge and building of a bungalow to a homeless citizen of Abak State Constituency at Abak Itenge.

As Chairman of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee Health, he has led members of the House Committee on several occasions to oversight functions at Government hospitals and also interfaced with relevant stakeholders both in health and other sectors to support the executive arm of government's effort to transform the health sector for the betterment of Akwa Ibomites.

Elder Otong as a people centric Leader has launched several live enlivening programmes like grant disbursement and starter packs, free medical services, donation of food items during COVID-19 pandemic and lots more to ameliorate hardship among his people and those outside his constituency.

There is a proverb that says "Ayop afon efang ase atungo ke uten" which means, a palm tree that would be productive is known in it early stage". Suffice it to say that the representation of Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong within his first four years is productive in all ramifications as no stone is left unturned in his Constituency. As the inauguration of the Eighth Assembly approaches, the lawmakers should consider someone with legislative and administrative experience, good character, ranking and maturity to pilot their affairs for the next four years to enable the State Legislature connect with the Arise Agenda of Governor Umo Eno.

06/03/2023

ENGR. DR. IBORO JOHNNY: GIVING SUCCOUR TO ABAK PEOPLE THROUGH ROADS CONSTRUCTION/STREET LIGHTENING ETC

The gigantic rural development - Roads construction, urban street lightening, etc, witnessed in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State should not be taken for granted as it has changed the narrative and has re-written the story of the people in the Area.

Appreciating the good works of
Engr. Iboro Johnny who is the project facilitator, motorists and people from the area have showered praises and prayers on the son of the soil whom they said has not failed his people.

There is no gainsaying the fact that when the history of Abak Local Government Area would be written, the name of Dr. Iboro Johnny will be written in gold to appreciate his five star and gargantuan performance.

In a chat with people from Afaha Obong, Ikot Oku Mfang, Abiakpo, Uruk Uso, Atai Otoro, Utu Edem Akai, Manta, Hospital road and Offot communities who are direct beneficiaries of roads constructed and solar powered street lights mounted, they nicknamed Dr. Iboro Johnny as the "Messiah" for bringing lights and roads to their communities.

The rural dwellers also commended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, General Muhammadu Buhari for honouring their son by siting these live enlivening projects for his people which have saved lives from accidents that do occur at nights and armed robbers who used to rob motorists due to darkness experienced in these areas.

Engr. Dr. Iboro Johnny has also been described as a round peg in a round hole whom they say is a shinning light that will salvage the people of Akwa Ibom State from darkness in the nearest future and needs to be rallied around by sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State when the time comes to enable him offer his best to his people.

Ibom Watch Newspaper

08/09/2022

ATIKU COLLEGIATE MGT. COUNCIL PLAYS HOST TO PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT GROUP HEADS IN A'IBOM

By: Ubong Akpan

The Atiku Presidential Campaign Support Groups Collegiate Management Council, Akwa Ibom State today played host to support groups mobilizing supports to the 2023 presidential ambition of His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

In a well attended familiarization meeting with 2023 PDP Presidential support group heads, the State Coordinator of the Atiku Presidential Campaign Support Groups Collegiate Management Council, Akparawaanwan Joyce Udoh, thanked the group leaders for trooping in for the meeting, despite the short notice.

The State Coordinator who doubles as the International Women Leader of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, commended the group leaders for canvassing for votes and mobilizing supports from Akwa Ibom people to the PDP Presidential Candidate in next year's general election to ensure that he win the election for the betterment of Nigerians who has suffered so much hardship in the hands of the current government at the centre.

She equally tasked the leaders not to rest on their good works to the incoming President of Nigeria, but should take his redemption and restoration message of Nigerians to every nook and crannies of the State wards and polling units, emphasizing that they will reap bountifully when their principal wins the election come next year.

Earlier in his tone setting for the meeting, the State Collegiate Council Secretary, Amb. Ime Victor intimated the support group leaders that Atiku is the only leader that Nigeria need at the moment to salvage the country from total collapse, considering his wealth of experience garnered as a former Vice President whose performance surpasses that of the other three top presidential contenders and urged them all to unite their contemporaries so they can vote enmass for the PDP Presidential Candidate in 2023.

Amb. Ime Victor who is also the National Coordinator of BE ATIKULATED, stressed that the essence of the meeting was to familiarize with them and also commend them for a job well done so far and also prepare them for the task ahead.

In their separate speeches, the group leaders thanked the Council for hosting them, reiterating that the gesture is unprecedented and has spurred them up to do more than ever before for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar whom they described as the only unifier in Nigeria.

They also assured the council of their readiness to work for the victory of the Presidential hopeful, so he can reel out his plans to Nigerians.

The meeting also had other members of the State Collegiate Council in attendance who are; Hon. Abraham Ayang - Director of Support Groups Registration, Lady Patience Edem - Director of Compliance, Mrs. Ako Joseph, Director of Field Operation and Pastor Ubong Akpan - Director of Media and Publicity.

16/06/2022

Breaking:

Atiku announces Ifeanyi Okowa as Vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.

He announced this via his official Facebook timeline some minutes ago and it read thus:
"I am delighted to announce Governor Ifeanyi A. Okowa as my Vice Presidential candidate. I look forward to travelling our great country together, engaging with all Nigerians and building a shared future of peace, unity, and prosperity for all. As One We Can Get It Done. . -AA"

02/06/2022

NSIT UBIUM TO PARTNER FHI ON HEALTH ISSUES

An international agency, FHI, is to partner with Nsit Ubium local government council on the sensitisation of the people of the area, particularly, the pregnant women on how to stay safe and avoid the transmission is HIV to their unborn babies.

The Councillor representing Ubium North Ward 3, Hon. Effanga Patrick Inwang disclosed this shortly after a meeting with representatives of the international agency. In association with the Supervisor for Health Hon Aniekan Asuquo , the Council is perfecting measures to take the sensitisation programme to designated areas in the three geopolitical zones in the local government area.

While addressing the representatives of FHI, Hon Effanga Patrick Inwang who is also the Chairman of the Legislative Council Committee on Health thanked the agency for finding Nsit Ubium good enough to begin the pilot programme and also assured them of the support of the local government council.

Responding, a representative of the agency appreciated Nsit Ubium local government council for showing interest in the health status of its citizens adding that the agency will do all it can to ensure healthy living with a healthy lifestyle for the people of the area.

Details of the sensitisation exercise are still being worked out.

23/04/2022

AKWA IBOM GUBERNATORIAL RACE 2023: WE ARE COMMITTED TO PASTOR UMO ENO'S ASPIRATION ~ EMBRACE PEACE INITIATIVE (EPI) ABAK CHAPTER

A frontline socio-polical group in Akwa Ibom State, EMBRACE PEACE INITIATIVE (EPI) ABAK CHAPTER, has promised to galvanize support towards the successful emergence of the most preferred gubernatorial aspirant in Akwa Ibom State, in the person of Pastor Eno Umo.

The group made the promise Friday, 22nd April, 2022 during their inauguration ceremony at Abak Local Government Council Hall.

The Embrace Peace Initiative (EPI), is poised with the burning desire to mobilise every son and daughter of Abak to canvass support towards the success of Pastor Umo Eno in the coming gubernatorial primaries and in subsequent general elections coming later next year.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by the hierarchy of Embrace Peace Initiative both at the National and State levels led by Mr. Iniobong Bassey Eno who is the International President/Chairman BOT and by the special grace of God is also the younger brother to the preferred governorship aspirant.

Those sworn-in to pilot the affairs of the group at the Chapter level were: Engr. Effiong Dan JP, Chapter Coordinator, Mr. Nsentip Johnson Deputy Coordinator, Barr. Victor Offong, Secretary, Mr. Kufre Bernard Udo, Asst. Secretary, Mr. Nsikan Umanah, Treasurer, Mr. Unyime Sunday Ekoh, Fin. Secretary, Mr. Sunday Ekong, Youth Leader, Mrs. Charity Ezekiel, Woman Leader, Comrade Emmanuel Etim, Students Coordinator, Mr. Akan Iwok, PRO, Mr. Frank Urom, Organizing Secretary, Mr. Anietie David Essien, Welfare Officer, Mr. Eventus Awakama, Auditor and Mr. John Ibok Director of Mobilization.

In the same vein, 11 Ward Coordinators were also inaugurated and commissioned. Performing the inauguration, the younger brother to the most preferred gubernatorial aspirant in the State, Mr. Iniobong Eno admonished the newly inaugurated officers to brace up for the task ahead as well as asking them to take the message of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno to the grassroots.

Speaking after the inauguration on behalf of the commissioned officers was the Chapter Coordinator, Engr. Effiong Dan JP, who extolled the high level leadership commitment of His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel towards turning the State from a core civil service State to an industrial hub of Africa.

He went further to commend His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel for his choice of Umo Eno as the next governor of Akwa Ibom State saying that he is the best gift ever to Akwa Ibom people by someone who has the interest of his people at heart and pledged the EPI's commitment to supporting it to the logical conclusion.

Engr. Dan also informed those who witnessed the inauguration, the qualities of Pastor Umo Eno that must have endeared His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel to go for him, stressing that it may not be unconnected to to his peaceful dispositions.
Other attributes includes but not limited to job creation, transparency, accountability and above all the fear of God.

Highpoints of the occasion was the official inauguration of the Chapter and Ward Excos of Embrace Peace Initiative (EPI) Abak chapter and offering of prayers to God for blessings and protection of our preferred governorship aspirant, Pastor Umo Eno and his entire household as well as his numerous supporters.

Media Unit,
Embrace Peace Initiative,
Abak Chapter

IBOM WATCH Newspaper

02/09/2024

20/02/2024

20/02/2024

26/06/2023

25/06/2023

06/06/2023

06/03/2023

08/09/2022

16/06/2022

02/06/2022

23/04/2022

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share