Ibom Bell Newspaper

12/09/2026

🛑PRESS STATEMENT🛑

PEACE, RESTRAINT AND DECORUM IN AKWA IBOM POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS:

USDMPF REBUKES SEN. JOHN JAMES UDOEDEGHE

The Uyo Senatorial District Media Professionals Forum (USDMPF) notes with concern recent remarks attributed to Senator John James Udoedehe, the ADC gubernatorial candidate, concerning the EFCC, former Governor Udom Emmanuel, his aides, and the administration of Governor Umo Eno.

In the interest of peaceful, credible and inclusive democratic processes, we call on Senator Udoedehe to exercise restraint and uphold the highest standards of decorum in his public statements.

At this important moment in Akwa Ibom State’s democratic journey, we remind all candidates, political parties, supporters, media practitioners and citizens that political competition should be guided by issues, facts and respect for human dignity. Allegations, especially those touching on the integrity of public institutions and individuals, should be substantiated by verifiable facts and not advanced through speculation, insinuation or inflammatory rhetoric.

The allegations made by Senator Udoedehe against Governor Umo Eno and his administration fall flat when tested against the facts and record of governance.

The USDMPF particularly notes that the administration of Governor Umo Eno has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to continuity and inclusive governance by retaining over 80 percent of the cabinet members who served under his predecessor, former Governor Udom Emmanuel, while also appointing several aides and associates of the previous administration to serve under his government.

This is a clear demonstration that governance, in the interest of the people, can rise above personal and partisan considerations. Such inclusiveness should be acknowledged as a strength of the administration, rather than twisted for political purposes.

We underscore that peace is not merely the absence of conflict. It is the presence of dialogue, tolerance, inclusion and mutual respect. We therefore urge Senator Udoedehe and other stakeholders to:

* Refrain from personal attacks, unsubstantiated allegations and language capable of inciting division or undermining public trust.
* Focus campaigns on policies, programmes and the needs of the people.
* Respect the rule of law and the independence of public institutions.
* Engage in constructive debates that enable citizens to make informed choices.
* Promote reconciliation and social cohesion over partisan bitterness.

The era of political subterfuge, misinformation and malicious rhetoric should have no place in a modern, peaceful and democratic society. Akwa Ibom deserves a campaign season marked by decency, dignity, hope and inclusion.

We therefore encourage Senator Udoedehe and all political actors to engage honestly with the state’s development record and offer credible alternatives.

For instance, the Victor Attah International Airport terminal, where the Senator was recently seen smiling and taking photographs with supporters, was completed under the administration he now criticises. Rather than dismissing such achievements, we invite him to also visit the ongoing developments at Arise Park Resort, the International Hospital, the Nsit Atai–Okobo–Oron Road, the hitherto abandoned 200-bed Ibom International Hotel and the 5,000-capacity Uyo International Conference Centre.

He may also follow the ongoing 39-project commissioning trail marking Akwa Ibom State’s 39th anniversary and assess these projects on their merits. Thereafter, he can present to the people a clear, evidence-based alternative explaining what he would do differently.

Political discourse should be about the quality, sustainability and impact of projects and policies in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, tourism, aviation, agriculture and public services, not personal attacks, propaganda or attempts to rewrite the state’s development history.

We call on all stakeholders, political parties, candidates, supporters, media, civil society organisations and citizens, to uphold peace, tolerance, inclusion and respect for human dignity. Let disagreements be expressed without malice. Let campaigns be conducted with decency and decorum.

Those who aspire to lead Akwa Ibom must conduct themselves in ways worthy of the people they seek to lead.

We therefore call on all sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom to choose peace, uphold decorum and place the collective interest of the state above personal or partisan considerations.

Signed:
Clement Warrie - President

Itorobong Umoh - Secretary

11/09/2026

GRATITUDE MONTH
— DAY TEN

A ROAD TO EDUCATION, A GATEWAY TO OPPORTUNITY

Yesterday, 10 September 2026, Governor Umo Eno commissioned the 2.1km internal road serving as the main access to Obong University, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, as part of the 39-project commissioning series marking Akwa Ibom at 39.

This is more than another access road. It is a road to education, a pathway to opportunity and a connection to the future. By improving access to Obong University, the project makes movement easier for students, staff and visitors while strengthening the connection between the institution and surrounding communities.

It is another example of the Governor’s understanding that road infrastructure is not only about mobility, it is about connecting people to schools, healthcare, markets, jobs and opportunities.

The is part of the administration’s road infrastructure milestone of 1,340 kilometres of roads and 41 bridges delivered, alongside 43 roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).

As Akwa Ibom continues to develop, these investments in connectivity are helping to open communities, expand access and create the infrastructure on which a more prosperous future can be built.

03/09/2026

GRATITUDE MONTH: 1 OF 39 | DAY 1
AVIATION DEVELOPMENT: OPENING AKWA IBOM TO THE WORLD

Yesterday, 1 September 2026, an Airbus A220-300 touched down at Victor Attah International Airport. Beyond the spectacle, the arrival was a powerful reminder of how far Akwa Ibom’s aviation sector has come, and what deliberate investment in infrastructure, human capital and connectivity can achieve.

Under Governor Umo Eno, the numbers tell a remarkable story. Akwa Ibom now operates a fleet of 10 aircraft - seven CRJ900s and three Airbus A220-300s. Victor Attah International Airport has attained full international status, positioning the state for a greater role in regional aviation, with international connectivity opening direct access to new opportunities in tourism, trade, business and investment.

But the aviation story is not only about aircraft and routes. It is also about people.
Today, 14 indigenous pilots and 21 Akwa Ibom aviation engineers possess the technical expertise needed to sustain and expand the state’s aviation ecosystem. This growing pool of indigenous professionals is complemented by a dedicated aviation hospital, strengthening the health and medical support infrastructure around the industry.
Around the airport, an Aviation Village, billed for commissioning later this month, is taking shape as an integrated ecosystem of services and businesses designed to support a modern aviation hub.

The supporting infrastructure is equally significant: a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, banking services, an Instrument Landing System (ILS), an aviation workshop, a 3.6-kilometre runway, two taxiways and a massive aircraft apron.
These are more than infrastructure statistics. They represent connectivity, jobs, skills, investment, tourism, trade and economic opportunity.

The runway and apron provide the physical capacity for efficient aircraft operations. The ILS enhances operational reliability in challenging weather conditions. The MRO facility and aviation workshop create opportunities for technical employment, aircraft servicing and skills development. The aviation hospital provides specialised support, while the Aviation Village creates space for businesses to thrive around the airport.

Perhaps most importantly, the 14 indigenous pilots and 21 Akwa Ibom aviation engineers represent something beyond concrete and steel. They represent human capital—the knowledge, skills and expertise required to sustain the industry and pass its benefits on to future generations.

Victor Attah International Airport is therefore not merely an airport. It is a gateway, an economic platform and a statement of ambition. Milestone 1 of 39.

Today, we give thanks for an aviation sector that is increasingly connecting Akwa Ibom to Nigeria, Africa and the wider world. One airport. More connectivity. More capacity. More opportunities.

17/08/2026

UYO SENATORIAL DISTRICT MEDIA PROFESSIONALS FORUM

Date: 17 August 2026

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The Board of Trustees/Governing Council of the Uyo Senatorial District Media Professionals Forum is pleased to announce that, at its 35th Enlarged Meeting, it considered and approved the election of officers who shall pilot the affairs of the Forum following the expiration of the tenure of the previous Executive Officers.

The election is conducted in accordance with the governing provisions of the Forum and is intended to provide effective leadership, professional coordination, continuity and responsible administration of the affairs and activities of the Forum.

The following officers have accordingly been elected to serve the Forum:
President — Mr. Clement Warrie

Vice President, Uyo Federal Constituency/Deputy President — Mr. Charles Akpan

Vice President, Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency — Mr. Edet Ikotidem

Vice President, Etinan Federal Constituency — Mr. Edidiong Ita

Secretary — Hon. Itorobong Umoh

Assistant Secretary — Itoro-Etas Iniobong

Treasurer — Mr. Ukara Effiong

Financial Secretary — Mr. Victor Preacher

Spokesperson — Mr. Ubon Marcus

Director of Contact and Mobilization — Mr. Victor Ukpong

Deputy Director of Internal Mobilization — Saviour Umana

Deputy Director of External Relations and Outreach — Comrade Samuel Bassey

Director of ICT — Mr. Destiny Young

Deputy Director of ICT — Mr. Aniekeme John

Deputy Director of ICT, Graphics Design — Iberedem Peter

Director of New Media — Mr. Richard Okon

Deputy Director of New Media — Kingsley Edet

Director of Content — Anamati Inyang

Director of Ethics and Professional Standards — Comrade Henshaw Nyong

Director of Programmes — Mr. Godwin Edet

Deputy Director of Programmes — Iniobong Samuel Iwaudofia

Director of Print Media — Mr. Etebong Akpan

Deputy Director of Print Media — Comrade Uwem Ekoh

Director of Electronic Media — Comrade Courage Mbon

Deputy Director of Electronic Media — Stephen Uwah

Director of Visuals — Mr. Goodwealth Bassey

Deputy Director of Visuals — Idorenyin Inyang

Director of Research and Analytics — Mr. Cavil Uduak Inwang

Deputy Director of Research and Analytics — Mr. Iniobong Ituen

Director of Strategy, Secretariat Support — Mr. Linus Effiong

Ex Officio — Mr. Ephraim Ikpe

The elected officers are expected to assume their respective responsibilities forthwith and conduct themselves in accordance with the Constitution, policies and decisions of the Forum and the directives of the Board of Trustees/Governing Council.

The Board of Trustees congratulates all the newly elected officers and charges them to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, integrity, commitment, discipline and respect for the collective interests of the Forum.

The Board further calls on all members of the Uyo Senatorial District Media Professionals Forum to give the newly elected officers the necessary cooperation and support required to advance the objectives, unity, growth and professional standing of the Forum.

Yours faithfully,

Venerable Richard Peters
Secretary
Board of Trustees/Governing Council

Comrade Joseph Okon
Chairman
Board of Trustees/Governing Council

13/08/2026

A’Ibom 2027: If you lose reelection bid, blame your SSG; Uwah – APC members warn Gov Eno

“They treat us like visitors in our own house" - Aggrieved APC stalwarts By Utibe Daniel, Ubokutom Effiong and Ekanem Iniko Members of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State have issued a blunt warning to Governor Umo Eno ahead of the 2027 elections: his political survival, the

11/08/2026

UMO ENO: RAISING THE HUMAN STANDARD IN GOVERNANCE

By Clement Warrie

Two weeks ago, when images of beneficiaries of the ARISE Free Food Programme alongside the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga were viciously mauled by opposition-led social media mob, the cruelty was almost too painful to watch.
Their intent was simply to ridicule the compassion that now defines Governance in the Golden Era.

Those photos were harmless. In fact, what surfaced online, in both graphics and scale, is only half the human story of Governor Umo Eno’s compassionate side of governance.

The real impact is deeper, more touching, and well beyond the fulminations of a few critics.

As one who travels often with the food team, I have seen it with my own eyes. In Oron, Okobo, Nsit Ubium, Nsit Atai, Ini, Ika, Urue-Offong/Oruko, and most recently in Eket and Ibeno. Each time the scenes are almost the same, with small variations: large crowds, anxious faces, mothers standing in line, a father gripping his food voucher, a widow with worry etched on her brow. Among them were persons with disabilities, also waiting and hoping.

You can almost hear the questions in their hearts: Will the food be enough for everyone in this crowd? Will it reach me?

And when they have received the food, you witness the joy on their faces. The spring in their steps. Some break into song, thanking the hands that remembered them with food at a time when the rains would not let them reach their farms.

In Okobo, an elderly man caught my eye. Rice in one hand, walking stick in the other, he kept lifting his stick toward the heavens. This was thanksgiving to the Almighty God.

In Ika Local Government Area, there was an unexpected drama. Two elderly women, sacks of rice and beans clutched tightly in their hands, broke into spontaneous song in praise of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Onlookers smiled, shook their heads, and gently corrected them. “No. This one is from Governor Umo Eno.”
They paused. Looked at each other. Then launched into a second verse.
This time, Governor Umo Eno’s name rang out.

This flagship initiative, the ARISE Free Food programme, was launched in 2023 with an allocation of 5,000 food packs for each of the state's 31 Local Government Areas. Through the first three phases, over 650,000 bags of rice and beans were handed out to vulnerable groups including widows, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and low-income households. Over time, the programme has grown into one of the most recognized welfare interventions under the ARISE Agenda with 876,000 household as beneficiaries.

In Eket recently, the Council Secretariat filled up early. Seven thousand food vouchers had already been issued, and the team from the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, led by General Manager Hon. Unyime Etim, arrived to redeem them one by one.

What has repeatedly caught my attention, apart from the large number of beneficiaries, is the meticulous planning, care, thoughtfulness and humanity that has gone into this programme implementation.

“This food is brought almost to our doorstep.” Said Nse Obot, a beneficiary in Eket. “It would have been difficult for us and our family to travel to Uyo to get this food,”

That small operational detail speaks volume. Anietie Usen, SSA to the Governor on Media and Publicity and editor of ARISE Project Impact newspaper, called it “A Novel Chapter of Care” in his editorial headline, and insists elsewhere in the publication that the outreach has gone beyond politics.

“The measure of leadership is the life it touches and the difference the programme is making in the lives of Akwa Ibom people,” said Usen.

Hon. Unyime Etim, General Manager of the State Bulk Purchase Agency, said all the beneficiaries of the programme are pulled from the Social Register. He described the register as a non-political database built with World Bank support, and assisted by aides to the governor at ward level to identify and reach the most vulnerable demographic.

“The Social Register exists because the government of Governor Umo Eno is transparent and wants the food to actually reach the vulnerable people it was meant for.” Said Etim.

Since the beginning of this administration, Governor Umo Eno has made the empowerment of the vulnerable and marginalized a priority.
Over 2,000 female youths, widows, and rural women have been equipped with entrepreneurial training and supported with grants ranging from ₦250,000 to several million Naira — investments meant to give them not just a fighting chance at life but sustainable livelihood.

Senior citizens aged 65 and above have been placed on a monthly stipend of N50,000 to help cushion age-related stress.

Most significantly, over 465 families have received compassionate homes across the state’s 31 Local Government Areas.

The Hon. Commissioner for Information Elder Aniekan Umana, has a special name for Governor Umo Eno. He calls him Mr. Compassion. “Everything he does is infused with compassion, reaching out across all segments and trickling down to the grassroots. He makes doing good look attractive and easy. This is the positive side of an overdose of compassion, with no side effects.” Umana said.

Let it be known, what we are seeing in Akwa Ibom State under Governor Umo Eno has no precedent.
It is leadership anchored on one principle, the dignity of the human person.

“To those of you struggling to put food on your table,” said Governor Umo Eno during his inaugural address on May 29, 2023. “I will be your champion. I came from your stock.”

27/07/2026

OBONGAWAN EKPO OHO CELEBRATES MRS. COMFORT JOHNSON ANTIA ON RETIREMENT AFTER 27 YEARS OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River Basin Development Authority (CRBDA), Obongawan (Mrs.) Glory Ekpo Oho, has congratulated Mrs. Comfort Johnson Antia, on her retirement after over twenty-seven years of dedicated and exemplary service to the Authority.

In a goodwill message issued on behalf of the Management and Staff of the Authority, the MD described Mrs. Antia, as a committed, professional, and highly dependable officer whose contributions significantly strengthened the Authority's financial management system.

Obongawan Ekpo Oho noted that Mrs. Antia served with integrity, diligence, and exceptional competence throughout her career, including her roles as the Authority's Auditor and later as a Deputy Director in the Accounts Department.

She commended her wealth of experience, sound judgement, and unwavering commitment to excellence, describing her as a calm and level-headed accountant whose legacy will continue to inspire present and future generations of staff.

The CRBDA's Chief Executive thanked Mrs. Antia for her invaluable service and outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the Authority, praying that her retirement would usher in a new phase of good health, peace, fulfilment, and abundant blessings.

She wished Mrs. Comfort Johnson Antia, a happy, rewarding, and fulfilling retirement.

(C) Media Unit
Office of the MD, CRBDA

16/06/2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR DEAR BOSS AND BENEFACTOR, OBONGAWAN (MRS.) Glory Ekpo OHO

Today, we celebrate a rare gem,
A shining light of grace and wisdom.
A leader whose kindness speaks volumes,
A heart that gives and inspires.

May your new age bloom with joy,
May your path shine with endless favour,
May heaven bless your days with peace,
And crown your efforts with greater glory.

Your life is a blessing, your service a gift,
Your impact a story worth celebrating.

Happy Birthday, our dear Boss and Benefactor.
May your smiles never fade and your blessings never cease.

With love and warm wishes,

Media Unit,
Office of the MD, CRBDA

10/06/2026

‎
‎NSIT UBIUM AMALGAMATED MEDIA FORUM WARNS AGAINST ATTACKS ON GOV. UMO ENO
‎
‎The Nsit Ubium Amalgamated Media Forum (NUAMF) has issued a strong warning against what it described as sustained attacks and defamatory campaigns targeting the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, a proud son of Nsit Ubium.
‎
‎In a recent statement released by its President, Mr. Ukokekong Richmonds, the forum condemned what it termed “escalating political brigandage, calumny, and insidious subterfuge” directed at the governor, alleging that such actions are aimed at causing division and defaming the esteemed personality of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno.
‎
‎The group strongly defended Governor Eno’s leadership, noting that his administration has demonstrated “a principled commitment to peace, inclusive governance, and accelerated infrastructural development” in line with the ARISE Agenda.
‎
‎NUAMF described attempts to undermine the governor’s reputation as “dishonest, reprehensible, and a direct assault on the collective sensibility of the people of Akwa Ibom State.”
‎
‎The forum further declared that its patience had been exhausted, warning that it would no longer tolerate what it described as defamation, harassment, and cyberbullying against the governor. It cautioned individuals and groups against spreading false information or engaging in blackmail under the guise of political commentary.
‎
‎According to the statement, specific “red lines” have now been established, including:
‎The spread of malicious falsehoods against the governor;
‎Coordinated cyberbullying or incitement to hatred; and
‎Acts of blackmail and deceptive political narratives.
‎
‎The forum stressed that any violation of these boundaries would attract what it described as an “immediate and commensurate response.”
‎
‎Reaffirming its position, the group stated that the people of Nsit Ubium remain united in defending Governor Umo Eno and called for political discourse in the state to be guided strictly by facts rather than misinformation.

10/06/2026

Rt. Hon. (Barr) Bob Otobong, PhD always proactive, outspoken and watchdog of his constituents.

His vision and commitment to the people of Nsit Ubium State constituency @ AKHA remains unwavering, serving with diligence in every deliberation, loyalty to the interests of the people above all else, and sincerity of purpose in every decision made.

Dr. Bob Otobong will continue to push for policies and projects that directly improve lives, strengthen our institutions, and open up opportunities for our people and the next generation. The trust you have placed in him will never be taken lightly, and he intends to honor it through action, not just words.

A Performing Representative.

Hon. Bob Otobong for Continuity.