The Edge News

27/08/2026

UniUyo// Sign-out activities

Why we banned Sign-Out activities — UniUyo

By Etoro-obong Inyang

The University of Uyo (UNIUYO) has explained that its decision to ban sign-out activities and related gatherings by final-year students was necessitated by concerns over “unwholesome activities” that have increasingly characterised such celebrations at the end of final examinations.
In an internal memorandum dated August 26, 2026, the university management said the activities were inconsistent with the standards of conduct expected of students and contravened the Matriculation Pledge taken upon admission.
The memorandum, signed by the Registrar, Blossom Okorie, and addressed to the university community, announced a total prohibition of sign-out activities within all campuses of the institution.
"The Management has observed with concern the unwholesome activities being carried out by students at the conclusion of their final examinations,” the memorandum stated.
According to the university, the development prompted the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Christopher Ekong, to direct that “all forms of sign-out activities and related gatherings” be banned within the campuses.
The statement stressed that students must refrain from organising, participating in or facilitating any sign-out ceremony or related gathering on campus.
"The Management wishes to state that such activities are against the provisions of the Matriculation Pledge taken by students upon admission into the University,” it said.
The university warned that the directive would be strictly enforced, adding that any student or group of students found violating it would face disciplinary action.

“Any student or group of students found violating this directive shall be severely disciplined,” the memorandum warned.
The institution urged members of the university community, particularly students, to comply fully with the directive in order to preserve an orderly environment conducive to academic activities.

27/08/2026

Why we banned Sign-Out activities — UniUyo

By Etoro-obong Inyang

The University of Uyo (UNIUYO) has explained that its decision to ban sign-out activities and related gatherings by final-year students was necessitated by concerns over “unwholesome activities” that have increasingly characterised such celebrations at the end of final examinations.
In an internal memorandum dated August 26, 2026, the university management said the activities were inconsistent with the standards of conduct expected of students and contravened the Matriculation Pledge taken upon admission.
The memorandum, signed by the Registrar, Blossom Okorie, and addressed to the university community, announced a total prohibition of sign-out activities within all campuses of the institution.
"The Management has observed with concern the unwholesome activities being carried out by students at the conclusion of their final examinations,” the memorandum stated.
According to the university, the development prompted the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Christopher Ekong, to direct that “all forms of sign-out activities and related gatherings” be banned within the campuses.
The statement stressed that students must refrain from organising, participating in or facilitating any sign-out ceremony or related gathering on campus.
"The Management wishes to state that such activities are against the provisions of the Matriculation Pledge taken by students upon admission into the University,” it said.
The university warned that the directive would be strictly enforced, adding that any student or group of students found violating it would face disciplinary action.

“Any student or group of students found violating this directive shall be severely disciplined,” the memorandum warned.
The institution urged members of the university community, particularly students, to comply fully with the directive in order to preserve an orderly environment conducive to academic activities.

26/08/2026

Aviation// Ibom Air

Ibom Air Takes Delivery of Third Airbus A220-300

By Etoro-obong Inyang

Ibom Air, a state owned company has taken delivery of its third Airbus A220-300 aircraft, aimed at strengthening the airline’s fleet modernization programme and positioning it for greater operational efficiency and network expansion.
In a press release issued on Monday by Aniekan Essienette, Group Manager, Marketing and Communication, the airline said the aircraft, registered 5N-CDC, was formally handed over at the Airbus A220 final assembly facility in Mirabel, Canada, following the signing of the Transfer of Title documents by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr George Uriesi.
The statement disclosed that the latest acquisition brings Ibom Air’s total fleet to 10 aircraft, comprising seven Mitsubishi Heavy Industries CRJ900 regional jets and three Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
Speaking after the Transfer of Title ceremony, Uriesi described the delivery as another major milestone in the airline’s growth trajectory and expressed appreciation to the Akwa Ibom State Government for its continued support.
“We are most delighted to receive the third A220-300 into our growing, modern fleet. We thank our shareholder, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, without whose strong support this would not have been possible,” Uriesi said.
He said the addition of the new aircraft would significantly improve the airline’s operations and passenger experience while supporting its network expansion plans.
"The addition of this new A220 will have a significant positive impact on the business, making Ibom Air’s operations safer, more passenger-friendly, more environmentally responsible and far more efficient,” he said.

“We look forward to harnessing the myriad opportunities the A220 brings as we continue to expand our network and strengthen our position as a leading airline in Nigeria and West Africa.”
The statement went further, the Head of the Airbus A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada, Mr Guillaume Chevasson, congratulated Ibom Air on the delivery and reaffirmed Airbus’ commitment to supporting the airline’s growth.
Chevasson said the A220 was ideal for Ibom Air’s fleet modernization because of its operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort and performance across domestic and regional networks.
"We are honoured by Ibom Air’s trust in Airbus and the A220 Family,” he said, adding that Airbus looked forward to supporting the airline’s continued growth for many years.
The addition of the brand-new aircraft further lowers the average age of Ibom Air’s fleet, reinforcing the carrier’s position as an airline operating one of the youngest and most modern fleets in Nigeria.
Essienette added that Ibom Air placed a firm order for 10 Airbus A220-300 aircraft at the Dubai Airshow in 2021. The latest delivery is the second aircraft received under that firm order, following the delivery of the airline’s first factory-new A220-300 in 2023.

According to her, the airline had earlier acquired an additional A220-300 outright in 2024, bringing the number of A220 aircraft currently in its fleet to three as it continues its expansion across Nigeria and the West African region.

26/08/2026

Ibom Air Takes Delivery of Third Airbus A220-300

By Etoro-obong Inyang

Ibom Air, a state owned company has taken delivery of its third Airbus A220-300 aircraft, aimed at strengthening the airline’s fleet modernization programme and positioning it for greater operational efficiency and network expansion.
In a press release issued on Monday by Aniekan Essienette, Group Manager, Marketing and Communication, the airline said the aircraft, registered 5N-CDC, was formally handed over at the Airbus A220 final assembly facility in Mirabel, Canada, following the signing of the Transfer of Title documents by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr George Uriesi.
The statement disclosed that the latest acquisition brings Ibom Air’s total fleet to 10 aircraft, comprising seven Mitsubishi Heavy Industries CRJ900 regional jets and three Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
Speaking after the Transfer of Title ceremony, Uriesi described the delivery as another major milestone in the airline’s growth trajectory and expressed appreciation to the Akwa Ibom State Government for its continued support.
“We are most delighted to receive the third A220-300 into our growing, modern fleet. We thank our shareholder, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, without whose strong support this would not have been possible,” Uriesi said.
He said the addition of the new aircraft would significantly improve the airline’s operations and passenger experience while supporting its network expansion plans.
"The addition of this new A220 will have a significant positive impact on the business, making Ibom Air’s operations safer, more passenger-friendly, more environmentally responsible and far more efficient,” he said.

“We look forward to harnessing the myriad opportunities the A220 brings as we continue to expand our network and strengthen our position as a leading airline in Nigeria and West Africa.”
The statement went further, the Head of the Airbus A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada, Mr Guillaume Chevasson, congratulated Ibom Air on the delivery and reaffirmed Airbus’ commitment to supporting the airline’s growth.
Chevasson said the A220 was ideal for Ibom Air’s fleet modernization because of its operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort and performance across domestic and regional networks.
"We are honoured by Ibom Air’s trust in Airbus and the A220 Family,” he said, adding that Airbus looked forward to supporting the airline’s continued growth for many years.
The addition of the brand-new aircraft further lowers the average age of Ibom Air’s fleet, reinforcing the carrier’s position as an airline operating one of the youngest and most modern fleets in Nigeria.
Essienette added that Ibom Air placed a firm order for 10 Airbus A220-300 aircraft at the Dubai Airshow in 2021. The latest delivery is the second aircraft received under that firm order, following the delivery of the airline’s first factory-new A220-300 in 2023.

According to her, the airline had earlier acquired an additional A220-300 outright in 2024, bringing the number of A220 aircraft currently in its fleet to three as it continues its expansion across Nigeria and the West African region.

25/08/2026

The Edge News: Special report// Neglected roads at ITAM industrial corridor

Special Report: Motorists, other road users call for urgent government intervention on neglected choked roads at ITAM industrial corridor

By Etoro-obong Inyang

Motorists, traders, transporters and other road users plying the Water board junction corridor through Itam Industrial Layout in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, have raised the alarm over the deplorable condition of a strategic access road linking major commercial and transportation facilities in the state capital.
The affected stretch, measuring less than one kilometre, runs from the Water board junction towards the Itam timber market, central abattoir and Aktc park, serving as a critical link to logistics and transportation businesses, building materials outlets, timber merchants, meat markets and several other trading centres within the busy Itam industrial layout corridor.

Despite its relatively short distance, the road has deteriorated into a nightmare for motorists and residents, with potholes, failed portions and poor drainage conditions making movement difficult, particularly during the rainy season. Road users who spoke with The Edge News said , vehicles now struggle through the corridor, leading to delays, increased transport costs and frequent damage to cars, buses and trucks.
Findings revealed that, the road , which was constructed during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah, cuts through Mbak Itam III, Ikot Ebom Itam, Nung Ukot and Ikot Ekwere Itam. Residents of the affected communities say the facility has suffered years of neglect despite its growing importance as one of the busiest commercial access routes in the Uyo capital city.
A commercial driver who operates from the Aktc axis said the deplorable condition of the road has become a major burden to transport operators. “This road may not be up to one kilometre, but it carries heavy traffic every day because of the park, markets, abattoir and other businesses here. We spend more money repairing our vehicles, while passengers also suffer unnecessary delays. The Ministry of Works cannot continue to overlook such an important road,” he said.
A timber dealer at the Itam timber market lamented that the poor road condition is affecting the cost of moving goods. “Trucks bringing timber and other materials find it difficult to access this area. When vehicles get damaged or delayed, the cost is transferred to traders and eventually to customers. This is a commercial corridor and government should treat it as such,” the trader stated.
Also speaking, a meat trader at the central abattoir described the road as an economic lifeline that requires immediate rehabilitation. According to him, daily movement of livestock, meat products and other supplies has become increasingly difficult. “The abattoir serves a large population, and this road is important to the movement of goods. We should not wait until the entire road collapses before government acts,” he said.
For residents of Mbak Itam III, Ikot Ebom Itam, Nung Ukot and Ikot Ekwere Itam, the situation has gone beyond mere inconvenience. They say the continued neglect of the road has exposed communities and businesses to avoidable hardship, while raising questions about the responsiveness of the Ministry of works and fire service to critical infrastructure failures within the state capital.
The Ministry of works and fire service must, therefore, accept responsibility for what residents describe as years of neglect. A road of less than one kilometre serving a major transportation hub, timber market, building materials businesses, central abattoir and several communities should not be allowed to deteriorate to such an extent. The ministry must urgently deploy men, equipment and material resources to rehabilitate the failed sections and restore free movement along the corridor.
The importance of the road to the economic activities , revenue generated and the number of people it serves, cannot be underestimated by the government. Th Water board junction–Itam Industrial Layout link is too strategically important to be ignored.
A government intervention that doesn't need needless promises, inspections or bureaucratic explanations is urgently needed.

25/08/2026

Special Report: Motorists, other road users call for urgent government intervention on neglected choked roads at ITAM industrial corridor

By Etoro-obong Inyang

Motorists, traders, transporters and other road users plying the Water board junction corridor through Itam Industrial Layout in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, have raised the alarm over the deplorable condition of a strategic access road linking major commercial and transportation facilities in the state capital.
The affected stretch, measuring less than one kilometre, runs from the Water board junction towards the Itam timber market, central abattoir and Aktc park, serving as a critical link to logistics and transportation businesses, building materials outlets, timber merchants, meat markets and several other trading centres within the busy Itam industrial layout corridor.

Despite its relatively short distance, the road has deteriorated into a nightmare for motorists and residents, with potholes, failed portions and poor drainage conditions making movement difficult, particularly during the rainy season. Road users who spoke with The Edge News said , vehicles now struggle through the corridor, leading to delays, increased transport costs and frequent damage to cars, buses and trucks.
Findings revealed that, the road , which was constructed during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah, cuts through Mbak Itam III, Ikot Ebom Itam, Nung Ukot and Ikot Ekwere Itam. Residents of the affected communities say the facility has suffered years of neglect despite its growing importance as one of the busiest commercial access routes in the Uyo capital city.
A commercial driver who operates from the Aktc axis said the deplorable condition of the road has become a major burden to transport operators. “This road may not be up to one kilometre, but it carries heavy traffic every day because of the park, markets, abattoir and other businesses here. We spend more money repairing our vehicles, while passengers also suffer unnecessary delays. The Ministry of Works cannot continue to overlook such an important road,” he said.
A timber dealer at the Itam timber market lamented that the poor road condition is affecting the cost of moving goods. “Trucks bringing timber and other materials find it difficult to access this area. When vehicles get damaged or delayed, the cost is transferred to traders and eventually to customers. This is a commercial corridor and government should treat it as such,” the trader stated.
Also speaking, a meat trader at the central abattoir described the road as an economic lifeline that requires immediate rehabilitation. According to him, daily movement of livestock, meat products and other supplies has become increasingly difficult. “The abattoir serves a large population, and this road is important to the movement of goods. We should not wait until the entire road collapses before government acts,” he said.
For residents of Mbak Itam III, Ikot Ebom Itam, Nung Ukot and Ikot Ekwere Itam, the situation has gone beyond mere inconvenience. They say the continued neglect of the road has exposed communities and businesses to avoidable hardship, while raising questions about the responsiveness of the Ministry of works and fire service to critical infrastructure failures within the state capital.
The Ministry of works and fire service must, therefore, accept responsibility for what residents describe as years of neglect. A road of less than one kilometre serving a major transportation hub, timber market, building materials businesses, central abattoir and several communities should not be allowed to deteriorate to such an extent. The ministry must urgently deploy men, equipment and material resources to rehabilitate the failed sections and restore free movement along the corridor.
The importance of the road to the economic activities , revenue generated and the number of people it serves, cannot be underestimated by the government. Th Water board junction–Itam Industrial Layout link is too strategically important to be ignored.
A government intervention that doesn't need needless promises, inspections or bureaucratic explanations is urgently needed.

24/08/2026

Edidem felicitates Lady Obareki

Edidem felicitates Lady Obareki on Birthday

By Etoro-obong Inyang

The Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem, has congratulated the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Obareki, on the occasion of her birthday.

In a goodwill message issued on Monday, Edidem described Lady Obareki as a dedicated gender and development advocate whose contributions to women empowerment, gender inclusion, grassroots development and the wellbeing of children remain remarkable and commendable.
The Deputy Speaker applauded her role as a women mobiliser and children's rights campaigner, noting that her leadership at the Office of the First Lady has continued to support initiatives aimed at advancing children's education, welfare and the overall development of women across the state.

“On behalf of my family and the people of Itu State Constituency, I warmly felicitate with you on the joyous occasion of your birthday,” Edidem said.

“As you celebrate this special day, may God bless you with divine wisdom, sound health and greater strength for more impactful accomplishments.”
He wished Lady Obareki a fulfilling new year of life and greater opportunities to continue her service to humanity and the development of Akwa Ibom State.

24/08/2026

Edidem felicitates Lady Obareki on Birthday

By Etoro-obong Inyang

The Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem, has congratulated the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Obareki, on the occasion of her birthday.

In a goodwill message issued on Monday, Edidem described Lady Obareki as a dedicated gender and development advocate whose contributions to women empowerment, gender inclusion, grassroots development and the wellbeing of children remain remarkable and commendable.
The Deputy Speaker applauded her role as a women mobiliser and children's rights campaigner, noting that her leadership at the Office of the First Lady has continued to support initiatives aimed at advancing children's education, welfare and the overall development of women across the state.

“On behalf of my family and the people of Itu State Constituency, I warmly felicitate with you on the joyous occasion of your birthday,” Edidem said.

“As you celebrate this special day, may God bless you with divine wisdom, sound health and greater strength for more impactful accomplishments.”
He wished Lady Obareki a fulfilling new year of life and greater opportunities to continue her service to humanity and the development of Akwa Ibom State.

13/08/2026

Grassroots governance//youth presidents

Ukanafun council approves N30,000 monthly stipend for 87 village youth presidents

By Etoro-obong Inyang

The Executive Chairman of Ukanafun local government area, Uyo Ukpanah, has approved a monthly stipend of N30,000 for youth presidents across the 87 gazetted villages in the area, as part of efforts to strengthen youth leadership and grassroots development.

Coming on the heels of renewed efforts by the state government to engage youth presidents in grassroots governance, Ukpanah announced the initiative on Wednesday, during the 2026 International youth day celebration held at the Ukanafun local government secretariat, Ikot Akpa Nkuk. The event, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” brought together youths, government officials and other stakeholders to discuss youth participation, leadership and development at the grassroots.
The chairman said the stipend was introduced in recognition of the responsibilities borne by Village youth presidents and urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture through commitment, discipline and visible service to their communities. He also tasked them with taking ownership of the monthly sanitation exercise by mobilising residents and leading efforts to maintain clean and healthy communities.
Ukpanah commended Governor Umo Eno, for his youth-focused policies and empowerment initiatives, pledging that his administration would continue to align with the Governor’s ARISE Agenda at the grassroots. He urged youths to see the celebration as an opportunity to renew their commitment to community development, while the Supervisor for Youth Matters, Hon. Obot Obot, called on young people to reject drug abuse, cultism, violence and criminality in favour of education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and legitimate enterprise.

The ceremony featured award presentations and lectures by former House of Assembly member, Saturday Akpan, and Ambassador of Peace, Ekong Udom, while the Council Secretary, Dr. Ubong Jonah, delivered the keynote address.

13/08/2026

Ukanafun council approves N30,000 monthly stipend for 87 village youth presidents

By Etoro-obong Inyang

The Executive Chairman of Ukanafun local government area, Uyo Ukpanah, has approved a monthly stipend of N30,000 for youth presidents across the 87 gazetted villages in the area, as part of efforts to strengthen youth leadership and grassroots development.

Coming on the heels of renewed efforts by the state government to engage youth presidents in grassroots governance, Ukpanah announced the initiative on Wednesday, during the 2026 International youth day celebration held at the Ukanafun local government secretariat, Ikot Akpa Nkuk. The event, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” brought together youths, government officials and other stakeholders to discuss youth participation, leadership and development at the grassroots.
The chairman said the stipend was introduced in recognition of the responsibilities borne by Village youth presidents and urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture through commitment, discipline and visible service to their communities. He also tasked them with taking ownership of the monthly sanitation exercise by mobilising residents and leading efforts to maintain clean and healthy communities.
Ukpanah commended Governor Umo Eno, for his youth-focused policies and empowerment initiatives, pledging that his administration would continue to align with the Governor’s ARISE Agenda at the grassroots. He urged youths to see the celebration as an opportunity to renew their commitment to community development, while the Supervisor for Youth Matters, Hon. Obot Obot, called on young people to reject drug abuse, cultism, violence and criminality in favour of education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and legitimate enterprise.

The ceremony featured award presentations and lectures by former House of Assembly member, Saturday Akpan, and Ambassador of Peace, Ekong Udom, while the Council Secretary, Dr. Ubong Jonah, delivered the keynote address.