Ibomplaza News Blog

12/09/2025

Food is Done: World Jollof Day — Hilda Baci Set To Break Record With Largest Pot

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

GIFA Half Hour: Book Club Program for the Cultivating Reading Habit in Children…@ Memories 96.5 FM

12/09/2025

EXCERPTS FROM THE AKWA IBOM STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2025

The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council met on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Uyo.

The meeting was presided over by the Governor and Chairman of Council, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD. In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Senator(Dr) Akon Eyakenyi; the Secretary to the State Government; the Head of the Civil Service; the Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor; Honourable Commissioners; and Special Advisers.

In his opening remarks, the Governor welcomed Council members and charged them to demonstrate greater commitment and drive towards the full realization of the ARISE Agenda for the overall development of the State.

* In line with the need to realign priorities and provide for emerging expenditures in government projects and programmes, Council considered a memorandum from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for a 2025 Supplementary Budget Estimate and approved an augmentation to the sum of ₦695 billion. With this approval, the total budget size for 2025 now stands at ₦1.65 trillion, comprising ₦125,664,328,180 for Recurrent Expenditure and ₦569,335,671,820 for Capital Expenditure, incorporated into the original appropriation of ₦955 billion.

* Council also approved the amendment of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Law of Akwa Ibom State, raising it from ₦980 billion to ₦1.7 trillion. The supplementary budget is expected to provide for the implementation of the new minimum wage and personnel emoluments, allowances for NYSC members serving in the State and Akwa Ibom NYSC members serving outside the State, emergency flood and erosion control, completion of ongoing projects affected by inflation, construction of new infrastructure across the State, purchase of Ibom CNG Mass Transit buses, funding for newly created Ministries of Sports, Digital Economy, Humanitarian Services and the Bureau of Rural Development and Cooperatives, the Tree Crop Revolution programme, construction of new housing estates, renovation of the House of Assembly complex, capital provisions for the acquisition of new aircraft, and the development of the ARISE Shopping City.

* Council also undertook a comprehensive review of the State’s healthcare development roadmap, after which His Excellency the Governor declared a State of Emergency on the Health Sector to accelerate reforms and deliver efficient healthcare services. Key directives under this emergency regime include further upgrade of medical facilities across the State, reopening of the recruitment portal and engagement of 2,000 healthcare workers, with the VIN requirement waived for applicants. Council further directed the upgrading of health training institutions, enrollment and training of health professionals, as well as the engagement of retired but willing medical personnel on contract basis. To ensure effective implementation of the emergency regime, an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee was constituted. Membership of the committee include:
1. Dr Ekem Emmanuel John- HC, Health - (Chairman)
2. Dr Frank Ekpenyong, HC, Science & Digital Economy
3. Dr Aniekan Umanah- HC, information
4. Elder Effiong Essien- Head of the Civil Service
5. Dr Linus Nkan- HC, Budget & Economic Development
6. Dr Ekerette Ekanem, HC Youth Development
7. Prof Ubong Umoh, HC Education
8. Hon. Ikoedem Ekong- HC, Labour & Manpower planning
9. Hon Mrs Inibehe Silas, HC, Women Affairs & Social Welfare
10. Rt. Hon Udo Kerian Akpan, SA, Labour
11. Dr Usenobong Morgan- PPG/SSA Medicals
12. Dr Pat Essiet- PS, Health

* Council also received an update on the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Akwa Ibom Geographic Information System (AKWAGIS) projects and fixed October 15, 2025, as the launch date.

The TSA is designed to improve Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), block leakages, strengthen fiscal transparency and accountability, and enable real-time revenue tracking through automation. The AKWAGIS initiative will provide comprehensive land management data, ensure seamless digitized processes, and facilitate instant issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) in the State.

The meeting rose at 6:00PM

Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah
Commissioner for Information
September 12, 2025

12/09/2025

Rt. Hon. Oto Aaron , the Executive Chairman of Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State is working as Free Holidays Skills Tech Training for Students of the area ends on a good note ahead of school resumption on Monday.

12/09/2025

Akwa Ibom NLC Set To Shelve Planned Protest As More Unions Withdraw Support

In a swift reaction, labour unions within the Akwa Ibom State civil service have distanced themselves from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)-planned industrial action scheduled for Monday, September 15, 2025.

Facing an apparent failure of the industrial action as more affiliate unions withdrawn support, the chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Sunny James has scheduled an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council, comprising members of the State Administrative Council and state chairmen and secretaries of all the affiliate Unions.

Members of SEC who forwarded the notice of the emergency SEC meeting posted on the NLC SEC platform to journalists said the NLC chairperson is on his own on the issue.

Already, affiliate unions, including the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Akwa Ibom State chapters, have announced their withdrawal from the proposed industrial action in separate statements.

NULGE POSITION

NULGE, in a joint statement signed by the Akwa Ibom State President, Comrade Anestina Iweh and State Secretary, Comrade Ofunne Christopher Chidi, described the planned protest as a "personal vendetta."
The union cited Gov. Umo Eno's strides in clearing gratuity arrears from 2014-2018 and ongoing payments for 2019, prompt pension payments, settlement of leave grants, and payment of promotion arrears as reasons for their non-participation. "With these strides, NULGE sees no justification to participate in the proposed NLC protest," the statement reads.
NULGE reaffirmed its loyalty to the governor, stating, "We stand firmly with the governor and pledge our continued solidarity with his administration."

NUP'S POSITION
Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Akwa Ibom State Chapter has expressed displeasure over the planned protest, deeming the NLC's step as "wrong."
The pensioners noted that the major demand for a ₦32,000 pension increase had already been discussed with the Head of Service of Akwa Ibom State, Elder Effiong Essien on August 26, 2025.
'The implementation date is not yet due. We, therefore, direct all our members not to join the protest, but to await the outcome of the agreement already reached with the Head of Civil Service," the union explained in a communiqué.

JPSNC'S RESOLUTION
The Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), following an emergency meeting on September 10 at the AUPTRE Secretariat, Uyo, reviewed the NLC's grievances and declared that its members will not take part in the planned protest due to divisions within the labour movement.

JPSNC stated that the meeting discussed the proposed NLC protest arising from the posting of three staff of the Akwa Ibom State Assembly Commission to other Ministries, Department and Agency (MDAs) and the non-implementation of the N32,000 pension increase approved by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) in collaboration with the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission ( RMAFC) and recommended by the Akwa Ibom State Minimum Wage Negotiation and Implementation Committee 2024.
"Given the divisions within the labour movement, we are not part of the planned NLC protest.
'We urge the government and unions to embrace dialogue, noting that it is better to jaw-jaw rather than war-war-in resolving all outstanding labour issues," the Council resolved.

The resolution was signed by Comrade Etido Udo, Chairman, and Comrade Kingsley Ekong, Secretary of the JPSNC

THE POSITION OF AKWA IBOM STATE GOVERNMENT'
Speaking on a Radio progrmme anchored by Passion FM, yesterday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Relations, Sir Udo Kerian, maintained that the issues in contention were settled matters, adding that there was no need for any protest or industrial by unions or individuals.

He said that the three staff of the Akwa Ibom State Assembly Service Commission are employees of the State Government, adding that the Government, being their employer has every right to redeploy them to the MDAs.

He cited a particular instance in the redeployment of Akparawa James Edet, now the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information from the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation some years ago to the ministry.

Kieran also cited the posting of staff from the MDAs to the House of Assembly as Clerk.

One of the affected staff, Sir Jeremiah Efe, an accountant and Director of Account and Finance at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, has dissociated himself from the planned protest in a letter to the Head of Civil Service.

'I wish to make it categorically clear that I am neither in support nor the sponsor of any protest by the NLC, PASAN, or their affiliates. I remain loyal to the government of Akwa Ibom State as I prepare for my retirement from service' Efe stated in his letter.

12/09/2025

Akwa Ibom Governor's Aide tasks citizens on PVC registration.. flays the erosion of ethical values

By Aniekan Sunday

Citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom State have been tasked to ensure they go out en masse to participate in the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise so they can exercise their Democratic franchise in future elections.

Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Ethical Orientation, Rev. Osondu Ahirika, PhD gave the charge during an interview programme, FOCUS 45 AM broadcast on AKBC Television Channel 113 on Startimes on Thursday, while explaining the importance of obtaining the Permanent Voter Card, PVC.

Dr Ahirika who argued that Citizens have no right to complain about bad governance when they decline participating in the political process of registration as eligible voters and actual voting argued that bad governments persist because of people who refuse to vote.

The Akwa Ibom Governor's aide urged Citizens who have reached the voting age of 18, those who lost, damaged and wish to replace their voter card, as well as those who have relocated and wish to transfer their voting right to a new polling unit to visit the nearest office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to do so.

Dr Ahirika stressed that only those who get registered would be able to make their choices during the upcoming 2027 general elections. While urging religious, traditional and political leaders as well as civil society groups, sociocultural organisations and political support groups to sensitise and mobilise the people to fully participate in the exercise, he revealed plans to embark on mass sensitisation rallies to reinforce the importance of the exercise.

On his agenda to achieve ethical orientation, Dr Ahirika who thanked Governor Umo Eno for the opportunity given him to serve vowed to leave no stone unturned in tackling social vices including cultism, drug abuse, fake news, cyberbullying, truancy and vandalism of public infrastructure among others.

He expressed deep worry over the apparent erosion of social values including the culture of respect for constituted authority, hard work, loyalty, integrity, and moral rectitude, even as some misguided persons are making a vile profession of peddling rumours, spreading fake news and political blackmail.

He however called on the people to resist all appearances of evil and not lose faith in God, expressing optimism that attaining mindset reorientation, attitudinal change and social responsibility is possible once people imbibe the right ethics and values that make life worthwhile.

11/09/2025

FG Removes 5% Telecom Tax On Voice Calls And Data

11/09/2025

FG announces new requirement for opening and operating bank account

From January, 2026, Nigerians and non-residents will not be able to open or operate a bank account without a Tax Identification (Tax ID).

The new rule, contained in the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on June 26, 2025.
The Act also makes a Tax ID compulsory for insurance, stock market transactions, and contracts with federal and state governments.
According to the new rule, every taxable person must register with the relevant authority to obtain a Tax ID card.

Ministries, departments, and agencies at federal, state, and local levels are equally expected to secure Tax IDs.

11/09/2025

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION APPLAUDS GOV ENO ON INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVT, INVESTMENTS IN TOURISM

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Lagos, Jonny Baxter, has applauded the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for his remarkable, visionary and impactful leadership as anchored by the ARISE Agenda.

Speaking during a courtesy visit on Governor Eno at Government House, Uyo, Mr Baxter said he was really impressed by the friendly ambience of the State, adding that the infrastructure, especially road network were pointers to quality leadership.

He particularly expressed satisfaction with the exceptional service delivery by the state-owned airline, Ibom Air, and described it as one of the best airlines in this part of the world.

He further said that Ibom Air was a major avenue to boost the rich tourism and hospitality potentials of the State, adding that the State also has a huge potential in agriculture given its green and lush environment.

"The Commission in Lagos has a commercial focus and we are looking at business and trade in the southern areas. I want to get as many Southern States as I can, and I have long been looking forward to getting to Akwa Ibom State, and the reason is reinforced by Ibom Air which to my mind feels like one of the best flight carriers for the State in so many ways and everyone should be extraordinary proud of it.

"I have been impressed by what I have seen so far here. I have barely been here for 24 hours but already the infrastructure, the roads, are very clearly balanced, and just looking at the scenery here, how green and lush Akwa Ibom is, I can really see the agriculture potential of the State and other investments," he said.

The British envoy assured the Government of his country's readiness to partner with the State on key economic areas to promote investments and ensure good bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Britain, and the sub-nationals, with a duty-free trade assurance.

Receiving Mr. Baxter and his team, Governor Umo Eno commended the delegation, acknowledging Nigeria's age-long historical relationship with the United Kingdom and its diverse humanitarian programmes.

"This special relationship has also been extended to the sub-nationals, like ours. It may interest you to know that in recognition of this special relationship, my administration has been working with the Tony Blair Institute in strategic areas, particularly tourism development, and I commend them for their kind partnership with us," he said.

He disclosed that the State Government had in recent past, sponsored students from the State for strategic educational tour to the United Kingdom to enrich their knowledge and expose them to a different learning environment.

According to Governor Eno, the idea was to make them see the limitless possibilities in life to underscore the fact that places of their birth cannot limit them if they are focused on learning, and are disciplined enough.

"That was basically done to show them that the world actually is a stage where everyone can play. That was the motivation for that trip, and it is paying off. We are planning a second trip. We hope we can partner with the Commission to help with that trip," he noted.

The Governor revealed that the State is developing its economic zones, including the Liberty Oil and Gas free trade zones, Ibom Industrial City, and Itam Industrial Park in Uyo.

"We want to work with an investor to power the Park so that it can run off- grid and provide power to industries that want to operate there."

Governor Eno further highlighted projects planned to be kick-started by the State to include: Tree crop revolution, Ikot Ekpene International Market, Rural Electrification Project, etc.

"Let me also inform you that Akwa Ibom is the first sub-national in Nigeria to create an Aviation Ecosystem, and we are seriously building on that.

"Apart from Ibom Air, we are nearing the completion of our MRO, and we would like to look for opportunities for managers or people that can help manage that MRO and our terminal building too."

Governor Eno reeled out the potentials and positive ripple effects of the State's ARISE Resort to be completed and inaugurated before the year runs out, reiterating that the Resort promises to be a tourist hub in the country.

Impressed by the Governor's achievement within two years as captured by a brief documentary presentation, Mr. Baxter thereafter took a tour of some facilities of the State government especially the ARISE Resort, and expressed satisfaction with the project transformed from a 70 - hectare erosion ravine disaster.

Other members of the delegation were; the Country Director, Department for Business and Trade, Lagos, Mark Smithson; Senior Political Adviser, Head, British High Commission South South Regional Office, Dr. Fortune Alfred; and Senior Political Adviser, British Deputy High Commission, Lagos, Wale Adebajo.

On hand to receive the delegation with the Governor were; the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson; members of the State Executive Council and other government officials.

11/09/2025

GOV ENO EXTOLS A'IBOM STARS IN DIASPORA..says MOU with REA fitting prelude to proposed State Power Summit

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has expressed delight over the exploits of Akwa Ibom indigenes in their different fields of endeavour across the world.

Governor Eno registered his delight while interacting with Government House Correspondents at the Victor Attah International Airport upon his return from United Kingdom where he met with British-based boxer of Akwa Ibom heritage, Moses Itauma, and Mayor of Islington, Jason Utitofon.

Governor Eno stated that in the course of his trip, he met with the two illustrious sons of the state and expressed the good wishes of Akwa Ibom people on their spectacular exploits.

He described them as role models whose successes are worthy of emulation by other Akwa Ibom youths.

The Governor encouraged Akwa Ibom youths to imbibe the true Akwa Ibom spirit and to desist from harboring a sense of entitlement, but to uphold the virtue of hard work, dedication, sacrifice and commitment in their pursuit of excellence.

"We have said it and it has become our practice that wherever we find an Akwa Ibomite who has excelled in his or her chosen field, we would celebrate and support them.

"Part of my visit to the UK was to meet with Moses Itauma, the boxing Champion and to also meet with the Mayor of Islington, Utiofon Jackson who is also our son from Ika Local Government Area.

"These two have done well, they have excelled. This is the second time we are having a Mayor of Akwa Ibom extraction, the first being Mayor Ukeme Awakessien- Jeter of Upper Arlington, Ohio, in the USA, and this one is in the UK.

"You know there is no godfather in these things, you have to be the best. So we needed to take the good wishes of Akwa Ibomites to them and encourage them," he said.

In a related development, the Governor also explained that the Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, he earlier signed with the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, regarding the state's rural electrification project, would guarantee 24 hour power supply in the State.

Governor Eno signed the MOU during the Rural Electrification Roundtable organized by REA, which he attended in FCT Abuja shortly after his arrival from the UK.

He added that the State Electricity Power Summit scheduled for September 18th and 19th, to be held in collaboration with the REA would bring power to the unserved and under-served communities which are not linked to the national grid.

"It buttress the fact that we must give Akwa Ibomites a 24/7 reliable power supply. As you are aware, we have our Electricity Power Summit on the 18th and 19th of this month, this is a prelude

"We are working with the Rural Electrification Agency that has funding to bring power to the under-served and unserved communities in Akwa Ibom State, that can not be linked to the national grid," he explained.