Ibomplaza News Blog

11/08/2026

11/08/2026

Ask your vendor for a copy of Plaza Newspaper.

10/08/2026

WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK: GIFA LEAD HAILS NSIT IBOM CHAIRMAN ON MASSIVE MATERNITY SUPPLIES

The Executive Chairman of Nsit Ibom LGA, Rt Hon. Otobong Aaron today, 10th August 2026, received commendation for her magnanamous support to women and mothers in the LG from the Team Lead of Golden Initiatives For All (GIFA), Pastor Ann Abraham.

Pastor Abraham gave the commendation during activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week at the Operational Base, Primary Health Centre, Afaha Offiong, where the Executive Chairman presented maternity items to expectant and nursing mothers.

She lauded the Chairman for her developmental strides across Nsit Ibom, particularly her intervention in supporting mothers with essential maternity supplies, noting that such initiatives would go a long way in promoting the wellbeing of mothers and their babies.

The Executive Chairman, Rt. Hon. Otobong Aaron, in her message, urged nursing mothers in Nsit Ibom to breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first six months and continue breastfeeding thereafter, in line with recommended maternal and child health practices.

She also encouraged expectant and nursing mothers to maintain clean and healthy environments for their babies, stressing the importance of proper care and nourishment during the early stages of a child's development.

Speaking further, Pastor Abraham urged mothers to embrace breastfeeding and give their newborn babies the nutritional benefits of breast milk, while commending the Local Government Council for prioritising maternal and child health.

Other stakeholders at the event, including the Supervisor for Health, Mrs. Ekaette Ossom; wife of the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Grace Ubong Umoh; and former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Helen Ukpabio, also advised mothers to breastfeed their babies properly and ensure they receive adequate care and nourishment.

The event, which brought together health stakeholders, mothers and other members of the community, was organised to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week and promote awareness of the importance of breastfeeding to the health and development of children.

The highpoint of the celebration was the presentation of maternity supplies of clothes hangers, mothercare bathing sets, diapers, sanitary towels, toiletories, etc. by the Executive Chairman and the supplies from GIFA to expectant and nursing mothers.

The Council Secretary, Mrs. Iyakndue Unaam, Councillors, Hon. Unwongo Umoh, Hon Otobong, Ekpeno Daniel, Supervisors, Mrs. Comfort Usoro, Ekaette Ossom, Mboutidem Akpan, Princess Goodness James, HOLS Mr. Aniefiok Oyoh, Dir of Admin. Health. Lady Grace Umoh, the Governor on Female Youth Mobilization, Mrs. Esta Samuel Bob, Mrs. Amayo Umoh, Mrs. Nsikak Ikpe, Hon. Christiana Ekong, Hon. Deac. Regina Ikpatt, Mfon Udo, and many others witnessed the epoch event.

10/08/2026

40 OF 50 CNG BUSES ARRIVE AS AKWA IBOM PREPARES FOR AFFORDABLE MASS TRANSIT

The Akwa Ibom State Government has received another batch of 10 Compressed Natural Gas buses, bringing the total number delivered under Governor Umo Eno’s mass transit programme to 40.

The buses arrived in Uyo on Monday, August 10, 2026. The delivery means the State has received 80 per cent of the 50 buses promised by the Governor, with the remaining 10 expected to arrive soon.

The programme aims to provide residents with a more affordable and efficient public transportation system, especially as rising transport costs continue to affect households, workers and businesses.

Receiving the buses, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Anthony Luke, said the delivery reflected Governor Eno’s commitment to addressing the transportation needs of residents.

He explained that the administration was combining the acquisition of buses with the development of supporting infrastructure. He added that work on the CNG terminal was progressing and would be completed within the scheduled timeframe.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso, described the delivery as further evidence that the administration was fulfilling its transportation promise.

“The Governor promised that 50 buses would be procured to boost transportation, and today, we have seen 40 of those buses arrive,” Ndueso said.

He also linked the mass transit programme to the expansion of the State’s road network. According to him, the roads being constructed and rehabilitated across Akwa Ibom will support the smooth movement of the buses between communities.

“Beyond these buses, if you go around Akwa Ibom State, you will see a good network of roads that will ensure smooth movement across the nooks and crannies of the State,” he stated.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Mr Aniefiok George, said residents were particularly interested in the programme because of its potential to reduce transport costs.

“Akwa Ibom people are happy because they know that this will bring relief and reduce the cost of transportation,” George said.

With 40 buses already delivered and work progressing on the CNG terminal, the State is moving closer to commencing a mass transit system designed to reduce transport costs and improve connectivity across Akwa Ibom.

10/08/2026

VILLAGE YOUTH PRESIDENTS TO HAVE THREE-YEAR TENURE IN A’IBOM, WOMEN NOT EXCLUDED - COMMISSIONER

~Emma Akpabio

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, has disclosed that village youth presidents in the state will henceforth serve a three-year tenure, with the opportunity to seek a second term after the expiration of their first term.

Dr. Ekanem made the disclosure on Monday during “Arise Akwa Ibom” - a live radio program on Comfort 95.1 FM in Uyo, where he explained ongoing reforms by the state government aimed at strengthening youth leadership and participation at the grassroots.

The Commissioner clarified that the three-year tenure is a new policy that takes effect from this year, irrespective of how long an incumbent may have previously served.

“The tenure we are talking about starts from this year. What this means is that even if someone has been a president in the past years, his three-year tenure commences this year,” he stated.

He added that village youth presidents would be eligible to contest for a second term after the expiration of their first three-year tenure.

Dr. Ekanem also declared that female youths are eligible to contest for the position of village youth president, urging young women across the state to become more involved in grassroots leadership.

According to him, gender should not be a barrier to leadership, stressing that women have demonstrated their capacity to lead at the highest levels.

“If women can become presidents of countries, they can also become village youth presidents,” he said, encouraging female youths to take advantage of the opportunity and actively participate in the leadership process.

The Commissioner further disclosed that the Ministry is currently collating data from the 2,272 village youth presidents across Akwa Ibom State as part of an ongoing verification exercise.

He explained that the eligible age limit for occupying the position is clearly stated on the validation forms being used for the exercise, adding that the process is designed to establish an accurate and credible database of youth leaders across the state.

Dr. Ekanem also announced that, as part of the ongoing reforms, elections for village youth presidents across the 2,272 villages in the state would henceforth be conducted simultaneously.

He said the move would ensure uniformity in the electoral process, provide a common tenure cycle and strengthen coordination among village youth leadership structures across the state.

The Commissioner, who showered praises on Governor Umo Bassey Eno for his commitment to youth development, said that upon completion of the verification exercise, all duly verified village youth presidents would be fully integrated into the state’s security architecture through the Ibom Community Watch.

He explained that the integration would strengthen community-level intelligence gathering and security coordination, given the strategic position of village youth leaders within their communities.

Dr. Ekanem called on village heads, traditional rulers and other community stakeholders to cooperate with village youth presidents and support them in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He said such cooperation was necessary to enable the youth leaders to effectively deliver on their core mandates and contribute meaningfully to the development, peace and security of their respective communities.

The Commissioner urged all stakeholders and village youth leaders to embrace the ongoing reforms, describing them as part of efforts to build a more coordinated, inclusive and effective youth leadership structure across Akwa Ibom State.

10/08/2026

❌❌❌Enrol In The Free Biometric Registration For Commercial Tricycle (keke) & Minibus Operators

Exercise ends 30th day of August 2026

09/08/2026

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
INTERIM CLOSURE OF IBOM HOTELS AND GOLF RESORT FOR FULL RENOVATION AND STRATEGIC REPOSITIONING

1. The Government of Akwa Ibom State wishes to inform the public, valued guests, stakeholders, and employees of Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort of a strategic initiative to reposition the State’s hospitality assets for greater efficiency, sustainability, competitiveness, and long-term profitability. As part of the ongoing comprehensive rehabilitation and renewal of Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort, the facility will temporarily suspend operations to allow for the speedy completion of renovation works and the implementation of a new operational framework.

2. Effective August 22, 2026, the management of Ibom Hospitality Limited will be entrusted to ALEPH Hospitality, an internationally recognised hospitality management company. This move is aimed at introducing global best practices, professional expertise, improved service standards, operational efficiency, enhanced commercial performance and greater value to the Akwa Ibom State Government.

3.This decision follows over 18 years of continuous operation without major transformation and forms part of a long-term improvement of the state’s hospitality assets.

4. ⁠In the light of the above, the hotel management will be delighted to assist our valued customers and intending visitors and guest to the property with arranging an alternative reservation at our other Ibom hotel assets.

4.The Government of Akwa Ibom State places the highest priority on the welfare of all employees throughout this transition period and wishes to clearly state that no staff member currently employed by Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort will be laid off as a result of this transition, except those who may voluntarily choose not to continue under the new operational arrangement or those who may not have the right skill sets required by the new management team. Employees will have opportunities to continue within the State’s hospitality ecosystem, including possible placements at the Arise Palm Resort when it is open and other facilities under the new management structure.

5.The Human Resources team, in collaboration with the new management, will engage with employees to discuss available roles, deployment arrangements, training, onboarding, and other support structures required for a smooth transition. During the temporary closure, a team of employees will remain at Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort to support rehabilitation activities, safeguard the property, and ensure proper maintenance. Employees who may decide not to proceed with the new arrangement will be treated with fairness and respect and considered for future opportunities within the hospitality chain.

6.As part of the transition process, ALEPH Hospitality will engage employees, provide clarity on the new operational structure, communicate responsibilities, and facilitate the necessary training and orientation required for the successful reopening and future operations of the hospitality chain.

7.For our golf players, the golf course has been maintained by the government, and it is in good state hence it will still be open for players and visitors while the renovation of the hotel last.

8.Government appreciates the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of all staff members who have contributed to the growth and reputation of Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort. This transition represents a new chapter focused on innovation, improved service delivery, sustainable growth, and renewed opportunities. The Government remains committed to building a world-class hospitality sector that creates employment, attracts investment, promotes tourism, and strengthens Akwa Ibom State’s position as a premier tourism and business destination.

Signed:
Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, Ph.D
Honourable Commissioner for Information

Anieti N. Udofia PhD
Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism

09/08/2026

ONLY GOD CAN SAVE, GOV ENO REASSURES BELIEVERS
…urges Christians not to panic over tribulations, opposition

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged Christians not to be intimidated by opposition, conspiracies or life’s tribulations, saying only God can guarantee the safety, preservation and victory of His people.

Governor Eno gave the admonition on Sunday, August 9, 2026, while ministering at All Nations Christian Ministry International, Eket, where he preached on the topic, “My Shield.”

Drawing from Psalm 3:1-3, the Governor, who is the Undershepherd of the church, said believers should not mistake seasons of adversity for evidence of God’s absence, noting that challenges and opposition are not necessarily signs of divine abandonment.

Citing Psalm 3:2: which reads “Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God,” Governor Eno urged Christians not to allow the voices of their adversaries to weaken their faith in God’s ability to deliver them.

According to him, while people may gather against an individual, divine protection is greater than every conspiracy.

Quoting Isaiah 54:15, he said: “Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.”

The Governor also spoke on the dynamics of spiritual battles, observing that the devil could sometimes use people close to an individual to create conflict, opposition and adversity.

He cited the rebellion of Absalom against his father, King David, as an example of how opposition could arise from unexpected quarters.

The governor urged believers to remain calm when confronted with adversity, stressing that they should resist the temptation to respond to every provocation.

“Only God can save,” he said, urging Christians to place their confidence in God rather than in human calculations or assistance.

The Governor also drew lessons from David’s relationship with King Saul, noting that despite Saul’s relentless hostility towards him, David refused to retaliate when he had the opportunity to do so.

He explained that David's restraint was rooted in his recognition of Saul as the Lord's anointed, adding that believers must learn to trust God even when circumstances appear to justify retaliation.

The State Chief Executive further cautioned against attributing survival and success entirely to human intelligence, strategic planning or influential connections.

According to him, while wisdom, planning and relationships have their place, the ultimate source of preservation remains God.

The Governor, who has severally been described as a king and priest, reminded the congregation that God is both “a sun and a shield,” giving grace and glory and withholding no good thing from those who walk uprightly with Him.

He therefore encouraged believers to depend totally on God, observing that assistance from people could come with expectations and obligations, while divine help comes without such conditions.

The service which featured sessions of praises, worship, choir ministrations, special presentations and intercessory prayers, was attended by government officials and other dignitaries.

09/08/2026

GOV ENO TO A'IBOM DIASPORA: BRING YOUR SKILLS, INVESTMENTS HOME AS STATE RISES
— as AKISAN announces 40th to hold in Uyo.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged indigenes of the state in the Diaspora to deploy their expertise, skills, global exposure, networks and investments toward the development of their homeland, assuring that Akwa Ibom is steadily positioning itself as a major investment and tourism destination.

Governor Eno made the call at the gala night of the 39th annual convention of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (AKISAN), held at the Hilton Anatole Resort in Dallas, Texas, on August 8, 2026.

The Governor, who was represented by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno-Obareki, congratulated the newly re-elected AKISAN President, Engr. Dr. Mbong Ekiko, and the executive of the association, commending them for sustaining the annual convention as a platform for unity, networking, cultural celebration and the promotion of the collective interests of Akwa Ibom people in the Diaspora.

He described the convention theme, “Unleashing our Full Potential: Transforming AKISAN Together for a Brighter Tomorrow,” as timely and consistent with his administration’s determination to expand the frontiers of development through the ARISE Agenda.

Eno said his administration had recorded significant progress in healthcare, tourism, power, aviation, agriculture, education, security, infrastructure, human capital development and efforts toward the realisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport.

He urged them to see the development of Akwa Ibom as a shared responsibility, stressing that their professional expertise, exposure and international networks remained valuable assets for accelerating development at home. “You have the training, the skill set, the exposure and contacts — these are areas we expect you to bring back to add value to our development,” he said.

Highlighting the state’s healthcare investments, the Governor cited the recently unveiled 350-bed Ibom International Hospital along the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road and the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Elders’ Care Centre.

He commended AKISAN member, Dr. Ita Anwan, for responding to the state’s call to contribute her expertise to the hospital project, noting that she supervised the project from inception to completion and developed its management manual. Eno called on healthcare professionals in the Diaspora to partner with the state, particularly as the hospital has 24 specialty departments, including oncology.

On power and tourism, the Governor disclosed the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC) following the liberalisation of the electricity sector, expressing confidence that the state would provide steady and affordable power within the next year. He also said Akwa Ibom was being positioned as a tourism hub, citing the Arise Palm Resort, which, he disclosed, would be commissioned by President Bola Tinubu during the state’s anniversary celebration in September. Describing the facility as “our own Disneyland,” he invited Diaspora investors to explore opportunities in tourism, hospitality and related sectors.

Eno also highlighted the International Convention Centre, Arise Shopping City and Ibom Hotel, all located within the Tropicana axis, while in the aviation sector he described the Victor Attah International Airport Terminal as one of the smartest and most modern in the country. He disclosed that Ibom Air had commenced commercial flights from Uyo to Accra, Ghana, with plans for additional international routes, while work was advancing on the Airport Village and a hospital within the airport complex.

He said developments in roads, aviation and the Ibom Deep Seaport reflected the state’s expanding infrastructure base. “Akwa Ibom continues to Rise, and we want you to be a part of this great journey of growth,” he told the Diaspora community.

The Governor further noted the administration’s social investment programmes, including the payment of backlog gratuities and the construction of 461 solar-powered Compassionate Homes for vulnerable residents. He said the government was also investing in agriculture and food security, human capital development, transportation, the blue economy, security, housing and sports, while 85 other audacious projects were being executed across various sectors. He encouraged Diaspora investors to explore opportunities such as the Ewet Luxury Housing Estate.

Pastor Eno urged Akwa Ibom people abroad not to lose sight of developments at home, challenging them to emulate the Indian, Chinese and Irish Diaspora communities whose knowledge, skills, investments and global networks contributed to the transformation of their respective countries.

“While you are living and flourishing here, don’t lose sight of what is happening back home,” he said, urging them to become ambassadors of Akwa Ibom and help attract investors and visitors to the state, which he described as “a shining city on the hill, bold, inviting, enchanting and welcoming.”

Earlier, at the Governor’s Town Hall meeting with a cross-section of Akwa Ibom indigenes in the Diaspora, the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, delivered a comprehensive visual presentation detailing the accomplishments of the Eno administration in line with the ARISE Agenda. The presentation highlighted major completed, ongoing and planned projects across infrastructure, healthcare, tourism, aviation, power, agriculture, education, security, human capital development and social investment, giving the Diaspora audience a broader view of the administration’s development trajectory.

The state delegation to the convention, led by Lady Helen Eno-Obareki, included the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah; wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Inemesit Uwah; former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Ini Adiakpan; Delivery Advisor, Senior Citizens Centre, Dr. Itawan James; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on UK and Europe, Mr. Friday Akpan.

The convention witnessed the swearing-in of Engr. Dr. Mbong Ekiko for a second term as President of AKISAN following his re-election. In his remarks, Ekiko commended Governor Eno for what he described as the numerous developmental strides recorded by the administration across critical sectors of the state, as well as its deliberate efforts to strengthen partnership and engagement with the Akwa Ibom Diaspora.

In recognition of these strides and the growing partnership between the state and its Diaspora community, the AKISAN Council announced its resolution to host the association’s 40th convention in 2027 in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. The decision was received with enthusiasm by delegates and members.

09/08/2026